Homers Odyssey - Dates re INFC and Friendship National
INFC Plougastel Friendship Nat winner 2025 - Bob Straney, Killyleagh Central
Bobby Straney won the Friendship Nat for the second time in four seasons in 2025
The 2025 Friendship National was flown from Plougastel for the first time and the birds were liberated at 9am on 9th July after a 1 day holdover due to poor conditions on line of flight. The National was won at 19:37 by Bobby Straney, Killyleagh Central with a 4-year-old blue cock, named ‘DAVY’ after his late father.
Davy was the winner 1st Open Friendship National & Cup of Friendship. Winner: R. Straney, Killyleagh Central
‘DAVY’ flew the 412 miles route home in just over 10 and half hours to record a winning velocity of 1138 ypm. Bobby has got a niche for this race, having only sent to the race on 3 occasions and his outstanding record is 1st Open 2022, 83rd Open 2023 & 1st Open 2025.
The sire of this year’s national winner is from the ‘EURO DIAMOND’ bloodlines crossed with the best of Kevin Carolan bloodlines. He was a 2 times Penzance winner finishing 5th Section F and 10th Open NIPA. This cock is the grandsire of ‘DOUBLE 009’ – Bobby’s 2022 Friendship National Winner.
The dam has always been stock and the parents were both bought from Ian Stafford. Grandsire is a grandson of ‘TOP STAR’ – who was sire of 2 National winners. Granddam is a daughter of ‘PENNE HEIGHTS’
In 2025, ‘DAVY’ was sent to both NIPA Roscrea races before going to Dale, were he was 6th club and 48th Section F, he then flew Penzance before being sent to INFC Plougastel Friendship National, and the rest is history. Previously, he was 2nd club, 8th Section F in NIPA Dale 2024 and 7th Club, 37th Section F in NIPA Bude 2023.
Notably, the first time that ‘DAVY’ flew over 300 miles was the 2025 Friendship National and he is an uncle of the 2022 Friendship National Winner ‘DOUBLE 009’ who won the race with a winning velocity of 1061 ypm.
The Management Committee would like to congratulate Bobby on his achievement and thank our race sponsors H. Beattie and Son / Beatties Bird and Pet Foods for the continued support.
Results – Clubs Feds and Combines etc Friendship Old Bird National
Friendship National, Plougastel Open 225/1256 - R.Straney Killyleagh Central 1138, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 1094, P.J Corcoran & Son Ballbriggan 1052, Ron Williamson Bondhill 1050, Donelly Bros Newry City 1043, Dylan Doran Arklow Unt 1020, Larkin Bros Meadows HPS 1017, P Rock & Son Dublin North E 1017, F & J Crowe Gorey RPS 1012, F & J Crowe Gorey RPS 1011, J Murtagh Ballyholland 1009, B & M Gilmore Ballyclare 1009, James Clelant Annsborough 1006, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1002, Liam Dullagham Castebellingham 991, Donnelly Bros 988, McCartney & Woodsides 984, C McManus Corrigs 983, G O’Reilly Malahide & Dist. 976, B Cahill Skerries 967, G O’Reilly 967, D Kimsella Gorey RPS 964, Adair & McComb’s Crossgar 962, N Grant & Son’s Dublin North County 954, Adair & McComb’s 952, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 947, A McAteer Ballyholland 940, P Smith & Son Shankill 935, T Doran & Son Ind South 932, O Dunbar Ind South 931, Hand & Kallneyer Skerries 929, Hand Kallneyer 924, P Dunlop Edgarstown 917, C McManus 915, P Dunlop 915, G & C Topley Laurelvale 913, F & J Crowe 911, J O’Reilly 902, Liam Dullaghan 898, Larkin Bros 897, Donnelly Bro’s 895, R