Homers Odyssey - Hall of Fame & Merit Awards
INFC Hall of Fame Diploma history -
In 1970 The Irish National Flying Club Introduced a new award for a pigeon timed in the result of 3 x Kings Cup races and named it a “Hall of Fame Diploma”. At that time it was the big prize for Individual Bird performance scoring in the Blue Riband on three occasions. When any of these winners became available at local sales they were like Gold Dust, out and out distance bloodlines. Many of the elite lofts in Ireland have one of these included in their CV. Since that time the Gold Nedal & Diploma for 4 x Times Kings Cup but only a handful have been won, the Hall of Fame remains a top racing achievement. When it was first introduced in 1970, I believe it was a result of a suggestion of Ronnie Johnston, that some form of award of merit should be given to birds getting into the National Blue Riband Kings Cup result on several occasions. Some great pigeons had put up fantastic performances over a number of seasons but at the end of the day had nothing to show for their courage. The type of birds I was thinking about are a number from my own area in Ballymena i.e.. “Rennes Queen”, “Leading Lady” and “Wee Albert” raced by the very famous lofts of Smyth Bros and Barr Bros. Rob Smyth of Larne had “National Queen” and “Continental Queen” and do forgive me for others I have not mentioned. It was decided that the Hall of Fame Diploma be awarded to any pigeon which was recorded three times in the Kings Cup prize list and, at the time was the most coveted and the most difficult to win. Race points flown since then have been wide and varied including from the early days the famous names of Nantes, Rheims, Rennes and Les Sables, and even Lerwick.
The full list of winners are listed below.
1970 – Nantes
Sutherland & Devoy, Killyleagh
W M Thompson, Muckamore
1971 – Nantes
H Elliott, Lisburn
1972 – Nantes
R Law, Ballymena & Dist.
H Hayes, Portstewart
1973 – Nantes
G Burrell & Sons, Lurgan
1974 – Nantes
A Simpson & Son, Randalstown
Reynolds & Creighton, Dollingstown
1975 – Rheims
A McCartney, Crumlin
1976 – Rennes
J Irvine & Son, Ballyclare
1978 – Rennes
P Flannagan, Killyleagh
1979 – Rennes
Hamilton & Burke, Portstewart
B Madden & Son, Dublin
W B Shaw, Newcastle
H Elliott, Lisburn & Dist.
G Kilpatrick, Lisburn
1980 – Les Sables
J Shaw & Son, Randalstown
McCartney Bros, Moira
McCartney Bros, Moira
1981 – Les Sables
J O’Neill, Dublin
Connor Bros, Dundrum
S Bunting, Belfast
J McCartan, Annalong
R & W McBride & Son, Lisburn
Smyth Bros, Ballymena & Dist.
Smyth Bros, Ballymena & Dist.
1982 – Les Sables
G Kilpatrick, Lisburn
W Harrison, Belfast
1989 – Rennes
W Clements & Son, Edgarstown
J Logan, Ballyclare
Gilmour & Beattie, Newtownbreda
1990 – Rennes
W V Troughton, Gilford
S Bell, Dundonald
Gilmour & Beattie, Newtownbreda
1991 – Rennes
W Erwin, Ballymena & Dist.
W Catherwood & Son, Ballynahinch
R Kernaghan & Son, Dromore
1992 – Rennes
B & H Marshall, Newtownbreda
V McDonald, Antrim
M Conlon & Son, Banbridge
1993 – Rennes
R McIlvenna, Chimney Corner
R Williamson, Bondhill
G Kilpatrick, Ballymacbrennan
Belshaw & Anderson, Derriaghy
B McKeown & Son, Derriaghy
1994 – Rennes
Hammond Bros, Cookstown
F McMaster, Kircubbin
F Scott & Son, Dromore
Burns Bros, Comber Soc
1995 – Rennes
Mr & Mrs Flanagan, Downpatrick
J Waring & Son, Lisburn & Dist.
J Cullen, Dublin
G Killops, Drumcree
N Black & Sons, Dromara
N Black & Sons, Dromara
1996 Rennes
T Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda
W Hardy & Son, Annsborough
J Nelson, Milltown
E Matchett & Son, Edgarstown
1997 – St Nazaire
R McCallum & Son, Ballymena & Dist.
D Moore, Cullybackey
B E & L McNeilly, Ballynure
W Tollerton, Dunmurry
Lavery Bros, Hillsborough & Maze
Harper Bros, Dollingstown
Mr & Mrs Swann, Harryville
T Flanagan, Malahide & Dist.
