Farming Life - Wednesday 13/06/12

[willie reynolds]

All the Irish organizations including the NIPA released in Talbenny (South Wales) last Saturday 6th June at Noon in a Westerly wind, a similar race resulted as the week previous, good returns for some and none at all for others. The NIPA Open winners were Donnelly Bros from the Newry City recording velocity 1386 followed by G & M Atcheson of Ligoniel 1st in the East Antrim Sect C and Glen Buckley & Son of Annaghmore 1st Sect E. Looking through the early result some fantastic results were recorded over the entire country.

NIPA Talbenny (2) 691/7039 – 1-1G Donnelly Bros Newry City Inv 1386, 2-1C G & M Atcheson Ligoniel 1363, 3-1E G Buckley & Son Annaghmore 1360, 4-2E R Williamson Bondhill 1359, 5-2C D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1359, 6-1F J & R Quinn Killyleagh & Dist 1357, 7-1B A Darragh Cullybackey 1355, 8-3E T Furphy Wilton Cross 1354, 9-4E R Williamson 1348, 10-3C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1348, 11-5E D Calvin Bondhill 1347, 12-4C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1347, 13-6E R Williamson 1347, 14-7E G Buckley & Son 1344, 15-2F K Murray Killyleagh & Dist 1344, 16-2G Donnelly Bros 1343, 17-8E R K Hutchinson Drumcree 1342, 18-9E R Williamson 1342, 19-10E G Buckley & Son 1340, 20-1D N Black & Son Dromara 1340.

Best in the NIPA Sections:

Sect A 57/475 – J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1330, K Carolan Coalisland 1316, K Carolan 1316.

Sect B 119/1166 – A Darragh Cullybackey 1355, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 1314, J Millar & Son Harryville 1314.

Sect C 161/1696 – G & M Atcheson Ligoniel 1363, D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1359, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1348.

Sect D 74/801 – N Black & Son Dromara 1340, J Greenaway Dromore 1331, N Black & Son 1329.

Sect E 124/1565 – G Buckley & Son Annaghmore 1360, R Williamson Bondhill 1359, T Furphy Wilton Cross 1354.

Sect F 49/551 – J & R Quinn Killyleagh & Dist 1357, K Murray Killyleagh & Dist 1344, W Ennis Ards 1327.

Sect G 64/597 – Donnelly Bros Newry City Inv 1386, Donnelly Bros 1343, J Beck Drumnavaddy 1328.

Sect H 43/188 – A Kelly Omagh & Dist 1216, A Hall Omagh & Dist 1140, A Kelly 1138.

NIPA Race/Date

Talbenny (2) – 09/06/12

Coleraine Premier had the best birds into Coleraine from the Talbenny race last weekend, J L Madden was overall winner doing velocity 1330, followed by two birds for T & J McDonald and then Paul O’Connor. Darren Tosh had 1st Coleraine & County Derry (1250), and G Donaghy Son & Grandson had 1st & 2nd in the Windsor Social (1233).

Coleraine Triangle Talbenny (2) - J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1330, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1259, T & J McDonald 1259, P O’Connor Coleraine Prem 1259, D Tosh Coleraine & Co Derry 1250, J L Madden 1248, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1241, G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Soc 1233, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1232, R Montgomery Coleraine Prem 1224, P O’Connor 1212, C Morrow & Son Windsor Soc 1200, C Morrow & Son 1198, P O’Connor 1195, Newton & Quinn Coleraine Prem 1194.

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland 14/139 – K Carolan 1316, 1316, D Abbott 1308, K Carolan 1302, K Murphy 1286, K Carolan 1270.

Coleraine Premier – J L Madden 1330, T & J McDonald 1259, 1259, P O’Connor 1259, J L Madden 1248, Diamond Bros 1241, R Montgomery 1224, P O’Connor 1212, 1195, Newton & Quinn 1194.

Coleraine & County Derry 7/53 – D Tosh 1250, T McCrudden 1176, D Tosh 1150, T McCrudden 1004. Terence wins the pools.

Cookstown Social 6/54 – G & S Smith 1288, 1286, V Thom 1245, Speirs & Campbell 1238, G & S Smith 1223, V Thom 1144.

Castledawson 5/35 – T Leacock & Son 1250, Savage Bros 1181, T Leacock & Son 1177, Savage Bros 1087, T & S Dawson 1005, M McErlean 970.