G & G Donaldson Edgarstown 891, P Lambert Arklow Utd 890, R Straney 884, G & J O’Hare Harmony 884, L O’Neil & Son Harmony 884, James Peland 883, A McAteer 882, J Fitzgerald & Granddaughter Rathnew 882, N Grant & Son’s 879, P Lambert 873, N & C Sheilds Skerries 858, E McAlinden Drumnavaddy 852, P Lambert 851, M Gillan Newry & Dist. 851, Capper Bro’s Bondhill 849, K Henderson & Son Lurgan Soc 845, A Thompson Ballyclare 839, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 839, R Straney 830, A Larkin & Son Meadows 827, Dowey Bro’s Laurelvale 826, G & C Topley 821, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist. 820, R Duddy Ballyclare 816, R Cassells Edgarstown 815, P Lambert 814, J McNeil & Son Randalstown 813, J McNeil & Son 812, I Donaghy Lisburn & Dist. 811, McCracken Bro’s Banbridge 810, A Thompson 804, H & S Muckle Newtownards 803, F & J Crowe 799, M Gillan 798, N & C Sheilds 797, N Black & Son Dromara 794, W Gillis & Son’s Laurelvale 783, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 778, Alan Massey Newtown Kilpedder 775, Sam Corigan Loughgall 771, Dowey Bro’s 770, I Donaghy 769, D McNabb Downpatrick Prem 767, Daimond Bros & G McLaughlin Coleraine Prem 760, N Black & Son 757, G McIntosh Killyleagh Cnt 752, E G Sands & Son Banbridge 750, A Thompson 749, Jim Robinson 749, Larkin Bro’s 748, J & D Braniff Glen 746, H & S Muckle 746, T McClean Edgarstown 744, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 742, C & L Woodside 741, R G & G Donaldson 739, J White Strabane 733, C & L Woodside 730, McCartney & Woodside’s 726, G Marshall Cookstown 725, Robert Shaw Corrigs 723, A Houston Lisburn & Dist. 719, John F McCabe & Son Newry & Dist. 714, A Thompson 712, G O’Reilly 711, James Cleant 709, W Gillis & Son’s 704, J Gregory & Son’s Colin 703, D & K Mallin Drumnavaddy 701, Pritchard Bro’s Annsborough 695, B Chambers Ballyholland 695, E & B McAteer Ballyholland 693, N & C Shields 693, L O’Neil & Son 690, Mark Ewbanks Newry City 690, John Harkness Crumlin 689, S & A Foster Corrigs 688, G & C Simmons Edgarstown 686, Diamond Bro’s & G McLaughlin 684, Dowey Bro’s 682, J & D Coburn & Son’s Hills & Maze 678, S McAllister & Son’s Hills & Maze 674, Glen Buckley & Son Annaghmore 672, J Murdagh 672, S Diamond Coleraine Prem 671.
INFC North Section Plougastel - - R.Straney Killyleagh Central 1138, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 1094, Ron Williamson Bondhill 1050, Donelly Bros Newry City 1043, Larkin Bros Meadows HPS 1017, J Murtagh Ballyholland 1009, B & M Gilmore Ballyclare 1009, James Cleland Annsborough 1006, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1002, Donnelly Bros 988, McCartney & Woodsides 984, C McManus Corrigs 983, Adair & McComb’s Crossgar 962, Adair & McComb’s 952, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 94.
INFC South Section Plougastel - P.J Corcoran & Son Ballbriggan 1052, Dylan Doran Arklow Unt 1020, P Rock & Son Dublin North E 1017, F & J Crowe Gorey RPS 1012, F & J Crowe Gorey RPS 1011, Liam Dullagham Castebellingham 991, G O’Reilly Malahide & Dist. 976, B Cahill Skerries 967, G O’Reilly 967, D Kimsella Gorey RPS 964, N Grant & Son’s Dublin North County 954, P Smith & Son Shankill 935, T Doran & Son Ind South 932, O Dunbar Ind South 931, Hand & Kallneyer Skerries 929, Hand Kallneyer 924.
John Millar Transport Cup: P J Corcoran & Son - First Member in the Section, not Winning1st Open.
