THE all Ireland bridge pairs championship (Moylan Cup), played in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, was won by E. MacNeill, and D.G. Scannell. Runners up were T. Roche, and R O Briain. The third prize went to Comdt E.J. Fitzgerald, and M. MacDonagh.
Thus Eoin MacNeill won, for a record ninth time, the most prestigious Irish pairs championship. Previous, he had been crowned champion five times, jointly with Des Deery - including three in a row - and three times wit is current partner, David Scannell.
Other leading placings - 4, D. Garvey, M. O Briain; 5, D.Houlihan, M. Burke; 6, T. Kelly, J. Murchan; 7, Dr G.M. Keaveney, R. Timlin, 8, A. and J.H. O'Keeffe; 9, H. Dowling Long, T. Rigney; 10, T. Hanolon, Dr H. McGann. Sessional winners: Houlihan/Burke; Kell Murchan; K. McGarry, J. Kelly.
The 35th Clonmel congress will take place in the Presentation Secondary School from April 8th to 20th. The mixed, and novice pairs will be played on Friday (7.30 p.m.); the two session major pairs on Saturday (2.00 p.m.); and the two session teams on Sunday (noon). Open pairs throughout.
Among the prizes the major: pairs champions will receive £300, and the mixed pairs winners £150.
Directors: W. Mullins, D. Cotter. Entries: Dolores O'Donnell (052-21675).
Some 316 players competed in the gala championship pairs of the Ballyroan fiesta in Ballyboden, Co Dublin. The prizewinners were - 1, J. and M. O'Keeffe 2, Curran; 3, A. Howard, P. Wills. Best women. A. Millar, N. Molloy. Men: T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann. Mixed: P. Tyrrell, S. O'Rourke. Intermediate A: E. and D. Sharkey. B: P. Pownall, D. Tracey. Local: S. O Dwyer, N. Coogan.
The 21st anniversary graded pairs attracted an entry of 390 players. The winners were - N/S: J. Egan, M. McDermott; R. Redmond, M. Tuite; D. and V. O Neill, C. O Boyle, L Garvey, J. Cullen, C. Leonard; M. Allen, M. Collins; A. and M. Keating and M. O'Neill.
E/W: U. Hogan, T. Scanlon; F. Murphy, S. Treanor; E. Christle, K. McGillicuddy, M. Malone, U. McCrea, M. Tierney, M. O'Kane; M. Toland, S. McEldowney; I. Carey, D. Byrne; R and T. Lawlor.
National novice pairs (J.J. Murphy Cup): 1, J. Butler, G. Lawlor; 2, T. and P. Lawlor; 3, J. McElroy, T. Balfe. Best Ballyroan: P. Sweeney, M. Butler.
Greystones open pairs championship: 1, E. MacNeill A Montwill; 2, S. Sheehan, R. J. Fitzgerald, 3, T. Sweeney, F. O'Farrell. Intermediate: S. Hagan, R. McNamara. Local; C. Pippet, B. Hunter. Sessionals: P. Thornhill D. Thomas; P. Williams, P. O'Reilly.