Homers Odyssey - NI Show Season
Season finished with various Open Shows –
Before I complete the final show report of the year I have notice of two Clearance Sales and then the date for the AGM of the RPRA (Irish Region).
Due to the recent death of Bertie Marshall wife Helen has decided to sell the birds as she is unable to look after them. She intends to keep 4 or 5 old birds, the remainder will be sold at auction by Ronnie Johnston in Newtownbreda Clubrooms on Saturday 10th January at 2.00pm with birds on view from 1.00pm. This small family are excellent in the long distance, the very best of Tom Marshall. Sale includes SIX direct from the House of Aarden.
5th Jan 2026 until 14th Jan Complete Clerance on behalf of George Robinson, Carrick Social. Ongoing health problems, over the years I attended many presentation nights in Carrickfergus and Jeorge Robinson and wife were always prominent. Great times in East Antrim. More details later. On-line at Sawyers Pigeon Auctions.
The RPRA Irish Region AGM will be held on the 7th February at 1pm in the Ballymac Hotel, Stoneyford. All correspondence re any proposals etc to be with the Secretary Noel Higginson on or before the 10th January 2026. Noel Higginson , 8 Abercorn Square, Ballyclare, BT39 9FJ. 07518748717.
Big Holiday Show at Ligoniel -
Ligoniel HPS Annual Christmas Show was held Sat 3rd January with 160 birds entered. We would like to thank our judges today! Judging OBH was John and Conor McCabe, YBH Sharron and Brian Keegan, ES for old bird and young bird was Joey Vage. Thank you to Frazers for their donation of amazing gifts for our prizes and to the Ulster Fed donation from Lee Wilson. Lastly thanks to Lorna McEvoy for the food spread.
Well done to our Best in Show McMurray& Anderson, and the Best Opposite Sex goes to C McManus.
Best in Show at Ligoniel Darren McMurray & Best Opposite Sex at Ligoniel C McManus.
OBH-Cocks - 1st C McManus, 2nd McMurray & Anderson, 3rd Wilson Bros & Wilson, 4th Armstrong & McAllister, 5th B&K Mullan, 6th T Place, 7th Stockman& Robinson
OBH- Hens - 1st McMurray & Anderson, 2nd McMurray & Anderson, 3rd J Smyth, 4th W Wickings, 5th McAuley/Kells/Gibson/Tosh, 6th Calderwood& Waite, 7th Stockman& Robinson
YBH Cocks - 1st B&K Mullan, 2nd McMurray& Anderson, 3rd Bingham/Seaton/Dowie, 4th McAuley/Kells/Gibson/Tosh, 5th Bingham/Seaton/ Dowie, 6th Bingham/Seaton/ Dowie, 7th Stockman& Robinson
YBH Hens - 1st McMurray & Anderson, 2nd C McManus, 3rd C McManus, 4th Stockman& Robinson, 5th Armstrong& McAllister, 6th McMurray& Anderson, 7th McAuley/Kells/ Gibson/Tosh.
OB ES - 1st J Smyth, 2nd F&M Lavery, 3rd B&K Mullan, 4th C McManus, 5th W Wickings, 6th W Gilmore, 7th Bingham/Seaton/Dowie
YB ES - 1st McMurray& Anderson, 2nd G McCann, 3rd Wilson Bros & Wilson, 4th W Wickings, 5th Armstrong& McAllister, 6th J Smyth, 7th B&K Mullan. Amanda McCullough PO.
Centre Show at Doagh & District –
Doagh & District Hps held their annual Centre show on Saturday 27th December, members from Doagh, Kingsmoss, Eastway and Ballyclare HPS, penned over 140 birds , a total of £500 raised in entrance fees will be raced for in the season ahead" a big thank you to the Judges on the day, Alistair Stuart Mcnaghten, Ian Moxham, Tam Mullan and Jamie Mcgarel and not forgetting Claire Kelly of Islandview Lofts who’s admin duties were greatly appreciated" as the Judges got to work many of the fanciers retired to McConnell’s bar for a few shandies and a good days craic.
The judges at Doagh from Larne & District. East Antrin team of judges at the Doagh Centre annual show.
