The major pairs championship of the Ballybunion bridge congress, held in the Golf Hotel, was won by A. and E. Cleary. Runners-up were B. Kirby, and M. Hanrahan. The third prize went to D. O'Gorman, and P. Casselle. Sessional winners: Dr H. McGann, D. MacAonghusa; C. Holland, M. Finn.
Mixed pairs: 1, C. McInerney, M. Malone; 2, J. O'Connor, P. O'Regan; 3, Dr H. McGann, L. Mitchell. Teams: 1, D. Sheehan, G. Clarson, D. O'Sullivan, M. Prendergast; 2, M. Sheehan, P. Rochford, C. Pierse, M. O'Gorman; 3, D. Liddy, C. Murphy, C. McInerney, M. Malone.
Fergal O'Boyle, from Sligo, had the distinction of taking third place in the examination at the end of the European tournament directors' advanced course, held in Salsamaggiore, Italy. Some 61 directors sat the test.
The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland's national major mixed-pairs championship for the president's (Seamus Dowling's) prize, and the Spiro Cup, and also the corresponding intermediate event (Jim Fitzgerald Trophy), will be decided over three sessions at the Templeogue Centre, Dublin, next weekend. Directors: Fergal O'Boyle, Brian Lawlor. Entries close with Paul Porteous (01-4929666) on Wednesday.
The dates and venues for next year's major international events have been announced as follows - European mixed championship, Ostend, Belgium, March 16th-23rd; European team championship, Salsamaggiore, June 15th-29th; World university teams, Bruges, Belgium, August 2nd11th; World championships, Montreal, Canada, August 16th-31st.
The Drogheda and District congress, with over £6,000 in prizes, will take place in the Westcourt Hotel on October 5th-7th. Brochures: Martin Treacy (041-6854150). Subscriptions for The Irish Bridge Journal, excellent value at £8 for six issues, may be sent to the editor, Una Walsh, 41 Friars Hill, Bishop O'Donnell Road, Galway.
Coming events submitted for publication should reach George Ryan, 15 Hampton Court, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8, at least 10 days before their start.