THE first international match for many years between the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland and the Scottish Bridge Union was played in Irvine, Ayrshire. The Irish team won by a margin of 15 points, with the final score being 363 to 348.
The Irish squad consisted of Open team: T. Hanlon Dr H. McGann, R. Brennan, P. Scannell (84 points). Women: V. Hand, A. Montwill, A. Glynn, M. Trench (60). Junior: J. Carroll, H. Dowling-Long, T. MacCormac, D. O'Keeffe (74). County: Marlene, and Michael O'Connor M. O'Farrell, S. MacMathuna (50). Club: D. O'Donnell, M. Lynch, A. Twomey, G. Connolly (33). Officials: C. Pippet, P. Hanratty, U. Walsh, P. Porteous (62). Captain: M. Cooper.
The 29th Cork congress will be held in the Metropole Hotel from September 27th to 29th. The mixed and novice pairs will be held on Friday night. The major and intermediate pairs will be over two sessions on Saturday (followed by entertainment with a bar extension). The major and intermediate teams, starting at 11.00 a.m., will he decided by an extended session on Sunday. Open pairs throughout. The cost of a return train ticket from Dublin will be £27. Entries: M. Daly (021-812036).
Ballybunion congress (at the Castle) - Major pairs: 1, D O'Gorman, P. Casselle; 2, P. Meehan, M. Gleeson; 3, M. Lynch, J. Kiely. Best intermediates: L. Roche, B. O'Connor. Sessional winners: A. Smithwick, E. Hegarty; C. Holland, M. Finn. Major teams: 1, P.C. Kiely, J. Coman, D. Scannell, M. Fitzgibbon; 2, P. McCarthy, E. O'Riordan, Holland/Finn.
Mixed pairs: 1, D. and M. O'Sullivan; 2, T. McDonald, M. Curtin; 3, P. Casselle, M. Gleeson. Sessionals: J.R. Agnew, B. Gannon; P. and C. Claffey. Women's pairs: 1, K. Kelly, M. O'Riordan; 2, L. Roche, B. O'Connor. Men's pairs: 1, K. Hayes, R.D. McGrath; 2, M. Prendergast, J.R. Agnew.
The Drogheda and District congress, with £5,000 in prizes will be held in the Westcourt Hotel and the Drogheda Arts Centre from October 4th to 6th. Brochures: F. Stack (041-28608).
Bridge games for beginners are being held every Thursday morning at the Roadstone Social Club, Kingswood, Dublin. Details: M. O'Keeffe (01-4589806).
A course for improvers starts tonight (September 23rd), and for beginners tomorrow night, in Pobal Scoil Rosmini, Drumcondra, Dublin. Details: 01-8371015.
The Kill O' The Grange Club is running open competitions every Tuesday night in the Victor Hotel, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. If a partner is required contact 01-2857853.