Main card winners on the day were D&R Turkington of Doagh and G&R Lawrie of Ballyclare, well done to all card winners and thanks to everyone who made the show a success. Doagh & District Hps Centre Show, 1st YB TTW, 1st YB Handled , 3rd YB Eyesign and Best Opposite Sex for G&R Lawrie. J Doagh & District Centre Show" 1st OB TTW, 1st OB Handled, 1st OB Eyesign and Best in Show for D&R Turkington. Jim McCullough PO.
BIS at Doagh Centre for D &R Turkington.
Team Greer celebrate birthday at Kells & District -
On Boxing day we held our annual open show. A great turnout was had with 241 pigeons penned. A huge thank you goes to Frazer feeds for supplying us with prizes for every position in all classes, prizes for B. I. S, B. O. S and Most points classes as well. Thank you so much for your generosity and your continuous support to our annual Open Show.
Thank you must also go to our judges this year who took time out of the holiday period, to come and judge our open show. Noel Higginson, Arnold Thompson, and Davey Strain from Ballyclare and Gary Mckenna along with Riley from Eastway in Belfast. Thank you so much for taking time out and judging for us.
The judging team at the Kells Open Show on Boxing Day.
This year our club cup for outsiders most points within our club show series went to W&W Gilbert representing Randalstown.
Results for our Open Show are as follows :-
Winning bird display at conclusion of judging at Kells Open Show on Boxing Day.
Old Birds Classes -
O. B - Handled. 1. J&J Greer, 2. J&J Greer, 3. J&J Greer, 4. D. Swann, Res. J&J Greer, V. H. C. J&J Greer, H. C. M. Neilly, Com. M. Neilly. Judged by Gary Mckenna
O. B Eyesign. 1. A. Neill, 2. J&J Greer, 3. V. Montogomery, 4. A. Barkley & Son, Res. K&K Kernohan, H. C. J&J Greer, H. C. A. Neill, Com. T. MaWhinney. Judged by Davey strain
Alwyn Neill (r) from Lurgan won the Red Card in Old Bird Eyesign.
O. B T/W. 1. A. Barkley & Son, 2. J&J Greer, 3. J&J Greer, 4. A. Neill, Res. M. Neilly, V. H. C. J&J Greer, H. C. J&J Greer, Com. A. Barkley & Son. Judged by Noel, Arnold and Gary
Young Birds Classes -
Y. B Handled. 1. J&J Greer, 2. J&J Greer, 3. J&J Greer, 4. K&K Kernohan, Res. W&W Gilbert, V. H. C. M. Neilly, H. C. J. Getty.Com. K&K Kernohan. Judged by Noel
Y. B Eyesign.1. J&J Greer, 2. T. MaWhinney,3. J&J Greer, 4. R. Service & Son, Res. V. Montgomery, V. H. C. V. Montgomery, H. C. R. Service & Son, Com. D. Swann. Judged by Davey Strain
Y. B T/W.1. T. MaWhinney, 2. T. MaWhinney, 3. W&W Gilbert, 4. D. Swann, Res. M. Neilly, V. H. C. Gregg Bros, H. C. D. Swann, Com. A. Barkley & Son. Judged by Noel, Arnold & Gary
Timmy Mawhinney (r) won the Red Card in Young Bird Through Wires.
B. I. S, B. O. S and Most Points went to J&J Greer (Cullybackey HPS).
Noel Higginson (r) congratulates the big winners J & J Greer at Kells Open Show, also included Show Secretary Johnny Barkley.
Thank you to everyone who came to our open show and supported us and to our club shows this year to support the club.
Thank you to all judges this year who showed up every week for us and to Frazers again for the huge generosity on prizes for the open show. On behalf of Kells & District we wish everyone a Happy New year and good luck for the incoming race season.
Laura Surgenor PO.
Well, another year older and another spent in the company of friends at Kells Boxing Day Open Show. Last year I had my best day in the show pens, well today we went and smashed that out of the park.
