The Republic, after a lacklustre start in their bridge match against England, pulled enough coals out of the fire to remain in contention for the home international championship (Camrose Trophy). They lost the first session 2/18; and the second 7/13; but drew the third 10/10; to leave the total score 19/41, at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis. Republic: T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, N.Toibin, P. Walshe, J. Carroll, T. Garvey, M. McGloughlin (non-playing captain.)
Meanwhile, Wales did themselves and the Republic a favour by enjoying a rare victory against Scotland, the final score being 37/23. The table now stands: 1, Republic, 94; 2, (tie), England, and Wales, 75; 4, Scotland, 71; 5, Northern Ireland, 45. England, Northern Ireland and Scotland have a match in hand - with 60 points available in each match.
England beat the Republic by 207/151 in the annual friendly (Corn Cairdis Trophy) - also in Ennis. Republic's teams County: D. Houlihan, P. Barrett, P. Quinn, P. Liston. Club: N. Hickey, P.J. O'Dea, D. Coyne, L. Walsh. Officials: J. Moran (captain), C. Pippet, U. Walsh, M. O'Connor.
The Torc congress will be held in the Gleneagle, Killarney, on February 19th-21st. Programme - Friday (7.45 p.m.), gala open pairs; Saturday, two-session major pairs (2 p.m.), entertainment (10.30 p.m.); Sunday (11 a.m.), extended session of teams; open pairs throughout, including a 12.30 p.m. competition on Sunday to facilitate long-distance travellers. Entries: Mrs B. O'Sullivan (064-31084).
Wexford congress, in the Talbot Hotel - pairs championships - Major: 1, J. and L. Phelan; 2, D. and M. McGrath; 3, N. and A. Grant. Local: J. Doyle, D. Crosbie. Sessionals: D. Moore, K. Carew; J. Sexton, R. King. Mixed: 1, T. Tierney, I. Mulcahy; 2, S. Gallagher, D. Byrne; 3, T. Murray, N. Madden. Local: E. Swan, G. Watson.
Inter: 1, M. Jackman, M. Daniels; 2, P. Fahy, K. O'Reilly; 3, F. McManamy, E. Swan. B prizes: 1, S. Treanor, B. Synnott; 2, M. Graham, A. Burke. Local: V. Saunders, M. Ennis. Sessionals: M. Treacy, W. O'Brien; J. Cullen, P. Clare. Teams: 1, J. Wall, N. Tierney, L. Tobin, E. Swan; 2, T. Tierney, M. Lavelle, Doyle/Crosbie. Inter: N. Madden, K. Dockery, B. Wilson, K. Hammond. Second session: M. Murphy, D. Noonan, D. McGrath, N. McManamy.
Drogheda open pairs championship (McQuillan Cup): 1, M. Byrne, N. Garvey; 2, M. Clarke, M.J. McDonnell; 3, P. Howard, F. Murphy.
Regional: E. Balfe, B. Sheridan. Local: B. McHugh, T.C. O'Gorman.
Inter A: L. Garvey, C. Tierney. B: J. Haughey, F. Whelan. Sessionals: P. and P. Corry; H. Carroll, J. Kulchycky.
Dublin North Inter A pairs: 1, P. Connolly, M. Harte; 2, P. Murray, A. O'Neill; 3, B. Wilson, K. Hammond; 4, N. Madden, K. Dockery.