NIPA & AROUND
BY ADIE
CROSSING THE WINNING LINE
It was a bit of a mixed bag last weekend for the Ireland organizations. With much of the talk of bad weather on Saturday and very little chance of a liberation, many of the main organizations throughout the country both North and South opted to basket one day later for a Sunday liberation (makes my life as a scribe almost impossible with tight deadlines). The NIPA keeping their nerve and some what braver opted to go as normal with their sights set on a gap in the weather around mid morning, mid morning arrived and although no liberation things were looking very promising for a liberation around 1.00pm. With a beautiful day and blue skies nearly everywhere the strings were cut at 1.00pm in Roscrea, County Tipperary with the birds facing the complete opposite of last weekends weather, this time some help on the way home from the brisk South Easterly wind. Much of the NIPA convoy completed the course on speeds of over a mile a minute, or just below a mile a minute for the average 130 mile fly. The convoying team and the liberation committee most be congratulated on a fine result with 95% of the lofts reporting full returns, this can only bode well for the remainder of the season. The only negative comments I heard were of fanciers having to phone the Lib Line on at least three occasions and as one fancier reminded me, it costs nearly £1 from any mobile.
Many fanciers will recall the Downpatrick Loft that won the Kings Cup in 1985. I specifically remember it, as at the age of 11 it was one of my first introductions into the sport of pigeon racing. Roy Clements of Ballymena was too chauffer my father and I down to the loft of the then winner Jackie Crossan. During that special year Jackie also won the Skibbereen Derbies with the NIPA and the East Down Combine.
Originally from Gilford Jackie married Mary in 1970 and set about setting up a family home in Downpatrick this was achieved and racing started in 1972 at their fabulous Ardenlee Gardens pad. Previously to this Jackie enjoyed excellent success in Gilford starting to race from 1956 onwards.
So with over 50 years experience in racing pigeons which has included winning the top prize that Irish Pigeon Racing holds namely the Kings Cup, still to this day he has no difficulty mixing it with the current day elite. With doing the results week in week out, you have a tendency to come across the same name now and again. Jackie Crossan’s was one that I seemed to be typing every week last year, this was a loft that I had planned to visit, but time is mostly always against me.
Jackie Crossan did in fact win 20 x 1st Club’s last year, and has continually over the last number of years averaged around 10 x 1st’s per year. Some achievement in this day and age living with the increasing competitiveness that pigeon racing now offers. One result that sticks in my mind is Sennen Cove last year when Jackie took the first seven in the Club, also his record from Penzance is awesome since 2000 he has finished 3 times 3rd Open and also twice 3rd Open in the Penzance Classic.
My visit this week was to see the pigeon that is leading the field with the NIPA from Roscrea going by all the results that we now have at hand. Jackie clocked his Yearling Cheq Cock racing on the Roundabout system at 3.06.58pm flying 130 miles. The winning velocity is 1802.46ypm, had to add in the point because I have received information coming from Killyleagh that Sid McLaughlin is also doing a velocity of 1802 but I am told that Sid is on .2 of a yard. If this happens to be the case and these two men are at the top of the NIPA Open it was a very close finish indeed.
Colin Gibson will be glad to hear if Jackie is successful as Jackie ordered 10 youngsters from Colin a couple of seasons ago, these where first raced last year as youngsters with excellent success, just last week Jackie completed the same result 1st and 2nd Club the pigeon that was 1st Club last week was also one of those from the batch of ten, last weeks winner has a nest mate that finished 2nd Open NIPA last year from one of the Y/B Races just a couple of yards behind fellow club mate Paddy Lue. So all in all a good decision to buy from Colin.
If Jackie Crossan is successful in winning 1st Open NIPA from Roscrea he can add this to his many, 1st Clubs, 1st Sections and 1st Open’s already won over an unrelenting era that will always remain in the history books of Irish Pigeon Racing. I would like to thank Mary & Jackie for their hospitality during my short visit, amazing were time goes 23 years since I was last at the Crossan’s home.
NIPA Section A report
Last weekend we had the third race of the old bird season, hard last week from Tullamore but a lot better this week from Roscrea in County Tipperary with a blow home. Last week I was speaking about the success of T & J McDonald who race into Bushmills area and had scored outstanding results in the two races, they have done it again. Winner in Bushmills Invitation, 1st Coleraine Premier and 1st in the Coleraine Triangle for all three races to date. He thought for a minute he had collected the DTW as well but had actually timed the nestmate of the previous week’s winner, both birds Red Cheq hens, the top bloodlines of King of the Faroes and De Klak. What a pair of racing pigeons they are, no better advert either for the new ETS timing systems. Diamond Bros came very close in the Coleraine Premier, Robert Callaghan & Son are well placed with two birds and Horner & Scott who fly in the NIPA Sect B won 1st in Windsor Social (1608). Andy and Mavis Boyle had the early arrivals in Ballymoney winning 1st & 2nd in both Ballymoney HPS and Dervock, the winner was doing velocity 1692. Milliken & Barkley fresh from their Mid Antrim Combine 1st & 2nd have the winner again in Rasharkin & District. The A & R McAuley team had a powerful card again with four early birds in the Ballymoney HPS. Very strong competition indeed, in this hotbed of North Antrim.
Coleraine Triangle Roscrea – T & J McDonald Coleraine Premier 1637, Diamond Bros Coleraine Premier 1636, T & J McDonald 1636, R Callaghan & Son Coleraine Premier 1631, R Callaghan & Son 1631, Horner & Scott Windsor Social 1608, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1606, A & R McAuley 1587, G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Social 1576, Horner & Scott 1576.
NIPA Sect A & A West Clubs Roscrea
Coalisland & Dist 15/364 – H McLaughlin 1744, M & R Hamilton 1731, 1724, K Murphy 1710, H McLaughlin 1692, M & R Hamilton 1686, K Murphy 1685, 1684, H McLaughlin 1679, M McPhillips 1677.
Cookstown Soc 11/303 – Marshall & Harkness 1694, D Abbott 1689, J Campbell 1669, S & G Smith 1661, V Thom 1656, Speirs & Campbell 1646, S & G Smith 1644, K Morton & Sons 1641, Marshall & Harkness 1638, G Marshall 1636.
Castledawson 4/57 – T Leacock & Son 1662, 1649, M Lynn 1616, T Leacock & Son 1610, M Lynn 1596, T Leacock & Son 1586.
Coleraine Premier HPS – T & J McDonald 1637, Diamond Bros 1636, T & J McDonald 1636, R Callaghan & Son 1631, 1631. T & J McDonald makes the hat-trick, the new pigeon loft and the Mega Timing system and the quality of his birds has really come together to put this loft as the number one loft in the Coleraine Triangle.
Dungannon & District – J & J Sampson 1615, W Leckey & Son 1605, J & J Sampson 1602, 1530, 1372.
Windsor Social 14/195 – Horner & Scott 1608, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1576, Horner & Scott 1576, R & J Parke 1573, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1572, R & J Parke 1565, C Morrow & Son 1563, Horner & Scott 1558, R McAlary 1537, F McIlreavy 1533. T Stewart 1513, K Glass 1510, W Henry 1508, A Newton 1469, J Fulton 1463, J Allen 1449, J & S Brennan 1398.
Omagh & District 8/188 – A Hall 1564, R Adams 1558, 1551, A Hall 1523, A Kelly 1486, 1447.
Coleraine & Co Derry – R Stewart 1536, A Tosh 1532, G Mitchell 1529, A Tosh 1525, T McCrudden 1506, A McCorriston 1491.
Limavady RPC – R McIlmoyle 1468, J McCool 1452, R McIlmoyle 1446, G Kearney 1442, H Crawford 1428, J McCool 1424.
Strabane RPC – Quinn & Harper 1435, 1430, Buddy Gamble 1417, Quinn & Harper 1407, 1392, 1380. Three races in a row for this team.
The liberation from Roscrea was delayed until 1.00pm last Saturday to allow for weather conditions to improve and with the wind mainly in the South-West to West quarter a fast race was expected among the 78 members from City of Derry who had sent an entry of 912 birds with the NIPA. Topping the Derry Fed this week is Foyle member Sean Duffy who will be well pleased with this result coming so early in the season, no doubt this loft will continue to be among the front runners as the distance increases. Runner up spot goes to Londonderry member Billy Houston while Anthony McCrudden has a fantastic race with 4 birds in the frame to take 3rd, 4th, 5th & 10th.
