The Republic will play Scotland in their final match of the home international bridge championship (Camrose Trophy) at the Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs, Co Wicklow, on March 27th-28th, while Northern Ireland will oppose England in Belfast.
The Republic's team is N. Toibin, P. Walshe, M. O Briain, D. and T. Garvey, J. Carroll, and G. Barton (non-playing captain).
As a result of England beating Scotland 40-20, and Northern Ireland beating Wales 32-27.5 the table now stands: 1, England, 115; 2,Wales, 102.5; 3, Republic, 94; 4, Scotland, 91; 5, Northern Ireland, 77. Wales have played all their matches.
Although 60 points are available in each test, England are virtually certain to take the championship. But there is a remote possibility that they will suffer a heavy defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland, thus opening the door for either the Republic or Scotland to come out on top.
It is much more likely, however, that the match in Wicklow will prove to be a fight for the runner-up spot.
The Fermoy congress will take place in the Grand Hotel on March 26th-28th. Programme: Friday (7.45 p.m.), mixed, and novice pairs; Saturday (2 p.m.), two-session major pairs; Sunday (11.30 a.m.), extended session of teams; open pairs throughout.
Among the prizes, the major pairs champions will each receive a portable colour TV, and the first and second intermediates will win Waterford crystal. Entries: Mary Mason (025-32504).
Three national pairs championships were decided at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise - Major (Davidson Cup): 1, P. Kelly, D. Terry; 2, N. Toibin, J. Heneghan; 3, T. Walsh, B. Kemple. Sessionals: D. A. Scannell, M. Fitzgibbon; P. Healy, B. Ryan; T. Breslin, A. McGuckian.
Intermediate A (Laird Cup): 1, L. Murphy, M. Ryan; 2, D. and P. Redmond; 3, P. O'Meara, U. O'Gorman. Sessionals: P. Browne, L. McKay; P. Connolly, M. Harte; P. Finnerty, M. Larkin.
Intermediate B: 1, G. and N. Pender; 2, N. Fitzgibbon, T. Hardiman; 3, P. Byrne, M. O'Callaghan.
Sessionals: E. McEnteggart, K. Walsh; C. Ward, B. Keeshan; D. Berber, G. Lawlor.
Bankers' congress, in Dublin - pairs tournaments - Mixed (IBOA Trophy): 1, M. MacCormac, A. Barton; 2, M. Keating, N. Minogue; 3, M. Slattery, J. Kelly.
Inter A (Irish Bankers' Club Trophy): 1, F. Kelly, B. Wallace; 2, P. Wills, M. Moran; 3, A. Dwyer, J. McCudden. Session als: E. Glackin, M. Linehan; P. Pownall, A. O'Rourke. Inter B: 1, D. Byrne, D. Fagan; 2, P. Dowd, D. Reid; 3, J. English, H. Redmond.
Gala: 1, I. Hoy, M. Lindopp; 2, U. Devine, M. Smyth; 3, J. P. MacHale, J. Heneghan. Novice: 1, H. Bolton, T. Boland; 2, J. Martin, M. Delahunty; 3, B. Murphy, B. Stefanini.
Inter teams (First Active Trophy): 1, M. Tuite, T. and M. Dowling, M. Farrell; 2, A. Barton, M. Clarson, B. McKenzie, D. Nolan. Second session: L. Garvey, C. Tierney, R. and E. O'Shea.