The team to represent the Irish Bridge Union at the open European championship in Salsomaggiore, Italy, next June 16th to 30th, comprises: A. Mesbur, N.K. FitzGibbon, A.T.R Anderson, D. Greenwood, P. Walshe, and N. Toib∅n.
In the final of the trials at the Regent, Waterloo Road, Dublin, Mesbur/FitzGibbon, and Anderson/Greenwood gained automatic selection by beating T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, N. Toib∅n, and P. Walshe.
Subsequently the international committee, in consultation with Mesbur's quartet, chose Walshe/Toib∅n as the third pair to make up the team.
The programme for the 23rd Waterford congress, which will be held in Jury's Hotel on January 4th-6th, is - Friday (7.30 p.m), mixed pairs; Saturday (1.30 p.m.), separate two-session major, and intermediate pairs; Sunday, reception (11 a.m.), two-session teams (12.15 p.m.), novice pairs (7 p.m.); open pairs throughout.
Tournament directors: J. Murray, P. Breslin, J. O'Leary, F. O'Boyle. Entries: Peggy Holden (051-855770).
The two-session open team championship for the Wigoder Cup will be run in the Regent, 25 Waterloo Road, Dublin, on January 1st (2 p.m.). Entries: Gerry Kelly (086-8224380).
The leading placings in the all-Ireland simultaneous pairs tournament were - 1, A. Hynes, L. Knight (Shannon); 2, J. Murphy, M. Flynn (Owenacurra); 3 (tie), A. Harte, M. Long (Tulla), P. and J. Ryan (Carnegie); 5, (tie), A. O'Gorman, I. Power (Carrick-on-Suir), E. Donnelly, A. Sharpe (Knocklyon), J. Gallagher, P. Boner (Killaloe), C. Casey, M. Flynn (Castlebar).
Regional prizes: T. McLoughlin, L. Costello (D·n Laoghaire), R. Keoghane, T. Summerfield (Ballina), A. Seery, B. Morris (Belvedere), C. O'Donnell, Rev D. Doherty (Cloughaneely), P. Casey, P. Smith (Clifden), N. Cosgrove, M. Durkan (Summerhill), N. Molamphy, N. Hewitt (Killaloe), M. Joyce, I. McCrone (Westmanstown), J. O'Mahony, P.S. Hogan (Mallow), C. Latham, A. Lambe (Ryston), M. McCormack, S. Stafford (Wexford), S. Dowling, B. O'Brien (Ballyroan), S. Lowe, K. Singleton (Derryvolgie).
Club prizes: J. and D. Toomey (Capital), M. Staunton, M. Byrne (Ashbourne), P. McLoone, C. O'Connell (Letterkenny), P. Plunkett, P. Gibney (Cavan), M. Corcoran, M. Moynihan (Killarney), M. Harvey, M. Ewing (Malahide).