Other results: 6th---Hegarty & Killen; 7th---P Hegarty & Son; 8th---R Gallagher; 9th---M Jones; 11th,14th & 20th---J Houston & Son; 12th--- Dunne & Quigley; 13th & 17th---J & D Kelly; 15th--- L Flanagan & Son; 16th--- T M & S Gallagher; 18th---P & M Healy; 19th---E Quigley. The City of Derry Federation is planning to hold a race from Mullingar on the Bank Holiday Monday 5th May. Race marking will be on Sunday evening at the Foyle RPS.
NIPA SEction B report
After the hard race from Tullamore last weekend it was back to normal service when the birds were competing in the third race of the old bird season from Roscrea in County Tipperary. Despite a poor weather report for Saturday the NIPA birds were collected as usual on Friday evening, the third wet Friday on the trot. Showers over the route on Saturday delayed the liberation but the strings were cut at 13.00hrs and the birds romped home at almost a mile a minute. Full returns appeared to be the order of the day and everything is back to normal for the remainder of the inland programme.
The Crumlin loft of Fleming Bros who recorded velocity 1755 are favourite to top the NIPA Sect B, the Muckamore winners Amanda Mitchell & Son winning for the second week will be well placed again doing velocity 1723. Randalstown HPS have pride of place with the top three places in the Mid Antrim Combine where just short of 3,000 birds were competing. Highest prize-winners for the last three seasons Stewart Bros take 1st & 2nd with the winner doing velocity 1725 followed by Tommy McMillan who had the winner from Navan the first week. Fleming Bros timed their latest winner at 3.13pm to record a fantastic 1755ypm flying 132 miles. The yearling Blue w/f cock was racing widowhood and has had all three races, second bird to the loft last week. Bloodlines are Huybregts obtained from E & A Morris of Liverpool. Fleming bros are one of the most consistent lofts in the Antrim area, usually the loft to beat and looks like they have won yet another 1st Section in the NIPA. Following their move from Chimney Corner where they were Top Prizewinners and three times runner-up for the Sect B Fancier of the Year Amanda Mitchell & Son win for the second week in Muckamore HPS and will be up near the top again in the Sect B. Stewart Bros take over from the previous weeks winner in Randalstown HPS Tommy McMillan with a super 1st & 2nd Club and better still 1st & 2nd in the Mid Antrim Combine. The two birds were timed inside a minute at 3.23pm and the winner was flying natural sitting eggs around 12 days. The Cheq yearling cock was Hofken while the second bird was racing widowhood and this one was Van Den Bosche bloodlines. This yearling Blue cock won prizes as a young bird. Lofts winning for the second week, two entirely different days included George McDowell 1st Kells & District (1686) flying 144 miles and Old Hand Charlie McManus showing the younger generation the way McFall & McManus 1st New Antrim Amalgamated (1652). George timed a Jacobs bird obtained from Gerald Delaney of Dromore HPS, this Cheq hen racing Roundabout won from Fermoy as a young bird and was 2nd Club in Kells & Dist last week from Tullamore.
The local winners included: Alan Darragh 1st Cullybackey 1690, George McDowell 1st Kells 1686 (two wins on the trot), Roy Clements 1st Harryville 1681, Davy Houston & Son 1st Broughshane 1667 (won all three races to date), The King T & G Cotter 1st & 2nd Ahoghill 1652, Old Hand Charlie McManus 1st New Antrim 1652 (2 wins on the trot), Jim Harris 1st Ballymena 1647 and Milliken & Barkley 1st Rasharkin 1641 (two wins on the trot 1st & 2nd Combine last week).
It was the second week of the Old Bird Champions League and the leading positions are as follows. Sect A: 1st Tom McMillan (Randalstown) 44 Points, 2nd Gary Gibson (Cullybackey) 28 Points, 3rd Milliken & Barkley (Rasharkin) 27 Points and 4th K & K Kernohan & Sons (Harryville) 19 Points. Sect B: 1st Davy Houston & Son (Broughshane) 41 Points, 2nd Stewart Bros (Randalstown) 35 Points, 3rd Allen McBride (Harryville) 17 Points. Sect C: 1st George McDowell (Kells) 27 Points, 2nd Des Robinson (Cullybackey) 22 Points, 3rd J & N Simpson (Broughshane) 21 Points, 4th R H Clements (Harryville) 21 Points and 5th T & G Cotter (Ahoghill) 15 Points. Sect D: 1st G & A Eagleson (Broughshane) 29 Points, 2nd Alan Darragh (Cullybackey) 26 Points, 3rd J Millar & Son (Harryville) 9 Points, and 4th Christopher Tweed (Rasharkin) 3 Points.
Mid Antrim Combine Roscrea 130/2,946 - Stewart Bros Randalstown 1725, Stewart Bros 1706, T McMillan Randalstown 1697, A Darragh Cullybackey 1690, G McDowell 1686, S Steele Cullybackey 1682, R H Clements Harryville 1681, D Logan Randalstown 1680, K & K Kernohan & Sons Harryville 1679, Scott & Clements 1674, A McBride Harryville 1672, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1667, Scott & Clements 1666, G & A Eagleson Broughshane 1664, Wray & McFadden Harryville 1664, S Millar Randalstown 1659, G Gibson Cullybackey 1659, A Darragh 1659, J Millar & Son Harryville 1659, A Darragh 1656, G McDowell 1654, R H Clements 1653, S Millar 1653, T & G Cotter Ahoghill 1652, McFall & McManus New Antrim 1652, H Smyth & Son Broughshane 1651, T & G Cotter 1650, D Jackson & Son New Antrim 1649, G Dickey Ahoghill 1647, J Harris Ballymena 1647.
NIPA Sect B Clubs Roscrea
Crumlin & District 11/257 – Fleming Bros 1755, G Grant 1740, J Lowry 1719, Fleming Bros 1703, M McGrandle 1693, G Grant 1692.
Randalstown HPS 11/268 – Stewart Bros 1725, 1706, T McMillan 1697, D Logan 1680, S Millar 1659, 1653, Houston Bros 1641, 1636.
Muckamore HPS 13/351 – A Mitchell & Son 1723, W & M McClenaghan 1713, M/M A & E Bell 1713, W & M McClenaghan 1711, T Patterson & Son 1680, A Mitchell & Son 1670, T Yates 1669.
Ballymoney HPS 27/707 – A & M Boyle 1692, 1689, Wilson McGarry & Son 1668, J Connolly 1668, D & H Stuart 1623, 1621, Wilson McGarry & Son 1620, D Dixon 1620, G & G McMullan 1616, J Connolly 1613, D Dixon 1611, S Laverty 1608.
Dervock IPS 10/322 – A & M Boyle 1692, 1689, R Callaghan & Son 1631, 1631, D & H Stuart 1623, 1621, D & G McMullan 1616, S Laverty 1608, W & L McCaw 1601, S Thompson 1587.
Cullybackey HPS 23/581 – A Darragh 1690, S Steele 1682, G Gibson 1659, A Darragh 1659, G Gibson 1646, Russell Bros 1643, W Elliott 1637, N & S Anderson 1429, Russell Bros 1619, Reid Bros & McCloy 1617. The £50 sponsorship by the Bridge Garage will be flown in the Inland Pilmore Beach on 24th May. Secretary Edrick Davidson has the ring numbers should members require them, and cards must be returned inside one week from the date of the race.
Kells & District 16/284 – G McDowell 1686, Scott & Clements 1674, 1666, G McDowell 1654, 1643, H Boyd 1643, 1633, B Swann & Son 1631. Mid Antrim Secretary George McDowell wins two on the trot, full time pigeon man at the minute.
Harryville HPS 18/379 – R H Clements 1681, K & K Kernohan & Sons 1679, A McBride 1672, Wray & McFadden 1664, J Millar & Son 1659, R H Clements 1653, A McBride 1645, R H Clements 1644, J & C Letters 1642, R H Clements 1642, J Millar & Son 1637, 1633. Roy Clements timed his Dark Cheq hen the best of Ron Williamson Heartbreaker x Reliant lines at 3.32pm to record velocity 1681 for the 145 miles and record his second win of the year. The K & K Kernohan team despite timing in on the Tipes ETS System had to be content with runner-up place behind one of the top lofts in Mid Antrim.
