NIPA & AROUND
BY ADIE
GOLD FOR RAFFERTY & TOMAN
Two very happy men Jimmy Raffery and Barry Toman after it was confirmed that All In One had won the Glenavy Gold Ring Race including £1377 the loft had finished previously runner-up in 2007 and 4th in 2006.
As the Olympic Games come to an end as I sit to type my weekly report it has been a wonderful 16 days of sport and what a show the Chinese put on. Doesn't surprise me as having worked for the Chinese for the last 14 years I know what they pride themselves on and what their expectations are in life. I pride myself in knowing that I work to a level that has seen me work for some of the biggest Chinese restaurateurs in Ireland. You work an 80 - 90 hour week like them, but sure as they say in this country when your marching your not fighting. Excellent return of medals for Team GB and with four years of preparation things look very good for 2012.
Having retuned on Monday from my Annual holidays, I as you would imagine had a lot to catch up on and a lot taking place during the course of the week. One of the most important days was Wednesday for the weather unusually over the last couple of weeks facilitated a couple of very important races namely the Annual Glenavy Gold Ring Race and the Fancier's Combine Open Race. Firstly the Glenavy Club now for a number of years have organised and run with clinical perfection assisted with unwavering support and sponsorship from Henry Beattie & Son Feeds a young bird Gold Ring race that always gathers huge interest all over the country. This year was no different with many rings purchased for what is now regarded as one of the events in the Young bird racing calendar that so many fanciers look forward to. These pigeons were liberated on Wednesday as mentioned from Mallow at 12.35pm in a Lt South Westerly wind that changed around to North West on route.
During the course of Sunday I kept in contact with Gordon Parker and Harry McKeown who worked many hours assisted for most of the time with John Withers from the Glenavy Club in putting together a provisional result which is as follows there are 23 positions with an extra 5 to facilitate the remainder of the pools in total there was £4,400 of prize money and added to that £2,405.50 of pool money the total pay-out was £6,805.50: - 1st Rafferty & Toman Gilford Vel 1481 £1,377; 2nd G & A Campbell Armagh Vel 1472 £1,032; 3rd Donnelly Bros Newry Vel 1458.93 £999, 4th Donnelly Bros Vel 1458.24 £469; 5th J & D Braniff Wheatfield Vel 1458.09 £305; 6th Donnelly Bros Vel 1456 £256; 7th Eddie Murray Donacloney Vel 1443 £140; 8th Eddie Murray Vel 1442 £140; 9th Donnelly Bros Vel 1441 £252; 10th D & G Ferguson Wheatfield Vel 1440 £224; 11th T & K Mawhinney Donacloney Vel 1439 £131; 12th J Surplus Vel 1428 £100; 13th T & K Mawhinney Vel 1428 £109; 14th G Parker & Son Glenavy & District Vel 1422 £128; 15th J Surplus Vel 1416 £100; 16th M Brown Dollingstown Vel 1413 £129; 17th Eddie Murray Vel 1413 £50; 18th R & G & G Donaldson Portadown Inv Vel 1411 £50; 19th C McArdle & Son Banbridge Vel 1411 £108; 20th G & S McMullen Donacloney Vel 1407 £90; 21st J Surplus Vel 1405 £40; 22nd C McArdle & Son Vel 1398 £73; 23rd G & S McMullen Vel 1397 £209. R Bothwell Vel 1394 £19; D Calvin Vel 1379 £164; D Calvin Vel 1378 £11; D Calvin Vel 1378 £11; R Alexander & Son Harryville Vel 1374 £88.
With the provisional result confirmed it was time with the assistance of Geoff Douglas of Lurgan to make arrangements to visit the lofts of Rafferty & Toman. I reached my destination on the Ballynagarrick Road area of Portadown along with Geoff to be greeted by Jimmy Rafferty and Billy Toman who form this very successful partnership who in turn fly with the Gilford & District HPS. To be honest I have never enjoyed a days craic like it and Joe Brown wasn't even there. Jimmy and Billy timed their Black Hen now named All In One at 4.13pm flying 184 miles. The hen was set up specially for this event and these boys should know what their doing for they finished runner-up in this race last year to Donnelly Bros and also finished 4th Open in 2006. The hen is small of herself but has a very large wing span, she is only two thirds up her second flight and the smooth flesh either side of the keel bone is a rich pink colour. So much was the order she was in I would say another test could very well be ahead for her before the season is finished. She was dispatched for the race sitting on a 7 day old youngster and had another 2 chipping eggs placed under her before departure and on top of all this her cock was removed, they boys were telling me it was like trying to lift something that was super glued trying to get her of the nest, motivation at a different level.
The Rafferty & Toman partnership are no strangers to success and over the last number of years have put up some incredible performances, never men to seek the lime light, it wasn't without a lot of persuasion to finally meet them and bring you this small report. Life long friends Jimmy is a Farrier by trade and spends many a day shoeing horses, he openly admits to having a days work done any day before noon, which gives him ample time to take the birds up the road as often as possible. Barry on the other hand works night shift, which sees his role more to do with the early mornings. Something that Geoff was telling me on the way home was that the partners purely believe in Natural remedies and performance enhancements. Such things as Yoghurt, Tea, Boiled Cabbage Juice, Garlic and Butter Milk to name but a few. Jimmy has always been a member of the Gilford Club, but racing partner Barry previously raced with his late father Tommy have enjoyable spells of success both with the New City and Lurgan Social Clubs, during that time they racked up 2 x 1st Opens and finished runner-up no less than 5 times. Jimmy brings his own wealth of winning to the partnership he has in fact won 5 x 1st Open's so between them 7 x 1st Open wins and if you care to add this race you can now make that 8.
Now for the breeding of this Champion All In One. Dam is a 2 Year old Black Hen she is bred from a combination of bloodlines including S S Cairns and Barry's old Busschaert bloodlines coming from his father's time in the sport. Now this late bred was bred for stock to keep the old line with the nest mate gifted to the INFC Charity Committee for the Annual sale at the Belfast Show, it was bought by Billy Harper and it has since produced a Section winner for Billy last year from the Talbenny Y/B National. On the Sires you again have a 2 year old a Blue cock he is off Wal Zoontjen breeding sourced from good friend Geoff Douglas. Now this is the first time both pigeons have been bred of and both partners are now likely to keep them together. Now the Blue Cock is a direct son of Geoff's “Golden Pair� so much has been wrote about this pair of pigeons over the years, this magical pair have now produced 39 x 1st prize winners spanning three generations. They were and continue to be sourced from Geoff's good friend Peter Fox of Syndicate Lofts. Peter actually has a Stud Catalogue due out very soon and this pair of Geoff's is very well documented inside. I am honoured that Peter has decided to attended the pigeonnetwork.com quiz night this year and no doubt will give a great representation of his capabilities of just not selecting Champion pigeons but breeding winner after winner, as a scribe I have personally given up counting the Open winners that the Syndicate loft pigeons have been involved with in this country, so keep following the column as tickets will be in short supply.
I would like to congratulate Jimmy and Barry on an excellent result and thank them for their hospitality during my visit, if they win big this year again I have been promised a BBQ. I must also congratulate them on a wonderful garden and loft, not surprising to know was that their loft and garden appeared on one of the pages of the BHW Calendar in 2007. In 2006 Sid Collins also snapped three very good arrivals for the partnership from the INFC Yearling National and displayed them on a montage with the excellent garden and loft in the background, perhaps I will see if Sid can once again put his hand on that picture. Many thanks to Geoff also for all his help.
