Both the Donegal and the Kenmare congresses will take place on November 5th-7th, with the former in the Abbey, and Central hotels and the latter in the Kenmare Bay Hotel.
Donegal programme - Friday (8.15 p.m.), three pairs championships - major, intermediate A, and intermediate B with juniors. Saturday, fashion show (10 a.m.), workshop conducted by Dr G.M. Keaveney (11.15 a.m.), pairs championships (1 p.m.), major, and intermediate teams (7 p.m.) Sunday, reception (noon), teams (1.30 p.m) mixed pairs (8 p.m.)
Open pairs will be run throughout. There will be a 24th anniversary gala at close of play on Saturday night. Entries: Sandra McGinley (074-35266).
Kenmare - Friday (7.45 p.m.), mixed pairs. Saturday (2 p.m.), two-session major pairs. Sunday (1.30 p.m.) teams, finishing before 6 p.m. Open pairs throughout. The major pairs winners will receive £600. Entries: Tom Healy (064-41045).
The all-Ireland schools pairs championship will be decided over two sessions in Ard Scoil Ris, Ennis Road, Limerick, on November 27th (10.30 a.m.). Entries, without delay to Dr G.M. Keaveney (091-755406).
The first national congress run by the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland for intermediate, and novice players was held in the Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort.
The main prizewinners were: Intermediate A pairs (New Ireland Trophy): 1, R. Conway, P. Waldron; 2, M. Malone, O. Creighton; 3, U. O'Gorman, P. O'Meara; 4, P. Seery, B. O'Hanlon. Sessional winners: T. and N. Molamphy; E. Gallagher, M. Burke.
Intermediate B pairs (Kervick Trophy): 1, M. Fenton, E. Halpin; 2, G. and N. Pender; 3, M. amd D. O'Neill. Best novices (Waterford Crystal Trophy): J. Doran, D. Maher. Sessional winners: E. Halpin, F. O'Donnell; C. Kelly, M. Healy.
Congress teams: 1, L. Power, M. Hoban, M. Jackman, M. Daniels; 2, B. Fair, K. Grealy, P. Fay, M. Burke. Intermediate B: G. and N.Pender, N. Fitzgibbon, T. Hardiman.
Gala pairs: 1, C. and F. Mitchell; 2, K. Dockery, N. Madden.
Best women: P. McCormack, E. O'Connor. Men: P. Murray, P. Gibbs. Mixed: M.J. Kelly, J. Moylan. Intermediate B: P. Segrave-Daly, D. White.
The Kilkenny congress will be played in the Hotel Kilkenny from November 19th to 21st. Brochures: Teresa McGrath: (056-22855).