Liam O Comain Reviews... Long Distance Pigeon Racing By John Clements

Liam O Comain reviews...

LONG DISTANCE PIGEON RACING

by John Clements

Due to health problems in recent times I had time to read more than write but perhaps this was a blessing for my brother loaned me his copy of 'Long-Distance Pigeon Racing' by John Clements.

John, as readers will know, is a well known writer about our sport but especially its long distance and marathon aspects. He is a person that many admire because of his concern for the welfare of the sport of pigeon racing and his ability to call a spade a spade, which at times makes him controversial, but in my opinion the sport requires more thinkers like the author of this publication for they are necessary for 'the sport of the gods' in our modern era.

As one who, like John, prefers the exploits of our thoroughbred athletes at the longer distances I welcome this book as an authentic textbook within the area covered. It should be a must for every fancier across the globe. Of course, my brother Tommy will get his copy back for it is my intention come next pension day to order a copy for my own little library, where it shall reside on the shelves alongside Osman, Barker,etc,.

The book is a beautiful volume, well produced, and containing much wisdom from its author and those pigeoners who answered his questions pertaining to the strains or breeds preferred; and the management of their animals in preparation for the daunting tasks that await them or which previously they have encountered.

The author introduces us to some of the best exponents of the sport today from throughout Europe and in particular I welcome the inclusion of my fellow countryman, Alan Darragh, who like the other subjects is a maestro of long distance racing. In fact it took the honesty and sincerity of John Clements to give recognition to the sport in Ireland, which many believe is long overdue, via the outstanding managerial ability and the outstanding athletes of Alan Darragh.

So if any fancier wants to succeed in the distance races buy, beg, borrow this book for it is a must. In fact John Clements has provided the sport with a classic.