Milne competition set for April

BRIDGE NOTES: THE 2010 women’s international bridge championship for the Lady Milne Trophy between England, Northern Ireland, the Republic, Scotland and Wales will be played in England on April 16th-18th.

To select a team to represent the Republic the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland will run a round robin format of trials at the Templeogue Centre, Dublin, on November 20th-22nd and December 4th-6th.

Each player must hold a minimum of 25 national points or have won 15 during the last three years. Derogation from those conditions may be granted by the international subcommittee. Players seeking derogation should apply to the subcommittee stating their reasons for doing so.

All partnerships must have two copies of their systems available to present to their opponents before sessions begin.

The €200 per pair entrance fee should be sent to Paul Porteous, National Headquarters, Templeogue House, Templeogue Road, Dublin 6W.

The 33rd Ballina congress will take place in the Ramada Hotel on the Foxford Road next weekend. Generous prizes will be awarded, including €250 for first in the mixed pairs, €500 for first in the major pairs and the teams, and €400 for first in the intermediate pairs.

The one-session mixed pairs will start on Friday at 7.45pm. Both the major and intermediate A+B pairs championships will be decided over two sessions on Saturday (2pm), as will the team championship on Sunday (12.15pm). Main entries: Josie Cawley (096-70055).

Open pairs will start on Friday at 7.45pm, on Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and on Sunday at 12.15pm and 4pm.

A special, one-session, pairs tournament, confined to beginners based in Mayo or Sligo, will start at 2pm on Saturday. Entrants must produce certification supplied by their respective bridge teachers.

The 29th Bangor congress will be played in the Signal Business Centre on the Balloo Road from July 31st to August 2nd. Brochures: Sandie Millership (048-91460472).

Summer open pairs are run on each Thursday (7.30pm) in the Cabinteely Club, Leopardstown Park Hospital, Dublin. Visitors welcome.