THE NORTH WEST OF IRELAND
by Liam O Comain
Back Again
Due to health problems I ceased some of my activities, that is, I was forced to restrict reportage on the sport of sports but although all is not well I have received some good news recently from the medical profession therefore I am determined to stretch again in a geographical aspect. So expect an email, a knock on your door, a fax, or a phone call.
Richard Clingan RIP
The late Richard Clingan
It was with extreme sadness that I heard of the death of Richard recently. As past Editor of the Australian Racing Pigeon Journal he made contact with me to contribute articles to that fine publication, followed shortly afterwards with a visit to my home. A native of Ireland's north west, he raced here prior to his emigration and in a sense he became a pillar of the sport in the land of the kangaroo. He will be dearly missed and I offer his family sincere condolences at this time. May he rest in peace.
The restless feet of an Irish Pigeoner...
Received news from the City Of Derry Fed's hard working Secretary, Pat McLaughlin, that John O Donnell has decided to return to live in Australia. John has the best of bloodlines both European and Australian. In fact John's family are in the bloodlines of marathon winners in the southern hemisphere. He is also a past winner of the Alice Springs to Adeliade marathon. I am sad to hear about his departure but wish him the best wherever he may roam for John is a fine person and an excellent pigeoner.
The End Of Racing For 2007
Well another racing season has come to an end and the fanciers should now be thinking about and preparing for the City Of Derry Open Show. There have been winners and losers throughout the recent year but the important thing to remember is the sport itself. For I firmly believe that we are graced to be a part of the sport of sports and especially managing one of the greatest aspects of God's creation - the thoroughbred racing pigeon.
CITY OF DERRY FEDERATION Final Races:
Pilmore Beach: 37/196 J Diamond (Foyle)( 1116, P Maxwell(Foyle) 1115, J & D Kelly (Londonderry) 1110, P Maxwell (Foyle) 1103, P McLaughlin (Maiden City) 1072, J McLaughlin (Rock) 1046, A McCrudden (Foyle )1039, J McLaughlin (Rock) 1036, Coyle Bros (Maiden City) 1020, P Maxwell 994,(Foyle) J & D Kelly (Londonderry) 992, J & D Kelly(Londonderry) 989, B Houston (Londonderry) 985, P Cregan (Maiden City) 974, R Gallagher (Londonderry) 942, R Gallagher(Londonderry) 922, N Murray (Londonderry) 877, J & D Kelly(Londonderry) 871, P Cregan (Maiden City) 837, F Ramsey( Maiden City) 793.
Talbennny YB National & Tullamore Inland: The NIPA had two races on the weekend of the Talbenny Young Bird national including a comeback race from Tullamore.
Taking the top spot from the channel race are Foyle members Danny & Gary Cooley,a loft that in recent times enjoyed success in the Sun City One Loft races. Anthony Mc Crudden timed 3 birds to take 2nd, 3rd & 4th places while Mickey Harkin takes 5th spot. Maiden City member Pat Cregan records the only other arrival for 6th position.
In the Tullamore race 28 members sent 270 birds and John Mc Daid & Son ( Foyle ) timed 3 birds scoring 1st, 2nd & 5th Fed. This performance should see John and his son topping Section H of the NIPA.Frankie Ramsay ( Maiden City) took 3rd place with Mr & Mrs Paul Maxwell taking 4th,16th & 18th Fed. Other results: 6th 12th & 19th Coyle Bros; 7th P Mc Laughlin; 8th Maguire & Mc Devitt ; 9th & 11th A Mc Crudden ; 10th L & M Moran; 13th 14th 15th & 20th & D Kelly; 17th M Concannon.
Fermoy (5 Bird Classic): 30/220 1st J McDaid Foyle 1018, A McCrudden Foyle 1000, P McLaughlin Maiden City 960, P McLaughlin 942, J McDaid 942, J & D Kelly Londonderry 928, J Gallagher Foyle 916, T McDaid Foyle 912, J McDaid 901, P Maxwell Foyle 878, P Maxwell 876, J & D Kelly Londonderry 876, T McDaid 873, J Gallagher 870, A McCrudden 863, M Concannon Maiden City 856, R Gallagher 844, P Maxwell 842, P Cregan Maiden City 826, J & D Kelly 795.
Rosscarbery NIPA YB National: 1st M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1678, J McDaid & Son Foyle 1676, M/M P Maxwell 1669, P Cregan Maiden City 1666, S Barker Foyle 1636, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1636, R Gallagher Londonderry 1622, A McCrudden Foyle 1619, T McDaid Foyle 1597, J & G Ramsey Foyle 1563, A Mitchell & Son Rock FC 1552, J McDaid & Son 1550, A Mitchell & Son Rock FC 1537, R Gallagher 1526, M/M P Maxwell 1471, E Quigley Maiden City 1470, D McClintock Foyle 1465, T McDaid 1384, J McDaid & Son 1367, J McDaid & Son 1304.
Members of the Rock Club in Derry City
Congratulations
To all who have won or been placed in Section H of the NIPA during the past racing season. To those who have yet to achieve that status bear in mind that it can be done. Congratulations to the Omagh pigeoners namely Alan Hall and Davy Booth for their excellent racing during 2007. In fact to everyone beyond and beyond again congratulations.
Thanks
Thanks to all who forwarded results and other info throughout the year!!!
A Gentle Poet...
rural scenes
all beautiful to a musing mind
he captured for our pleasure
and delight
the valley and its yield he saw
with a poet's eye
as accurate as a migrant
swallow's flight
the subtleties of his vision
he conveyed
while experiencing seasonal
changes by the roe
for this poet loved nature
in his inmost heart
a non-ebbing love a constant flow he loved the woods the lanes
the streams
he loved the song fair nature sung
the mayfly settling on the roe
forever kept his warm heart young alas young nature spring by name
witnessed this gentle poet's demise
and as the vale embraced
a cuckoo's call brought a smile
to tearful eyes
Contact:
Liam O Comain, 9 Synge Court, Derry-bt48
18/11/07
