The Tralee international bridge congress will take place in the Brandon Conference Centre from January 2nd to 4th. The schedule is: Friday (7.30 p.m.), mixed pairs; Saturday, two-session major pairs (2 p.m.), and novice pairs (7.30 p.m.); Sunday (1.30 p.m.), one-session teams; open pairs throughout.
Iarnrod Eireann is offering an inclusive package which costs £99. For bookings and further information phone 01-7034083. Competition entries will be accepted by Pat Fitzgibbon (066-39292).
The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland national championship for the Master Pairs Trophy was decided over two sessions at the Greystones Centre, Co Wicklow, and won by T. Walsh and M. Moran. Runners-up were C.A. Cummins and S. Sheehan.
Third prize went to P. O'Neill and P. Meehan. Other leading placings - 4, E. O'Riordan, K. McGarry; 5, M. Fitzgibbon, E. Martin; 6, P. Walshe, N. Toibin; 7, S. Coggin, S. O Lubaigh; 8, C. Cullen, J. Walsh. Sessional winners: Walshe/Toibi n; Fitzgibbon/ Martin.
The all-Ireland schools pairs championship, organised by Dr G.M. Keaveney and played in Ard Scoil Ris, Limerick, resulted in the following gaining the top placings: 1, Fionnuala McInerney, Sarah Gilmartin (Laurel Hill, Limerick); 2, Stanley Lee, Garreth Tenner (Bangor Grammar); 3, Carol O'Sullivan, Niamh Liddy (Laurel Hill); 4, James Cummings, Gary Bellingham (Coleraine Academic Institute); 5, Stephanie Ashworth (Laurel Hill), Ho Ming Chan (St Joseph's, Galway); 6, Franco Cardillo, Barry Fitzgibbon (CBS, Kilkenny); 7, Carol Crampton, Grainne Weldon (Laurel Hill); 8, Tony Yeung, Riki Mok (Coleraine); 9, Jonathan Paulin, Michael Coughlan (Bangor); 10, Sinead Cashin, Jill Lawlor (Colaiste Pobail, Kilkenny); 11, Deirdre Cussen, Deirdre Clerkin (Laurel Hill); 12, Alex Irwin, Simon Harpur (Bangor).
Consolation pairs: 1, J. Martin (CBS, Kilkenny), M. Delahunty (Colaiste Pobail, Kilkenny); 2, R. McNamara, N. Doyle (Laurel Hill); 3, A. Scanlon, M. McLoughlin (Laurel Hill).
The Waterford congress will be held in Jurys Hotel from January 9th to 11th. Brochures: Peggy Holden (051-855770).