The Irish women's team made a winning start at the Generali European Bridge Championships in Montecatini when they defeated Finland 20-10 in the opening round.
It was a satisfying international debut for new caps Patsy Meehan and Petra O'Neill, who played the entire match supported in the first half by Aileen and Rebecca O'Keeffe and in the second by Valerie Hand and Anne Montwill.
In the next round the O'Keeffes, with Hand and Montwill, face the Netherlands, a team against whom the Irish have fought close battles in recent years. In round three the Irish women face formidable opposition from Italy.
Ireland's open team won one and lost one of its matches. Against Britain, in round seven, the Irish were well behind at halfway and, despite a better second half, lost 7-23.
Their opponents in the next round, Greece, had registered some impressive victories. Nevertheless, the Irish team of Donal Garvey, Micheal O Briain, John Carroll and Tommy Garvey led by a big margin at the interval. But the Greeks cut the lead in the second half and Ireland eventually won 16-14.
Italy, the European title holders, have opened a gap at the top. In round seven they won a key match 17-13 against second placed Denmark. The surprise of the day was the 20-10 defeat of Britain by San Marino.
Ireland next meets Sweden, followed by Bulgaria and Lithuania. The Swedes have been difficult for Ireland, with the Irish securing only one draw from the last four meetings.
Open championship leaders after eight rounds: 1st, Italy (166); 2nd, Denmark (156); 3rd, Norway (153); 4th, Iceland (143); 5th, Bulgaria (142); 6th, Hungary (140); 7th, France (138); 8th, Spain (137); 9th, Poland (135); 10th, Croatia 134. Ireland is 24th with 109. Thirtyfive teams are competing.