Broughshane & District 13/289 – D Houston & Son 1667, G & A Eagleson 1664, H Smyth & Son 1651, J & N Simpson 1635, 1632, G Connolly 1627, T & E Service 1614, D Houston & Son 1611. What a fantastic start for Davy Houston winning 1st club in all three races to date, it will not go unnoticed that this loft and that of George and Anne Eagleson lead their respective Mid Antrim Comb League Sections.
Ahoghill Flying Club 15/452 – T & G Cotter 1652, 1650, G Dickey 1647, Young McManus & Sons 1641, G & G Jackson 1635, J Balmer 1634, 1630, C Young 1624, T & G Cotter 1618, A & N Young 1617. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird – 1st T & G Cotter 1650, 2nd Young McManus & Sons 1641. The King returns to the winners enclosure T & G Cotter collect points for the Mid Antrim Champions League taking 1st & 2nd Club and also 1st Brooke Supplies 2 Bird. Last weeks winner Geoff Dickey is next best and Paddy McManus is runner-up in Brooke Supplies.
New Antrim Amalgamated 9/135 – McFall & McManus 1652, D Jackson & Son 1649, 1642, McFall & McManus 1628, C Magill 1619, R McFall & Son 1615, C Magill 1613, 1595, 1593, M/M F Clarke 1589. Charlie McManus has the team in super form and takes 1st Club for the second week.
Ballymena & District 11/256 – J Harris 1647, Blair & Rankin 1634, 1631, J Devlin 1616, C Quaite 1613, W & J Smyth 1609, G Barr 1608, C Quaite 1608, J Devlin 1605, Richmond Bros 1603. Congratulations to James Harris who secured his first victory since joining the Ballymena & Dist his yearling Blue Ch cock a Louella Braspenning was timed at 3.39pm flying 148 miles. Blair & Rankin took 2nd, 3rd and 4th, their first bird into the clock was a good Red Pied cock top Busschaert lines from good friend Paddy McManus. This bird has been in the prizes fore the last three weeks. The small team loft of Cecil Quaite had two prizes to keep up with a fantastic start to the season.
Rasharkin & District 14/302 – Milliken & Barkley 1641, Steele & McNeill 1612, Milliken & Barkley 1572, W Davidson 1553, H Cubitt 1536, C Tweed 1525, Steele & McNeill 1524, L Davidson 1511, J & M Milliken 1507, D Mairs 1504. D Dixon 1620, 1611. Nom C Tweed. Race sponsored by Leck Scaffolding (Ballymoney).
Bushmills Invitation – T & J McDonald 1637, 1636, R Callaghan & Son 1631, 1631, Horner & Scott 1609, R & J Parke 1573, T Stewart 1513, K Glass 1510, J Fulton 1463, J Brennan 1398.
Ballymoney West Combine 8/220 – W Blair 1568.5, J McDowell & Sons 1568.4, D Laverty 1556, R J Elliott 1549, L Neill 1545, J McErlain & Son 1507, D Gage 1498, B & I Stewart 1432.
NIPA Section C report
The East Antrim birds were in Roscrea for the third race of the old bird programme, a very different day to the week previous when we had a slow difficult race from Tullamore. Weather conditions were a problem again this weekend, although we had a helping wind the race route had heavy showers. The NIPA officials waited until conditions as far as they could see we right for the entire route home and the strings were cut at 13.00hrs with the birds released into a South West wind. Winning birds romped home at almost a mile a minute for the trip and most lofts reported full returns. Colin Campbell & Son have the best bird in Larne taking 1st & 2nd Horseshoe HPS and the early favourite to top the NIPA Sect C. Next best Watt & Miskimmon have 1st Ligoniel & District and also 1st Loughview Combine.
Mr & Mrs Robinson are best in Carrickfergus with 1st & 2nd Carrick Social the winner timed at 3.28pm recording velocity 1750 for the 147 miles.
Loughview Combine Roscrea 57/1170 – Watt & Miskimmon Ligoniel 1762, D & J Campbell & Bigger Glengormley 1760, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1760, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1759, Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1754, E Heaney & Son Ligoniel 1752, E Heaney & Son 1752, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1750, Larkin & Willis Eastway 1749, S Graham Son & McManus Ligoniel 1747, Whiteside Bros Eastway 1747, D Smyth & Son Ligoniel 1741, Gregg Bros & McCandless Ligoniel 1739, D Smyth & Son 1738, Grattan Bros Eastway 1736. Well done to Joe and Albert, great win and they should be well placed in the NIPA Section C. The D & J Campbell & Bigger team have also a great result in the Loughview Combine with four birds in the top eight positions, well done lads!
NIPA Sect C Clubs Roscrea
Horseshoe HPS 21/386 – C Campbell & Son 1763, 1739, Marshall & Wilson 1723, 1721, 1719, J Morrison 1715, R Mills & Son 1710, Marshall & Wilson 1707, 1707, 1705. Colin Campbell & Son take the top two this week from Roscrea. Their first bird is of Van Reet breeding, originating from A & R McAuley and the second is of Janssen based. Both these cocks were racing on the Roundabout system. Show Specials were won by Hamilton & Clements and D & P Harvey.
Ligoniel & District 39/685 – Watt & Miskimmon 1762, Bingham & Seaton 1754, E Heaney & Son 1752, 1752, S Graham Son & McManus 1747, D Smyth & Son 1741, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1739, D Smyth & Son 1738, W Campbell 1733, McAuley Kell & Bowles 1733, D Brown 1731, R Gordon & Sons 1728, M McCorvie 1728, McMurray & Anderson 1728, D Brown 1726, Bingham & Seaton 1726, W Campbell 1725, Watt & Miskimmon 1724.
Glengormley HPS 6/139 – D & J Campbell & Bigger 1760, 1760, G & M Atcheson 1700, 1696, T Cairns & Sons 1675, G Kincaid Son & Daughter 1664, 1657, R Johnston 1521. The winning loft had nine arrivals together, thank goodness for the ETS. Only two prizes allowed so the lofts score 1st & 2nd with the winner timed at 15.22hrs recording a mile a minute. The yearling Blue Cheq cock was racing Widowhood, it was a Fernlea Janssen.
Carrick Social RPC 27/500 – M/M Robinson 1750, 1749, D & J Armstrong & Son 1730, M/M Robinson 1729, D & J Armstrong & Son 1725, G & K Hill & Sons 1724, J & A Rankin 1723 ABCD, D & J Armstrong & Son 1722, T Peel 1720, W R McClean 1716, T Peel 1715, B & L Dodds 1715. J & A Rankin ABCD. T Peel Nom. Special won by Tommy Peel. Winning Minute was (28).
Eastway HPS 12/315 – Larkham & Willis 1749, Whiteside Bros 1747, Grattan Bros 1736, J Dawson & Son 1736, Whiteside Bros 1728, J Burrows 1728.
The photograph shows - Sammy Larkham, 'Weasle' Willis and Sammy's grandson also Sammy. History was made when the T3 team of Sammy Larkham and big 'Weasle' Willis, two gentlemen of the Eastway HPS, beat all the electronic wizards to claim first place in the Roscrea race. The Larkham and Willis combination timed a Blue Cheq yearling widowhood cock of Janssen breeding at 15.22hrs to record a velocity of 1749 over the 141 mile journey. The sire is a Janssen from Gerry McCourt of Dublin and the dam a Janssen from Ponderosa Stud. Congratulations to Sammy and Weasle from all Eastway members including near neighbour Billy Whiteside who was particularly pleased for his big mates success, despite Sammy junior having named the pigeon Cristiano Ronaldo!
Larne & District HPS 46/816 – Beggs & Hall 1740, G K & I Moxham 1734, 1733, Marshall & Wilson 1723, 1721, 1719, L & S O’Neill & Sons 1716, 1715, 1714, N Ferguson & Son 1712. With the rain clearing the race point and no cold easterly winds to contend with the local members had a good race from Roscrea, 46 members sent 816 birds. Winner this week in the Big Club is last seasons Top Prize-winners Beggs & Hall. Adrian and Marie took top spot on velocity 1740 with their yearling hen, ahead of the Moxham team who had 2nd and 3rd followed by the consistent Marshall & Wilson who finished 4th, 5th and 6th.
Carrick & District HPS 19/337 – Elliott Bros 1740, D & J Armstrong & Son 1730, T Creighton Sons & Welch 1726, D & J Armstrong & Son 1725, J & A Rankin 1723 ABCDEF, D & J Armstrong & Son 1722, Elliott Bros 1721, D & J Armstrong & Son 1720, 1718, J McMaw 1711 Nom, D Stevenson 1711, D & J Armstrong & Son 1710. J & A Rankin & Son ABCDEF. Winning Minute (30) won by J & A Rankin. Armstrong Special won by D & J Armstrong & Son.
