With England virtually certain of victory in the Home International Bridge Championship (Camrose Trophy), the Republic needed to score at least 29 out of a possible 60 points to take the runner-up spot in their last match of the series, against Scotland, at the Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs, Co Wicklow.
Sadly, the Irish dream of a highly respectable second place started with a nightmare, as they chalked up a duck in the first session to go 0/20 behind. They fought back tenaciously however, and won the next 13/7, and the final one 12/8, to leave the overall score 25/35 in favour of Scotland.
For winning the direct test between the sides Scotland was presented with a special trophy (An Cupa Cairdeas). The Republic's team was Niall Toibin, Pat Walshe, Micheal O Briain, Donal and Tommy Garvey, John Carroll and Grainne Barton (non-playing captain).
Meanwhile, England beat Northern Ireland 56/4, resulting in the final table: 1, England, 171; 2, Scotland, 126; 3, The Republic, 119; 4, Wales, 102.5; 5, Northern Ireland, 81.
Pairs trials to select a team for the Women's Home International Championship (Lady Milne Trophy) will be run in Dublin on April 16th-18th. Each player must hold a minimum of 30 national points or have won 16 during the last three years. Derogation from those conditions may be granted by the organising committee. A player seeking such derogation should submit her case. Entries without delay to Paul Porteous (01-2697275).
A coaching weekend for novices, organised by Seamus Dowling, and costing £99 all-in, will take place at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, on April 16th18th. Reservations: 01-8742949. Tuition will be given by some of Ireland's leading bridge teachers, and the national novice pairs championship (J.J. Murphy Cup) will be decided; entries to P. Porteous.
Fermoy congress - Major pairs: 1, K. Cashen, P. Casselles; 2, T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann; 3, F. Langford, M. Finn. Inter prizes: 1, B. and J. Quinn; 2, C. Walsh, L. Mitchell. Sessionals: D. O'Gorman, H. Dowling-Long; C. Henchion, G. O'Mahony. Local: J. Reilly, P. Byrne. Mixed pairs: 1, D. and A. Dillon; 2, C. and D. Henchion; 3, M. Canning, E. Murphy. Local: N. Geaney, P. Barry.
Teams: 1, Hanlon/McGann, P. O Briain, T. Roche; 2, E. and A. Cleary, M. Griffin, B. Pattinson. Inter prize: J. McGann, T. O'Connell, C. Slattery, E. Kelliher. Novice pairs: 1, D. White, T. O'Hanlon; 2, Y. Power, M. Murphy.
Greystones open pairs championship: 1, M. Keeshan, P. Williams; 2, E. MacNeill, D.G. Scannell; 3, R. Fitzgerald, J. MacHale; 4, F. and B. O'Farrell. Best B: A. Condron, G. Cassidy. Sessionals: M. Browne, M. Larkin; B. Hunter, P. Murphy. Local: J. Meade, K. Walsh.