1998 – Rennes
A Murray & Son, Dundrum
P J Corcoran, Balbriggan
T Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda
S Corrigan, Loughgall
Gilmour & Beattie, Newtownbreda
K Halliday, Newry
2000 – Redon
E J Campbell, Milltown
2002 – Redon
John Greenaway, Bondhill
2004 – Messac
R Telford, Annaghmore
McCracken Bros, Banbridge
2005 – Messac
L McCall, Wicklow South Road
2006 – Vannes
G Benson, Lisburn
Burns Bros, Comber
S Corrigan, Loughgall
Stewart Bros, Randalstown
2009 – Plaudren-Vannes
P Rock & Son, Skerries
Stewart Bros, Randalstown
2010 – Plaudren-Vannes
J Waring & Son, Lisburn & Dist.
D Croskery & Son, Annsborough
W McClure, Kells & Dist.
2011 – Plaudren-Vannes
W McClure, Kells & Dist.
Rev TAB Sawyers & Son, Banbridge
P McCullough & Daughter, Downpatrick
S Corrigan, Loughgall
G Buckley & Son, Annaghmore
Ward & McIntosh, Downpatrick
N Black & Sons, Dromara
W McCaw, Ballymoney
G & J O’Hare, Crossgar
A Darragh, Cullybackey
R Williamson, Bondhill
2012 – Plaudren-Vannes
W G Neill, Annaghmore
John Greenaway, Bondhill
Adamson & Anderson, Gilford
2013 – Saint Allouestre
M Robinson, Bondhill
W McCaw, Ballymoney
C & L Woodside, Ballyclare
2014 – Saint Allouestre
W English, Lisburn & Dist.
J Cullen, Bray Invitation
2015 – Saint Allouestre
Dando & Bennett, Beechpark Social
2016 – Saint Allouestre
E Murtagh & Sons, Individual North
2017 – Saint Allouestre
A McAteer & Sons, Ballyholland
Arnold Thompson, Ballyclare
2018 – Saint Allouestre
McKeown & McEvoy, Castlebellingham
Fintan Moran, Malahide & District
Noel Lusty, Muckamore HPS
2019 – Saint Allouestre
G Benson, Lisburn & District
E. E. & S Kavanagh, Arklow United RPC
Parkin & Cairns, Castlebellingham RPC
J Doheny, Malahide & District
P Dunlop, Edgarstown
2024 – Saint Allouestre
F Moran, Malahide & District
E Murtagh & Son, Individual North
R Duddy, Ballyclare & District
A Thompson, Ballyclare & District
G & C Simmons, Edgarstown
G Buckley & Son Annaghmore
Donnelly Bros, Newry City
N Black & Son Dromara.
2025 Hall Of Fame Awards (Single Bird Three Times In Prizes of INFC Kings Cup)
R. Duddy, Ballyclare & District
GB19 B-33620 ‘RED ROB’ Red Cock
233rd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2023
214th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
35th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
J. Murtagh, Ballyholland
Blue Cheq Hen GB20B-61748
54th Open St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2023
44th Open St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2024
36th Open St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2025
D&H Stuart, Ballymoney HPS
GB19 B-23349 ‘UNIQUE’ Blue Hen
99thOpen INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2023
202nd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
12th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025The only Pigeon so far to win 2 x Hall of Fame Diplomas is the great “HERMES” Owned and Raced by Gordon Kirkpatrick.
IRISH National Merit Awards – The most recent Hall of Fame Diplomas were presented at the Stormont Hotel presentation las November, a number of other Merit Awards were presented as well including a Merit Diploma for birds recorded twice in the prizes from the old bird France events, The Blue Riband Kings Cup race from St Allouestre and the Friendship National from Plougastel. Winners are listed below.
Kings Cup Merit Awards (Single Bird Twice in Prizes of INFC Kings Cup)
Agar Bros, Cloughey
IHU23 N 02668
‘WONDEROUS SKYE’
Blue Cheq Cock
148th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
18th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Johnston Bros, Fortfield
GB23 C 27241
‘RAMSEY’S ROCKET’
Red Cock
25th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
25th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Ian Gibb & Sons, Glenavy
GB21 B 07347
‘JOYCE’
Blue Hen
10th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2023
46th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
J. Serplus, Laurelvale
GB20 L 17084
Red Cheq Cock
53rd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2023
90th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
Kings Cup Merit Awards (Single Bird Twice In Prizes Of INFC Kings Cup)
O&M Monaghan, Colin
GB21 C 24439
‘SUZANNE’
Blue White Flight Hen
155th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
48th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Gordon Bros & Sons, Killyleagh Central
GB23 X 12732
‘IRON MAIDEN’
Blue Cheq Hen
75th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
2nd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Adair & McCombs, Crossgar
GB22 C 14148
‘ANNIE’
Black Hen
46th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
45th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
P. Rock & Son, Dublin North East
IHU22 S 031644
Cheq White Flight Cock
198th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
28th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Kings Cup Merit Awards (Single Bird Twice In Prizes Of INFC Kings Cup)
P. Lambert, Arklow Utd
IHU21 S 062957
Light Cheq Cock
178th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
58th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
McCracken Bros, Banbridge HPS
GB23 B 36644
‘PATRICIA’
Blue Cheq Hen
24th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
55th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
A. Thompson, Ballyclare & District
GB22 B 25743
Ash Hen
33rdOpen INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
4th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
C&L Woodside, Ballyclare & District
GB22 V 76757
Light Cheq Hen
108th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
29th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Kings Cup Merit Awards (Single Bird Twice In Prizes Of INFC Kings Cup)
S&J McCullough, Beech Park
GB20 B 38543
‘KILWORTH LADY’
Ash Cheq Pied Hen
53rd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
30th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025.