Doagh & District 18/344 – J & A Wilson & Sons 1730, 1726, D Tweedie 1713, A & N Lewis 1693, M/M B McNeilly 1687, M/M D Suitters 1683, 1682, A & N Lewis 1679, M/M B McNeilly 1677, J McGrugan & Son 1676. John & Andrea take top spot this week, their winner is a Blue Pied Frans Van Wildemeersch x Soontjens cock bred by George Horner. They also take 2nd with their good Verheye cock (Mr Swann), this cock was also 2nd Club last week from Tullamore.
Kingsmoss 11/251 – R McMeekin 1730, 1726, Connor Bros 1721, 1716, J Graham 1712, Cully & Cosby 1712, R Lillie 1698, T Lillie 1696, J Graham 1690.
Ballyclare & District 25/642 – S Rodney & Son 1713, 1695, M/M C Hayes 1682, G McNeilly 1672, Horner Bros & Son 1672, P R Wilson 1671, Horner Bros & Son 1669, T H Gibson 1661, B & M Gilmore 1657, A Kirk 1657.
Springvale Social 8/183 – A C McGrugan 1702, 1692, G Andrew 1673, Turkington Bros 1671, 1668, R Davidson & Sons 1664, A C McGrugan 1663, R Scott & Son 1644, R Davidson & Sons 1639, A C McGrugan 1627, R Davidson & Sons 1621. Race sponsored by R Davidson & Sons.
Ballynure & District – Davidson & McIlroy 1685, B Rowney 1676, Davidson & McIlroy 1673, 1673.
Glenarm & District 9/214 – O O’Neill & Son 1682, G McWhirter 1676, 1673, 1671, N O’Boyle 1652, W & D O’Neill 1622, O O’Neill & Son 1611, G Ferguson & Daughters 1604, N O’Boyle 1600, G Ferguson & Daughters 1599. The winner on widowhood was not raced as a young bird, and not sent last week either.
Cushendall HPS 10/112 – McNaughten & McKillop 1656, G McClafferty 1595, 1582, McNaughten & McKillop 1578, G McClafferty 1571, L McKeegan 1565, D McAllister 1556, G McClafferty 1552, D McAllister 1539, M & S McDonnell 1529.
NIPA SEction D report
Early indications are that the M & F Russell team in Dromore look likely to top the Section although even up to the early hours of Monday morning as I complete this report still no result, all I can do is ask gentlemen if the result isn’t forth coming then I can’t publish it and give the birds and you the fancier true recognition for your efforts. Joe Kelly had an excellent arrival in the Dromore HPS and most likely it and the M & F Russell pigeon probably homed back to Dromore together. Looking over the results Ian Gibb & Sons had an excellent card in the Derriaghy Club and will finish very high up the NIPA Section D result and with very few birds over the 1800ypm this pigeon will be fairly high up the NIPA Open. Reports tell me that the pigeon in question is that wonderful Yearling Lt Cheq Soontjen cock by the name of “Kevin” winner last year of 3 x RPRA awards. Colin and Dorothy Smyth had a smashing result in the Largymore Invitation taking the first three in the Club all with good velocities, this on top of winning the Club last week as well, this husband and wife team with their Busschaerts were formidable racing in the East Down Combine are they set to give their fellow Section D competitors a sore head also?? Len and Jack Magee of the Lisburn HPS are back with a bang taking the Red Card with their excellent Busschaert pigeons, this family of pigeons have largely been responsible for the A Mitchell & Son’s success previously in the Chimney Corner HPS and now racing in the Muckamore HPS, I see from the results they have also topped their club this week. An all round, excellent family of birds. Sammy Briggs in there too I see with a few more this week, this man is racing well for this time of the year considering he is distance minded. Paddy McGarrity had an excellent result in the Glenavy & Dist timing with a T3 he managed to beat a few of the modern day minded fanciers with their ETS. John Gregory & Sons of Colin Club complete the Club double yet again with a widowhood hen, timing at 3.13pm, flying 134 miles
NIPA Sect D Clubs Roscrea
Dromore HPS 12/344 - 1st J Kelly 1799, 2nd D & I Edgar 1776, 3rd B & M McCorriston 1776, 4th B & M McCorriston 1774, 5th J Kelly 1770, 6th J Kelly 1769, 7th N & H Hodgen 1762, 8th P & J Boal 1760, 9th D & I Edgar 1759, 10th P & J Boal 1755.
Derriaghy HPS 9/186 - 1st Ian Gibb & Sons 1788, 2nd Ian Gibb & Sons 1734, 3rd Ian Gibb & Sons 1729, 4th Ian Gibb & Sons 1725, 5th Roy Benson 1710, 6th Ian Gibb & Sons 1707. Very impressive card for Ian Gibb & Sons, and they just keep going and going plugging out winner after winner, this week was the return of the Champion himself “Kevin” already a winner of 3 x RPRA Awards he will surely be perched high up the NIPA Section D result and the over-all NIPA Open. A Class racer and excellent courage from the Gibb family for sending him on. Don McCandless who keeps the Club site up to date on pigeonnetwork.com was best in the Dromara Club and not a bad velocity that will also make the Section frame.
Largymore Inv HPS 13/239 - 1st C & D Smyth 1774, 2nd C & D Smyth 1767, 3rd C & D Smyth 1741, 4th S & A Hanna 1726, 5th D Irvine 1723, 6th J McCleary 1722.
Lisburn & District HPS 26/541 - 1st L Magee & Son 1773, 2nd G McMullen 1771, 3rd S G Briggs 1769, 4th S G Briggs 1769, 5th S G Briggs 1760, 6th L Magee & Son 1760, 7th Spence Bros 1748, 8th G McMullen 1747, 9th Spence Bros 1745, 10th R Topping & Son 1744.
Colin HPS - 1st J Gregory & Sons 1771, 2nd J & J Neeson 1764, 3rd J & J Neeson 1751, 4th J Gregory & Sons 1749, 5th T Elliott & Son 1745, 6th T & A Ferran 1740, 7th J Gregory & Sons 1740, 8th Mr & Mrs G Braniff 1737, 9th O & M Monaghan 1735, 10th J Gregory & Sons 1716. John Gregory and the boys keep up their winning ways once again this week with a widowhood hen, this yearling Dark Cheq, Vandenabeele and Busschaert was timed at 3.13pm flying 134 miles.
Kingswood HPS 22/180 - 1st T Plant & Son 1769, 2nd W & R Evans & Leahy 1750, 3rd C & J Long & Son 1732, 4th C & J Long & Son 1730, 5th T Plant & Son 1716, 6th E Slamon 1713, 7th E Salmon 1710, 8th J Galbraith & Son (Senior) 1710, 9th E Burton 1707, 10th E Salmon 1706.
Dunedin 12/248 - 1st Gregg Kemp & McBride 1765, 2nd Gregg Kemp & McBride 1765, 3rd T McConnell & Son 1740, 4th B & E Foulis & Gill 1737, 5th Gregg Kemp & McBride 1736, 6th Gregg, Kemp & McBride 1735, 7th P McClean 1727, 8th T McConnell & Son 1726, 9th T McConnell & Son 1722, 10th T McConnell & Son 1721.
Dromara HPS - 1st Don McCandless 1759, 2nd J Abernethy 1757, 3rd McKinstry Bros 1749, 4th Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1743, 5th Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1737, 6th Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1722.
Glenavy & Dist HPS 18/353 - 1st P McGarrity 1752, 2nd D & M Lilly & Withers 1741, 3rd D & M Shimmons & Son 1739, 4th P McGarrity 1732, 5th S McLoughlin 1722, 6th P McGarrity 1720, 7th D & M Shimmons & Son 1717, 8th P McGarrity 1716, 9th S McAllister & Son 1700, 10th G & S Owens 1696.
NIPA Sect E Clubs Roscrea
Bondhill – W Neill 1784, W Capper 1782, R Williamson 1780, W Neill 1778, W Capper 1777, M Robinson 1768, W Capper 1760, R Williamson 1746, 1739, 1727, O Jackson 1719, M Robinson 1716.
