The Republic's team for the first match of the season in the home international bridge championship (Camrose Trophy), away to Scotland, on January 5th-6th, are: T. Hanlon, H. McGann, P. Walshe, N. Toibin, G. M. Keaveney, and R. Timlin.
In the final of the trials, at the Regent, Waterloo Road, Dublin, they beat B. J. O'Brien, R. Milne, T. Roche, M. MacDonagh, P. Pigot, and T. MacCormac. The non-playing captain has yet to be chosen.
The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland's national intermediate and novice congress in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, attracted record entries, with players from 21 counties competing.
The main prize-winners were: pairs, Inter A (New Ireland Trophy): 1, K. Halpin, F. O'Donnell; 2, K. Walsh, T. Lawlor; 3, M. Jackman, M. Hoban; 4, C. Thomas, B. Carragher; 5, B. Coleman, C. Connolly.
Inter B (Kervick Trophy): 1, B. McKay, G. McDonald; 2, P. Purcell, S. Mulhall; 3, S. McNutt, J. McLaughlin.
Novice (Waterford Crystal Trophy): 1, R. M. Traynor, M. Blake; 2, E. O'Flaherty, M. Grace; 3, B. Burniston, F. Golden. Speedball: A. Moran, M. Fitzgerald; M. Liddy, M. Carroll; U. O'Gorman, P. O'Meara; T. Lawlor, K. Walsh.
Gala pairs: 1, S. Moloney, S. Crowe; 2, J. Maher, H. Harris. Women: B. Corcoran, M. Fleming. Men: J. Cushen, J. Savage. Mixed: L. and I. Ryder. Inter B: E. and T. Phelan. Novices: M. O'Leary, D. Whelan.
Local: M. Claffey, C. Hughes. Teams: 1, C. Connolly, B. Coleman, M. Walsh, R. Langford; 2, K. Molloy, P. Wall, E. Kennedy, M. Nee. Grand prix, Inter A: (tie), J. Maher, H. Harris. Inter B: (tie), P. Lahart, G. Lynch. Novice: (tie), M. O'Leary, D. Whelan.
The western region's mixed pairs championship (O'Donoghue Salver), which is open to all grades, will be decided over one session next Sunday (7.30 p.m.) at the Galway centre. Entries: Miriam Moloney (091-528240).
Coming congresses: D·n Laoghaire, Royal Marine Hotel, next Thursday to Sunday. Contact: Barry Hogsett (01-2857853).
Kenmare Bay Hotel, next Friday to Sunday. Contact: Tom Healy (064-41045).
Donegal, Central and Abbey hotels, November 9th-11th. Contact: Sandra McGinley (074-35266).
Hotel Kilkenny, November 16th-18th. Contact: Breda Butler Davis (056-62471).