The Irish team, consisting of non-playing captain John Clarson, Ciara Burns, Tommy Garvey, Hilary Dowling-Long, and Thomas MacCormac, did well in the junior international bridge festival in Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. From an entry of 21 squads they finished second in the round robin, and fourth overall in the main event.
Burns and Garvey, along with two Dutch players, F. Zwerber, and Olten, came first in the 38-team Swiss tournament, while DowlingLong with M. Gromoller(Germany), A. Linderman, and A. Gloyer (Austria) came third.
The Contract Bridge Association's pairs championship for the Lambert Cup was decided in the Cork Club and won by J. Kelly and C. Treacy. Runners-up were M. Keating and M. Lindopp. Third came M. O'Sullivan with M. Bourke, and fourth E. Murphy with T. Legget. Sessional winners: R. King, N. Pierse; M. Finn, M. Donegan.
The English Bridge Union has invited two Irish teams to play in its major teams event at Stratford-on-Avon from May 1st to 5th. Teams interested should contact Paul Porteous (01-2697275), without delay.
The European junior championships are scheduled for Vienna in July. The Irish Bridge Union's trials, postponed from December, will be played in the Regent, Waterloo Road, Dublin, on February 14th-15th. Participants must have been under 25 on January 1st 1998. Entries close on February 6th with P. Porteous.
The Wexford congress takes place in the Talbot Hotel, and the Bridge Centre from February 6th to 8th. Mixed pairs will be played on Friday (7.30 p.m.); two-session major and intermediate pairs on Saturday (1.30 p.m.); and two-session teams on Sunday (12.30 p.m.).
There will be open pairs throughout, and novice open pairs run concurrently with a minimum of seven tables. On Saturday night entertainment will be provided. A reception will be held on Sunday (11.00 a.m.). Directors: J. Murray, B. Lawlor, M. Coffey. Entries: Doris Kelly (054-33472).