THE Contract Bridge Association of Ireland's national mixed pairs championship for the president, Mrs Maisie Cooper's prize, and the Spiro Cup, attracted a remarkable entry of 208 players, and was decided over three sessions in the Greenhills Hotel, Limerick.
The event was won by P Porteous and M Trench. Runners up were T Garvey and R O'Keeffe. Third, B Lynch and D Scannell. Fourth, J Kelly and M Lindopp; fifth, M Griffen and P.J. O'Dea; sixth, K Lennon and J McCormack.
Other awards - Best masters: J and R Clarson. Regional: B Kirby, P Liston. Sessional winners: E Joyce, P Walsh; T. and M Roche; C. Higgins, J.P. MacHale.
National intermediate mixed pairs championship (Jim Fitzgerald Trophy): 1, S Bearpark, C Murphy; 2, S Newell, C O'Driscoll; 3, P and P Morrissey.
The Kilkenny congress will be held in the Hotel Kilkenny from November 22nd to 24th. The mixed pairs will be played after a wine and cheese reception at 7.00 p.m. on Friday. Both the major and intermediate pairs will be run over two sessions on Saturday (1.30 p.m.); a social will follow. The two session teams will start at 11.30 am. on Sunday. Open pairs, including a separate novice section, will be run throughout.
Among the prizes, the winners of the major pairs will receive £500, and the intermediate pairs champions £300. Tournament directors: M Coffey, Joe Murray, and D Cotter. At the venue there are special rates, and there will be a buffet service available between sessions. Catherine McGoff (056 65087) will accept entries, and supply guesthouse details.
The national mixed team championship (Coen Trophy) will be decided over three sessions in the Greystones Bridge Centre, Co Wicklow, on November 16th-17th. Entries: P Porteous (01 2697275).
North Eastern Region's team championship (Hilltown Cup): 1, Mr and Mrs P Corry, J Malone, T.C. O'Gorman; 2, M MacMahon, E Kelly, M Farrelly, E Sheahan; 3, P Bonner, M Hand, D Hartford, M.V. McDonnell.
There will be a bridge holiday in the Westport Woods Hotel, Co Mayo, from November 17th to 22nd. Details: 1850 3040 50.