The Irish Bridge Union is running trials to select a team for the European mixed championships in Aachen, Germany, next spring. As a result of the qualifying round, played at the Regent in Dublin, the following will go forward to the semi-finals: 1, Dr G.M. Keaveney, P. Maguire, P. Porteous, M. Trench, 210 victory points; 2, P. Walshe, G. Barton, T. Hanlon, A. Dillon, on a split tie from J. Carroll, H. Dowling-Long, T. Garvey, R. O'Keeffe, both having scored 189; 4, N.K. and K. FitzGibbon, D.L. and B. Selig man, 176.
The semi-finals will be over 48 boards and the final over 64 in the Regent on December 13th/14th. Keaveney plays FitzGibbon and Walshe plays Carroll.
Four of Ireland's most talented internationals, Tomas Hanlon, Dr Hugh McGann, Adam Mesbur and Pat Walshe, added to their laurels by taking the runners-up spot in the prestigious British tournament for the Lederer Trophy in London.
Kenmare Congress in the Kenmare Bay Hotel: Major pairs: 1, J. Spratt, D. Dillon; 2, J. Moran, M. Madden; 3, S. O Lubaigh, P. McCarthy. Intermediate prize: N. Pierse, R. King. Best Kenmare: E. Murphy, M. McCarthy. Sessional winners: J. Higgins, M. Donegan; F. Langford, M. Canning. Mixed pairs: 1, P. O'Regan, M. Madden; 2, I. Cullinane, R.D. McGrath; 3, M. Donegan, D. Dillon. Intermediate: B. Vaughan, M. Burke. Kenmare: M. O'Sullivan, B. McInerney. Teams: 1, Vaug han/Burke, M. Anderson, B. Mackey; 2, T. McCarthy, J. Spratt, J. Phelan, L. O'Donnell; 3, T. Bambury, M. O'Sullivan, M. Foley, J. Moriarty.
Dublin South Region team championship (Carroll Cup), which gives entry to the All-Ireland Championship (Burke Trophy): 1, Alex and Ann Montwill, M. Barry, A. O'Sullivan; 2, J. Comyn, B.J. O'Brien, H. Carroll, J. Kulchycky. Best second session: D.A. Scannell, M. Fitzgibbon, E. Martin, C. Dowling-Long. Intermediate B pairs: 1, F. Massey, K. O'Regan; 2, A. and M. Keating; 3, D. Berber, G. Lawlor. Sessionals: D. and M. Lombard; J. Butler, A.M. Horan.
The region's major pairs championship will be decided over two sessions in the Regent on November 30th (2.30 p.m.). Entries: Seamus Dowling (01-4933390).
There will be an Irish bridge holiday in Lanzarote from January 24th to February 7th. Details can be obtained from Barry Hogsett (01-2857853).