Annaghmore HPS 13/323 – G Buckley & Son 1779, 1778, 1778, R D Calvin 1774, P Boyd 1749, T McClean 1742, 1740, W G Neill 1739, G Buckley & Son 1739, B & K Douglas 1733. Well done to Glen & Johny Buckley on a very impressive card got all three pigeons together the 1st and 2nd pigeons clocked both Blue W/Flighter Cocks with a Dark Chequer making up the first three in the Club 1st pigeon home was a two year old with the other prize winners all yearlings. This loft as always has the widowhood down to a tee no surprises their and equally not surprising that all three contain the Soontjen Bloodlines with Henry McLoughlins La Fabre’s responsible for the breeding on one side of the third pigeon clocked capped a good weekend for Henry as he also topped the mighty Coalisland HPS just in front of the M & R Hamilton partnership.
Lurgan Amateurs - 1st C White 1779, 2nd D McBride 1761, 3rd G & F Hall 1755, 4th G & F Hall 1722.
Lurgan Social – Furphy Bros 1774, J Douglas & Son 1751, 1741, J Curran 1713, B McNeice & Son 1712, J Douglas & Son 1712.
Edgarstown HPS 14/245 - 1st T & A Ford 1755, 2nd M Hughes 1748, 3rd BBC 1730, 4th J Parr 1727, 5th M Hughes 1720, 6th T & A Ford 1720, 7th P Hope 1719, 8th M Hughes 1714, 9th R & J McCracken 1689, 10th O Forde 1681. Well done to the T & A Ford partnership I make that three in a row.
Portadown Inv PRC 11/200 - 1st R & G & G Donaldson 1765, 2nd E McKnight 1763, 3rd W Cannaway 1761, 4th W Cannaway 1757, 5th W Cannaway 1754, 6th R & G & G Donaldson 1753.
Wilton Cross HPS 12/214 - 1st D Carville & Son 1764, 2nd G Douglas 1743, 3rd G Douglas 1736, 4th D Carville & Son 1716, 5th Toman & Hamilton 1709, 6th D Carville & Son 1700, 7th C & J Ferris 1681, 8th M Rice 1666, 9th Furphy & Cairn 1604.
Loughgall – N Weir 1744, 1737, 1725, W Corrigan 1706, N Weir 1655, 1653, S Corrigan 1602, M Young 1590.
Monaghan HPS 10/210 – S O’Brien 1733, 1727, P Coughlin 1699, Cooney Bros 1692, 1676, 1674.
Charlemont – E Grew 1720, 1719, P O’Neill 1718, P Grew 1715, E Grew 1715, P Grew 1707, McGeary Bros 1698, D Beattie 1686, S Beattie 1685, E Grew 1685, S Beattie 1680, P Grew 1678.
Markethill HPS 8/138 – Muldrew & Cummings 1708, M McDowell & Sons 1701, D Linden 1682, Muldrew & Cummings 1662.
ORCHARD Combine Championship Club Roscrea – E Murtagh & Son Armagh 1763, O Toal & Son Armagh 1750, N Weir Loughgall 1744, N Weir 1737, S O’Brien Monaghan 1733, S O’Brien 1727, N Weir 1725, D & C McArdle Armagh 1725, E Grew Charlemont 1720, E Grew 1719, P O’Neill Charlemont 1718, E Murtagh & Sons 1717, P Grew Charlemont 1715, E Grew 1715, Hawthorne & Prescott Armagh 1715, Muldrew & Cummings Markethill 1708, P Grew 1707, W Corrigan Loughgall 1706, M McDowell & Son Markethill 1701, D & C McArdle Armagh 1699.
NIPA Sect F & G Clubs Roscrea
Downpatrick HPS - 1st Jackie Crossan 1802, 2nd Jackie Crossan 1794, 3rd F Black & Son 1771, 4th Jackie Crossan 1768. Fantastic result for the former Kings Cup Winner Jackie Crossan after winning the Club last week, not sending the first week this just proves this man can mix it with the best whether it be a hard day or a blow home. This pigeon will most definitely be sitting at the top if not very close to the top of the NIPA Open.
Portavogie HPS 22/506 – W & N Cully 1789, B & J Donnan 1783, Thompson & Bailie 1783, 1782, J & R Young & Sons 1781, 1781, 1780, W & N Cully 1780, 1780, 1777, B & J Donnan 1776, 1775.
Corrigs & District 7/209 – A Murray & Son 1769, 1767, R Shaw 1746, 1728.
Comber Central - 1st B & G Cochrane 1760, 2nd Alex Crawford 1742, 3rd B Hogg 1736, 4th B & G Cochrane 1731.
Dunedin 12/248 – Gregg Kemp & McBride 1765, 1765, T McConnell & Son 1740, B & E Foulis & Gill 1737, Gregg Kemp & McBride 1736, 1735, P McClean 1727, T McConnell & Son 1726, 1722, 1721.
Ards 11/187 – J & I Moore 1758, Plunkett Pollock & Nelson 1741, McGimpsey Bros 1732.
Millisle & Dist 15/232 – J Orr & Son 1733, R Strain & Son 1719, 1715, M & T Ferris 1714, R Strain & Son 1708, M &T Ferris 1705, R Strain & Son 1704, R McCormick 1702, 1700, 1698.
Kircubbin HPS – J Hall & Son 1725, 1723, 1713, 1698, 1696, Arthurs & Smyth 1694.
Newry & District HPS 16/327 - 1st G Hughes 1787, 2nd R McKelvey 1779, 3rd Mark Maguire & Son 1751, 4th T Hughes 1749, 5th B Woods & Son 1748, 6th M Maguire & Son 1745, 7th L Falloon & Son 1745, 8th M Maguire & Son 1743, 9th J F McCabe 1733, 10th J F McCabe 1733.
Banbridge Social HPS 10/173 - 1st E McAlinden 1777, 2nd T Lennon & Son 1757, 3rd C McArdle 1750, 4th C McArdle 1741, 5th J Beck 1741, 6th C McArdle 1739, 7th T Lennon & Son 1738, 8th J Beck 1732, 9th E Mallen 1729, 10th M Conlon 1728. Very Well Done to Eddie actually spoke with Eddie a couple of weeks ago when he had to change one of his ETS cables as the dog had ate its way through the existing one, called today a couple of times when I was in the area, but with no joy will catch up Eddie and get a photo in due course.
Drumnavaddy Inv HPS 7/150 - 1st J Smyth & Son 1766, 2nd J Smyth & Son 1750, 3rd J Smyth & Son 1750, 4th L, F & B McGrath 1721, 5th S Ogle 1718, 6th S Ogle 1718, 7th S Ogle 1714, 8th D McBride 1712.
North South Federation Roscrea – G Hughes Newry & Dist 1178, R McKelvey Newry & Dist 1779, Donnelly Bros Newry City 1774, R & M Mulholland Millvale 1764, V Henning Newry City1763, Donnelly Bros 1759, Donnelly Bros 1757, Mark Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1751, T Hughes Newry & Dist 1749, B Woods & Son 1748, Mal Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1745, L Faloon & Son Newry & Dist 1745, Mal Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1743, T Mooney & Son Millvale 1741, R & M Mulholland Millvale 1740, Mal Maguire & Son Millvale 1739, R & M Mulholland 1740, Mal Maguire & Son Millvale 1739, Mal Maguire & Son Millvale 1738, V Henning Newry City 1738.
Armagh based PIGEON World will run their first mid-week race on Wednesday 29th April with hampering at the Armagh Pigeon club on Tuesday at 7.00pm. Total prize-money is £200 with £50 only going to each winning loft. Entry per bird is 50p and the event will be open to Armagh HPS, Markethill HPS, Monaghan HPS and Loughgall HPS. Any further info required contact Maurice Weir Tel: 07776 363095.
Congratulations to J Dowey & Son for wining the Northern Ireland Channel Fed for the 2nd week in a row at Tullamore with the same pigeon. An excellent performance, considering a completely different, and much harder race from the week before.
NI Channel Fed Tullamore - J Dowey & Son 1015 ABCDN DTW, C Hughes 1014, Furphy Bros 1004 D, E Carville 977 ABCD, Higgins & Johnston 975 ABC, Furphy Bros 973, Sloan & Reid & Sons 972, T A Ford 969, B McNeice & Sons 968, T McClean 962, G Buckley & son 958, B McNeice & Sons 945, D Parr 938, H Beattie 907, F McCann 903, Buckley, Buckley & Craig 902, E Matchett & Son 870, J Trotter 864, J Douglas & Son 826, J Serplus 810.
