THE 58th West of Ireland congress, with a prize fund of £3,500 for the main events, will take place at the Bridge Centre, 16 St Mary's Road, Galway, from April 5th to 8th.
There will be open pairs on the Friday night, and twice daily thereafter - including gala open pairs, with an intermediate B, and novice section on Sunday afternoon.
The major pairs will be played over two sessions on Saturday. The mixed pairs will be on Sunday night. The two session teams will start at 10.30 a.m. on Monday.
The prizes in the major pairs will be worth £900, and in the teams, £1,100. There will be a complimentary supper on Saturday. Mass will be said at the venue on Sunday at 11.00 am. Chief tournament director: Dr G.M. Keaveney. Entries: Una Walsh (091 526502).
The major pairs championship (Bank of Ireland Trophy) of the bankers' congress, held in Dublin, was won by Dr H. McGann, and D. MacAonghusa. Runners up were V. Hand, and Ann Montwill. Third prize went to S. Burgess, and T. Walsh. Sessional winners: H. Carroll, J. Kulchycky; P. Williams, C. Dowling Long. Major teams (The Irish Times Trophy): 1, McGann/MacAonghusa, J. Carroll, T. Garvey; 2, D. Scannell, Professor Alex Montwill, R.J. Fitzgerald, N. Kennedy. Best second session: M. Smith U. Devine, C. Cullen, J. Walsh.
Mixed pairs (IBOA Trophy): 1, M. MacCormac, M. McAuliffe; 2, (triple tie), M. Trench and P. Porteous, M. Lindopp and J. Kelly, R. O'Keeffe and T. Hanlon.
Intermediate prize: D. and L. Garvey. Intermediate B pairs: 1,
C. O'Driscoll, M. O'Brien; 2, T. McGowan, J. Sullivan; 3, B. Mackay, G. McDermott.
The Greystones (Co Wicklow) two session open pairs championship, with a first prize of £200, will start at 1.30 p.m. next Sunday in the Bridge Centre - opposite the cinema. Director: John Murray. Entries: Catherine Hooper (01-2873497).
Card-play classes for beginners, and improvers begin tonight at the Bankers' Club, 93 St Stephen's Green, Dublin. Details: Hilary Dowling Long (01- 6777563, office hours).
The Ballyroan fiesta will be run in Scoil Mhuire, Ballyboden, Co Dublin, from April 12th to 14th.
Brochures: Brian Healy (01 4943255).