MORE than £2,000 in prizes will be awarded in the Zanussi national bridge team championship (Holmes Wilson Trophy). The competition will be decided over three sessions in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, on February 10th-11th beginning at 1.30 pm. The event is open to players of the intermediate A grade upwards. The entry fee is £50 per team. Entries P. Porteous (01 269 7275).
The top placings in the national pairs championship for the Lambert Cup, played at the Mullingar Centre, were 1, K. Hayes, C. Holland 2, M. Keeshan, J. Meade 3, A. Dwyer, K. Gunn 4, M. Forde, P. Carter (best intermediate prize) 5, B. and H. Sheridan 6, F. Sherlock, P. Gibney. Sessional winners A. and P. O'Reilly B. Morris, A. Seery.
The Ferbane (Co Offaly) club will run two separate two session open pairs championships in the County Arms Hotel, Birr, on February 18th at 1.30 pm. One caters for senior and intermediate A players, and the other for intermediate Bs and novices. Entries U. McCabe (0902 54331).
National intermediate B open entry pairs championship (Kervick Trophy) Centre results Cork 1, O'Callaghan, P. Byrne 2, M. and N. Sheehan 3, L. Hyde, J. Whelehan 4, C. Kelly, M. Healy. Sessionals M. Barrett, P. Barry P. O'Lomasney, M. Fitzgerald. Letterkenny 1, M. McNamee, J. Moore 2, M. Duffy, M. Kilgannon. Limerick 1, A. and M. Flannery 2, A. Burke, G. Culhane. Mullingar 1, F. and B. Kelly 2, L. Carey, M. Maguire 3, J. Butler, M. Mahon. Slane 1, T. Hargadon, C. Tierney 2, B. and P. Bellew.
Galway intermediate B open entry pairs 1, B. Winston, M. Farrell 2, S. Madden, T. Collins.
The Torc bridge congress will be held in the Hotel Gleneagle, Killarney, from February 16th to 8th. Entries B. O'Sullivan (064 31084).
Smokers have been shocked to learn of a Government regulation which has been in force since January 1st. It is now illegal to smoke in "specific areas, including playing areas and circulation space, within premises which are used for the playing of bingo and bridge.