NIPA Friendship National, Plougastel Open - R.Straney Killyleagh Central 1138, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 1094, Ron Williamson Bondhill 1050, Donelly Bros Newry City 1043, Larkin Bros Meadows HPS 1017, J Murtagh Ballyholland 1009, B & M Gilmore Ballyclare 1009, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1002, Donnelly Bros 988, McCartney & Woodsides 984, C McManus Corrigs 983, , Adair & McComb’s Crossgar 962, Adair & McComb’s 952, A McAteer Ballyholland 940, P Dunlop Edgarstown 917, C McManus 915, P Dunlop 915, G & C Topley Laurelvale 913, Larkin Bros 897, Donnelly Bro’s 895, R G & G Donaldson Edgarstown 891, R Straney 884, G & J O’Hare Harmony 884, L O’Neil & Son Harmony 884, James Peland 883, A McAteer 882, , E McAlinden Drumnavaddy 852, M Gillan Newry & Dist. 851, Capper Bro’s Bondhill 849, K Henderson & Son Lurgan Soc 845, A Thompson Ballyclare 839, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 839, R Straney 830, A Larkin & Son Meadows 827, Dowey Bro’s Laurelvale 826, G & C Topley 821, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist. 820, R Duddy Ballyclare 816, R Cassells Edgarstown 815, J McNeil & Son Randalstown 813, J McNeil & Son 812, I Donaghy Lisburn & Dist. 811, McCracken Bro’s Banbridge 810, A Thompson 804, H & S Muckle Newtownards 803, M Gillan 798, N Black & Son Dromara 794, W Gillis & Son’s Laurelvale 783, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 778, Sam Corigan Loughgall 771, Dowey Bro’s 770, I Donaghy 769, D McNabb Downpatrick Prem 767, Daimond Bros & G McLaughlin Coleraine Prem 760, N Black & Son 757, G McIntosh Killyleagh Cnt 752, E G Sands & Son Banbridge 750, A Thompson 749, Jim Robinson 749, Larkin Bro’s 748, J & D Braniff Glen 746, H & S Muckle 746, T McClean Edgarstown 744, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 742, C & L Woodside 741, R G & G Donaldson 739, J White Strabane 733, C & L Woodside 730, McCartney & Woodside’s 726, G Marshall Cookstown 725, Robert Shaw Corrigs 723, A Houston Lisburn & Dist. 719, John F McCabe & Son Newry & Dist. 714, A Thompson 712, W Gillis & Son’s 704, J Gregory & Son’s Colin 703, D & K Mallin Drumnavaddy 701, Pritchard Bro’s Annsborough 695, B Chambers Ballyholland 695, E & B McAteer Ballyholland 693, L O’Neil & Son 690, Mark Ewbanks Newry City 690, John Harkness Crumlin 689, S & A Foster Corrigs 688, G & C Simmons Edgarstown 686, Diamond Bro’s & G McLaughlin 684, Dowey Bro’s 682, J & D Coburn & Son’s Hills & Maze 678, S McAllister & Son’s Hills & Maze 674, Glen Buckley & Son Annaghmore 672, J Murdagh 672, S Diamond Coleraine Prem 671.
British Barcelona Club Cup: Jim Robinson Friendship Nat ace Runner Up
East Coast Federation (Dublin) - Friendship National, Plougastel - P.J Corcoran & Son Ballbriggan 1052, , Liam Dullagham Castebellingham 991, G O’Reilly Malahide & Dist. 976, B Cahill Skerries 967, G O’Reilly 967, D Kimsella Gorey RPS 964 P Smith & Son Shankill 935, Hand & Kallneyer Skerries 929, Hand Kallneyer 924, G O’Reilly 902, Liam Dullaghan 898,N & C Sheilds Skerries 858, N & C Sheilds 797, G O’Reilly 711, N & C Shields 693.
South Leinster Fed Friendship Nat – Dylan Doran Arklow Uniter 1020, F & J Crowe Gorey 1012, F & J Crowe 1011, D Kinsella Gorey 964, F & J Crowe 911, Pat Lambert 890, F Fitzgerald & Granddaughter Rathnew 882, Pat Lambert 873, 851, 814, F & J Crowe 799, Alan Massey Newtown Kilpeddar 775.
Irish South Road Federation Friendship OB Nat – N Grant & Sons Dublin North County 954, 879.
Easy Down Combine Friendship OB Nat – James Cleland Annsborough 1006, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 947, James Cleland 883, 709, Pritchard Bros Annsborough 695.
Mid Antrim Combine INFC Friendship National Plougastel 9th July 2025, Liberated 9.00am
Best in the Mid Antrim Combine was Jimmy Smyth & Son of Ahoghill timing on the second morning to win 1st Mid Antrim Combine, 34th North Section & 59th Open INFC National. Jimmy has a top record in the National races the past few seasons with 5th & 6th Open INFC Penzance YB National and 8th Open INFC Friendship National.
Jimmy Smyth from Ahoghill was the winner in the NAC from Plougastel in France.
Anthony McNeill of Randalstown was next best with two birds timed at 7.25am & 7.26am to win 2nd & 3rd Mid Antrim Combine, 42nd, 43rd North Section and 68th & 69th Open. First bird a mealy hen was bred by Geoff Dickey and is off a son of Buster 1st Open NIPA Mullingar when paired to a sister of Buster. Second bird was off a cock on loan from Geoff paired to a daughter of Roy Magill's Kings Cup winner.
Anthony McNeill from Randallstown took 2nd and 3rd MAC in the Friendship National.
Mid Antrim Combine Friendship OB Nat - J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 839, J. McNeill & Son Randalstown 813, J McNeill & Son Randalstown 812, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 671, A Darragh Cullybackey 609, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 583, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 533, S & N Doherty Cullybackey 523, W Livingstone Ahoghill 492, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill. Mervyn Eagleson MAC Press Officer.