Dungannon – K Shannon 1235, J & J Sampson 1222, S McConnell 1209, K Shannon 1179, 1153, J & J Sampson 1135.

Windsor Social 7/73 – G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1233, 1232, C Morrow & Son 1200, 1198, R & J Parke 1175, 1138, 1116, 1050.

This week we see another two races, the first from Talbenny in Wales, and secondly, from Fermoy writes Billy Knox. Both races turned out to be very strange affairs, but unlike last week, we will try to take the positives from racing, rather than moaning about things. There are always a few game pigeons that will make home despite everything we throw at them, and despite our wonderful climate, be it torrential rain, hurricanes, floods, fog, or whatever else nature throws at them. The wheels have certainly come loose this past couple of weeks, if they haven’t already fallen off. Let’s hope we can get back to normal soon, as the season for old birds at least, only has a few more weeks to go. And with the longest and perhaps most prestigious races still to come, fanciers will be hoping for a break as even at this stage, many channel and indeed French hopefuls have bitten the dust.

On then to the results for the Talbenny and Fermoy Races. Some club results are short and sweet, a testament to the conditions we have been talking about. But in saying that we have had some super performances this week. We will start this week with the Stabane club, where Glenn Quinn and Tony Conway excel once again. From Talbenny, Glenn has the only two birds, and what makes it even more special, is the fact that these where the same two birds that Glenn clocked last week. A really super fly from Glenn, who is at the top of his game at the minute. The result was 1st and 2nd Glenn Quinn 1098, 1071.

From the Fermoy race in Strabane, we have our Section winner for this week. Always there or there abouts every week, congratulations this week to Tony Conway on topping the Section. Taking three of the first five, Tony has a super weeks racing. The full Fermoy result in the Strabane club reads like this, 1st, 2nd and 5th Tony Conway 1301, 1298, 1247, 3rd and 4th Glenn Quinn 1252, 1251.

Next up we have the Omagh club, where again one man dominates and takes both wins this week. Alan Kelly has a great weekend taking the first three from Fermoy, and just for good measure, takes first and third from Talbenny as well. And as we see from our velocities, Tony will also top the Section from Talbenny. As I said, not a bad weekends racing.
The full results from Omagh look like this. From Talbenny, 1st and 3rd Alan Kelly 1216, 1138, 2nd Alan Hall 1140, 4th and 5th Kenny Armstrong.

From Fermoy, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Alan Kelly 1288, 1262, 1261, 4th K Armstrong 1231, 5th T Booth 1226.

On then to the Londonderry club, where I only have a result for the Fermoy race. Back on top this week, we have Leo Flannagan who takes the first three positions. Filling out the top five, we have Donal Kelly and the Sow and Grow boys, and in fifth, Noel Murray. The full result was as follows, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Leo Flannagan 1276, 1271, 1244, 4th Donal Kelly 1236, 5th Noel Murray 1177.

We will move on then to the Maiden City, where that man Mc Laughlin wins again and takes his total wins to five I believe for the season so far. Pat takes the first three from Fermoy. Another super channel race for Seamus Morrison who wins back to back Talbenny’s with his single entry. Seamus had the first bird in Derry last week and will be going all out to add to his channel successes over the next few weeks. Seamus’s bird is the only one on the day.

The full results for the Maiden City then look like this. From Talbenny, 1st Seamus Morrison 837.

From Fermoy the result was, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Pat Mc Laughlin 1259, 1258, 1182, 4th P + M Healy 1172, 5th Concannon Bros 1151.

In the Limavady club this week, two men again take the lion’s share of the spoils. Willie Mc Ilmoyle takes first and third from
Talbenny with Ronnie Witherow in second. While from Fermoy, Ronnie dominates, taking first, second, third and fifth, with Henderson Crawford in fourth spot. Another fine weekend for Ronnie and Willie. The full results then were as follows. From Talbenny, 1st and 3rd Willie Mc Ilmoyle 1096, 837, 2nd Ronnie Witherow 962.
From the Fermoy race, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th, Ronnie Witherow, 1295, 1286, 1269, 1249, 4th Henderson Crawford 1250.

Next, to the Foyle, where Sean Mc Grotty does the double, taking first spot from both Talbenny and Fermoy. Raymond O Reilly has a good race from Talbenny taking second and third positions. Only three birds in the result. 1st Sean Mc Grotty 1106, 2nd and 3rd Raymond O Reilly 1036, 993.

