Adie Reports on NIPA Ladies Night 2025
The Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation (NIPA) held their annual Ladies Night dinner and prize distribution on Friday 14th November. Returning to the Lurgan Road sited Banville Hotel on the outskirts of Banbridge. I have to say with it being the largest racing organisation. in Northern Ireland, sourcing a venue that is firstly good and central to all members is a task on its own.
Just short of 200 fanciers, friends and family filled the function room to an array of Silver
Cups and trophies on display for the 2025 winners, I personally think no organisation has a cup/trophy cabinet like it and every year it continues to grow. I thought last year was executed with precision, this year, the hotel staff awaiting the order to commence 10 mins before time to start serving, simply superb, and congrats to the Hotel, the
5-course meal was served without delay and going by the plates on my table, no dish washer was required. That level of service continued into the presentation, with the current NIPA
President Cormac O’Hare on Compere duties for the evening assisted by Secretary Fred Russell, Assistant Sec Joey Vage and Diamond Carson, BTW they all don’t seem to age.
Cormac welcomed all in attendance and paid thanks to everyone who helped in the past season, special thanks where also extended to the fanciers who put a youngster up recently online via the Wesley Sawyers website to raise funds for the organisation, special thanks also extended to Gary Donaldson who took the pigeon photos for the framed diplomas.
Introducing the Top Table who included – Secretary Fred Russell and Wife Lee, Fred now 48 years into the Job of Secretary/Financial Secretary, he simply is Mr NIPA, whenever he decides to call it a day, it will be a role very hard to be replicated by the successor.
Main guests for the evening were former NIPA President Malcolm Livingstone, wife Maureen, daughter Karen and son in law Stirling. Completing the honours on the top table list where Diane Frazer, who needs no introductions and attends the dinner annually. The Frazer family from Banbridge have been an inspiration to the Pigeon feed market over the years and have generously donated so much to the NIPA over the years and this generosity has extended right down to supporting clubs all over the country. The current Chairman Pat McLaughlin was next on the table and no better man, anything I have ever required news wise in that end of the country he has it sorted without delay. Jim Ramsey and Josephine filled the next 2 seats, again legends who work non-stop for the organisation. Finishing the Top Table lineup was the current RPRA Irish Region Sec Noel Higginson and Partner Rosie.
On Closing his speech pre dinner Cormac firstly read out a letter received from the Carlow Show Committee, an organisation who have relentlessly gone out to improve the Sport raising so much for Charities along the way and recognising individuals who go that extra mile and beyond to improve the sport off pigeon racing. Clare Kelly from Ballywalter has gained such an award this year and it was Cormac who presented it to Clare before the Dinner, well done Clare.
As I reported at the start of this Dinner Report namely the vast array of Cups and Trophies, 2 more new ones where to be added and Cormac firstly called on David Moore of Bangor to present a new cup in memory of his father the late Reggie Moore this Cup, known as the R Moore Memorial Cup for Section F it was won this year by the successful partnership of McCartan & Woodsides. NIPA Guest and former NIPA President Malcolm Livingstone also presented a new Cup for the Section E winner of the French O/Bird National and this year it was won by Richard Mulligan of Monaghan.
Sponsorship is welcome for any organisation and the NIPA enjoys superb levels off support across the racing calendar, Irelands Largest Bathroom, Stove and Tile Showroom namely Kildress Plumbing Suppliers Ltd came on board this year with generous support for both the Dunmanway National and Dale National, Transport member for the NIPA Dessie Graham did the honours of handing over the Cheques on behalf of the Kildress Plumbing Suppliers. Other season sponsors included BHW for publication of results, Neatties Fermoy 5 Bird Championship Old Bird, and Frazer Foods for YB 5 Bird Championship.
Tom Wilson of Gilford & Dost was added to the list OF Gold Nedal winners.
NIPA Gold Medal winners over the years. 2000 – Murphy & Martin of Cookstown with “Billy’s Pride”. 2001 – A Darragh Cullybackey with “Golden Dreams” and Speirs & Campbell from Cookstown with “Tommy Girl”. 2007 – A Darragh Cullybackey. 2008 – B & M Gilmore Ballyclare & District with “Easton Gold”. 2010 – S Corrigan Loughgall with “Blue Boy”. 2011 – Elliott Bros Carrick & District and B McNeide & Sons Lurgan Social with “Miss Consistance”. 2012 – C & L Fryers Dromara and W G Neill Annaghmore. 2023 – G & C Topley Laurelvale with “Honeysuckle”. 2024 – A C & T Tweed Rasharkin & District with “Tommy’s Dream”, 2025 – Tom Wilson Gilford & District. Adie PO.
Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation of Racing Pigeon Societies
Old Bird Trophy Winners 2025
Mulgrew Family Cup – Kilbeggan J & E Calvin Annaghmore Vel 1422
G. F. Whiteside Cup – 1st Roscrea B & D Coyle Coleraine Premier Vel 1865
Gilmour & Beattie Cup –2nd Roscrea Matthew Russell Dromara Vel 1404
S. Calvert Cup - - 1st Fermoy S & J Bones Muckamore Vel 1878
McIlwaine Cup – Grenagh Owen Markey Ballyholland Vel 1432
R Harkness Cup – 2nd Cloughmartin Owen Markey Ballyholland Vel 1678
Simpson Cup – 1st Dale – B & D Coyle Coleraine Premier Vel 1546
Ledlie Cup ¬ 2nd Dale David Calvin Bondhill Social Vel 1418
Granco Cup ¬ Corrin Owen Markey Ballyholland Vel 1740
Vint Cup – Bude - R Calvin & Dtr Burgess & Brennan Bangor Vel 1442
McCrory Cup - Penzance - S & N Maginty Muckamore Vel 1662
McCabe Cup¬ 3rd Cloughmartin - D McElhone & Dtr Eastway Vel 1758
Young Bird Trophy Winners 2025
Frazers Animal Feeds Cup – 1st Kilbeggan P Duffy Armagh Vel 1589
Frazers Animal Feeds Cup—2nd Kilbeggan Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey Vel 1688
H A Montgomery Cup – 1st Roscrea- G McBride & Son Drumnavaddy Vel 1697
B Hunter Cup _ Cloughmartin – Rafferty & Toman Gilford Vel 1548
W. V. Troughton Cup –1st Fermoy ¬ D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1347 S. Inglis Cup – Corrin – A McCrudden Derry & Dist. Vel 1735
J. P. O’Hagan (Tyres) Cup – Benamore¬ A & T Agnew Ballyclare Vel 1810
S. Montgomery – Grenagh¬ Mr & Mrs Stevenson Dromara Vel 1846
Average Trophy winners 2025
McCluggage Cup – Best average in all channel races including Nationals –
J Eagleson & sons Ballymena Vel 1320
Scania Cup – Best average Old Bird National & Classic races –
J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena Vel 1238
Major Lewis Cup – Best average in all races England and Wales –
D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1435
Surgenor Cup – Best average 2nd Talbenny, Bude and Penzance –
D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1423
Harper Cup – Best average Old Bird and Young Bird channel Nationals –
J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena Vel 1213
Devine Memorial Trophy – Best two bird average Old Bird National-
G & C Topley Laurelvale Vel 1137
K Wilkinson Cup Best Average Penzance Classic& Skibbereen OB Nat section B & C
S & N Maginty Muckamore Vel 1635
Dickson Cup – Best average Bude and Fermoy Young Bird
D McElhone & Dtr Eastway Vel 1496
Erwin Trophy – Best average all National and Classic races –
D McElhone & Dtr Eastway Vel 1422
B. Fox Cup – Highest position obtained by any N.I.P.A. official, committee member or club delegate in Old Bird National race - D Aiken Dromara Vel 1132
W. E. Diamond Cup – Best average Dale & Dunmanway Young Bird Nationals –
A & N Lewis Doagh Vel 1716
Agar Cup – First yearling in Old Bird Classic race –
C O’Hare & Daughter Ballyholland Vel 1528
Waring Trophy – Best average in all National races –
D McElhone & Dtr Eastway Vel 1429
New North Trophy – Best average Penzance Old Bird and Dale Young Bird National-
D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1486
Halliday Cup- Best Average O B Inland Nat & OB & YB Channel Nat –
D McElhone & Dtr Eastway Vel 1304
O’Roory Hill Stud Trophy – Best average O B & Y B Roscarberry Nationals ¬
C O`Hare & Dtr Ballyholland Vel 1709
R Moore Memorial Cup ( Section F ) - McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar Vel 1610
Section Trophy Winners 2025
Section “A” H. Devine Cup – Plougastel K Shannon Armagh Vel 1150
Section “B” Leslie Mairs Memorial Cup – J Eagleson & Son Ballymena Vel 1149
Section “C” J Campbell Memorial Cup- Plougastel A Thompson Ballyclare Vel 1217