INFC Clubs Friendship National
Killyleagh Central – R Straney 1138, 884, 830, G McIntosh 752.
Edgarstown – Jim Robinson 1094, Paul Dunlop 917, 915, R G & G Donaldson 891, R Cassells 815, Jim Robinson 749, T McClean 744, R G & G Donaldson 739, G & C Simmons 686.
Balbriggan – P J Corcoran & Son 1052.
Bondhill Social – Ron Williamson 1050, Capper Bros 849.
Newry City Invitation – Donnelly Bros 1043, 988, 895, M Ubanks 690.
Henry Beattie & Son Trophy: Donnelly Bros Newry City win Best Two Bird Average
Arklow United RPC – Dylan Doran 1020, Pat Lambert 890, 983, 673, 851, 814.
Meadows HPS – Larkin Bros 1017, 897, A Larkin & Son 827, Larkin Bro’s 748.
Dublin Northeast RPC – P Rock & Son 1017.
Gorey RPS – F & J Crowe 1012, 1011, D Kinsella 964, F & J Crowe 911, 799.
Ballyholland – J Murtagh 1009, A McAteer 940, 882, B Chambers 695, E & B McAteer 693, J Murtagh 672.
Ballyclare – B & M Gilmore 1009, A Thompson 839, R Duddy 816, A Thompson 804, C & L Woodside 778, A Thompson 749, C & L Woodside 741, 730, A Thomson 712.
Annsborough – James Cleland 1006, 883, 709, Pritchard Bro’s 695.
Crossgar HPS - McCartan & Woodsides 1002, 994, Adair & McCombs 962, 952, McCartney & Woodsides 726.
Castlebellingham – Liam Dullaghan 991, 898.
Corrigs – C McManus 983,915, R Shaw 723, S & A Foster 688.
Malahide & District – G O’Reilly 976,967,902, 711.
Skerries – B Cahill 967, Hand & Kallmeyer 929, 924, N & C Shiels 858, 797, 693.
Dublin North County RPC – N Grant & Sons 954, 879.
Newtownbreda – T Marshall & Son 947.
Shankill – P Smith & Son 935.
Laurelvale – G & C Topley 913, Dowey Bros 825, G & C Topley 821, W Gillis & Son’s 783, Dowey Bro’s 770, W Gillis & Son’s 704, Dowey Bro’s 682.
Harmony HPS – G & J O’Hare 884, L O’Neill & Son 884, 690.
Rathnew – J Fitzgerald & Grand-daughter 882.
Drumnavaddy – E McAlinden 852, D & K Mallen 701.
Newry & District – M Gillan 851, 798, J F McCabe & Son 714.
Lurgan Social – K Henderson & Son 845.
Ahoghill Flying Club – J Smyth & Son 839.
Larne & District HPS – G K & I Moxham 820.
Randalstown HPS – J McNeil & Son 813, 812.
Banbridge – McCracken Bros 810, E G Sands & Son 750.
Lisburn & District HPS – I Donaghy 811, 769, A Houston 719.
Newtownards – H & S Muckle 804, 746.
Dromara – N Black & Son 794, 757.
Newtown Kilpedder -A Massey 775.
Loughgall – S Corrigan 771.
Downpatrick Premier – D McNabb 767.
Coleraine Premier – Diamond Bro’s & G McLaughlin 760, 684, S Diamond 671.
Glen HPS – J & D Braniff 746.
Ballymoney HPS – D & H Stuart 742.
Strabane & District – J White 733.
Cookstown Social – G Marshall 725.
Colin HPS – J Gregory & Son’s 703.
Crumlin & District – J Harkness 689.
Hillsborough & Maze – J & D Coburn & Son’s 678, S McAllister 674.
Annaghmore – G Buckley & Son 672.
The winners list for the Friendship National is as follows.