NIPA Tullamore Open – M McPhillips Coalisland 1135, K Morton & Sons Cookstown 1099, T & J McDonald Coleraine 1099, N Weir Loughgall 1091, N Ferguson & Son Larne & Dist 1090, T Leacock & Son Castlesdawson 1087, McMurray & Anderson Ligoniel 1087, W Campbell Ligoniel 1087, J L Madden Coleraine 1085, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1083, A & R McAuley 1082, G & L Simpson Ligoniel 1079, E Russell Moira 1078, A Kelly Omagh 1076, W Campbell Ligoniel 1074, G McKenna Eastway 1074, D Brown Ligoniel 1073, R Parkes & Son Armagh 1072, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 1072, J & A Wilson & Sons Doagh & Dist 1070.
NIPA Sect A - M McPhillips Coalisland 1135, K Morton & Sons Cookstown 1099, T Leacock & Son Castlesdawson 1087, J L Madden Coleraine 1085, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1083, A & R McAuley 1082, A & R McAuley 1066, A & R McAuley 1046, K Murphy Coalisland 1040, Nevin Bros Coleraine 1035.
NIPA Sect A West – A Kelly Omagh 1076, N Murray Londonderry 1045, B & K Reid Foyle 1028, J Gallagher Foyle 1020, D Friel Maiden City 1017, P Maxwell Foyle 1011, N Murray 1002, B & K Reid 998, K Armstrong Omagh 982, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 978.
NIPA Sect B – T & J McDonald Coleraine 1099, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1068, A & M Boyle Ballymoney 1060, A Mitchell & Son Muckamore 1045, Milliken & Barkley 1045, D Hoiuston & Son Broughshane 1043, T Stewart Windsor 1030, McFall & McManus New Antrim 1029, G Dickey Ahoghill 1029, D Robinson Cullybackey 1029.
NIPA Sect C - N Ferguson & Son Larne & Dist 1090, McMurray & Anderson Ligoniel 1087, W Campbell Ligoniel 1087, G & L Simpson Ligoniel 1079, W Campbell Ligoniel 1074, G McKenna Eastway 1074, D Brown Ligoniel 1073, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 1072, J & A Wilson & Sons Doagh & Dist 1070, M/M B McNeilly Doagh & Dist 1065.
NIPA Sect D – J Gregory & Sons Colin 1068, S G Briggs Lisburn 1054, Spence Bros Lisburn 1048, W Ringland & Son Derriaghy 1046, B & M McCorriston Dromore 1042, C & J Long & Son Kingswood 1031, G Benson Lisburn 1029, Spence Bros 1028, Major McIntyre & Son Dunedin 1022, I Gibb & Sons Derriaghy 1020.
NIPA Sect E – N Weir Loughgall 1091, E Russell Moira 1078, R Parkes & Son Armagh 1072, R Mulligan Monaghan 1069, J Adamson Gilford 1068, S Curran Lurgan 1065, C Reynolds Dollingstown 1063, T & A Ford Edgarstown 1061, W Neill Bondhill 1059, B Creaney Drumcree 1058.
NIPA Sect F – S McLoughlin Killyleagh 1028, H & J Kelly Sons & Palmers Portavogie 1001, L Young Portavogie 960, E & D Harper & Sons Portavogie 956, C Hutchinson comber 950, K Ambrose Portavogie 948, Plunkett & Pollock Ards 945, G Coffey Portavogie 940, Thompson Bailey & Sons Portavogie 938, A Brown Millisle 937.
MAY DAY OPEN RACE FOR TFC
The newly formed Fanciers Combine will hold their first big Open Race on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May from Thurles. I would like to stress that this race is open to all fanciers and members of all organisations. I will be present at the race marking myself to get a few snaps for this column and of course later in the day of the winners. The race marking will be early morning on Monday at Edgarstown HPS from 6.30am until 9.00am at £2 per bird or 50p for trainers with no limit. Entry Forms are available from Cyril Beattie Tel: 38 840486, Geoffrey Douglas Tel: 38 327685, Gerald Creaney Tel: 38 851405, Colin Gibson Tel: 07715 472966, Joe Brown Tel: 07709 077266, Sam Craig or at race marking. The second race of the mid week race programme was again from Tullamore, yet again over 1,000 birds were competing. Super result for Richard Mulligan of Monaghan, who had 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with the winner doing velocity 1891.
Fanciers Combine Tullamore (2) 51/1168 – R Mulligan Monaghan 1891, R Mulligan 1882, R Mulligan 1876, T McClean Annaghmore 1869, T McClean 1863, G Calvin Annaghmore 1860, J Capper Loughgall 1856, E Grew Charlemont 1852, M Hughes Edgarstown 1843, W G Neill Annaghmore 1836 Nom, G Buckley & Son Annaghmore 1830, S Corrigan Loughgall 1825, R Parkes & Son Armagh 1825, D & B Lyness Lurgan Soc 1814, M/M C G Gibson Corcreeney 1813, J Curran Lurgan Soc 1799, G O’Dowd Gilford 1796.
Braniff's Start the Season in Style
Federation race controller Jimmy O'Hara took the decision on Friday to put the marking back by one day with the weather forecasts for Saturday looking somewhat bleek. So with a Saturday basketing for the Federation's second trip in successive weeks to Kildare all was in order for the strings to be cut early on Sunday morning. Without fail up they went at 8.45am in Light West changing to South West on route. Excellent returns all around for what was approxiamtely 105 miles into the City of Belfast, the birth place of this famous organisation. With most of the results now available its congratulations to Joe and David Braniff of the Wheatfield HPS, the lads had a cracking race to finish 1st, 2nd and 4th Open Ulster Federation with the winner doing velocity 1648. This partnership were crowned fanciers of the year last year with a record lead on the points table. Grosvenor HPS filled 3rd Open for the A & A Ferran team on 1642, Tony also finished 6th in the NIPA affiliated Colin HPS a Club that he topped already this season winning Section D of the NIPA, Grosvenor clubmate Frankie Toner took 5th Open on 1638 and we swing back again to Wheatfield for 6th Open the loft of D & G Ferguson recording a velocity 1634. Never far away the Paul & Kathleen McCarthy team from Grosvenor had a super race as well to finish 7th, 8th and 10th Open, their first bird was doing velocity 1632, only yards separated the three arrivals. Robert and Margaret McManus of Andersonstown HPS finish 9th Open, their winner was doing 1630. Looking down the results I see a very close finish in Shankill & District, Davy Balloch just beat the Calderwood & Waite team on the third decimal. Big Patsy Reid wins the Britannia, and Legs McCullough has 1st Fortfield for the second week followed home by the Dream Team of Martin & Tabb. Jackie Carson tops Sydenham, and in the East End Willie Willis knocks Frankie Mudd off top spot in a photo finish. Over in West Belfast a name no stranger to the leading position, top result for the Jackie Lindores, Son & Nicolson team. Any news snips, photos etc contact Joe Flood to be included in this report. Tel: (028) 90 225999 or Fax (028) 90 200848.
Ulster Federation Kildare (2) Prov Top 10
1st J & D Braniff Wheatfield 1648, 2nd J & D Braniff 1643, 3rd A & A Ferran Grosvenor 1642, 4th J & D Braniff 1641, 5th F Toner Grosvenor 1638, 6th D & G Ferguson Wheatfield 1634, 7th P & K McCarthy Grosvenor 1632, 8th P & K McCarthy 1631, 9th R & M McManus Andersonstown 1630, 10th P & K McCarthy 1628.
Ulster Federation Clubs Kildare (2)
Wheatfield HPS
1st J & D Braniff 1648, 2nd J & D Braniff 1643, 3rd J & D Braniff 1641, 4th D G Ferguson 1634, 5th J Begley & Son 1624, 6th B Clarke & Son 1614, 7th B & K Mullan & Dunlop 1613, 8th J & D Braniff 1612.
Grosvenor HPS 36/589
1st A & A Ferran 1642, 2nd F Toner 1638, 3rd P & K McCarthy 1632, 4th P & K McCarthy 1631, 5th P & K McCarthy 1628, 6th P O’Neill & Son 1627, 7th P & K McCarthy 1626, 8th W Carson 1624, 9th J & L Smyth 1623, 10th A & J Jordan 1623.
Andersonstown RPC
1st R & M McManus 1630, 2nd P Elliott & Sons 1615, 3rd J Kennedy & Son 1603.
