The Republic continue their defence of the home international bridge championship (Camrose Trophy) by taking on Scotland at the Belmont Hotel, Knock, on February 3rd4th, with the following team - Dr H McGann, T Hanlon, R Boland, N Toibin, Dr GM Keaveney, R Timlin, and G Barton (non-playing captain).
Current standings are - 1, Scotland, 106 victory points; 2, England, 96; 3, Wales, 89; 4, The Republic, 36; 5, Northern Ireland, 29.
Both Irish teams have a match in hand and with 90 points available on each match, they can still climb into contention.
The leading placings at the national women's (Jackson Cup), and men's (Revington Cup) pairs championships, decided over two sessions in the Limerick Centre, were - Women: 1, E Cleary, A Glynn, 1,079 match points; 2, C Flavin, M O'Shaughnessy, 1,038; 3, J Kenny, M Duffy, 1,015; 4, G Aylward, K Carew, (best masters), 1,014; 5, M Fitzpatrick, G McMahon, (best inter), 1,012; 6, L MacRory, M Kehoe, 979. Sessionals: G Reddan, O O'Connor; I Fahy, U Devine.
Men: 1, B Pattinson, L Walsh, 853; 2, F and B O'Farrell, 834; 3, W Mevius, N Van Woerkom, 817; 4, DA Scannell, M Fitzgibbon, 803; 5, M Lynch, M O'Hehir, 802; 6, S Dowling, D Mulhall, 794. Sess: P McCarthy, C Holland; Scannell/Fitzgibbon.
A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect for the recently deceased Mr John Kiely, a former president of the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland and the Irish Bridge Union.
The CBAI will host the home international women's championship (Lady Milne Trophy) from June 1st to 3rd. A team to represent the Republic will be decided by pairs trials in Dublin from March 9th to 11th. Entries now to CBAI headquarters.
Wexford congress - Talbot Hotel, next weekend: Friday (7.30 p.m.), mixed and novice pairs; Saturday (1.30 p.m.), two-session major (Talbot), and inter (Bridge Centre) pairs, entertainment at close of play; Sunday (noon), two-session teams; open pairs throughout. Entries: Dolores Kelly (054-33472).
The Jeyes/IWP gala open inter B tournament, with a first prize of £100, will be played in the Templeogue Centre, Dublin, on February 10th. Special prize for novices if their entry is adequate. Entries: 01-4943255.