1973 Beauvais – Fleming Bros Crumlin
1974 Beauvais – H Stockman, Ballynahinch
1975 Beauvais – A McDowell & Son, Newtownards
1976 Beauvais – Jennings & Rea, Ballynahinch
1977 Falaise – J W & T Harper, Ballymena & Dist.
1978 Falaise – J Waugh, Newtownards
1979 Falaise – H Beattie, Laurelvale
1980 Beauvais – J Anderson, Cullybackey
1981 Avranches – Houston & McDonald, Lisnagarvey
1982 Sartilly – F Scott & Son, Dromore
1983 Folkstone – A Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda
1984 Thurso – Connor Bros, Dundrum
1985 Thurso – Mrs A Cheevers, Crossgar
1986 Guernsey – T Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda
1987 Penzance – Downey & Dodds, Moira
1988 Sartilly – M Milligan & Son, Laurelvale
1989 Sartilly – Mr & Mrs Magill, Randalstown
1990 Sartilly – M Maben, Edgarstown
1991 Sartilly – Smyth Bros, Ballymena & Dist.
1992 Sartilly – R H Clements, Ballymena & Dist.
1993 Sartilly – W & L McCaw, Ballymoney
1994 Deleted –
1995 St Malo – Livingstone Bros, Ballymena & Dist.
1996 St Malo – Campbell McGeary & Campbell, Armagh
1997 St Malo – W Gibson & Partners, Horseshoe
1998 Dinard – J Carey, Malahide & Dist.
1999 St Malo – J Waring & Son, Lisburn & Dist.
2000 Sartilly – Gallagher Bros, Annsborough
2001 No Race –
2002 Fourgeres – Houston & McDonald, Moira
2003 Fourgeres – A Darragh, Cullybackey
2004 Fourgeres – R Williamson, Bondhill
2005 Picauville – R Williamson, Bondhill
2006 Portland – A Darragh, Cullybackey – Vel 1200
2007 – Portsmouth – M Conlon & Sons, Banbridge – Vel 1134
2008 Quimper – Donnelly Bros, Newry City – Vel 922
2009 Picauville – M Maguire & Son, Millvale – Vel 911
2010 St Malo – N & C Shields, Skerries – Vel 1160
2011 St Malo – J Doheny, Malahide & Dist. – Vel 1052
2012 Quimper – A McAteer & Sons, Ballyholland – Vel 995
2013 Quimper – M Maguire & Son, Newry & Dist. – Vel 1203
2014 Quimper – Mr & Mrs D Suitters, Doagh & Dist. – Vel 600
2015 Quimper – M Maguire & Son, Millvale – Vel 1796
2016 Quimper – Rev T A B Sawyers & Son, Banbridge HPS – Vel 1154
2017 Lamballe – C & H Beattie, Gilford & Dist. – Vel 904
2018 Lamballe – N Black & Son, Dromara – Vel 1046
2019 Lamballe – P Rock & Son, Dublin NE – Vel 869
2020 – No Race (Covid 19)
2021 Lamballe – T McClean, Annaghmore – Vel 1352
2022 Saint Malo – R Straney, Killyleagh Central – Vel 1061
Winning bird for R Straney in 2022 season – Double Nine.
2023 Saint Malo – R G & G Donaldson, Edgarstown – Vel 1682
2024 Penzance – G Douglas, Meadows HPS – Vel 1141
2025 Plougastel – R Straney, Killyleagh Central – Val 1138.
INFC Membership Deadline Date is 28th April 2026 -
In its long 80-year history the all-Ireland based, Irish National Flying Club held its first ever Extraordinary Meeting in the Lisburn leisure Centre on Saturday 38th March. Long serving Secretary Trevor Toppimg retired last year having been an excellent official over the years unfortunately changes mase did not work out and this special meeting was called to deal with outstanding items related to racing in 2026. The proposed race programme was Skibbereen Old Bird Inland Nat Tuesday 26th May, Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 10th June, King Cup Grand Nat Nort-Sur-Endre or St Allouestre Friday 3rd July, Friendship Nat Lamballe or Plougastel Friday 10th July, Sennen Cove YB Grand Nat Wednesday 2nd September, Skibbereen YB Inland Nat Saturday 19th September. This will be confirmed later. The website infcpigeons.co.uk has the lates info including the Membership Forms and entry forms re the Single Bird Challenge available to download. The deadline date is 20th April and the final deadline for the Club Membership and Individual Member Forms is 28th April, no exceptions after this date so be aware of this deadline. A (2 Week extension Rule 21). A lot of the INFC History is available on website www.pigeonnetwork.com
Racing for the NIPA starts on Saturday 18th April. Clubs should appoint a PO to supply race info weekly and a photo when possible. h April. Homer will be covering Sections A, B, E and H while Jordayn Hughes with his column under Journeys End will feature Sections C, D, F and G. Locally Mervyn Eagleson will report on Mid Antrim Combine, he has already set out the Champions League. New members this season will include Brooklyn Hanson in Brough Shane and Sam Scott & Son in Kells & District, all clubs should appoint a PO to send race news weekly and when possible, a photo of winners holding birds at the loft. Weekend deadlines are tight so send info ASAP after each race is complete.
Stop Press - INFC Annual General Meeting is set for Tue 21/4/26 @ 7-00pm in Lisburn leisure centre. Big attendance would be appreciated.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw>
Email:
www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