Shankill & District 18/417
1st D Balloch 1624, 2nd Calderwood & Waite 1624, 3rd J Gibson Son & Tosh 1621, 4th W Gilmore 1619, 5th W Gilmore 1615, 6th J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1613, 7th W Gilmore 1606, 8th Smyth & Townsley 1604, 9th J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1602, 10th Smyth & Townsley 1601
West Belfast 24/412
1st J Lindores Son & Nicolson 1624, 2nd E Keyes 1619, 3rd R Freeburn & Sons 1615, 4th Bell & Faye 1603.
Alexandra 11/279
1st Reynolds & McCafferty 1618, 2nd J McErlean 1617, 3rd Hamilton & Davidson 1616, 4th J McErlean 1615, 5th R McCrystal 1613, 6th S Doherty 1608, 7th R McCrystal 1606, 8th Hamilton & Davidson 1606.
Fortfield HPS 18/270
1st R McCullough 1619, 2nd Martin & Tabb 1616, 3rd Martin & Tabb 1614, 4th R McCullough 1611, 5th J Braniff 1598, 6th Healy Bros 1594, 7th K Doherty 1594, 8th D & S Russell 1589, 9th P Morgan & Son 1588, 10th C Carson 1587.
Glen Invitation
1st K Nolan & Son 1604, 2nd McManus & Rea 1594, 3rd J Dillon & Son 1589.
Britannia HPS 9/140
1st P Reid & Son 1601, 2nd T Curran & Son 1598, 3rd McGann Bros 1594, 4th McGann Bros 1589, 5th T Curran & Son 1579, 6th T Curran & Son 1576, 7th T Clinton & Partners 1574, 8th McGann Bros 1566.
South Belfast 10/145
1st R Fear 1600, 2nd R Kenna 1597, 3rd R Kenna 1594.
Sydenham HPS
1st J Carson 1596, 2nd J & J Scates 1581, 3rd J & J Scates 1575, 4th J & J Scates 1565, 5th J Carson 1559, 6th J & J Scates 1546, 7th R & S Scates 1542, 8th J & J Scates 1539, 9th J & J Scates 1533, 10th R & S Scates 1526.
East End
1st W Willis 1583, 2nd F Mudd & Son 1583, 3rd F Mudd & Son1578, 4th F Mudd & Son 1577, 5th F Mudd & Son 1577, 6th H & D J Bell 1574.
Irish South Road Federation Mallow
Greenhills & District RPC 18/437
1st P Carr 1571, 2nd B Brady 1571, 3rd N & N Smith 1571, 4th B Traynor 1564, 5th P Daly & Son 1561, 6th B Brady 1557. Many thanks to Belinda for this result and please keep them coming must have been a close finish the first three all on the same yard.
East Coast Federation Tramore
Stillorgan RPC 13/327
1st Dempsey & Zuurmond 1334, 2nd Dempsey & Zuurmond 1320, 3rd John Downing 1266, 4th Peter Kennedy & Sons 1263, 5th Byrne & Mooney 1255, 6th John Downing 1250, 7th J Downing 1237, 8th John Downing 1236, 9th Peter Kennedy & Sons 1214, 10th Peter Kennedy & Sons 912. Many thanks to Peter for getting the result for Stillorgan started and I look forward to covering many more Clubs in the South of Ireland sooner rather than later so just lift the phone or even btter send me an email to the address listed below.
IRISH NATIONAL FLYING CLUB
Clubs are reminded to return the list for Irish National FC membership before the closing date this weekend. The fees are £15 for existing members and any other members transferring to the club who were members in 2007. The fee for those who were not members in 2007 and wish to become members is £25. A levy of £2 will apply only until Saturday 3rd May after which no applications will be considered. Any queries contact the Secretary Trevor Topping Tel: (028) 92 641265. All permits have been applied for regarding the racing from France, the race programme will be.
Skibbereen North OB Inland Nat Wednesday 28th May, Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 11th June, Kings Cup Vannes Friday 4th July, Friendship Nat Quimper Friday 11th July, Sennen Cove YB Nat/Old Hens Nat Sennen Cove Wednesday 10th September, Skibbereen North YB Inl Nat Saturday 20th September. Members should not apply for the Quimper distance, it will be obtained by the Secretary at the time of the race.
NORTH/SOUTH FEDERATION
North/South Federation Tullamore P McAteer & Sons Millvale 1050, B Woods & Son Newry & Dist 988, Cowan Bros Bessbrook 965, Mal Maguire & Sons Newry & Dist 931, Mal Maguire & Sons Millvale 930, Mal Maguire & Sons Millvale 929, N Murtagh Millvale 922, Mal Maguire & Sons Millvale 919, Cowan Bros Bessbrook 917, Mark Maguire & Sons Newry & Dist 912, N Murtagh 911, A Curran Millvale 908, T Mooney & Sons Millvale 904, Mark Maguire & Sons Newry & Dist 900, Mark Maguire & Sons Newry & Dist 900, R McMinn & Dtr Bessbrook 890, Cowan Bros 888, Mark Maguire & Sons Newry & Dist 881, Mark Maguire & Sons 878. Nom 1st Mark Maguire & Sons, 2nd Cowan Bros.
Patrick Brown Best From Tullamore
The East Down Combine pigeons were in Tullamore for the second race of the season and conditions were vastly different too the previous weeks. The forecast was for fresh easterly winds particularly along the coast but few expected it to be just as strong as it was. With very little sunshine about the wind a very cold feel to it. I don’t recall many days when I have waited for pigeons in such cold conditions. I know some fanciers who had to abandon their usual vantage-points to seek some respite from the biting wind. When we think of how we felt standing in the relative shelter of our gardens then we have to consider the pigeons difficulties encountered by the pigeons when they faced into the tight head wind.
The birds were liberated at 9.30am and the early pigeons took three hours for the 100-mile fly. While the pigeons continued to arrive late into the evening there were still a few empty perches at nightfall. Thankfully Sunday morning saw most of these empty spaces filled, and indeed there were several more arrivals this Sunday too. However the pigeons probably could have done without such a difficult race so early in the season.
The winner of the South Down Federation this week is Annsborough’s Patrick Brown who has got off to a great start to the season having been sixth and ninth Fed last week. Patrick was the Fed’s Fancier of theYear in 2001, a year that saw him win four Feds. After that Patrick tried to divide his pigeons between the Annsborough and Corrigs clubs and while he did so with a certain degree of success he never really reached the heights, which he had at the turn of the century. Patrick has now decided to concentrate his efforts into the Annsborough club.
Patrick’s pigeon like so many of his prizewinners these days is from Annalong’s K Rooney & Son and is a Busschaert. Patrick is quick to point out that a lot of the credit for this win has to go to his wife, Geraldine who does a lot of the work with the pigeons including the scraping out.
R McDowell & Son also from Annsborough have got off to a great start to the season as well and are second Fed this week. This follows on from last week when they were seventh Fed. The pigeon timed here this week is Braspenning on the sire side while the dam is out of a daughter of ‘Steady Eddie’, a winner of 22 races for J & J Hollinger. The McDowell loft is one that prospers in all race conditions and from all distances, so I am sure we will see a lot more of this loft as the season unfolds.
D Croskery & Son Annsborough see another magnificent start to a season with five birds in the Fed result, at 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th. This was following last week’s result, which saw him with four birds in the top ten.
Their first pigeon this week is a yearling hen, and his a daughter of their best racing hen, being a ‘Bolden Janssen’. The sire is also from the racing loft and is one of their top De Klak Janssen pigeons. This yearling hen received an injury last year ands was taken off the road, but she is now fully recovered and showing great form.
Their second pigeon is a yearling cock, that is the same way bred as the pigeon, which won the inaugural Breeder Buyer in Corcreeny. This pigeon is from their Wily Thas pigeons. The pigeon at seventh Fed is another De Klak Janssen cock, and these birds have been most consistent in recent years for the Croskery lofts.
Their fourth bird timed is a ‘Golden Bol’ Janssen yearling cock and this bird is also closely related to many prizewinners at all levels. The pigeon at ninth Fed this week is another from the Wily Thas lines, a prizewinner as a young bird.
Annsborough’s P Brown & Son have two good birds in the result at fourth and fifth Fed. Both birds are Soontjens cocks racing on the Natural system. The pigeon at fourth Fed is a yearling while the one at fifth Fed is a two-year-old. It’s good to see these Natural cocks hot form so early in the season.
The result is completed by Noel Maguire Annsborough in tenth position. Noel is the proverbial small team man so this is an excellent result for him. The pigeon timed is a yearling reared by clubmate James Cleland from his distance stock.