COMBINE SUCCESS FOR MARK
The Fanciers Combine just seems to be going from strength to strength, when you look over the latest results you can see a varied amount of fanciers participating from all organisations and this can only bode well for the long term future of this fine well run organisation. Sponsorship has been pouring in from many of the greats in the sport and of course many commercial business's, in its first year of operating with the help of the fancy they managed to purchase their own trailer which caters for more pigeons than what's required currently, the management committee also had this trailer fitted out with a state of the art watering system for every crate. So based upon this history and knowing the steering Committee involved and of course you look at the calibre of fanciers competing things are looking bright for The Fanciers Combine. On Wednesday also they held their Y/B Open race from Thurles which turned out a resounding success especially for the Dundonald based Mark Foulis who secured a one two in the Open result. The provisional result is as follows :- 1st Mark Foulis Vel 1519 £300; 2nd Mark Foulis Vel 1515 £200 + £150 Nom; 3rd Mr & Mrs Delaney Vel 1497 £100; 4th Mr & Mrs Delaney Vel 1497 £75; 5th Mr & Mrs Delaney Vel 1496 £75; 6th Shaw Bros Vel 1494 £75; 7th M & A Johnston Vel 1485 £50; 8th Hagan & Rowney Vel 1483 £40; 9th L Magee & Son Vel 1482 £40; 10th Mark Brown Vel 1482 £40; 11th R Russell Vel 1480 £20; 12th J Brown Vel 1475 £20; 13th M & A Johnston Vel 1474 £20; 14th J Brown Vel 1474 £20; 15th R Russell Vel 1472 £20. Excluding trainers their were 1,213 birds competing in the race for £1,095 in prize money. Harmoney Loft owned by John & Viv Abernethy kindly donated Y/B's to the first four fanciers to time they included Mark Foulis, Mr & Mrs Delaney, Shaw Bros and M & A Johnston. Also before the season started the Harmony Lofts Stud sold a record number of youngsters, every one sold has the chance to compete each week for a cash prize just john and Viv bringing a little bit of their own competition into the sport, but greatly appreciated by all the winners, this weeks winners are T McIntyre £50, R & G & G Donaldson £30 and T McKinstry once again £20. Congratulations to all the winners. The Committee of the Fanciers Combine would like to thank all the fanciers who supported the Open Race and in particular the sponsors who included McCausland Feeds and Harmony Lofts.
FEDERATION DOUBLE FOR MAGUIRE
What a race for the Ulster Federation from Fermoy in County Cork, four birds on the same yard and just four yards separating the Top 10 - what you would call a Blanket Finish! All this without the high profile ETS, it could not have been tighter. James Maguire and Jackie McErlean shared the top four positions with the Grosvenor man getting a nose in front. James Maguire a long time member of the Grosvenor HPS completes a fantastic weekend double by also taking 1st Open in the duplicate 5 Bird Championship.
Ulster Federation Prov Top 10 Fermoy J Maguire Grosvenor 1322, J McErlean Alexandra 1322, J Maguire 1322, J McErlean 1322, P & K McCarthy Grosvenor 1321, J McErlean 1320, J Maguire 1320, Keery & Falloon South Belfast 1320, P Farrelly & Son Grosvenor 1320, J Braniff Fortfield 1318. The Ulster Federation Club Results Fermoy Grosvenor HPS 32/632 - J Maguire 1322, J Maguire 1322, P & K McCarthy 1321, J Maguire 1320, P Farrelly & Son 1320, J Ward & Son 1305, J McAlourm 1305, O Farrelly 1304, W Carson 1303, Shaw Bros 1298. Jamesy takes three of the top four finishing 1st, 2nd & 4th and if that wasn't enough he also tops the Five Bird Championship. P & K take 3rd spot with P Farrelly & Son taking 5th spot with last weeks winner J Ward and Son rallying into 6th place, 7th sees Chick lifting another card with O Farrelly finishing 8th, the wee man is still taking prizes in 9th and Shaw Bros finish in 10th spot. Alexandra HPS 11/213 - J McErlean 1322, J McErlean 1322, J McErlean 1320, Fegan & McAdorey 1303, Fegan & McAdorey 1305, Hamilton & Davidson 1305, M Murphy 1297, J McErlean 1288. What a way to clock up your 1st success of the season Jackie certainly had them coming well taking the first three in the strong Alexandra Club and they will certainly figure well in the over-all Federation result. South Belfast HPS 9/142 - Keery & Falloon 1320, Redfern & Nixon 1275, Redfern & Nixon 1255, R Fear 1250, R Fear 1235. Ken & George lift their 2nd Red Card on the trot in the South Belfast club and have the birds hitting a golden spell of form at the minute their Club winner will feature well in the over-all Federation result and I also hear they are 2nd in the 5 Bird Championship. Fortfield HPS 13/202 - J Braniff 1318, C Carson 1305, P Phillips 1303, P Morgan & Son 1291, R McCullough 1271, P Phillips 1266, P Phillips 1251, P Phillips 1244, K Doherty 1236, J Braniff 1234. Jim Braniff clocks up his 5th Red Card of the 2008 racing seasons. Britannia HPS - H Clinton & Partners 1318, M Kelly & Son 1315, McGann Bros 1299, H Clinton & Partners 1262, H Clinton & Partners 1260, A McDonnell 1253. Harry and the team pick up their 5th Red card with success from Fermoy. Lagan Valley RPC 14/209 - B & H Spence 1316, A & R Milliken 1298, Spence Bros 1291, Spence Bros 1289, A Benson 1288, Spence Bros 1287, H Jennings & Sons 1284, J & D Coburn & Sons 1284, G Smyth 1282, Spence Bros 1280. Harold Spence tops the club this week very impressively from Fermoy this the lofts first success of 2008 in a very competitive Club. The B & H Spence team become the 10th Loft to top the Lagan Valley Club this year, never before can I remember the wining so well spread out. Sydenham HPS - R & S Scates 1313, J & J Scates 1262, J & J Scates 1253, R & S Scates 1248, R & S Scates 1248, R & S Scates 1219, J & J Scates 1218, J & J Scates 1189, J Carson 1169, R & S Scates 1138. Nearly a clean sheet for the Scates boys with the R & S Team coming out on tops this week with one well out on its own. Wheatfield HPS - J & D Braniff 1307, J & D Braniff 1306, J & D Braniff 1283, R Braniff 1275, J & D Braniff 1264, J & D Braniff 1256, J & D Braniff 1251, R Braniff 1249. The consistent Joe & David Braniff make it 9 wins in 2008 following success this week from Fermoy. Andersonstown RPC 9/200 - Bap Carson 1304, J Kennedy & Son 1302, Johnston Bros 1301, Johnston Bros 1276, R & M McManus 1272, Johnston Bros 1262. Shankill & District HPS 13/215 - D Balloch 1301, J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1272, J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1271, J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1254, Brown & Anderson 1254, J Wallace & Son 1244, A Taylor & Son 1243, J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1243, J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1241, D Balloch 1240. Not for the first time in Y/Birds Davy Balloch is top of the result sheet, just no stopping this loft that is without doubt the one to beat in and around the Shankill area at the moment. The Gibson and Tosh partnership are their with 5 in the result including taking 2nd, 3rd and 4th with them Jimbo O'Boyle and this weeks winner Davy all with four 1st Club's this year very competitive indeed. East End HS - D Jackson & Son 1271, F Mudd & Sons 1257, F Mudd & Sons 1249, A McFarland & Son 1248, F Mudd & Sons 1227, A McFarland & Son 1223, F Mudd & Sons 1191, D Jackson & Son 1189, F Mudd & Sons 1189, A McFarland & Son 1187. East End Two Bird - 1st F Mudd & Sons who win the pools & nom followed by W Willis. Well done to the Jackson outfit on a good result in a stiff enough race. East End HPS 173 Birds - J Rainey & Son 1251, A Gillespie & Sons 1217, A Gillespie & Sons 1152, W Mosgrove & Sons 1151, W Mosgrove & Sons 1087, J Rainey & Son 1075, John Scott 1060, J Rainey & Son 1044, W Mosgrove & Son 1044, A Gillespie & sons 1038. Well done to Jim the Club Secretary on a very good club winner well in front of the field this collecting Jim's 10th Club win of 2008. Glen Inv - J & F O'Neill, J & F O'Neill. Ulster Federation Fermoy 5 Bird Championship J Maguire Grosvenor 1320 ABCDE, Keery & Falloon South Belfast 1320 ABCDE, M Kelly & Sons Wheatfield 1315 ABCDE, R Freeburn West Belfast 1310 ABC, C Carson Fortfield 1305 ABCDE, Fegan & McAdorey Alexandra 1305 ABCDE & Nom, J Kennedy & Son Andersonstown 1302 ABCD, D Balloch Shankill & Dist 1301 ABCDE, McGann Bros Britannia 1299 ABCDE, M Johnston & Son West Belfast 1296, Spence Bros Lagan Valley 1291 ABCDE, P Morgan & Son Fortfield 1291 ABCD, Spence Bros 1289 ABCDE, J McErlean Alexandra 1288 DE, J McErlean 1287 E, J & D Coburn Lagan Valley 1284 E, Shaw Bros Grosvenor 1272, Hamilton & Davidson Alexandra 1272, R & A Gore Lagan Valley 1272, J Gibson Son & Tosh Shankill & Dist 1272, R McCullough 1271, M Johnston 1271, D Jackson 1271, A & A Ferran 1269, J McAlorum 1265, J & D Braniff 1264, O Farrelly 1263, J & J Scates 1262, P Farrelly 1262, A & A Ferran 1259.
