The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland's national major mixed pairs championship for the president's (Seamus Dowling's) prize, and the Spiro Cup, with an entry of 144 players, was played at the Templeogue Centre, Dublin; as was the corresponding intermediate event (Jim Fitzgerald Trophy), with some 40 players competing.
The prizewinners were - Major: 1, A Murphy, D A Scannell, 5,294.7 points; 2, K de Raeymaeker, A Onishuk, 5,119.2; 3, C A Cummins, J Noonan, 4,985.1; 4, B Kemple, T Walsh, 4,949.9; 5, J Carroll, A M Horan, 4,868; 6, H Lillis, M McGloughlin, 4,835.2.
Best masters: M and D McGrath. Best 3rd session: C O Dalaigh, I Fahy.
Intermediate: 1, D Reid, F Whelan, 5,002.3; 2, A Haran, N Imbusch, 4,908.6; 3, M Grehan, G Lawlor, 4,869. Best 3rd session: M Drum, Bill Lynch.
It is noteworthy that in both of the championships one of the holders retained the relevant trophy.
Scannell took the Spiro Cup last year with Bernie Lynch, while D Reid won the Jim Fitzgerald Trophy with C Tierney.
Before the presentation of prizes the president appealed to players throughout Ireland to support the Irish Hospice Foundation Bridgeathon, by organising a local club competition, or by individual donations.
The Western Region's team championship for the Murray Cup will be decided over two sessions at the Galway Centre on October 7th (2 p.m.). Entries close on Thursday with Miriam Moloney (091-528240). From the event, two master, and three intermediate teams will qualify to represent Connacht in the interprovincial championships, scheduled for the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, on November 17th-18th.
The Drogheda and District congress, with a prize fund of over £6,000, will take place in the Westcourt Hotel from October 5th to 7th. Entries: Martin Treacy (041-6854150).
The 37th Limerick congress will be held in the Limerick Inn Hotel on the Ennis Road from October 12th to 14th. Brochures: J G Fulham (061-417593, office hours).
Beginners' classes are being held each Monday (7.30 p.m.) in the New Merrion Square Bridge Club, 81 Merrion Square, Dublin. Mβire O'Keeffe (01-4589806) will supply the details.