Kings Cup Hall Of Fame Awards (Single Bird Three Times In Prizes Of INFC
Kings Cup)
R. Duddy, Ballyclare
GB19 B 33620
‘RED ROB’
Red Cock
233rd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2023
214th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
35th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Kings Cup Hall Of Fame Awards (Single Bird Three Times In Prizes Of INFC
Kings Cup)
J. Murtagh, Ballyholland
Blue Cheq Hen
GB20B 61748
54th Open St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2023
44th Open St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2024
36th Open St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2025
Kings Cup Hall Of Fame Awards (Single Bird Three Times In Prizes Of INFC
Kings Cup)
D&H Stuart, Ballymoney
GB19 B 23349
‘UNIQUE’
Blue Hen
99thOpen INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2023
202nd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
12th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Kings Cup Gold Medal Awards (Single Bird Four Times In Prizes Of INFC
Kings Cup)
F. Moran, Malahide & District
IHU20 S 005774
‘LITTLE DARLING’
Red Hen
71st Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2022
3rd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2023
42nd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2024
52nd Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025
Friendship Merit Awards (Single Bird Twice In Prizes Of INFC Friendship
National From France)
P. Dunlop, Edgarstown
GB21 E 24102
Blue Cheq Cock
10th Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat 2023
33rd Open INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat 2025
Friendship Merit Awards (Single Bird Twice In Prizes Of INFC Friendship
National From France)
M. Gillan, Newry & District
GB19 C 25815
‘M.G.’
Blue Cheq Hen
14th Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat 2023
55th Open INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat 2025
J&D Coburn & Sons, Hillsborough & Maze
GB19 V 01986
‘THE OLD FELLA’
Blue Cock
42nd Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat 2023
122nd Open INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat 2025
A. Thompson, Ballyclare & District
GB20 B 18503
Blue White Flight Cock
33rd Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat 2022
72nd Open INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat 2025
Friendship Merit Awards (Single Bird Twice In Prizes Of INFC Friendship
National From France)
G. O’Reilly, Malahide & District
IHU21 S 008828
‘RIVERVIEW RELIABLE’
Red Hen
75th Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat 2023
19th Open INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat 2025
C. McManus, Corrigs HPS
GB21 C 28683
‘EIGHTY THREE’
Cheq White Flight Cock
101st Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat 2023
34th Open INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat 2025
Friendship Triple Awards (Single Bird Three Times In Prizes Of INFC
Friendship National From France)
A. Thompson, Ballyclare & District
GB19 B 34028
Blue Hen
9thOpen INFC Lamballe Friendship Nat 2021
45thOpen INFC St Malo Friendship Nat 2022
58th Open INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat 2025
Friendship Silver Awards (Single Bird Four Times In Prizes Of INFC
Friendship National From France)
NONE TO DATE
INFC Triple Crown Award (Single Bird In Open Prizes From Channel YB
Nat, Yearling Nat & Kings Cup In Consecutive Years)
McCracken Bros, Banbridge HPS
GB23 B 36644
‘PATRICIA’
Blue Cheq Hen
198th Open INFC Penzance Young Bird National 2023
169th Open INFC Penzance Yearling National 2024
55th Open INFC St Allouestre Kings Cup 2025.
The NIPA awards of Merit were presented at the annual Ladies Night held at the Bannville House Hotel in Banbrodge last November.