East Coast Federation Tramore Ballybrack RPC 12/445 - G & P O'Dowd 1278, D Turner & DTR 1274, D Turner & DTR 1263, Wayne Ellis 1261, G O'Keeffe & Son 1259, G O'Keeffe & Son 1255, Robbie Fox 1255, G O'Keeffe & Son 1254, Wayne Ellis 1252, B Matthews 1248. The G & P O'Dowd team are the winner this week once again from Tramore this now brings the partnership on par with Club mates Wayne Ellis and Robbie Fox who have four 1st Club's in 2008. Sallynoggin HPS 17/339 - E Barnes & Sons 1274, E Barnes & Sons 1273, S Cunningham & Sons 1254, M Matthews & Sons 1251, S Cunningham & Sons 1247, M Matthews & Sons 1246, S Cunningham & Sons 1244, B Cavanaugh & Grandson 1239, S Cunningham & Sons 1237, B & M Cunningham. The Barnes loft is having a super 2008 and is leading the field in the Sallynoggin Club this week again with two very good arrivals this is now the lofts 5th Red Card of 2008. Irish South Road Federation Thurles (2) Ballymun PFC - T Nelson 1532, Harry McCann, A Meehan, D Fagan, B Hoey, G Doherty, P Kelly & Son, Murphy & Johnston, B Hoey, Mr & Mrs Emerson & Sons. Well done to Tom Nelson who records his 9th win of 2008 ahead of Harry who is pushing hard for yet another one himself. Nice to see Alan nipping into third having visited him early in the year. Greenhills & District RPC 21/558 - P Carr 1514, McGovern Bros 1507, McGovern Bros 1503, McGovern Bros 1502, B Brady 1502, B Brady 1500, A Nulty 1494, A nulty 1493, B Brady 1492, A Nulty 1492. Many thanks Blinda for the result which sees the Carr loft topping the Club this week for their second win ahead of McGovern Bros who were chasing their third of 2008. Tallaght & District 22/573 - P Plummer 1498, P Plummer 1495, Alan Best & Son 1490, Alan Best & Son 1485, Alan Best & Son 1479, M Roche & Son 1447. Alan Hughes as always keeps the news coming for the Tallaght men, true dedication like so many of our fellow friends around the country who supply results each week for their respective Clubs. Took something special to get in front of Alan to be fair thought it wouldn't happen but the Plummer loft have come up with the goods after finishing 3rd and 4th last week behind Alan in Rosscarbery, should make great competition for next week. Dublin North County - Breda Deegan 1482, Alan Maguire & Sons 1465, Breda Deegan 1453, Breda Deegan 1436. Many thanks Alan for the result and an excellent result by Breda with 3 in the first four. Bray Inv RPC 16/371 - J Tyndall & Son 1323, H Egan & Son 1315, W Cox & Son 1309, Cowap & Buckley 1282, H Egan & Son 1260, W Cox & Son 1253, J Tyndall & Son J Tyndall & Son 1251, P & D O'Toole 1230, W Cox & Son 1221. Well done to Jerry who tops the club this week for the first time in 2008 always nice to get your first one behind you, he certainly has them going well with a further two in the result, Hugh finishes in runner-up spot also coming close to topping the Club for the first this year. Inspiration surely for all the boys who try every week. Irish South Road Fed Rosscarbery 275/5,124 C Keogh Dublin Homing 1401, J Killeen Sarsfield 1401, L Donnelly & Son Finglas 1400, J Kelly Ballymun 1398, O'Callaghan & Farrell Cabra 1398, P Byrne & Family Sarsfield 1398, O'Callaghan & Farrell Cabra 1398,Brown & Smith Finglas SW 1395, O'Callaghan & Farrell 1395, J Kelly 1395, Tynan Bros Rialto & Dist 1395, P Owens & Son Cabra 1395, J O'Dea Rialto & Dist 1392, A Best & Son Tallaght & Dist 1391, D Larkin Finglas 1391, J Kelly 1391, A Nulty Greenhills & Dist 1391, Kavanagh & Farrell Ballymun 1391, C K Emmett & Sons Finglas 1391, P Craven Sarsfield 1390, D Larkin Finglas 1390, Deaton & Byrne Celtic Inv 1390, B O'Mara & Granddaughter Coolock & Dist 1389, Byrne & McCabe Dublin Homing 1389, A Dent & Son Kildonagh 1388, B O'Mara & Granddaughter 1388, J Killeen Sarsfield 1388, A Dent & Son 1388, Daniel Bros Donnycarney 1388, L Donnelly & Son 1387, J Kelly 1387, N & N Smith Greenhills & Dist 1385, J Killeen 1385, McGovern Bros Greenhills & Dist 1384, T Kavanagh Clondalkin 1383, D Kelly Cabra 1383, J & D Heenan & Sons Tallaght Prem 1383, D Kelly 1383, C K Emmett & Sons 1383, A Best & Son 1383, J McLoughlin Blanchardstown 1383, D Cummings Son & Dann Finglas 1383, A Nulty 1383, M/M M Gilligan Finglas 1382, O D Moone Dublin NE 1382, B & S Davis Bray Inv 1382, G Doherty Ballymun 1382, A Nulty 1382, A Nulty 1382, Byrne & McCabe 1382, Andrews & Father Dublin Prem 1382, McGovern Bros Greenhills & Dist 1382, O'Callaghan & Farrell 1382, D Cummings Son & Dann 1381, S Kennedy & Daughter Rialto & Dist 1381, M/M D Dunne & grandson Greenhills & Dist 1381, M/M J Roberts Greenhills & Dist 1381, Cowap & Buckley Bray Inv 1380, M/M M Gilligan Finglas 1380, A Best & Son Tallaght & Dist 1380, A Best & Son 1380, G Doherty Ballymun 1380, P Byrne & Family Sarsfield 1380, A Best & Son 1380, J Delaney East Wall & Dist 1380, R Owens Finglas 1380, M Byrne Duffy & Sons Shelbourne 1379, M/M M Gilligan 1379, F McEnroe Sarsfield 1379, B Hoey Ballymun 1379, J McLoughlin Finglas 1379, S Connolly Donnycarney 1379, M/M Emerson & Sons Ballymun 1379, J O'Dea Rialto & Dist 1378, D Church & Daughters Clondalkin 1378, L & B Fitzpatrick Finglas SW 1378, B Russell Clondalkin 1378, M/M J Hayden Dublin NE 1377, J Cullen Greenhills & Dist 1377, P Craven Sarsfield 1377, M/M P Byrne 1376, M/M Emerson & sons 1376, D Larkin Finglas 1376, A Best & Son 1376, D Larkin Finglas 1376, M/M P Byrne 1376, S Kennedy & Daughter Rialto & Dist 1376, Ingle Bros & Son Shelbourne 1376, A Knowles & Son Coolock & Dist 1375, B Coyle Kildonagh 1375, M/M D Dunne & Grandson Greenhills & Dist 1375, T O'Brien Cabra 1375, W McCarthy Cabra 1374, M Byrne Duffy & Sons Shelbourne 1374, J Carey Celtic Inv 1374, A Maguire & Sons Dublin North County 1374, T Daniel Sarsfield 1374, B O'Mara & Granddaughter 1374, J Aylmer Cabra 1374, J Gibson Rialto & Dist 1373. East Down Combine Club Results Clonmel Ballylesson HPS 10/189 - A Cousins & Sons 1879, J Patterson 1877, J Patterson 1868, W White & Son 1863, J Patterson 1860, J Patterson 1848, Mackey & Lockhart 1823, K & B McConaghie 1820, W White & Son 1814, A Cousins & Sons 1808. The Cousins loft notches up yet another win with the Ballylesson Club making it now the 5th in 2008 excellent flying in front of the formidable John Patterson. Dundonald HPS - M Foulis 1867, J young & Partners 1866, B & E Foulis & Gill 1865, J Young & Partners 1865, S Brown & Sons 1861, J Young & Partners 1860, B & E Foulis & Gill 1860, B & E Foulis & Gill 1858, J Young & Partners 1857, J Young & Partners 1856. What a week for Mark Foulis he tops the Club this week making it his 6th success of 2008 then after finishing 1st and 2nd Open in the Fanciers Combine Open race on Wednesday from Thurles collecting in total £650. Drumaness Mills HPS - J Kirk & Son 1859, J Kirk & Son 1858, J Kirk & Son 1851, J Kirk & Son 1837, P Burns 1828, J Kirk & Son 1822, J Kirk & Son 1815, C Lavery 1779, P Burns 1776, P Burns 1775. Excellent card from the Kirk loft securing their 2nd win in 2008. Bangor RPC 8/189 - R Moore & Son 1852, R Moore & Son 1844, R Moore & Son 1842, R Moore & Son 1841, R Moore & Son 1839, R Moore & Son 1835, R Moore & Son 1834, R Moore & Son 1823, Lambert & Stewart 1802, Thompson & Mulholland 1797. Well done to Reggie Moore and son David who yet again rack in a powerful card, this