3x1sts, 4x2nds, 4x3rds, 1x Res, 3xVhc, 1xHc. Also Best in Show, Best Opposite Sex, Best young bird and Most points. 18 cards in total. Maybe keep Granda happy for a day or two. I would consider that to be a great 29th Birthday and great to finish another show season off strong. Thanks to Jb, Laura and Mervyn on another great year of shows.
Good luck to everyone for the 2026 season. Team J & J Greer.
Christmas Show in Cullybackey -
Saturday saw Cullybackey hold their annual 3 in 1 open show. A huge thanks first off all must go the sponsors. First to Frazers animal feeds for once again insuring every single card was covered with a prize, this is very much appreciated by the club our thanks to Colin and Diane for their generous sponsorship once again. Next to Fullans supermarket Portglenone for their kind sponsorship of Raffle prizes next to Fyfes also for their Raffle prizes. Hayes Cullybackey for their contribution to our Raffle and to the membership who brought Raffle prizes or went out of their way and made buns and cakes for us to enjoy. To Jillian for bringing buns also and for helping make the tea throughout the show series. To my mum Liz for once again making the soup and to Jamie-lee for the 2 crumbles. If anyone went hungry it wasn't for lack of food. I would like to now thank the membership who attended not only on Saturday but throughout the show series, without them there wouldn't have been shows. Thanks to the judges J Hanson, L Hanson, R McAlary, T Mcdonald, R Witherow, P Cassidy for coming and judging for us, once again greatly appreciated thank you.
With 16 members penning 149 old birds and 98 young birds it was a great turn out.
Young birds t/wires
M Neilly, 2. B Herbison, 3. Gregg bros, 4. D Craig, Res. Gregg Bros, Vhc. W & W Gilbert, Hc. J Whyte, C. Mr & Mrs Robinson. Judge R Mcalary (Coleraine Premier).
Marc Neilly with Russell McAlary 1st yb t/wires.
Young Birds Handled
Lynn & Laycock, 2. M Neilly, 3. W & W Gilbert, 4. Gregg Bros, Res S Drain, Vhc. J & J Gree, rHc. T Mawhinney, C. J Whyte. Judges J Hanson, L Hanson, T McDonald (Coleraine Premier).
Lynn & Laycock 1st yb Handled with L Hanson and J Hanson.
Young Bird Eyesign
B Herbison, 2. J Whyte, 3. S & N Doherty, 4. S & N Doherty, Res. Mr & Mrs Robinson, Vhc. T Mawhinney, Hc. B Herbison, C. J & J Greer. Judge P Cassidy.
Brian Herbison 1st Yb Eyesign and 1st Old Bird Eyesign with P Cassidy.
Old birds T/ Wires
1. B Herbison, 2. W & W Gilbert,3. W & W Gilbert, 4. G Gibson, Res. J & J Greer, Vhc. T Mawhinney, Hc. W & W Gilbert, C. B Herbison. Judges L Hanson, J Hanson (Coleraine Premier.
Old Birds handled.
1.W & W Gilbert. 2. G Gibson,3. W & W Gilbert, 4. T Mawhinney, Res. B Herbison, Vhc. T Mawhinney, Hc. W & W Gilbert, C. B Herbison. Judges J Hanson, L Hanson, T McDonald (Coleraine Premier).
Old Bird Eyesign
1. B Herbison, 2. B Herbison, 3. B Herbison, 4. Gregg Bros, Res. J Getty, Vhc. G Gibson, Hc. B Herbison, C. J & J Greer. Judge P Cassidy.
Best In Show Marc Neilly (Broughshane & District). Best Young bird M Neilly
Marc Neilly, Best In Show and Best Youngbird at Cullybackey Open Show.
Best Opposite sex W & W Gilbert (Randlstown).
Willy Gilbert BOS at the Cullybackey Open Show.
Most points B Herbison Cullybackey).
Best Colour S & N Doherty (Cullybackey).
S & N Doherty Best colour class at Cullybackey Open Show.
Next it was onto the show series winners.
Winning the Shield for Visting lofts was T Mawhinney from Donachloney who had another good year in Cullybackey winning 6 classes overall.
Timmy Mawhinney being Presented with visiting loft points shield By President Jam Greer.
