The Republic beat Northern Ireland by 53 victory points to 37 in the first home international match (Camrose Trophy) of the season - played in the Farnham Arms Hotel, Cavan.
The match was decided over 90 boards in sets of 30, with a maximum of 25 points available on each set. The Republic won the first set 19/11 and the second 25/5 to leave them leading 44/16 going in to the third set, which Northern Ireland won 21/9.
The teams were (Republic): Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Gay Keaveney, Rory Timlin, Ronald Milne, B.J. O'Brien, and non-playing captain Mark Burke.
Northern Ireland: Rex Anderson, Ian Lindsay, Robert Plunkett, Paul Tranmer, Hastings Campbell, Greer Mackenzie, and non-playing captain Michael O'Kane.
Wales unexpectedly beat England 57/33. The table now stands: 1, Wales, 57; 2, Republic of Ireland, 53; 3, Northern Ireland, 37; 4, England, 33; 5, Scotland, 0, with match in hand.
Marie Gleeson of Athlone, who retired from the post of joint honorary secretary and treasurer of the Irish Bridge Union after 24 years' service, is to receive one of the highest honours the European Bridge League can bestow, at a ceremony in Italy next March. The president of the league, Gianarrigo Rona, will make the award in recognition of Ms Gleeson's selfless dedication and long service to bridge in Ireland.
Munster team championships: Masters (Thomond Cup); 1, M. and N. Kelleher, P. Murphy, J. O'Reilly; 2, C. McInerney, M. Malone, G. Rogers, B. Tynne; 3, D. Kerins, P. Kelly, K. O'Brien, M. Power.
Intermediates (Desmond Cup): 1, M. O'Connell, J. Smith, T. Crowley, E. Murphy; 2, M. Brennan, M. Boland, S. Carew, D. Dowling; 3, N. and A. Grant, M. Hoban, J. Keating.
The following have qualified for the final of the all-Ireland, intercounty team championship (Burke Trophy): Dublin South City (Carroll Cup): 1, J. Comyn, P. Pigot, K. de Raeymaeker, J. Heneghan; 2, J. R. Agnew, B. Gannon, M. MacCormac, J. Smyth.
Dublin South County (Seamus Dowling Cup): 1, S. Dowling, M. Keane, J. Moran, P. O'Neill; 2, D. and P. Redmond, L. Gaynor, S.Coffey. Best intermediates: A. Linehan, M. Pierce, M. Farrell, B.Houlihan.