Dromara H.P.S Dinner And Prize Distribution
Dromara H.P.S. held their annual dinner and prize distribution on the 10th February in the Pheasant restaurant Annahilt. Gordon Kirkpatrick said grace before over thirty member’s family and friends were treated to a beautiful meal which was much appreciated by all. The club have sadly lost two highly esteemed members over the past season, Norman Edgar, one of the clubs founder members, who had just passed away in January and John McCleary who passed away last summer. The club was delighted to welcome a special guest to present the prizes and cups for the night, Mrs Molly McCleary, wife of the late John.
Dromara HPS members with the trophies
First to the table and highest prize-winners were Russell Bros, it was noted that Matty's marriage last January had definitely had no detrimental effect on the loft's performances with a great channel season winning seven races including second Tallbenny, Bude and both Penzance races winning high open and section positions in all these races plus to much applause, the coveted channel averages. Next to the table were the ever consistent McKinstry Bros winning four races then N. Black & Son followed by young Darren Aiken who had a great young bird season winning four races plus some high open and section positions. Alistair Bradley was followed by Cromie & Magee & Son, N. Edgar & Son. H. Silcock who were first club in the Yearling National , for which the loft also received a shopping voucher from Harry's Country Store, Kinallen, also doing well in the Quimper National taking tenth open. Next was Walker Bros with three wins followed by Mr & Mrs Stevenson. C. & L. Fryers had a fantastic National season being 16th Open St Malo and 6th in the Kings Cup, not only did the partnership win the Gilmore cup in the I.N.F.C for best average Yearling National and Kings Cup but they also were the first loft from Dromara to win the French Diploma for the best average from the two main French races open to everyone in Northern Ireland, a great achievement. Next to the table was Matt Jardine followed by Barry Murray, Philip Connor, B. & R. Gorman, and Tom Marshall & Son.
After the presentations Molly McCleary made a very moving speech about how much the club had meant to both John and herself which was roundly applauded by all the members. Fiona Stevenson then came forward to receive a bouquet of flowers and bottle of wine, a small token of the appreciation by all the members for providing the tea, coffee and biscuits on club marking and meeting nights. The next part of the night is much anticipated by all present long before the dinner and that is the ballot. With over thirty prizes on offer including eleven young birds. Before the draw started Stanley McKinstry was so confident of winning he made his way from the back of the room so he could be nearer the table with all the prizes on it and his optimism was well rewarded. Molly McCleary was given the honour of drawing the first ballot and much to everyone's amusement and her delight she drew one of her own numbers. While the draw continued Caroline Black was called in as consultant to advise Molly on her prize selection. Everybody won their share of the chocolates wine and body scrubs which it was pointed out were badly needed by some of the members.
Molly McCleary presents Matty Russell with the Channel Average Cup - Molly McCleary presents Albert and Stanley McKinstry with one of their Cups - Molly McCleary presents Kenny Walker with one of his Cups
Molly McCleary presents Laurence Fryers with St Allouestre Cup - Molly McCleary presents Harry Silcock with the Quimper National Cup
The draw for the young birds then took place Alistair Bradley's was won by Russell Bros, Mr & Mrs Stevenson's by Brian Gorman and H. Silcock's was won by C. & L. Fryers. N.Black & Son's was won by Mr & Mrs Stevenson, C. & L. Fryers by McKinstry Bros and Darren Aiken's was won by a loft that needed it, N. Black & Son. T. Marshall's was won for the second year running by H. Silcock, also for the second year running Philip Connor won Cromie & Magee & Son. N. Black & Son also won McKinstry Bros and are hoping for another Lizzie, finally non fancier William Skelly, brother in law of Harry Silcock, won Russell Bros' and it is to go into training with H. Silcock. George Russell actually won their own young bird, but as you are not allowed to win your own George very gracefully accepted one from N. Back & Son on the condition that he got to pick his own. Before proceedings came to a close it was announced that our guest Molly had actually been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the Queens New Year's honour list, a great achievement, Molly exited the room giving the royal wave to much applause.
David Black