the father & son's 9th 1st of 2008. Crossgar HPS 7/296 - McGiverns & Adairs 1838, McCartan & Woodsides 1832, McCartan & Woodsides 1831, S & K Duke 1828, J McGreevy 1825, S & K Duke 1824, McGiverns & Adairs 1819, McGiverns & Adairs 1810, McCartan & Woodsides 1806, T horner & Sons 1806. It's the turn of the McGiverns & Adair team to lift the red card this week with a 2nd, 3rd and 4th a couple of weeks ago from Thurles with velocities of 1800ypm, the writing was on the wall for another close contest similar to that particular race. Annsborough HPS 384 Birds - D Croskery & Son 1832, D Croskery & Son 1830, D Croskery & Son 1822, Mickey Croskery 1812, P Brown 1808, P Brown 1804, Mickey Croskery 1804, M Crockery & Son 1804, D Croskery & Son 1798, P Brown 1796. Just no stopping this father and son Croskery team who rack up yet another top three in the competitive Annsborough HPS. Hillfoot 7/97 - R Irwin 1818, J Scates & Sons 1816, R Irwin 1811, J Scates & Sons 1804, J Scates & Sons 1801, R Irwin 1795, Mr & Mrs E Spence 1765, H Flynn 1749, H Flynn 1737, D & T Brennan 1722. This success from Clonmel on Sunday brings Roy into equal wins along with club mates Hugh Flynn and D & T Brennan who are all now equal on four red cards each. The Scates partnership are knocking on the door once again looking to improve on their couple of wins already in 2008. Annalong HPS 9/145 - K Rooney & Son 1807, K Rooney & Son 1792, K Rooney & Son 1778, K Rooney & Son 1777, McLoughlin Bros 1760, McLoughlin Bros 1758, McLoughlin Bros 1751, B McConnell 1748, L McCavery 1711, McLoughlin Bros 1701. The Rooney team are always the loft to beat each week in Annalong taking the first four this week in what has been a magical year they have no less than 11 x 1st Club's. Dundrum HPS 5/157 - A McNamara & Partners 1788, J Maguire & Partners 1783, B Chambers 1778, B Chambers 1778, J Maguire & Partners 1768, B Chambers 1764, B Chambers 1752, B Chambers 1744, J Ringland & Son 1733, J Maguire & Partners 1728. The McNamara loft are tops this week and I make this their third win of 2008. The Chambers and Maguire lofts are never far away. DIFFICULT PILMORE BEACH FOR NIPA The NIPA were in Pilmore Beach for the sixth Y/B race of the programme, members of the Committee opted with foresight to make collections one night earlier on Thursday, with the weather forecasts showing unfavourable conditions for Saturday and with they way the weather has been this summer their were no guarantees for Sunday. So with Friday looking the best day all be it a North Wind the convoy was liberated as planned at 12 Noon in a Lt North Westerly wind, although the sun was not splitting the slates it was neither a blanket of dark cloud either. So what happened to the over a 1/4 of the convoy. I side with caution when I say one quarter speaking to many there were some with only half returns and some with a 1/3 missing, but in all I never came across anybody who had full returns. Where do they go, reports from Dublin suggest that the City is awash with GB rings, but for the life of me I can't see them coming more than half the distance from Pilmore into Dublin and not making the remainder of the distance home even allowing till the following day, to which much of Saturday morning was clear up till around lunch-time. Years gone by what ever birds you were missing at the close of night fall, early morning would always have brought back at least ¾'s of what was missing that's a rarity these days. As I send my column on for publication the best velocity I have is Owen Markey of Ballyholland. Yet another Newry area based fancier looking likely to top the NIPA Open, what a year this area is having. Owen timed a Blue Janssen Hen at 15.43pm flying 168 miles. This hen was the favoured one and was dispatched on Thursday evening sitting on chipping eggs. If Owen is successful this will be his second time topping the NIPA Open with four runner-up spots to his name with two of those from Pilmore Beach. 25% of the breeding is down to Gerald Delaney with his excellent family of Grondelaers when mated into his own well established family. The Sire of this winner was 9th Open for Owen as a Y/Bird and the Dam which contains the Grondelaer bloodlines topped the Newry Federation. Also I hear the mighty name of Maguire this week again and what a year this family are having from Newry, Mark won the O/B National from St Malo when I was in Belgium and he topped the NIPA Open from Roscrea when I was enjoying my first weekend in Spain with my family and I hear that he may very well top the Open last week again this time from Tullamore. Will be catching up with them and will bring you more news of all the winners I missed, the Maguire's velocity this week is 1324ypm. Must give Davy Calvin a mention for he timed three good arrivals also to take the first three in the Bondhill Club doing 1321, 1321 and 1320ypm. NIPA Sect A & A West Clubs Pilmore Beach Coalisland & District HPS 13/394 - K Carolan 1269, M McLaughlin 1260, M & R Hamilton 1245, K Carolan 1243, H McLaughlin 1227, K Murphy 1223, K Murphy 1216, K Carolan 1215, G Stringer 1208, K Murphy 1204. Well done to Kevin Carolan who certainly seems to have them in fine form slotting no less than 3 in the prizes with close to 400 pigeons competing. Cookstown Social 11/295 - G & S Smith 1255, G & S Smith 1229, G & S Smith 1228, G & S Smith 1218, V Thom 1212, Marshall & Harkness 1200, G & S Smith 1199, G & S Smith 1199, G & S Smith 1197, G & S Smith 1196. What an impressive card by the Smith team putting 8 into the first 10 of the result, what a way to lift your 4th Red Card of the 2008 seasons. Coleraine Premier - T & J McDonald 1198, A & R McAuley 1197, Hanson & Harper 1196, A McDonnell 1188, A & R McAuley 1186. A tight race for the Coleraine Premier with the T & J McDonald partnership a yard ahead of the improving A & R McAuley loft. Windsor Social HPS 7/126 - Horner & Scott 1191, Horner & Scott 1160, K Glass 1159, Horner & Scott 1159, R McAlary 1110, A & M Glass 1090, G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1068, Horner & Scott 1064, G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1005, W Henry 982. The Horner & Scott team take the first two this week from a difficult enough Pilmore Beach this the partnerships 9th win of 2008. Coleraine & Co Derry RPS - T McCruden 1177, W & W Murdock 1170, W & W Murdock 1154, G Mitchell 1150. Terence tops the Club this week with one of his excellent racing Van Loons and also collects the Pools for good measure. Londonderry RPS 10/89 - R Gallagher 1136, R Gallagher 994, J & D Kelly 975, J & D Kelly 966, L Flanagan 926, M McNaught 907, P Breslin & Son 906, J & D Kelly 902, R Gallagher 880, L Flanagan 872. Sean Gallagher tells me that this was an extremely hard race up into the North West with many empty perches unexpectedly from a Mid-Day release. Well done and outstanding flying from one of the top fanciers Robbie Gallagher taking 1st, 2nd and 9th Club. Sean many thanks for all your help in getting the result on and photo late on Sunday evening. Omagh & District HPS 5/63 - A Hall 1141, A Hall 1049, A Hall 1042, A Kelly 961, A Kelly 933. Well done to Alan Hall who racks up his 12th success of 2008 and is on course for another record season, was with Alan earlier in the