Section “D” H. McVeigh Cup – Plougastel D Aiken Dromara Vel 1132
Section “E” M Livingstone Cup Plougastel R Mulligan Monaghan Vel 1164
Section “F” A. Brown & Family Cup – Plougastel Ollie Hawthorne Millisle Vel 1173
Section “G” Norman Girvan Memorial Cup – Plougastel P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland Vel 1130
Section “H” Kieran Reid Memorial Cup - Plougastel D Booth Mourne Vel 1134
Section “E” E. & J. McCambley Cup -1st Dale D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1516
Section “E” E. & J. McCambley Cup –2nd Dale– D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1418
Section “E” E. & J. McCambley Cup –Bude – H Walsh & Son Dromore Vel 1356
Section “E” E. & J. McCambley Cup -- Penzance – D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1540
John Bingo Orme Memorial Trophy 1st Section F Old Bird Inland National
D Grieves Killyleagh Central Vel 1582
N.I.P.A. Old Bird Inland Section Fanciers of the Year 2025
Section A¬ P McElhatton Coalisland Vel 1510
Section B – S & N Maginty Muckamore Vel 1542
Section C – J & D Braniff Glen Vel 1573
Section D – P & J Boal Dromore Vel 1583
Section E – J & E Calvin Annaghmore Vel 1631
Section F – R Moore & Son Bangor Vel 1538
Section G –J F McCabe & Son Newry & Dist. Vel 1585
Section H –D Booth Mourne Vel 1448
N.I.P.A. Old Bird Channel Section Fanciers of the Year 2025
Section A¬ S Diamond Coleraine Prem Vel 1245
Section B ¬ J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena Vel 1313
Section C – McMurray & Anderson Liginiel Vel 1306
Section D -D Aiken Dromara Vel 1260
Section E ¬ Mullan Bros Edgarstown Vel 1290
Section F ¬ Burgess & Brennan Bangor Vel 1209
Section G ¬ S Ogle Drumnavaddy Vel 1215
Section H ¬ D Booth Mourne Vel 1184
N.I.P.A. Young Bird Section Fanciers of the Year 2025
Section A – J Hanson Coleraine Premier Vel 1506
Section B – D Dixon Ballymoney Vel 1565
Section C – D McElhone & Dtr Eastway Vel 1654
Section D – O & M Monaghan Colin Vel 1606
Section E _ D Calvin Bondhill Vel 1601
Section F – Lambert & Stewart Bangor Vel 1522
Section G – J F McCabe & Son Newry & Dist. 1600
Section H – No Claim
NIPA Section Champion Old Bird 2025
Section A ¬¬ P McElhatton Coalisland Cheq Cock GB24C 13668
Section B ¬ J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena Red Cock GB23B 18206
Section C ¬D & J Campbell Eastway Blue Hen GB23C 60050
Section D ¬ O & M Monaghan Colin Grizzle Hen GB24C 07400
Section E ¬ D Calvin Bondhill Mealy Cock GB23B 12817
Section F ¬ Burgess & Brennan Bangor Blue Hen IHU23N 10515
Section G¬ O Markey Ballyholland Blue Cheq Hen GB24A 66768
Section H ¬ T Booth Mourne Blue W/F Cock GB24A 45802
NIPA Champion Old Bird Overall 2025 (J Moreland Memorial Trophy)
D & J Campbell Eastway - Blue Hen GB23C-60050
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
NIPA Section Champion Young Bird 2025
Section A ¬ L Smyth Meadows Blue Pied Hen GB25V 51245
Section B ¬ Sefton Thompson Crumlin Blue Cheq Hen GB25A 46549
Section C ¬G McKenna Eastway Blue Hen GB25C 17170
Section D¬ O & M Monaghan Colin Cheq Hen GB25C 31439
Section E¬ D Mawhinney Beechpark Blue Cheq Hen GB25S 31078
Section F - Lambert & Stewart Bangor Red Cock GB25B 62329
Section G ¬ S Ogle Drumnavaddy Cheq W/F Cock GB25D 01510
Section H¬ P Hegarty Derry & Dist. Blue Cock GB25D 33225
NIPA Section Champion Young Bird Overall 2025 (The Irish Region Trophy)
S Ogle Drumnavaddy Cheq W/f Cock GB25D-01510
N.I.P.A Young Fancier of the Year 2025
B Fletcher & Son Cup– Mullen Bros Edgarstown
Runner Up – NIPA Trophy - O Hawthorne Millisle
N.I.P.A. President’s cup – Presented at Ladies Night.