From Fermoy, 1st, 2nd and 4th Sean Mc Grotty 1285, 1242, 1156, 3rd Paul Maxwell 1157, 5th Noel Mc Grotty 1153.

In the Derry and District this week, Maxi Chism cleans up from Fermoy taking first, second and fourth, with Joe ebbs in third and Colm Mc Conomy in fifth. Maxi is having a super season and keeps up his winning form. From Talbenny, Danny Cooley records another win with Kieran Reid in second. Again it looks like only two birds in this result.
Full results for the Derry and District Talbenny, 1st Cooley Bros 1008, 2nd B + K Reid 980.

From Fermoy, 1st2nd and 4th M+ C Chism 1289, 1229, 1182, 3rd Joe Ebbs 1220, 5th Colm Mc Conomy 1177.
Last up this week, we have the Rock, where Tommy White does it again, winning Talbenny ahead of Fox and Hegarty. Again, we have just the two birds in the result. Congratulations to Tommy who is always knocking at the door each week, and to Fox + Hegarty who will surely now have one eye on the French race.

From Fermoy this week, Eamon Quigley cleans up, taking the first four positions with Jim and Ray Mc Monagle having to settle for fifth. The velocities for the Fermoy birds were 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th Eamon Quigley 1275, 1142, 1124, 1013, 5th Mc Monagle Bros 992.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Derry & District 5/16 – Cooley Bros 1008, B & K Reid 980.

Foyle RPS – S McGrotty 1106, R O’Reilly 1036, 993.

Limavady 5/33 – W McIlmoyle 1096, R Witherow 962, W McIlmoyle 873.

Maiden City – S Morrison 837.

Omagh & District 6/53 – A Kelly 1216, A Hall 1140, A Kelly 1138, K Armstrong 1126, 1079, T Booth 1065.

Strabane – G Quinn 1098, 1071.

Rock Flying Club – T White 870, Fox & Hegarty 770.

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 10/107 – A & N Young 1283, J Smyth & Son 1268, J Orr & Son 1264, M/M Robinson 1252, 1234, J Orr & Son 1232, D Lowry 1219, W Livingstone 1210, 1208, Balmer Young & Sons 1202.

Ballymena & Dist 13/113 – W & J Smyth 1296, Richmond Bros 1287, G Bell 1258, Blair & Rankin 1257, J Harris 1245, Blair & Rankin 1238, 1236, M/M M Sempey 1226, G Gilmour 1220, Richmond Bros 1210.

Ballykeel Inv – M/M M Sempey 1226, 1152.

Ballymoney 20/223 – D & H Stuart 1314, A & M Boyle 1277, S Laverty 1274, D Dixon 1268, 1264, 1258, 1251, J McDowell & Sons 1234, D Dixon 1233, 1225. Darwin wins the Talbenny race with a yearling Cheq cock, this Van Reet/Soontjen bloodline always score cross channel.

Ballymoney West Combine – J McDowell & Sons 1234, D Gage 1213, W Blair 1210, R J Elliott 1197, Brown & Stewart 1174, D Laverty 1158.

Dervock RPS 8/88 – D & H Stuart 1314, A & M Boyle 1277, S Laverty 1274, D & H Stuart 1213, 1196, W & L McCaw 1181, S Laverty 1174, D & H Stuart 1173, D & G McMullan 1112, D & H Stuart 1092.

Broughshane 6/80 – D Houston & Son 1286, J & N Simpson 1280, 1268, H Smyth & Son 1222, D Houston & Son 1219, G Connolly 1203, 1171, T & E Service 1159.

Cullybackey 11/115 – A Darragh 1355, 1294, S Steele 1275, A Darragh 1262, J & J Greer 1256, D Robinson 1249, A Darragh 1246, D Robinson 1243, H & R McCloy 1235, Russell Bros 1233, A Darragh 1221, J & J Greer 1217.

Crumlin & District 8/65 – K Carson & Son 1266, P McClarence 1249, G Grant 1234, K Carson & Son 1231, P McClarence 1208, Thompson Bros 1202.

Harryville 10/40 – J Millar & Son 1314, L Mullan 1313, A McBride 1300, J Millar & Son 1289, A McBride 1275, J Rock 1266, J Millar & Son 1240, R Service & Son 1234, Wray & McFadden 1230, J Millar & Son 1225.

