Three bridge congresses will be held in the next two weeks - Dun Laoghaire, Rochestown Lodge Hotel, October 8th-15th; Limerick, Limerick Inn Hotel, October 8th-10th; and Bantry, Westlodge Hotel, October 15th-17th.
Dun Laoghaire programme - Friday: wine and cheese reception 7.15 p.m., open mixed pairs, novice pairs 7.30 p.m.; Saturday: major, intermediate A and B two-session pairs 1.30 p.m.; likewise major, A and B teams on Sunday.
Monday: novice and novelty pairs; Tuesday: husband/wife pairs; Wednesday: "no systems pairs" confined to intermediates and novices, also novice pairs; Thursday: women's and men's pairs; Friday: gala pairs, followed by music and snacks. All weeknight events start at 7.30 p.m.
Open pairs will be run on Friday 7.30 p.m., each day thereafter at 2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.; also intermediate and novice open pairs at 10 a.m. from Monday to the final Friday.
Entries to Barry Hogsett at 01285 7853.
Limerick schedule - Friday 7.30 p.m., mixed and novice pairs; Saturday: schools pairs 1 p.m., both major and intermediate, two-session pairs 2 p.m.; Sunday: noon, two-session teams; open pairs throughout. The first prizes in the major pairs and teams are £300. The congress will feature a daily bulletin edited by Gordon Lessells. Entries to J.G. Fulham, 061-410827, nights.
Bantry details - Friday: wine and cheese reception 7 p.m., open pairs 7.45 p.m. and twice daily thereafter; Saturday: two-session major pairs 2 p.m., novice pairs 7.30 p.m.; Sunday: teams 2 p.m., finishing before 6 p.m. Entries: Rose Tobin 027-51495.
Blackrock College (Co Dublin) open teams (Harry Devine Trophy): B. McGrath, J. O'Byrne, T. Corcoran and T. Kavanagh tied for first with J. Kulchycky, H. Carroll, M. MacCormac and M. McAuliffe. Best intermediates (Maeve Devine Trophy): A. O'Sullivan, K. Furler, S. O'Connor, E. Murtagh. Second session: C. Higgins, R., B. and F. O'Far rell. Local: L. O'Donovan, G. Costello, N. McGee, P. Millar.
The first Irish Bridge Journal of the season is now out, it is excellent value at £8 for six issues. Orders: Una Walsh (091-526502), 41 Friars Hill, Galway.