week and look forward to finally compiling a loft profile on this class fancier who has won the NIPA Section Fancier of the Year more times than I can remember. Limavady RPS 6/84 - W McIlmoyle 1088, B Mailey 1075, R Witherow 1066, R McIlmoyle 1056, H Crawford 1056, R Withrow 1050. After taking the first three last week in the Club the McIlmoyle loft keeps it going this week with yet another Red Card. Strabane RPC 10/131 - P Moore & son 1018, N McGavagan 959, N McGavagan 929, T McBride 927, C Elliott 921, D Sales 918. Well done to Paul Moore and Son who take their first Red Card with a good pigeon out on its own. Foyle RPS - 1st Mr & Mrs P. Maxwell (1018) 2nd A. McCrudden (1014) 3rd B & I Maguire (1013) 4th B & I Maguire (1010) 5th B & I Maguire (1007) 6th Mr & Mrs P. Maxwell (993) 7th Mr & Mrs P. Maxwell (993) 8th Mr & Mrs P. Maxwell (992) 9th Mr & Mrs P. Maxwell (985) 10th A. McCrudden (978). Maiden City 14/190 - Eamon Quigley 981, Dunne & Quigley 978, Eamon Quigley 972, Dunne & Quigley 972, Hegarty & Killen 945, Pat Cregan 944, Sean McGrotty 942, Coyle Bros 933, Paddy & Martin Healy 928, McGettigan Bros 922. Well done to Eamon Quigley who tops the Club for the first time this year in the Y/Birds after knocking on the door for a few weeks I would say their was a few empty perches up in that part of he country on Saturday. Rock PFC - 1st W & D Hamilton 972, Joe Ferry, J Coyle, C Fox, John McLaughlin, W & D Hamilton. This is a new Club to the column and many thanks to Cathal who made contact during the week, he tells me that the members of the Club are working at getting new premises which hopefully will be in place by Christmas a kind offer has been received from the membership for me to attend for a photo display and when they are ready I will duly oblige. Cathal once again thanks for the call and keep the news and photos coming. City of Derry Federation Pilmore Beach 50/526 R Gallagher Londonderry 1136, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1018, A McCrudden Foyle 1014, Maguire & McDevitt Foyle 1013, Maguire & McDevitt 1010, Maguire & McDevitt 1007, R Gallagher Londonderry 994, M/M P Maxwell 993, M/M P Maxwell 993, M/M P Maxwell 992, M/M P Maxwell 985, E Quigley Maiden City 981, A McCrudden 978, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 978, M/M P Maxwell 977, J & D Kelly Londonderry 975, E Quigley 972, W & D Hamilton Rock 972, Dunne & Quigley 972, Cooley Bros Foyle 970. Coleraine Triangle Pilmore Beach T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1198, A & R McAuley Coleraine Prem 1197, Hanson & Harper Coleraine Prem 1196, Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1191, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 1188, A & R McAuley 1186. After the wash out of the week previous the NIPA moved on to race six of the young bird season, from Pilmore Beach the distance exceeded 200 and the birds faced a headwind for the first time. Liberation was at noon, the birds released in a Lt NW wind and the leading birds took longer than expected flying just over five hours and a number missing on the day. The T & M Morrow team from Kells & Dist had a good race the week previous and this week had the best bird, timed at 4.57pm the winner recorded velocity 1260. Lexi Mullan from Harryville was next best on 1249 and Brian O'Rawe had 1st Ballymena & Dist recording velocity 1246. Danny Dixon had the top three birds in Ballymoney and his winner doing 1243 was a direct Lamberts. Young McManus & Sons had a top card in Ahoghill that included the winner and The Ace Richard Ross broke Novice Status by taking 1st Cullybackey HPS. Young Conor Magill had another 1st New Antrim Amalgamated (1231), Milliken & Barkley had 1st Rasharkin & Dist (1226), Simon Millar had the top four in Randalstown the winner doing 1217 and George & Ann Eagleson were 1st Broughshane & Dist (1216). In the Antrim area Fleming Bros had 1st Crumlin for the second week doing 1253 and Amanda Mitchell & Son had another 1st Muckamore HPS (1177). Around Ballymoney D & H Stuart were 1st Dervock (1200), T & J McDonald had 1st Bushmills Invitation (1198) and J Hutchinson & Son were 1st Ballymoney West Combine (1193).
Harryville HPS will have a club meeting on Wednesday 27th August at 8.00pm in the local clubrooms. On the same night Cullybackey HPS Clubrooms will be open between 8.30pm and 9.30pm to collect the fees and entry forms for the YB Nat. Race marking will be in Cullybackey on Thursday 28th August between 4.00pm and 6.30pm and the Premier NIPA Talbenny YB National will be flown from Talbenny in South Wales, weather permitting on Saturday 30th August. On the same day there will be a come back race from Tullamore. Mid Antrim Combine Pilmore Beach 114/2,674 T & M Morrow Kells 1260, L Mullan Harryville 1249, B O'Rawe Ballymena 1246, D Dixon Rasharkin 1243, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1240, Ross Bros Cullybackey 1238, C Magill New Antrim 1231, J Millar & Son Harryville 1228, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1226, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1219, Young McManus & Sons 1218, S Millar Randalstown 1217, S Millar 1217, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1216, G & A Eagleson Broughshane 1216, G Gibson Cullybackey 1215, D Dixon 1214, G Holmes Harryville 1214, D Dixon 1213, Young McManus & Sons 1213, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1208, Steele & McNeill 1207, H & R McCloy Cullybackey 1203, Russell Bros 1202, C Young Ahoghill 1201, G Gibson 1201, Young McManus & Sons 1200, A McBride Harryville 1199, Ross Bros 1197, A McBride 1193, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1190, W & J Smyth 1188, Carleton & Swann Kells 1188, G Dickey Ahoghill 1187, G Gibson 1186, M/M F Clarke New Antrim 1185, S Millar 1185, A McBride 1185, Steele & McNeill 1185, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1184, S Millar 1183, T Simpson Rasharkin 1183, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1183, R Alexander & Son Harryville 1182, R Alexander & Son 1179, T & M Morrow 1178, G Dickey 1178, D Dixon 1176, D Lowry & sons Ahoghill 1174, L Mullan 1174. NIPA Sect B Clubs Pilmore Beach Kells & District 15/287 T & M Morrow 1260, McFarlane & Agnew 1216, Carleton & Swann 1188, T & M Morrow 1178, Surgenor Bros 1165, H Boyd 1161, B Swann & Son 1158, T & M Morrow 1157. Winning Minute (57) won by Mrs B Swann. Crumlin & District 10/276 Fleming Bros 1253, G F Lindsay 1228, Fleming bros 1227, J & N Lamb 1203, 1203, J Harkness 1193. Fleming Bros timed their Pencil Blue Huybregts cock at 16.40hrs recording velocity 1253 for the 200 miles. He was well placed last week from Tullamore finishing 3rd Club. Harryville HPS 14/304 L Mullan 1249, J Millar & Son 1228, G Holmes 1214, A McBride 1199, 1193, 1185, R Alexander & Son 1182, 1179, L Mullan 1174, G Price 1153, J Millar & Son 1150, 1145. Ballymena & District 9/233 B O'Rawe 1246, W & J Smyth 1219, 1188, Blair & Rankin 1183, J Devlin 1132, M Graham 1129, R Graham & Son 1127, J Devlin 1125, 1124, Richmond Bros 1119. Ballymoney HPS 17/541 D Dixon 1243, 1214, D & H Stuart 1200, J Connolly 1199, W & L McCaw 1195, J Hutchinson & Son 1193, 1186, D & H Stuart 1186, J Connolly 1185, B & I Stewart 1184, D & G McMullan 1183, J McDowell & Sons 1183.
