The Zanussi national team championship, Holmes Wilson Trophy, the most popular event on the bridge calendar, will be decided over three sessions in the Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield, Co Meath, next Saturday (1.30 p.m.), and Sunday.
Prizes will be awarded down to third place, and to the best women's, men's, mixed, senior (over 55), area master, and intermediate teams and for the best third session. The event is confined to the intermediate A grade upwards. Entries without delay to Paul Porteous (01-4929666). The all-Ireland inter-county team championship Burke Cup will be played over three sessions in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, on March 1st-2nd. All counties, and cities can send at least one team.
Members of a team must be members of the same club. Unless the county/city committee decides otherwise there is no limit to the number of teams a club may enter for the qualifying round.
Notice of intention to enter a team or teams for the final, should reach, before next Friday - for the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland: Kay Downes, 8 Orchardstown Park, Dublin 14; for the Northern Ireland Bridge Union: Alan Hill, 161 Moss Road, Lambeg, Co Antrim.
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown Burke Cup qualifiers: H Holman, M Quigley, B Fogarty, J McCormack. The major pairs championship of the Tralee congress, held in the Brandon Hotel, was won by K Cussen, and D O'Sullivan. Runners-up were L Walsh, and G Lessells. The third prize went to C Dwyer, and M O'Sullivan. Best intermediates: E Murphy, H Naaykens. Sessional winners: E Duke, B Murphy; N Hickey, B Kirby.
Teams: 1, M O'Sullivan, H Milner, M Hayes, K O'Connor; 2, J and R Last, M and R Riordan. Best Kerry team: A Brosnan, K O'Connor, M O'Connell, N Rooney.
Mixed pairs: 1, K Cussen, J Scanlan; 2, M and A O'Shea. Best Co Kerry pair: N and P Fitzgibbon. Tournament director: B Mullins.
The Torc congress, hosted by the Crusaders' Club, will take place in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, from February 28th to March 2nd. By train from Dublin there are special all-in rates at the venue. Details: Mrs B O'Sullivan (064-31084).
A gala night, with all proceeds going to the Special Olympics fund, will take place in the Roadstone Sports Club, Kingswood, Co Dublin, on February 18th (7.30 p.m.).
The venue is south of Newlands Cross, off the Naas Road, beside the Kingswood Country House. Open pairs, and A, B, and novice sections, plus a tournament for absolute beginners (less than one year playing). Wine reception. Entries on the spot. Further details: Brid Whelan (01-6271348).
Bridge holidays - Croatia, May 11th-18th, details from Mary Walsh (01-2691463). Spain, March, Tunisia, May, and Austria, June, details from Barry Hogsett (01-2857853).