J F McAllister wins Harkness Rose Bowl –

J F McAllister wins Harkness Rose Bowl –

Fancier brings top honour to Ballymena –

Ballymena and its surrounding district has always had a big following when it comes to pigeon racing, and recently a fancier from the Borough brought to it for the first time one of the sports most coveted awards in Ireland. Drinks Wholesaler and Solicitor Mr Shaun McAllister was presented with the award at the annual dinner and prize presentation of the Irish National Flying Club by Sir Robin Kinahan, the former Lord Mayor of Belfast.

The award the Harkness Perpetual Challenge Rose Bowl is open to any pigeon racer in the whole of Ireland. Mr McAllister had some stiff competition for this year’s honours in the form of 1,750 other hopeful contestants. To win the Harkness Rose Bowl the competitor had to clock the best 2 Bird Average in the Old Bird National which this year was run from Rennes in France. For his average of 12th & 16th Open Mr McAllister flying 506 miles collected prize and pool monies for a bonus of around £450.

J F McAllister from Ballymena with the coveted Harkness Rose Bowl, Best 2 Bird Average Kings Cup Rennes in 1977.

J F McAllister from Ballymena with the coveted Harkness Rose Bowl, Best 2 Bird Average Kings Cup Rennes in 1977.

 

 

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About the author

Willie Reynolds

Covering the sport in Ireland for several years, scribe for both BHW & RP and a number of local newspapers including the News Letter (Farming Life Supplement) each Wednesday. Secretary of Ballymena & District for a number of years and currently PO for the Mighty NIPA & INFC. Watch out for the many articles/news items penned by HOMER.

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