Ahoghill Flying Club 14/394 Young McManus & Sons 1240, 1218, 1213, C Young 1201, Young McManus & Sons 1200, J Smyth & Son 1190, G Dickey 1187, 1178, D Lowry & Sons 1174, T & G Balmer 1172. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club 1st John Balmer 1130, 2nd Young McManus & Sons 1110. Cullybackey HPS 20/461 Ross Bros 1238, G Gibson 1215, Russell Bros 1208, H & R McCloy 1203, Russell Bros 1202, G Gibson 1201, Ross Bros 1197, A Darragh 1168, H & R McCloy 1156, D Robinson 1148, S Steele 1136, N & S Anderson 1135. New Antrim Amalgamated 9/210 C Magill 1231, M/M F Clarke 1185, McFall & McManus 1167, D Jackson & Son 1162, C Magill 1159, McFall & McManus 1154, D Jackson & Son 1127, M/M F Clarke 1123, C Magill 1111. Rasharkin & District 13/304 Milliken & Barkley 1226, Steele & McNeill 1207, 1185, T Simpson 1183, D Mairs 1167, L Davidson 1165, L McNeill 1160, D Mairs 1157. Lucas McNeill Nom. D Dixon 1243, 1214, 1213, 1176. Race sponsored by A Young Entertainment (Ballymoney). Randalstown HPS 10/286 S Millar 1217, 1217, 1185, 1183, Stewart Bros 1150, 1145, T McMillan 1139, 1138. Broughshane & District 9/195 G & A Eagleson 1216, J & N Simpson 1184, G & A Eagleson 1151, J & N Simpson 1146, D Houston & Son 1119, Mrs M Smyth 1102, A Purvis 1102, D Houston & Son 1101. Dervock IPS 8/246 - D & H Stuart 1200, W & L McCaw 1195, J Hutchinson & Son 1193, 1186, D & H Stuart 1186, D & G McMullan 1183, A & M Boyle 1180, R Callaghan & Son 1180, 1172, S Laverty 1146. Bushmills Invitation T & J McDonald 1198, W Horner 1191, R Callaghan & Son 1180, T & J McDonald 1176, R Callaghan & Son 1172. Ballymoney West Combine J Hutchinson & Son 1193, B & I Stewart 1184, J McDowell & Sons 1183, W Blair 1126, D Gage 1053, R J Elliott 1017. Muckamore HPS 12/264 A Mitchell & Son 1177, B Bethel & Son 1176, N Lusty 1159, A Mitchell & Son 1157, Thompson Bros 1153, T Patterson & Son 1110, D J Thompson 1102, T Yates 1068. It was a similar sort of a race for the East Antrim Sect C, birds released in Pilmore Beach at lunchtime made heavy weather of the 200 odd miles to home lofts. Some lofts done all right and returns were reasonable enough while others had a race to forget. The races next week will determine just how good it was when we see the entry. Gary McKenna has pride of place with the early bird winning Eastway doing velocity 1299, one or two clubs were still missing with results so Gary is the best reported. This loft racing into a hot bed is hard to beat and can go through the complete programme for the shortest race through to France with old birds. M & T Griffith have another fantastic card in the Eastway HPS. D & J Campbell & Bigger have another very early bird into Glengormley (1290) and M Delaney has the clear winner in Ballycarry & District (1281). The Witherspoon & Rossborough team have the best bird in Larne and Carrick Soc Secretary Dave Wilson and wife Liz are best in Carrickfergus. NIPA Sect C Clubs Pilmore Beach Eastway HPS 13/340 - G McKenna 1299, M & T Griffith 1281, M & T Griffith 1265, M & T Griffith 1257, M & A Pearson 1245, J Burrows 1236. Gary McKenna tops the Club this week for the third time in 2008 he timed a Blue cock flying on Darkness at 16.40pm flying 207 miles to the perch. The winner, which is one of his own breeding was well ahead of the field and looks set to maybe top the Section having already finished 4th Club, 4th Section last week. Glengormley HPS 5/122 D & J Campbell & Bigger 1290, 1277, G & C Lawrie 1191, T Cairns & Sons 1189, 1163, R Johnston 1143, G & C Lawrie 1133. There is no partnership having a better and more consistent year than that of the Campbell and Bigger team week in week out they consistently put them in the clock, keep it going Davy and Hugh. Ballycarry & District HPS 9/222 - M Delaney 1281, Arthurs & George 1236, Arthurs & George 1236, A Cooke 1222, A Cooke 1211, George & Hall 1181, Lynch Bros & Thompson 1156, A Cooke 1149, Arthurs & George 1135, Arthurs & George 1129. Second success of 2008 for the Delaney loft and a good pigeon on the day into Ballycarry that will surely feature highly in the Section result, the consistent Arthurs and George partnership put a few in the prizes along with Andy Cooke who also has three good arrivals in the top ten. Kingsmoss HPS 10/219 - R McMeekin 1278, R McMeekin 1277, W Gault & Son 1245, T Lillie 1227, J Graham 1178, J Graham 1171, Knowles & Hill 1167, T Lillie 1130, R Gray 1083, D J Connor 1057. Bob McMeekin is back with a bang this week to collect his 7th Red Card of 2008 with the first two in the Club. Larne & District 39/961 - Witherspoon & Rossborough 1277, R Mills & Son 1260, A S McNaghten 1247, A S McNaghten 1233, Beggs & Hall 1228, Crawford & Robinson 1223, R Glass 1222, Beggs & Hall 1222, L & S O'Neill & Sons 1222, G & K & I Moxham 1218.Clifford takes the Red Card this week from Pilmore Beach in a race which proved to be a very difficult one with many fanciers having many empty perches by night fall. Fanciers especially in our Club are mystified as to what went wrong as the weather was fine across the whole country. Maybe the liberation time of 12 Noon was to late for a liberation in a North Westerly wind flying over 220 miles into Larne or could it have been the ever increasing problem of hawks? All the same very well done to the Witherspoon and Rossborough partnership on an excellent result on a hard day. Carrick Social RPC 24/616 - D & E Wilson 1270, T Peel 1256, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1245, D & J Armstrong & Son 1243, B & L Dodds 1202, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1196, D & E Wilson 1181, D & J Armstrong & Son 1158, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1157, D & E Wilson 1155, Hall & George 1150, D & J Armstrong & Son 1149. M/M G Robinson all pools, D & E Wilson Nom. Weekly Sale bird won by M/M G Robinson. Special won by J McIlheron. Winning Minute (56). Well done to the Wilson team on their first success of 2008 with a good arrival into the Carrick area ahead of the hard working Tommy Peel. Horseshoe HPS 16/389 C Campbell & Son 1261, D & P Harvey 1260, C Campbell & Son 1244, D & P Harvey 1240, 1240, 1231, J Morrison 1223, 1220, 1220, C Campbell & Son 1218. Colin Campbell & Son take the Red Card from Pilmore Beach. The partnership timed a young hen flying to the perch. The sire of the winner is of Van De Wiel breeding, while the dam is coming down of clubmates D & P Harvey's good Blue hen. The Golden Ring was won by C Campbell & Son on 1261. The result of the Boxing Day Sale Bird is as follows; 1st Breeder £200 and Buyer £400 both won by Joe Morrison. 