Gold Awards 2025 Winning a Gold Medal & Gold Diploma
Tom Wilson Gilford - Blue Tip Hen GB20F-05492
2022 St.Malo - 22nd Open & 8th Section E Vel 623
2023 St. Malo - 20th Open & 7th Section E Vel 681
2024 Plougastel - 31st Open *& 6th Section E Vel 964
2025 Plougastel - 87th Open & 27th Section E Vel 702
Silver Awards 2025
Paul O’Connor Coleraine Premier
Red Cheq Hen GB21V-27293
2023 St Malo - 37th Open & 4th Section A Vel 585
2024 Plougastel - 20th Open & 2nd Section A Vel 1004
2025 Plougastel - 50th Open & 8th Section A Vel 851
Gary Marsden Hills & Maze
Cheq Hen GB22C-34355
2023 St Malo -12th Open & 4th Section E Vel 900
2024 Plougastel - 51st Open & 12th Section E Vel 903
2025 Plougastel - 77th Open & 21st Section E Vel 720
Gary Marsden Hills & Maze
Pied Hen GB21C-48016
2023 St Malo - 35th Open & 16th Section E vel 589
2024 Plougastel - 29th Open & 5th Section E Vel 968
2025 Plougastel - 84th Open & 25th Section E Vel 705
Cormac O’Hare & Dtr Ballyholland
Blue Cock Moor Hill Lad ` GB20B-29043
2023 St Malo - 15th Open & 4th Section G Vel 787
2024 Plougastel - 6th Open & 3rd Section G Vel 1065
2025 Plougastel -19th Open & 14th Section G Vel 633
Davy Coulter Glenavy
Check W/F Hen GB20F-11111
2023 St Malo - 84th Open & 38th Section E Vel 261
2024 Plougastel - 68th Open & 20th Section E Vel 718
2025 Plougastel 0 47th Open & 5th Section E Vel 914
Bronze Awards 2025
Roy Francey Eastway
Blue Ch. Hen GB19E-07249
2021 St Malo - 23rd Open & 10th Section C Vel 655
2025 Plougastel - 124th Open & 30th Section C Vel 623
J Campbell & Son Cookstown
Check Cock “ Tommy “ GB21C-10094
2024 Plougastel - 26th Open & 4th Section A Vel 977
2025 Plougastel - 96th Open & 10th Section A Vel 678
Burgess & Brennan Bangor
Blue Hen IHU23N-10515
2024 Plougastel - 52nd Open & 1st Section F Vel 894
2025 Plougastel - 43rd Open & 3rd Section F Vel 927
D Coulter Glenavy
Check W/F Cock GB18F-11991
2023 St Malo - 36th Open & 17th Section E Vel 587
2025 Plougastel - 82nd Open & 24th Section E Vel 710
S & N Doherty Cullybackey
Blue Hen “ Glencar Queen “ GB22A-24615
2024 Plougastel - 14th Open & 2nd Section B Vel 1021
2025 Plougastel - 86th Open & 8th Section B Vel 703
D & J Campbell Eastway
Blue Hen GB22X-14358
2024 Plougastel - 34th Open & 9th Section C Vel 959
2025 Plougastel - 38th Open & 11th Section C Vel 978
G Marsden Hills & Maze
GB21H-12507
2024 Plougstel - 12th Open & 2nd Section E Vel 1032
2025 Plougastel - 123rd Open & 36th Section E Vel 626
K Murphy Coalisland & District
Blue Cock GB22V-14143
2024 Plougastel -21st Open & 3rd Section A Vel 1003
2025 Plougastel- 133rd Open & 13th Section A Vel 605
P Dunlop Edgarstown
Blue Check Cock GB22D-66305
2024 Plougastel - 41st Open & 11th Section E Vel 995
2025 Plougastel - 35th Open & 9th Section E Vel 950
|
Special guest at the INFC presentation |
Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare& District |
Robin Duddy’s second hall of fame winner |
|
Ever consistent D & H Stuart win a |
Double Kings Cup Winner J Murtagh from Mewry |
C & L Woodside from Ballclare & District |
|
Agar Broe, Cloughry |
Johnston Bros, Fortfield |
P RCK & Son, Dublin North East |
|
Adair & McCombs, Crossgar |
Pat Lambert, Arklow United |
C McManus, Corrigs |
|
Paul Dunlop, Edgarstown |
McCracken Bros, Banbridge HPS – Triple Crown Award. |
NOTE: RPRA Irish Region will be holding a meeting on the 21st February in Lisburn Leisure Cestreet at 2pm. The agenda is to vote on propositions going forward to the RPRA AGM on the 27th February 2026 and to elect members on to the Irish Region INFC committee. At the RPRA Irish Region AGM on the 7th February it was proposed and passed that a £4 will be paid to each member. This will come into effect in 2027.Noel Higginson, Region Secretary. MAC Chairman Robin Service has confirmed the AGM will take place in Ballymena & District Clubrooms on Wednesday 18th March at 8.00pm.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw>
Email:
www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
