South East Ireland
with
Billy Walsh
I have met some cracking lads in the sport recently, and due in no small measure to organising the South Central Super Club breeder buyer. Already eying up an even bigger event in 2017 with a prize fund of 40,000 euro the target. And it will be reached with the calibre and the character of those who queued to join this years event.
Darren Ede and Tony Darling first mat in the late 90s after Tony moved to Southampton from London. Few will need reminding Southampton is the home of one of the all time greats of the sport. The late Vic Robinson. Tony and Darren soon developed a friendship that has not only endured but flourished. Not just in pigeons. The lads are partners in a wedding and limousine car hire company. With the ability to meet the exacting standards of a bride and groom on their wedding day it came as no surprise these guys employed those same exacting standard in their quest for quality racing pigeons.
The lads initially raced against each other breaks from the sport the partnership was formed in 2013 for all out assault the English classic & National scene. There has been a huge investment in the birds of Mark Gilbert, Freildenhoven & Son for the distance. For the sprint/middle distance the lads visited Rik Hermans, Van Wanrooij, Bakker & Son, Co & Piet Verbree, Wildly Daniels & of course the world famous Harry bloodlines. A few pairs of Franz Zwols are also housed. 2014 yb season was their first season racing and were 2nd Section 5th open National. In 2015 the lads scored 1st Section 2nd open NFC Fougeres 8,600 birds.
The partnership greatly admire Rik Hermans & His father Jan. Regarding them among best in the sport. 1st National Chateruex with a yearling Hen the fastest from over 44,000. This hen, Friendship, being bred from a son of Harry when mated to a daughter of Olympic Niels from Dirk Van Dyck. I have visited Dirk myself on many occasions. The man who bred and raced the most important breeder in half a century. De Kanibaal. Darren and Tony own children from all Rik's champions, 3 children from Cowgirl, 2 children Friendship, 2 sons of Charlene, 2 daughters of Tinky, 2 daughters of Minerva, 1 from Athena, Son of Beautifly, Grandaughter of Propere/Dicaprio. Plus many brothers and sisters to the champions. The largest collection of direct Rik Hermans in Europe
When I quizzed Darren on their ambitions for the future, the answer was not surprising and is to be admired. To be the best they can possibly be. "We want to be amongst the very best the NFC has to offer". Darren & Tony, as I said, run a limousine business. Their birds are Rolls Royce. In pigeon racing terms these lads are living life in the fast lane. Success in inevitable.
Peter Whelan with his kids celebrating 2nd Open National Barleycove.
South Central Super Club breeder buyer will be held in the Roanmore GAA Club on the Cleaboy Road in Waterford April 2nd.
I had a more than interesting chat with Steve Goulding this week this week. It's like a conversation with four different people. Such an interesting guy and dedicated fancier. A maker of music straight from Beatle City. Such phenomenal results including 1st Midland National 2014. But if Steve is Mozart his pal Stephen Milner is Beethoven. He has learned how to turn a deaf ear.
Gary Downing has been interested in racing pigeons since the age of 10. (47 years). His stock loft contains a mixture of the best sprint lines in the UK. Lambrecht, De Meyer etc. All have one thing in common; they breed winners. For Gary, it all begins with the birds, then develop your own family from there. Gary is one of the "go to" men for help and advice. He derives terrific satisfaction from their success if his advice works. It invariably does. While Gary does not have one overall objective in mind he competes to the fullest every week. One race at a time. Chris Hickam is another from the Midlands who sending his best to the BB as his good friend and near relative Kieran Garman T & K Garmen who without doubt house the best Karel Laenen pigeons in the UK. These birds now form a major part of the Stefan Lambrechts and more recently Dirk Van Den Bulcke. Arthur & Adam Wealthall have made an incredible name for themselves in the Midands sprint scene and I know their birds are going to be among the must haves in this sale.
Rounding off the sale is one of the nicest guys you will encounter in pigeons. Stuart Innet's family are steeped in pigeons being a third generation pigeon man. Stuart left the sport for a number of years to rear his two sons single handed after racing a very small tram with great success. He returned in 2007 with a view to winning the Van Robaey's Gold Ring Classic. His dream came true the following year. This was also the last year the race was held. Stuart is a dedicated YB flyer. His time is limited so his focus is on the inland YB program. He would rather do one thing well than attempt several things badly. His weapons of choice are Lambrechts for the shorter races with the Koopman pigeons maybe having the edge on stickier days. But by no means a hard and fast rule. One thing that is a rule, you need to be on your game before crossing swords with Stuart Innet.
The picture this week is from 2014, Peter Whelan with his kids celebrating 2nd Open National Barleycove.
Remember you must be a member of the national to buy at the breeder/buyer. You should be a member because we need a healthy National Flying Club.
It's your National.
Wear it with Pride.
Fly with distinction.
Promethius.