2nd Breeder £100 was won by Jim Hastings and Buyer £200 was won by Joe Morrison. Thanks to all who supported the event. Doagh & District HPS 15/399 - F Simpson 1258, S & A Leitch 1256, F Simpson 1251, W Cowan 1246, Mr & Mrs B McNeilly 1246, S & A Leitch 1241, J & A Wilson & Sons 1234, Smyth & McConnell 1233, J & A Wilson & sons 1226, A & N Lewis 1217. Fred tops the Club for the second week on the trot, this week his pied hen was clocked at 16.54pm. Breeding is Louella Van Geel x Soontjen from his good friend Marcus Morrow. This is Fred's first season back racing after a 15 year break, congratulation Fred from the members on another great performance. Thanks to J Bunting for sponsoring this weeks race and also to Foxes Bookmakers for their sponsorship last week. Carrick & District HPS 14/321 S Beattie & Daughter 1245, D & J Armstrong & Son 1243, 1159, S Beattie & Daughter 1152, D & J Armstrong & Son 1149, Degnan & McKee 1132, D & J Armstrong & Son 1129, 1122, D McBride 1120, M/M R Reid 1119, T Creighton Sons & Welch 1115, T Thomas 1110. Winning Minute (03) won by Mrs Yvonne Reid. D & J Armstrong & Son 1056 ABCDEF, J Robinson 1043 ABCDEF, J & A Rankin 918 Nom. D & J Armstrong & Son Special won by D & J Armstrong & Son. Springvale Social 8/179 Turkington Bros 1229, R Scott & Son 1226, 1205, 1199, A C McGrugan 1197, M Fasciolo 1188, A C McGrugan 1186. The race this week was sponsored by Jack Bingham, last weeks race from Tullamore was sponsored by the Scott Family. NIPA Sect D Clubs Pilmore Beach Dromara HPS - McKinstry Bros 1316, J Abernethy 1305, Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1285, J Abernethy 1253, J Abernethy 1253, J Abernethy 1249. Well done to Albert & Stanley (McKinstry Bros) this is the lofts 4th Club win on the trot and what a magical year that has seen the partnership up near the top of the NIPA many weeks including winning the Mallow 5 Bird event in the O/Bird Season. John Abernethy also poses a good card in a difficult race well done. Lisburn & District HPS 17/385 - McCabe & Magee 1301, S McAllistar & Sons 1258, Spence Bros 1243, Spence Bros 1240, M Laffin 1239, L Magee & Son 1236, Spence Bros 1234, M Laffin 1231, W Dougherty 1229, M Laffin 1221. Mickibben & Magee on 1301 win the Loft Nom and ABCD, Spence Bros Vel 1240 ABCD and Mark Laffin who is having a cracking Y/Bird season lifts the third share of ABCD on 1239. Glenavy & District HPS 15/336 - G Parker & Son 1291, S McLaughlin & Sons 1263, J Courtney 1258, G Parker & Son 1250, D & M Lilly & Withers 1244, P McGarrity 1239, G Parker & Son 1216, P Johnston 1206, D & M Lilly & Withers 1199, P Johnston 1187. It was only a matter of time before the formidable Gordie Parker surfaced to the top of the leader board and really displays an impressive card this week from Pilmore Beach, following on from his success in the Glenavy Gold Ring race on Wednesday where the loft finished 14th Open with the Parker loft the only locally to feature prominently in this prestigious race. The club winner this week for Gordie is a Blue hen that was timed at 16.29pm flying 197 miles. She is a daughter of his Champion “KKâ€? who is the lofts double Section winner from Tullamore, when in turn mated to a champion racer of last year a blue pied hen that topped the Club from Rosscarbery, Talbenny and the INFC Skibbereen. This super blue hen that has topped the club also has a couple of seconds to her name this year as does her nest mate who has also finished 2nd and only two raced from this pair of magical stock pigeons. KK's parents have never failed to produce a winner in the last four years of breeding. As for the excellent pigeon clocked in the Glenavy Gold ring Race well what a pigeon this one is a Blue cock of Staf Van Reet and De Croix Breeding, the Staf Van Reet side of the pigeon sourced from Purdy Loughnane of Roscrea and the De Croix from his own well established family. This pigeon showed his dominance in the Y/Bird loft from an early age and cemented its spot on the wall of pipa boxes very quickly he will always land on his owners shoulder when he enters the loft. Dromore HPS 14/526 - D & I Edgar 1281, F Scott & Son 1243, P & J Boal 1240, B & A Brown & S & W Shaw 1238, M Gowdy 1225, D & I Edgar 1223, F Scott & Son & Son 1216, F Scott & Son 1210, J Kelly & Son 1209, M Gowdy 1199. Derek & Ian are well clear this week in the Dromore HPS with over 500 pigeons competing. Largymore Inv HPS 10/208 - E & B Luke 1267, Milliken & McCartney 1266, S & A Hanna 1258, C & D Smyth 1254, E & B Luke 1242, C & D Smyth 1222. Very well done to my neighbour Eddie Luke on some outstanding racing over the last few weeks, he goes one further this week and not only lifts the pools but the DTW as well. I would like also to congratulate Colin and Dorothy Smyth on finishing 1st and 2nd Club, 1st and 2nd Section D and 4th and 5th Open in Roscrea while I was on holiday super flying with 26,568 pigeons competing. Derriaghy HPS - Ian Gibb & Sons 1253, Roy Benson 1238, Ian Kennedy 1234, Ian Gibb & Sons 1227, Ian Gibb & Sons 1225, Moulds Bros 1224. Ian Gibb & Sons make it 11 wins this year flying with the Derriaghy HPS, Ian timed a Dark Cheq Pied Cock at 4.37pm to record a velocity of 1253ypm. The winner contains all the top bloodlines from Peter Fox of Syndicate Lofts. Kingswood HPS 23/300 - E Burton 1231, D Jackson & Son 1230, R Allen & Son 1197, E Burton 1185, E Burton 1185, E Burton 1164, D Jackson & Son 1162, R Allen & Son 1158, E Burton 1156, E Burton 1151. One of the best cards of the day with 23 members sending 300 pigeons Eddie Burton puts six in the top ten of the result and collectively has them on song. This is the 6th win of 2008 for the Burton loft. Orchard Combine Championship Club Pilmore Beach M McGlinchey Charlemont 1300, M McGlinchey 1299, M McDowell & Son Markethill 1280, M McDowell & Son 1279, E Murtagh & Sons Armagh 1258, E Grew Charlemont 1255, G & A Campbell Armagh 1247, E Grew 1220, N Weir Loughgall 1225, McKinney & Campbell Armagh 1217, N Weir 1216, D & C McArdle Armagh 1213, E Murtagh & Sons 1213, E Grew 1213, G & A Campbell 1213, E Grew 1213, N Weir 1212, E Grew 1210, I Parkes & Son Armagh 1208, N Weir 1207. Michael tops the Orchard Combine for the first time in 2008 from a difficult Pilmore Beach. NIPA Sect E Clubs Pilmore Beach Bondhill Social - D Calvin 1321, D Calvin 1321, D Calvin 1320, R Williamson 1307, R Williamson 1295, W Neill 1291, Capper Bros 1269, O Jackson 1260. Excellent by Davy Calvin who resides on the Moy Road area of Portadown, not often this weekend have I seen a card like that with three arrivals on top of each other and surely all will merit good positions in the over-all NIPA Open. Annaghmore HPS - 11/438 - G Buckley & Son 1318, G Buckley & Son 1317, P Boyd 1302, Calvin & Calvin 1297, Calvin & Calvin 1297, Calvin & Calvin 1294, G Buckley & Son 1285, G Buckley & Son 1279, W G Neill 1274, R D Calvin 1271. Glen & Johny top the show this week with two very good arrivals which will feature well in the NIPA Open result this result ensuring no less that 5 red cards this year at Club level. Edgarstown HPS 13/302 - M Hughes 1308, E Matchett & Sons 1273, H Parr 1268, H Parr 1268, H Parr 1264, R Cassells 1264, BBC 1258, D Parr 1249, F Wright 1237, R & J McCracken 1214. Well done to Mark Hughes who collects his 6th Red Card of the 2008 seasons, a great supporter of pigeonnetwork.com he tells me. Laurelvale HPS 18/410 - H Beattie 1305, C Hughes 1301, H Beattie 1297, A Neill 1297, C Hughes 1279, J Dowey & Sons 1273, J Trotter 1258, R K Abraham 1253, Frank McCann 1251, A Gittens 1247. Excellent to see the Masterful Henry Beattie back at the top with another good arrival close by in 3rd with over 400 pigeons competing, like the ever present John Patterson of Ballylesson they can still produce the results even at the tender age of 80. Charlemont HPC 12/254 - M McGlinchey 1300, M McGlinchey 1299, Eamon Grew 1255, Eamon Grew 1213, Eamon Grew 1213, Eamon Grew 1210, Patrick Grew 1206, Kieran Shannon 1198, B & A Beattie & Son 1196, George Owens 1195. Michael completes the hat trick of wins in 2008 this week from Pilmore Beach and also tops the Orchard Combine for the first time in 2008. Portadown Inv FC 11/267 - W Cannaway 1294, M Livingstone 1290, M Livingstone 1290, W Cannaway 1287, W Cannaway 1266, A McDonald 1259, A McDonald 1257. The Cannaway loft picks up its second success of the year this week from Pilmore Beach. Allan McDonald has informed me that the Portadown Inv Breeder/Buyer race will be held from Fermoy with the 1st prize of £450 and the 2nd prize of £300, split 50/50 between breeder and buyer. Fanciers Clocking