The Republic will host the women's home international bridge championship (Lady Milne Trophy) for the first time when it's played in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co Dublin, from June 1st to 3rd. To select a team for the event the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland will run trials at the Templeogue Centre, Dublin, on May 5th-7th. Kibitzers are welcome.
The 50th Tramore congress will take place in the Grand Hotel, and the Bridge Club from May 4th to 7th. Programme: Friday (7.30 p.m.), mixed pairs; Saturday, two-session major, and intermediate pairs (1.30 p.m.), novice pairs (7.30 p.m.), dance (11 p.m.); Sunday, reception (11.30 a.m.), two-session teams (1 p.m.).
Open pairs will be played on Friday night, and twice daily on Saturday, Sunday and Monday in the Bridge Club, which is also the venue for the novice pairs, and the reception. Mrs E Flynn (051-381223) will accept entries, and supply information about accommodation.
Western Region qualifiers for the Organics Vital all-Ireland pairs championship finals - 1, J Whiriskey, J Rabbitte (RTC, Galway); 2, M Duffy, M O'Farrell (Grattan, Galway). Intermediate B: 1, P Brandon, B Curley (Mountbellew); 2, E Costello, U Connery (RTC).
The region's mixed pairs championship (O'Donoghue Salver), which is open to all grades, will be decided in the Galway Centre on May 13th (7 p.m.). Entries: Una Walsh (091526502).
Clonmel congress, in Clonmel Arms Hotel - pairs - Major: 1, L Aherne, M Whyte; 2, M Finn, C Holland; 3, D O'Donnell, B Tucker. Sessional winners: G Connolly, P Liston; M Hanrahan, B Kirby. Best Co Tipperary: J Barry, B Dowling. Local: A Kingston, W O'Brien.
Intermediate: 1, M and T Dalton; 2, K Halpin, F O'Donnell; 3, M Cronin, F McManamy. B prizes: 1, S Droney, G McAuliffe; 2, P Maher, H O'Rourke. Local: O Creighton, J Phelan. Sessionals: J McGann, M O'Connor; V and H Fitzgerald.
Mixed: 1, J Fogarty, G Connolly; 2, H and T Prendergast; 3, K Flynn, B Dowling. Flitch: Marlene and Michael O'Connor. Local: A Kingston, W O'Brien.
Teams: 1, S O Lubaigh, M McGloughlin, H Lillis, T Rigney; 2, N Hickey, D Walsh, E Cleary, G Lessells. Intermediate: C Kelly, M Healy, I Cotter, O Neville.