The Leo Flanagan Partnership Of Derry City

Leo Flanagan with grand-daughter Chloe - a willing helper

The subject of this profile is one of the best pigeoners in the north west of Ireland as his past record shows, indeed this season he began where he left off last year and as usual on race days some voices are heard containing questions such as-' What time was Flanagan in?' Thus confirmation that as a pigeoner he is a force to be reckoned with in the capital of Ireland's north west.

Leo lives at the Glen Road on the West Bank of Derry and he was bit by the pigeon bug approximately 25 years ago, although from his present residence he has been racing for about 18 years.From his schooldays he recalls a school mate, whom Britain has gained, in the name of Gerry Clements and whom Leo has remained in contact with for years, long since they tried as
children to catch Jim Whiteside's pigeons in Derry's Waterside district.Gerry Clements is 'thee Gerry Clements' of the English fancy fame whereas Jim Whiteside is another good pigeoner, still in the sport, but who resides now in County Tyrone.

Leo recalled his friendship with an ex-pigeoner namely Hughie Curran of Derry's Creggan Estate and the obtainment of his first loft, apparently piece by piece.And although a member now of the Londonderry Racing Pigeon Society his first club was the Foyle RPS.So time has seen a partial return to his roots by the Foyleside's Top Of The Hill.

The Flanagan pigeon family is based upon a number of sources such as the late Paddy Healey of Derry and the late Alex Jordan of Belfast.Since then he has brought in birds from Gerry Clements successful team.The family has also had an input from Sid Ditchburn from Newcastle- Upon- Tyne (England), Terence McCrudden of Coleraine and Leslie Madden also of the Bannside Town. And over the years he has blended them by matching winner to winner, believeing that there is no such thing as a perfect pigeon and that the basket is the best course inspite of the accumulation of various theories, in fact, Leo has no time for the latter.

Our subject places a lot of emphasis upon the importance of preparing for next year's racing via this years moult therefore the best of clean feeding and fresh water is a number one priority, as it is in the breeding and racing seasons.The pigeons receive all that they can get especially of Maize and Beans, with emphasis being placed on a good energy diet for racing and a supplemented breeding mix.Leo uses the supplement known as Horoform which he considers one of the best on the market.Of course bearing in mind at all times that good feeding will not make bad pigeons win prizes.During our conversation Leo placed a lot of importance on the connection between hygene and health, emphasising that they go hand in hand.

Leo for sometime now flies in partnership with his son, Barry, and their managerial regime is a tough one including three 25 mile training tosses per week.An interesting point arising from our discussion is that upon return from a race their birds are not given any water until they cool down a bit but eventually they receive water and are treated for dehydration with Life Aid in liquid
form.Also they believe that prevention is better than cure so they are careful at all times about the administration of provisions for illness.

Leo contends that one cannot be successful unless one gets the right birds and observes them well at all times.Adding that the novice should purchase from within his/her geographical area and study and listen well.He is of the opinion that there is a time to race and produce therefore the novice should not try to run before they can walk.Listening is of paramount importance for he
admits to having learned a lot from the late Paddy Healey, whom he considers to have been the best pigeoner in Derry, in Leo's time.

The partners have had their downs as well as ups in the sport, although the ups appear to be well ahead with Leo recalling one very successful year- that is 1995- when he became the Fancier of the Year.And that from the success of the young birds alone for he did not race old birds that year.The lofts have won many club and fed positions galore over their time of participation in
the sport and this year at time of writing the partnership has not been out of the first five in the club as well as winning the Fed twice plus a 3rd Section H NIPA.And the hot news is that Leo and Barry have just won the NIPA Open Mallow Classic on June the 10th (2006).As the NIPA Open winners are few into the north west of Ireland this is an outstanding performance.

I enjoyed my visit to the Flanagans and while there observed a very good pigeoner in action both thoughtfully and actively as he illustrated a person in control as he oozed the love of his feathered friends.Athletes who have given much in return for they know that Leo has given much.A happy oasis in the Glen of Derry's Northland Road for both pigeons and pigeoners.

by: Liam O Comain