A record entry of 110 players competed in the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland's national masters pairs championship, which was decided over two sessions at the Malahide Centre, Co Dublin.
The first prize of £300 was won by J.Noonan and C. A. Cummins with a score of 1781.7 match-points. Runners-up were P. Kelly, and D. Terry with 1691.9. The third prize went to A. Onishuk and K. de Raeymaeker, with 1688.8, and the fourth to T. Walsh and J. Heneghan with 1685.7.
Other leading placings: 5, E. Gannon, P. Maguire, 1672; 6, E. Galligan, P. Delaney (best 1st session), 1606.4; 7, K. Downes, C. Doyle, 1590.4; 8, J. Carroll, P. O Briain, 1585.5; 9, Ann, and Alex Montwill, 1585.4; 10, M. Griffin, B. Pattinson (best 2nd session), 1575.2; 11, J. Smith, E. O'Riordan, 1574.2; 12, B. O'Brien, S. Bavalia, 1571; 13, D. Filjar, I. Loncar (best masters), 1568.8; 14, J. Strom, P. A. Lunberg, 1567.7.
The European mixed championships in the Media Centre, Ostend, Belgium, begin with pairs from March 16th to 18th.
The teams will run from March 19th to 22nd. Entries from suitably qualified pairs and teams must be submitted directly by the Irish Bridge Union to the European Bridge League.
Those interested in competing must have their entries ratified via (for the CBAI, Kay Downes, 8 Orchardstown Park, Templeogue, Dublin 14; or (for the Northern Ireland Bridge Union) Alan Hill, 161 Moss Road, Lambeg, Lisburn, Co Antrim.
Brochures are available for the following congresses - Waterford, in Jury's Hotel, January 4th-6th, contact Peggy Holden (051-855770); Cork, in Trident Hotel, Kinsale, January 11th-13th, contact Deirdre O'Leary (021-4541128); Tralee International, Brandon Conference Centre, February 1st-3rd, contact Pat Fitzgibbon (066-7139292); Torc, in Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, March 1st-3rd, contact Breda O'Sullivan (064-31084).