Runner up for visiting lofts was M Neilly winning 4 classes overall.
Winning the Shield for Club Members was J & J Greer who won 2 classes overall.
J & J Greer winner of club members Points Sheild.
Runner up was S & N Doherty who also won 2 classes overall.
Thanks again to everyone, sorry if I've missed anyone out. Good Luck to everyone for 2026 have a happy Christmas and Happy new year to everyone. Jamie Greer Secretary.
Edgarstown HPS - Christmas Show (250 birds)
Old birds JTW Old birds Handled
1st E Wright 1st E Wright, 2nd E Wright 2nd J Brown, 3rd K Shannon 3rd K Shannon, RES R Buckley RES K Shannon, VHC K Wright VHC K Shannon, HC K Shannon HC K Wright, C K Wright C K Wright
Old Birds Eye Sign Colour Special’s
1st A Neill Blue E Wright, 2nd A Neill Odd R Cassells, 3rd J Brown Mealy R Cassells, RES A Neill Red J Brown, VHC A Neill C/WF R Buckley, HC V Montgomery B/Pied K Wright, C A Neill Cheq K Wright
Young birds JTW Young birds handled
1st E Wright 1st E Wright, 2nd E Wright 2nd R Buckley, 3rd McClean & Craig 3rd R Buckley, RES S&E Buckley RES S&E Buckley, VHC A&R Neill VHC E Wright, HC R Buckley. HC K Wright, C E Wright C E Wright. Young Birds Eye sign Best in show E Wright
Best OP Sex E Wright
1st V Montgomery, 2nd R Buckley, 3rd V Montgomery, RES K&J Dowey, VHC P Boyd, HC G&C Simmons, C E Wright
Well done to Eamon Wright on what was a day to remember winning Four out of the Six classes with A Neill and V Montgomery taking the wins in the eye sign class, well done to all prize winners on the day. Many thanks to the judges Cormac Ohare, John & Conor McCabe and Sammy Ogle for coming down to judge a big class of birds on show.
A massive thank you to all our sponsors that makes the day a success Frazers Feeds chips direct. BEATTIE's Bird & Pet Foods House of Fireplaces The Ulster Federation Henry Mclaughlin @Family store and Sawyers Pigeon Auctions SPA we cannot thank these businesses enough for their support and kindness it is very much appreciated.
Lastly I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the non-members who attended our shows each week to make the show enjoyable with plenty of craic and laughs but also bringing first class birds on show each week with anything from 120-180 birds on a weekly basis your support is very much appreciated by all the club members.
Christmas at Edgarstown HPS -
What a fantastic day yesterday at Edgarstown HPS Christmas show. We supported this show this year each week and the standard of pigeons is amongst the very best we have had to compete against, even yesterday they were first class. The numbers ranged from 123 to 177 entries each week and today over 250, unreal competition. The welcome we received from the club was top notch and is a credit to you all. At the show itself there were prizes galore and all great prizes to boot.
We decided to change the team for the big show and we thought we would give our Blackpool pigeons a run out for their first show so with the exception of 4 birds that done well in Lisburn last week the rest were getting their first run out. We were delighted to come away with the following top prizes in the 6 classes. Eamon Wright PO.
Lisburn & District held their Annual Christmas Show on Saturday 20th Dec. With a good entry of pigeons for the Judges Eric McGaw, Alan Shanks, Noel Higginson and Arnold Thompson. Best in show went to Billy Joss who also took first prize in Handled, Eyesign and Best Young Bird, well done to Billy who has been very consistent in the Tuesday night shows leading up to this very successful days showing. R Topping & Son took the Through the Wires red card, with Hugh Dalzell winning Best Opposite Sex. Many thanks to the Judges and also to Robert and June Kirkwood who sponsored the Show with bags of feeding for all winners. June and Robert had a good day with their entry taking 5 cards, including 2 x seconds. Milne Mairs PO.
The judges team who placed the cards at Lisburn Christmas Show.
Timmy Mawhinney was delighted to have won this trophy in memory of Len Russell with it only being my 2nd year showing in eye sign and winning most points at the INFC Charity show yesterday in Lisburn.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw>
Email:
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