From an original entry of 10,000, some 144 bridge players competed in the finals of The Irish Times all-Ireland pairs championships, which were decided over three sessions at the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth.
The main event was won by B. Sheridan (Balbriggan), and P. Howard (Skerries). Runners-up were C J. Richey, and J. Conlon (Belfast). The third prize went to M. MacMahon, and E. Kelly (Drogheda). Intermediate A: 1, D. Walsh, C. Coyne (Galway); 2, P. and B. O'Keeffe (Waterford); 3, M. and R. Linehan (Coachford). Sessional winners: J. McAndrew (Dublin), P. Williams (Greystones); J. Kenny (Headford), E. Feerick (Ballinrobe); E. Vickers (Bray), R. O'Farrell (Greystones).
The leading placings in The Irish Times intermediate B championship were: 1, J H. and the Rev P. Murphy (Longford); 2, R. Walsh, M. Brosnan (Wexford); 3, M. Burke, E. Gallagher (Galway). Sessionals: O. Comerton, A. Toner (Belfast); J. Lynch, M. O'Malley (Cork); B. McKay, G. McDonald (Leixlip). Best defended hand: M. Harris, J. Cunningham (Mullingar). The prizes were presented by Aine Maguire of The Irish Times.
The 56th East of Ireland congress will be held in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, from May 29th to June 1st. The programme is - Friday (7.30 p.m.), open pairs, and thereafter twice daily; Saturday, two-session mixed pairs (2.15 p.m.), and intermediate B pairs (7.30 p.m.); Sunday (2 p.m.), twosession major, and intermediate pairs; Monday, two-session teams (noon), novice pairs (6 p.m.). Entries: Kathleen O'Sullivan (04231487).
South of Ireland congress, in the Lake Hotel, Killarney - Major team championship (Lough Lein Trophy): 1, B N. and R. Goldenfield, A. Williams, J. Luck; 2, J. Higgins, M. Durrant, T. and A. McGee; 3, R. Churney, T. Reveley, G. Cannon, M. Cantor. Third session: M.Hanrahan, B. Kirby, P J. O'Dea, D. Reddin.
Mixed pairs (Dr E N M. O'Sullivan Trophy): 1, C. Porch, A.Cherry; 2, B N. and R. Goldenfield; 3, J. Higgins, M. MacCormac. Munster: K. Cussen, D. O'Sullivan. Sessionals: N. Smith, R.Cliffe; A. and V. Gill.
Lake Hotel teams - Women: 1, M. Atkinson, M. Reddy, M. McGrath, M. Finn; 2, R. Goldenfield, M. MacCormac, B. McNamara, P. Meehan. Men: 1, B. Goldenfield, K. Comrie, C.J. Luck, P. Casselle; 2, R.D.McGrath, T. MacCormac, A. O'Sullivan, P.J. Higgins.