The Derry Show
By Liam O Comain

On Boxing Day 2006 the showing of our thoroughbreds returned to the capital of Ireland's north west after a long period of absence and what a day to remember as pigeoners entered the spacious hall at the Brandywell end of the City. In fact when I saw the hundreds of pens occupied by the best of stock and the various faces of pigeoners known and unknown to me from throughout the region I knew that the organizers had proven themselves for on this occasion the sport was the winner and it is the basis for good things to come!

"Some of the main subjects of the show"

The organizers had the backing of business people such as Jollyes, Beatties, etc., and the pens included birds from Belfast and Coleraine, as well as the north west or Section H NIPA. And there was even a charity sale of young birds which included pigeons donated from Manchester in England. Yes, the rebirth of the show reached across the English channel. And not forgetting Robbie Hasson who came the whole way from Armagh - good to have met you Robbie after all these years. In fact it was a true north west venture for the organizers are grateful for the use of pens from Limavady via John Kerr, the Limavady RPS Secretary, (remember the ould Avenue days, John?) and pigeoners from County Tyrone. And even John O'Donnell drove from County Donegal to grace us with his presence.

"The set of judges"

To be so successful after such a time of relapse ensures an annual Boxing Day show in Ireland's north west capital as the new millennium progresses. Positive vision has brought about its rebirth and it belongs to the fanciers of the north west and all those from elsewhere who are motivated for the good of the sport. In conclusion, the pigeon racing fraternity are grateful to the Lady Mayor of Derry City, Helen Quigley, for attending and opening the Show.

"Belfast pigeoners who came and conquered."

"Tommy Cummings from Limavady and David Booth from Omagh"

"Seven of the organisers plus Joe Kelly (2nd from right)"

"A happy bunch of pigeoners"

Michael Moran whose bird won overall Champion of the Show.

"Helen Quigley, mayor of Derry, who opened the show"

"Members of Londonderry RPS and the Foyle RPS with Robbie Hasson from Armagh (2nd from right)"

"Leo Flanagan of Derry guarded by the Diamond Bros. of Coleraine"

"A prize of a heavenly plum cake"

"A view of the pens"

"A view of the pens"

 

by: Liam O Comain