Dorothy Shanahan

1915-2007

Dorothy Shanahan, who has died aged 91, was, for three decades, part of British women's teams recording the most successful haul of medals for the nation.

Miss Shanahan was in the team that won the World Olympiad gold in 1964 and the European gold medal in 1961, 1963 and 1966. The team took silver in 1957, 1965 and 1969 and bronze in 1955, 1967 and 1973, Shanahan's last appearance for her country.

In addition to playing in women's bridge, Miss Shanahan also partnered the late Maurice Harrison-Gray where she featured in his stories under the pseudonym, The Dormouse.

Her diminutive stature and quiet personality was in strong contrast to her better known team-mates Rixi Markus and Fritzi Gordon.

by Patrick Jourdain

Major International Appearances

Women's European Championships: 1955 1956 1957 1958 1961* 1962 1963* 1965 1966* 1967 1969 1970 1971 and 1973
Women's World Olympiad: 1964*

* = 1st place

Camrose Trophy Selections: 1953 and 1956

Lady Milne selections: 1952 1966 and 1971

Crockfords winner: 1964

The Hubert Phillips Bowl Winner: 1951 1957 1967 and 1971

National Pairs winner: 1956

Tollemache Cup winner: 1954 1957 1958 1963 and 1970