Result: 1, P Brown Annsborough 963; 2, R McDowell & Son Annsborough 951; 3, D Croskery & Son Annsborough 950.8; 4, 5, P Brown & Son Annsborough 950.4, 929; 6, 7, 8, 9, D Croskery & Son 923, 919.9, 919.8, 917; 10, N Maguire Annsborough 905; P Brown 904 ABCD £31; D Croskery & Son 828 ABCDNom £25.10; R McDowell & Son 807 £12.40:
· Pool race this week from Clonmel
· Loft KO starts this week from Clonmel with the final from Bude.
South Down Federation Result Thurles
1st P Brown 1636, 2nd K Rooney & Son 1617, 3rd R McDowell & Son 1609, 4th K Rooney & Son 1602, 5th P Brown 1601, 6th B Cowan 1593, 7th D Croskery & Son 1591, 8th D Crockery& Son 1590, 9th M Croskery 1589, 10th D Croskery & Son 1588.
East Down Combine Results Thurles
Ballylesson HPS 14/363
1st A Cousins & Sons 1685, 2nd John Patterson 1684, 3rd John Patterson 1677, 4th Alex Crawford 1666, 5th John Patterson 1663, 6th F Keery 1662, 7th A Cousins & Sons 1661, 8th John Patterson 1657, 9th A cousins & sons 1656, 10th John Patterson 1656.
Dundonald HPS 6/200
1st B & E Foulis & Gill 1668, 2nd M Foulis 1662, 3rd M Foulis 1656, 4th J Young & Partners 1652, 5th B & E Foulis & Gill 1648, 6th M Foulis 1644, 7th S Brown & Sons 1643, 8th M Foulis 1639, 9th S Brown & Sons 1639, 10th B & E Foulis & Gill 1637.
Bangor RPC 13/327
1st R Moore & Son 1659, 2nd Burgess & Brennan 1651, 3rd R Moore & Son 1649, 4th R Moore & Son 1647, 5th R Moore & Son 1646, 6th J Cardy & Son 1644, 7th Burgess & Brennan 1643, 8th R Moore & Son 1642, 9th R Moore & Son 1638, 10th Burgess & Brennan 1635.
Hillfoot HPS 11/178
1st H Flynn 1651, 2nd H Flynn 1640, 3rd D & T Brennan 1636, 4th M McClure 1622, 5th D Flynn 1620, 6th J Scates & Sons 1615, 7th D & T Brennan 1613, 8th J Scates & Sons 1609, 9th M McClure 1606, 10th R Irwin 1604.
Drumaness Mills HPS
1st M Flynn 1651, 2nd B Blaney 1618, 3rd J Kirk & Son 1607, 4th B Blaney 1603, 5th G Morrison & Daughters 1602, 6th M Flynn 1602, 7th G Morrison & Daughters 1601, 8th G Morrison & Daughters 1599, 9th G Morrison & Daughters 1597, 10th M Flynn 1597.
Crossgar HPS 13/439
1st B Palmer & Sons 1647, 2nd McCartan & Woodsides 1645, 3rd McCartan & Woodsides 1632, 4th S & K Duke 1627, 5th McCartan & Woodsides 1626, 6th McCartan & Woodsides 1625, 7th S & K Duke 1624, 8th McCartan & Woodsides 1624, 9th J McGreevy 1619, 10th A & A Chambers 1618.
Ballynahinch Social
1st R Hunter 1638, 2nd R Hunter 1633, 3rd J Gillespie & Sons 1626, 4th J Gillespie & Sons 1611, 5th R Hunter 1604, 6th R Hunter 1601, 7th S & P Logan 1600, 8th R Hunter 1597, 9th S & P Logan 1595, 10th R Hunter 1594.
Annsborough HPS
1st P Brown 1636, 2nd R McDowell & Son 1609, 3rd P Brown 1601, 4th B Cowan 1593, 5th D Croskery & Son 1591, 6th D Crockery & Son 1590, 7th M Croskery 1589, 8th D Croskery & Son 1588.
Annalong 15/309
1st K Rooney 1617, 2nd K Rooney 1602, 3rd Donnelly Bros 1554, 4th B Higgins 1538, 5th K Rooney & Son 1522, 6th D McConnell 1520, 7th J Newell 1519, 8th B Higgins 1519, 9th J Newell 1512, 10th J Newell 1509.
Dundrum 7/187
1st B Chambers 1585, 2nd A Murray & Son 1573, 3rd J Maguire & Partners 1573, 4th J Maguire & Partners 1568, 5th B Chambers 1556, 6th E Cullen 1555, 7th S Foster & Connor 1550, 8th S Foster & Connor 1544, 9th B Chambers 1540, 10th A McNamara & Partners 1533.
Downpatrick HPS
1st J Quinn 1543, 2nd F Black & Son 1538, 3rd F Black & Son 1528, 4th J Shaw & Sons.
PICTURE GALLERY
After winning Section (D) of the NIPA two weeks ago Tony Ferran takes top spot from Kildare with the Ulster Federation.
The three race winners to date in the Ballymena & District HPS, from (l) Billy Smyth, Bertie Blair and James Harris who won from Roscrea last weekend.
Mid Antrim Combine Secretary George McDowell has won 1st Club Kells & Dist for the last two weeks.
Charlie McManus from the New Antrim Amalgamated has won the last two races from Tullamore and Roscrea.
Looking the winner, the Blue w/f cock raced by Fleming Bros of Crumlin, 1st Club Crumlin & Dist and favourite to collect 1st Section in the Mighty NIPA.
Colin Campbell had the best bird in Larne from Roscrea and won 1st & 2nd Horseshoe, favourite to top the NIPA East Antrim Section C as well.
Geordie Robinson had the best two birds in Carrickfergus winning 1st & 2nd in the Carrick Social RPC.
Pictured while on a visit to the Greggan in Derry City from (l), Colin McConony, Danny Cooley and Kevin Payne of the Foyle HPS.
Joan & Ivan Moore topped the Club in Ards also winning the DTW Ivan snapped here lifting his award.
Blue Soontjen cock bred by the master himself Derek Parr this bird topped the Dunedin Club this week for the Gregg, Kemp and McBride partnership.
Tommy Plant will be picking up some more of these after topping the Kingswood HPS this week from Roscrea, The Kingswood club are holding their own this their first year racing with Section D of the NIPA.
This Eastway were enjoying the moment on Saturday even after the Bad result for Man U, pictured here is Sammy Larkham with Grandson Sammy and Weasle Willis after topping the Club, no surprise in the name of the winner "Ronaldo"
Glen and Johny Buckley of the G Buckley & Son partnership took the first three in the Annaghmore HPS and are a major threat hitting form so soon in the season.
The powerful partnership of Amanda Mitchell and Son are settling well into their new Club Muckamore taking the Red Card the last two weeks. Winning where ever she goes.
The Beggs & Hall team took the red card in the massive Larne & District HPS. This partnership were the top prize winners last year and when you see weekly birdages of anything from 700 - 1000, that is some acheivement.
Don McCandless collects his 1st Club success of the yeat with the Dromara HPS, but be rest assured more will follow.
Back on the road and starting were he left off as a youngster, "Champion Kevin" 3 x RPRA Award Winner last year as a youngster tops the Derriaghy HPS this week from Roscrea and will feature highly in the NIPA Section D and the over-all Open.
The R & G & G Donaldson team put up some excellent performances last year and have took the red card this week in the Portadown Inv HPS.
Last season's Talbenny Y/B National winner Eddie McKnight finished just behind the Donaldson team in the Portadown Inv.
Former Kings Cup Winner Jackie Crossan is looking like the NIPA Topper from Roscrea on Saturday finishing 1st & 2nd Club for the second week on the trot.
John & Andrea Wilson take top spot this week in Doagh & Dist, their winner is a blue pied Wildemeersch x Soontjens cock bred by George Horner they also take 2nd with their good Verheye cock (Mr Swann), this cock was also 2nd Club last week.
Rab Fear got his nose in front this week in the South Belfast Club ahead of his fellow Club Ronnie McKenna.
The West Belfast loft of J Lindores,Son & Nicholson topped the their Club at the weekend and are starting to show the signs of the formidability that torpedoed their season last year.
Davy Hamilton and son Tony enjoyed topping the Bangor RPC and the EDC from Tullamore
Adie McCormick
Ireland's Own Pigeon Auctions
Tel 028 92 604778
email
www.pigeonnetwork.com