Kells & District 8/62 – Mrs M Smyth 1276, McFarlane & Agnew 1245, Scott & Clements 1238, Mrs M Smyth 1169, Scott & Clements 1160, A Barkley & Son 1116, Scott & Clements 1113, 1113, A Barkley & Son 1042. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – M Smyth 1276, Scott & Clements 1113.

New Antrim Amal 5/70 – McFall & McManus 1276, 1267, C Moore 1266, 1251, McFall & McManus 1247, C Moore 1241, McFall & McManus 1233, 1227, C Moore 1219, McFall & McManus 1209. Very well done to Charlie McManus, again showing what his calibre of pigeons can do it when put to the test. Charlie only sent 14 pigeons to Talbenny and had 9 in the clock by 17.23pm - What a Card!!!!

Randalstown 10/111 – Stewart Bros 1287, S Millar 1283, H Boyd 1260, Stewart Bros 1248, S Millar 1237, H Boyd 1223, S Millar 1205, Houston Bros 1203.

Rasharkin & District 9/73 – J & D Surgenor 1306, H Cubitt 1280, Milliken & Barkley 1279, H Cubitt 1274, J & D Surgenor 1255, A C & T Tweed 1173. D Dixon – 1268, 1264, 1258, 1251. Nomination won by Harold Cubitt. J & D Surgenor win for the first time this season, Harold Cubitt is the runner-up. Race sponsored by Noel Twaddle Contracts (Ballymoney).

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Armagh 12/90 – A Geraghty 1323, P Tennyson 1283, G & A Campbell 1274, D C & P McArdle 1250, G & A Campbell 1242, 1242, P Tennyson 1241, Hawthorne & Prescott 1227, A Whitcroft 1213, G Steenson 1210. Armagh 2 Bird Club – G & A Campbell 1274, G Steenson 1210, A Whitcroft 1179, D C & P McArdle 1132.

Beechpark Social 10/145 – G McEvoy 1303, Dando & Bennett 1273, H Lynch & Son 1258, S & J McCullough 1255, S Gardiner 1229, R Bothwell 1190. Beechpark 2 Bird Club – G McEvoy 1303, Dando & Bennett 1273, S & J McCullough 1238.

Blackwatertown – R G & G Donaldson 1307, 1116, G Owens 1027, R G & G Donaldson 967. United Lofts boys rack up yet another win, and a Talbenny double. The winner was a Check hen that is the latest winner from excellent stock, the father responsible for at least 10 x 1st prize-winners and countless other prize-winners.

Edgarstown 12/131 – D Love 1308, G & C Simmons 1304, 1295, T & A Ford 1266, 1258, O Forde 1255.

Gilford & District 10/103 – S Fiddes 1336, J McAtamney & Son 1301, S Fiddes 1284, Rafferty & Toman 1258, C & R Moffett 1254, I Kidd 1219.

Laurelvale – S & N Lester 1279, J Serplus 1279, R K Abraham 1272, S & N Lester 1269, J Funston 1265, C Dike & Sons 1263.

Lurgan Social – S Curran 1309, 1309, 1291, J Douglas & Son 1276.

Portadown Inv – A Fearon 1294, M Livingstone 1286, A McDonald 1280, 1275, A Fearon 1257, P Duniak 1247. The Chairman chalks up his first win of the old bird season closely followed by the ever threatening Malcolm Livingstone. Well done Aidan!.

Wilton Cross 8/82 – T Furphy 1354, D Carville & Son 1299, O & B McCarron 1298, Cooper & McGrath 1293, M Wilkinson 1273, 1269.

The Fanciers Combine – The £50 Nomination winners in recent races were as follows. Talbenny (1) RGG Donaldson of Blackwatertown vel 1083 with Ring Number GB10P 16769. Yearling Cocks Nat G & C Simmons of Edgarstown vel 1337 with Ring Number GB11E 00453. Yearling Hens Nat D & B Lyness of Edgarstown vel 1367 with Ring Number GB11L 12422.

Ten out of Ten for Alan Darragh -

Even with the later liberation at 12 Noon, the second race from Talbenny in South Wales was little better that the first one the previous week, we had dull and overcast conditions at the home end and a lot of clubs put back the clock checking. Locally Alan Darragh continues to dominate the racing, ten races sent to in the Cullybackey HPS and 10 x 1sts for the loft. Recording velocity 1355 his latest winner takes top place in the Mid Antrim and Sect B and will be up at the top of the NIPA Open result.

