The talented Republic of Ireland bridge team started with a runaway victory when they resumed playing in the home internationals (Camrose Trophy) after a lapse of 47 years. Their opponents were Wales, whom they beat by quadruple scores in Plas Talgart, Pennal, Wales.
The Irish team was:
Tom Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, Pat Walshe, Niall Toibin, Donal Garvey, Micheal O Briain and Grainne Barton (non-playing captain). Ireland, having won the first session 12/8, won the other two, 18/2, for a final score of 48/12. The Welsh team was:
M. Hirst, J. Luck, S. Richards, A. Maddocks, P. Jourdain, T. Radcliff, T. Haworth (non-playing captain).
The Tralee international congress will take place in the Brandon Conference Centre from January 1st to 3rd.
A special deal is available - including return rail travel from Dublin and coach transfers - costing £102 per person sharing.
Details are available from Pat Fitzgibbon at 066-7139292.
Regional pairs championships - Dublin North (Marie Cummins Trophy): 1, D. Terry, P. Kelly; 2, Paddy and Phil Morrissey; 3, L. Moran, P. Murphy.
Sessionals: J. and V. Murray; D. Doona, J. Patton. Dublin South (Quin Cup): 1, T. and M. Roche; 2, N. Toibin, J. Heneghan; 3, D. A. Scannell, M. Fitzgibbon. Sessionals: T. Walsh, B. Kemple; H. Carroll, I. Hoy.
Eastern (Cleary Cup): 1, C.A. Cummins, J. Noonan; 2, S. Hagan, R. Lister; 3, G. and E. Murtagh.
North Eastern (McArdle Cup): 1, J. Spicer, J. Smith; 2, T. and S. Reilly (best inter); 3, M. Winters, M. Walsh; 4, N. and S. Grimes.
2nd inter: M. Treacy, P. Lyons.
Sessionals: Dr J. Keane, the Rev L. Shanahan; P. Bonner, M.V. McDonnell.
South Eastern: 1, J. Doyle, D. Crosbie; 2, M. Murphy, D. McGrath; 3, P. Breslin, K. Byrne; 4, L. O'Donnell, J. Phelan.
Northern: 1, M. McLaughlin, M. Doherty; 2, P. McDaid, M. Peoples; 3, C. McLoone, C. Whyte.
North Midland (Tom Gleeson Memorial Trophy): 1, S. Galligan, C. Maher; 2, S. Tuite, V. Black.
South Midland: 1, M. Gill, the Rev, J. O'Rourke; 2, M. and T. White. Inter A: 1, A. Cummins, S. Bolger; 2, M. Croke, M. Molloy. Sessionals: T. McGrath, E. Buckley; the Rev D. Byrne, E. Brennan.
South Munster: 1, D. O'Gorman, R.D. McGrath; 2, T. Murphy, K. Bonner; 3, K. Hayes, M. Finn.
Best inter: D. O'Driscoll, D. O'Leary.
Sessionals: B. Murphy, M. McGrath; K. Groeger, L. Hyde.
North Western: 1, J. MacDonald, D. Hopper; 2, M. Hickey, F. Sproule; 3, M. and N. Murtagh. Western: 1, U. and D. Walsh; 2, R. Timlin, E.J. Fitzgerald; 3, Dr. G.M. Keaveney, the Rev E. Glynn.
Inter: 1, J. Corr, H. Armstrong; 2, B. Cunniffe, J. Hynes.