The Ballybunion Bridge Congress has been brought forward by a week and will be held from September 3rd to September 7th in The Castle. There will be open pairs on the Wednesday (7.30 p.m.), and twice daily thereafter. The women's pairs will be played on Thursday (7.30 p.m.); the mixed pairs over two sessions on Friday (2 p.m.); likewise the major pairs on Saturday; and the teams will run from 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. on Sunday.
The rates at the venue are £15 per person, sharing, with a single supplement of £4. Further details available from Ms Peg Mullins (066-25775).
The top placings in the Irish heat of the Worldwide Simultaneous Pairs were:
Friday section - North/South: 1, M. Harris, J Cunningham, 70.25%; 2, M Hickey, B McGonagle, 69.54; 3, A and F Doolin, 66.75; 4, J Coman, M Kirby, 66.33. East/West: 1, A Twomey, C Lonergan, 64.04; 2, M Donnelly, M Lindopp, 63.70; 3, E Cleary, G Lessells, 63.63; 4, P and B O'Keeffe, 62.83.
Howell: 1, M and M O'Connor, 66.82; 2, M Kennefick, M Atkinson, 63.95; 3, P Byrne, B Finan, 62.09; 4, S Baynes, N O'Connell, 60.08.
Saturday section - North/South: 1, M Hewitt, D Guckian, 65.91; 2, (tie) M and S Doherty, S Lawlor, A Hickson, 57.04 each; 4, S Carew, N Stapleton, 55.66. East/West: 1, J Kelly, M Lindopp, 66.83; 2, C Duffy, P McDaid, 66.79; 3, M Brennan, R Dowling, 66.54; 4, J and A MacHale, 66.04.
Howell: 1, G Watson, E O'Hara, 65.66; 2, M Murphy, E Stewart, 65.29; 3, N McManamy, D McGrath, 60.00; 4, B Good, N Tierney, 57.29.
During the summer, open pairs competitions will be run as follows: Tuesdays (7.30 p.m.) in the Bankers' Club, 93 St Stephen's Green, Dublin; Tuesdays (7.30 p.m.), Wednesdays, and Fridays, (both 10 a.m.) in the Victor Hotel, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire (if a partner is sought contact 01-2857853); Monday to Friday (7.45 p.m) in the Bridge Centre, 16 St Mary's Road, Galway; Fridays (7.30 p.m.) in the Regent, 25 Waterloo Road, Dublin; beginners' tournaments in the Roadstone Social Club, Kingswood, Clondalkin, Thursdays (10 a.m.) - inquiries to Maire O'Keeffe (01-4589806).