Pigeons in the race should contact him on 38 337553 ASAP after clocking. Also Allan still has a few vacancies for his well organised trip to Blackpool Staying at the classy Cliffs Hotel you will fly from the International Airport into Liverpool and then a coach exchange to Blackpool departing on Friday 23rd and returning on Monday 26th of January. Hotel only can be booked by Allan. Again if interested contact him on (028) 38 337553. Gilford & District HPS 17/305 - T Greenaway 1291, G O'Dowd 1288, T Greenaway 1273, S S Cairns 1261, T Wilson 1253, J McAtamney & Son 1253, G O'Dowd 1243, T Greenaway 1238, O Fitzpatrick & Son 1230, S S Cairns 1226. Wilton Cross HPS - C & J Ferris 1287, C & J Ferris 1286, G Douglas 1259, C & J Ferris 1254, M Rice 1240, T Fitzpatrick 1234, T Fitzpatrick 1232, M Rice 1232, M Fitzsimmons 1189, Cooper & McGrath 1175. The Clara Street partnership of C & J Ferris completed the one two this week from Pilmore Beach, with many fanciers at dusk still with empty perches. This race will put them in good stead for the cross channel and National events. Lurgan Social J Douglas & Son 1281, 1268, 1264, Furphy Bros 1261, 1253, 1252. Lurgan Amateur FC J P Nelson 1256, G & F Hall 1214, G & F Hall 1211, R Bothwell 1202, C White 1196. Loughgall HPS - N Weir 1225, N Weir 1216, N Weir 1212, N Weir 1207, N Weir 1198, W Corrigan 1148, M Young 1144. Nelson Weir with another super result, that just adds to the very impressive year this loft is having just not at Club, but Combine level. Monaghan HPS - B Corley 1202, P Tierney 1179, P Coughlin 1175, S O'Brien 1129, S O'Brien 1128, P Tierney 1120. NIPA Sect F Clubs Pilmore Beach Killyleagh & District - B & D Grieves 1252, B & D Grieves 1217, J Morrison & Son 1216, J Morrison & Son 1190. Well done to the Grieves loft on a super performance especially with one so well out in front. Thanks Patsy for keeping the results coming including Roscrea which was won by J & P Rice 1445, D & G Morrison 1442, J & P Rice 1406 and J & P rice 1406. Also the first four from Navan were J & P Rice, D & C Morrison, J Morrison & Son and Alwyn Tate and Son. Ards HPS 10/177 - W Cleland 1225, W Cleland 1212, Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1139, Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1116, J & I Moore 1109, Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1100, Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1095, Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1090, Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1082, J & I Moore 1076. Well done to Billy Cleland on winning his 6th race of 2008, also to the Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson team who put 6 arrivals into the top ten, great flying boys. Corrigs & District 6/152 - R Shaw 1205, R Shaw 1190, J McMurrough & Son 1154, A Murray & Son 1118, J McMurrough & Son 1105, A Murray & Son 1101, Benson Bros 1094, R McVeigh & Son 1088, R McVeigh & Son 1080, C McManus 1049. Very well done to the Shaw loft who are having a wonderful season this now their 11th Club success. This weeks Pools & Nom were won by A Murray & Son, with the ring nom being won by Benson Bros, followed by J McMurrough & Son and R Shaw respectively. Portavogie HPS 18/470 H & J Kelly & Son & Palmer 1191, J & R Young & Son 1188, W & N Cully 1182, H & J Kelly & Son & Palmer 1154, L Young 1151, Thompson & Bailie & Sons 1137. Downpatrick HPS 13/284 - Ward & McIntosh 1114, M & A McKavanagh 1112, P Lue & Son 1106, Tony Smith 1104. Many thanks to Ciaran who takes time out every week to phone me with the result, giving true praise to the winners in the Downpatrick Club. NIPA Sect G Clubs Pilmore Beach Ballyholland HPS - Owen Markey 1328, Havern Bros, Owen Markey, Owen Markey, Owen Markey, Owen Markey. Nothing has ever stopped this fancier from producing the outstanding performance each year, this week he is the likely Open winner for as I go to press he is the best Velocity I have at hand and puts another four in the top six of the Club for good measure a loft like so many in the Newry area who are setting the NIPA Open result alight each week. Newry & District HPS 13/320 - R McKelvey 1317, R McKelvey 1316, R McKelvey 1306, R McKelvey 1299, J F McCabe 1295, R McKelvey 1276, Mark Maguire & Son 1252, Mark Maguire & Son 1250, R McKelvey 1238, M Maguire & Son 1229. No club has dominated the NIPA Open result over the last couple of weeks than this one, of course to do that you need good pigeons and there are more than a few within this well run operation. It is Ron McKelvey's turn this week to crank up the pressure ahead of the Maguire loft who have produced magical results over the last couple of weeks. An excellent card this week from Mr Brasspenning McKelvey and all likely to finish highly in the overall NIPA Open AGAIN. Drumnavaddy Inv HPS - L F & B McGrath 1245, L F & B McGrath 1238, L F & B McGrath 1233, J Smyth & Sons 1226. Very well done to Brendan on taking the first three positions from a hard enough Pilmore Beach. Entry forms for the Dundonald 3 Bird Challenge YB Race are available from the following, Beatties, Marshalls, Ian Gibb, John Gordons and George Shanks, remember 1st prize in the Old Birds was £2,500. Entry forms must be returned to L McKinstry, 9 Brooklands Gardens, Dundonald, BT16 2PQ before the closing date of 3rd September. Any further info contact R Johnston (028) 90 483625 or L McKinstry (028) 90 489544. The new partnership of B & E Foulis & Ian Gill have won the East Down Combine Old Bird of the Year, a top performance. KILLYLEAGH FIRE APPEAL - Pigeon Scribes Irish Rover & Adie are to organize a sale to be held in September to raise funds for the above. The INFC Charity Committee have made a donation to start the fund and a number of birds have already been promised from across the UK & Ireland and Scotland. Any donations will be appreciated, send to Mr Ronnie Johnston, 202 Comber Road, Dundonald. Cheque's made out to Killyleagh & Dist (Building Fund).
PHOTO GALLERY
Gordon Parker of the Glenavy HPS tops the Club from Pilmore Beach and seen here with Purdy, winner of 14th Open Glenavy Gold Ring.
Geoff Douglas has one of the finest families of Wal Zoontjen pigeons in Ireland and carded the first six from Tullamore racing with the Wilton Cross HPS.
Not for the first time this year current Section Fancier of the Year Alan Hall tops the Omagh HPS.
(Robert Gallagher) One of the best fancier in Londonderry he tops the Federation this week from Pilmore Beach well done Robert Gallagher.
Always nice to have a new club on board this week it's the turn of the members of the Rock PFC in Derry to get pictured along with the NIPA transporter.
Owen Markey of Ballyholland could very well be the man to beat this week from Pilmore with a Velocity of 1328ypm, he is currently the best I have going to press. Well done Owen already twice 2nd Open from Pilmore Beach.
One of the class acts currently racing in Northern Ireland is David Calvin of the Moy Road Portadown pictured here after he took the first three this week from Pilmore Beach in the Bondhill HPS.
Clifford pictured here holding the winner of the Witherspoon and Rossborough partnership flying with the mighty Larne & District HPS from Pilmore Beach.
Danny Dixon wins the Ballymoney Club with a direct Lambrecht always the man to beat with any North in the wind whatsoever.
The management Committee of the Fanciers Combine have enjoyed an excellent year to date with support from all over the country.
Adie McCormick
Ireland's Own Pigeon Auctions
www.pigeonnetwork.com
Tel 028 92604778
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