National and Classic Winners 2025
B. Fletcher & Son Cup – Dunmanway Old Bird Inland National – Steven Delaney Harmony Vel 1622
Stena Trophy – Corrin Five Bird O.B. Championship – O Markey Ballyholland Vel 1736
J. H. O’Neill Cup – Penzance Classic – S & N Maginty Muckamore Vel 1662
News of the World -- McComb Cup -- Pigeon Portal.Com Cup –L Boyle Trophy Plougastel Old Bird National ……. A Thompson Ballyclare Vel 1217
D. McNeilly Cup – Runner-up Plougastel Old Bird National – D & S Suitters & Son Doagh Vel 1202
McKeown Cup – S Thompson Trophy ¬ Dale A & N Lewis Doagh Vel 1537
H. McVeigh Cup – R Reid Trophy¬ Dunmanway Young Bird National¬ Gordon Bros & Son Killyleagh Central Vel 2042
Northern Bank Cup – Yearling National – O Markey Ballyholland Vel 1592
Northern Bank Cup – Yearling National B O S – J & D Braniff Glen Vel 1570
Volvo – Corrin 5 Bird YB – P McLaughlin Maiden City Vel 1727
Irish Region Awards 2025 Dale & Penzance –
Section A -Danny Carolan Coalisland & District Vel 1368, Section B – S & N Maginty Muckamore Vel 1448, Section C – J & D Braniff Glen Vel 1411, Section D – Gerard Monaghan Colin Vel 1446, Section E - David Calvin Bondhill Social Vel 1489, Section F – Burgess & Brennan Bangor RPC Vel 1368, Section G – Cormac O’Hare Ballyholland Vel 1478, Section H – David Booth Mourne & District Vel 1264, South Section – Byrne & Bradley Saint Pauls RPC Vel 1293.
Overall winner for 2025 David Calvin of Bondhill Social Vel 1489.420.
Old Birds: 0-250 Miles Owen Markey Ballyholland, 251-450 Miles Rob Straney Killyleagh and Arnold Thompson Ballyclare. Over 450 Miles John Murtagh Ballyholland. Best OB Performance D & J Campbell Eastwy also wins the new Jimmy Burrows Memorial Trophy. Best YB Performance Sam Ogle Drumnavaddy.
Young Fancier awards 2025: 0-250 Miles Mullen Bros Edgarstown, 251-450 Miles Mullen Bros Edgarstown. Young Fancier of the Year Millen Bros Edgarstown, Runner-up Ollie Hawthorne Millisle.
|
Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare & District won |
Winner of 1st Open NIPA OB Nat |
The YB National Dale YB Nat winner |
|
Best 2 Bird Average and Devine Trophy in the |
Tom Wilson from Gilford & District won the |
Paul O/Connor from Coleraine won the |
|
Gary Marsden from Hills & Maze, |
Silver Diploma for Cormac O’Hare of Ballyholland. |
Moor Hill Lad Silver Diploma winner |
|
Silver Diploma win for Davy Coulter |
Bronze Diploma for S & N Doherty |
Group of Bronze Diploma winners at Ladies Might. |
|
B & D Coyle of the Coleraine Premier |
The Bones and Yates team from Muckamore |
Trevor’s Pride winner of 1st Open NIPA |
|
Super season for Davy Calvin of Bondhill. |
S & N Maginty of Muckamore won |
Best ever season for Davy and |
|
Top season for J Eagleson & Sons |
Murray Mimt 1st Open NIPA Fermoy |
Jimmy Hanson top prize-winner in the |
|
NIPA Young Fancier of the Year 2025 |
The Moore Family from Bangor present the |
Former President Malcolm Livingstone from Portadown |
|
NIPA Chairman Pat McLaughlin from |
Coleraine Premier lads plus |
NIPA old bird channel fancier (sec D) |
Adie McCormick
Mobile: 07921883997
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw>
Email:
www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