For the semi-final of the Champions League to be flown from Bude this weekend we have an all Cullybackey match Alan Darragh v Reid Bros & McCloy and Jimmy Smyth & Son (Ahoghill) v Stewart Bros (Randalstown). Fees for the Fermoy 5 Bird will be lifted at Cullybackey Centre on Thursday 14th June after transporter departs for Bude, between 7.00pm and 8.30pm. Race marking for the Fermoy birds will be on Friday between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. George McDowell will collect the entry forms for the RPRA (Irish Region) Diamond Jubilee Race in Cullybackey Centre on Thursday 21st June after transporter departs for Penzance.

Mid Antrim Combine Talbenny (2) 82/771 – A Darragh Cullybackey 1355, J Millar & Son Harryville 1314, L Mullan Harryville 1313, J & D Surgenor Rasharkin 1306, A McBride Harryville 1300, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1296, A Darragh 1294, J Millar & Son 1289, Richmond Bros Ballymena 1287, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1287, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1286, A & N Young Ahoghill 1283, S Millar Randalstown 1283, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1280, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1280, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1279, McFall & McManus New Antrim 1276, Mrs M Smyth Kells 1276, S Steele Cullybackey 1275, A McBride 1275, H Cubitt 1274, J & N Simpson 1268, D Dixon Rasharkin 1268, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1268, McFall & McManus 1267, H Cubitt 1267, J Rock Harryville 1266, C Moore New Antrim 1266, J Orr & Son Ahoghill 1264, D Dixon 1264.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs

Cullybackey HPS 11/115 – A Darragh 1355, 1294, S Steele 1275, A Darragh 1262, J & J Greer 1256, D Robinson 1249, A Darragh 1246, D Robinson 1243, H & R McCloy 1235, Russell Bros 1233, A Darragh 1221, J & J Greer 1217.

Harryville 10/40 – J Millar & Son 1314, L Mullan 1313, A McBride 1300, J Millar & Son 1289, A McBride 1275, J Rock 1266, J Millar & Son 1240, R Service & Son 1234, Wray & McFadden 1230, J Millar & Son 1225.

Rasharkin & District 9/73 – J & D Surgenor 1306, H Cubitt 1280, Milliken & Barkley 1279, H Cubitt 1274, J & D Surgenor 1255, A C & T Tweed 1173. Danny Dixon – 1268, 1264, 1258, 1251. Nomination won by Harold Cubitt.

Ballymena & Dist 13/113 – W & J Smyth 1296, Richmond Bros 1287, G Bell 1258, Blair & Rankin 1257, J Harris 1245, Blair & Rankin 1238, 1236, M/M M Sempey 1226, G Gilmour 1220, Richmond Bros 1210.

Randalstown 10/111 – Stewart Bros 1287, S Millar 1283, H Boyd 1260, Stewart Bros 1248, S Millar 1237, H Boyd 1223, S Millar 1205, Houston Bros 1203.

Broughshane 6/80 – D Houston & Son 1286, J & N Simpson 1280, 1268, H Smyth & Son 1222, D Houston & Son 1219, G Connolly 1203, 1171, T & E Service 1159.

Ahoghill Flying Club 10/107 – A & N Young 1283, J Smyth & Son 1268, J Orr & Son 1264, M/M Robinson 1252, 1234, J Orr & Son 1232, D Lowry 1219, W Livingstone 1210, 1208, Balmer Young & Sons 1202.

New Antrim Amal 5/70 – McFall & McManus 1276, 1267, C Moore 1266, 1251, McFall & McManus 1247, C Moore 1241, McFall & McManus 1233, 1227, C Moore 1219, McFall & McManus 1209.

Kells & District 8/62 – Mrs M Smyth 1276, McFarlane & Agnew 1245, Scott & Clements 1238, Mrs M Smyth 1169, Scott & Clements 1160, A Barkley & Son 1116, Scott & Clements 1113, 1113, A Barkley & Son 1042. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – M Smyth 1276, Scott & Clements 1113.

East Down Combine Talbenny (2) 135/1331 – D Brennan Hillfoot 1334, S Rea Dundonald 1332, G & P Brown Annsborough 1318, A & P Trimble & Son Donaghadee 1318, J McCartan Annalong 1311, M/M E Spence Hillfoot 1307, C Lavery & Daughter Drumaness Mills 1302, A & P Trimble & Son 1302, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1298, Benson Bros Annsborough 1293, McCartan & Woodsides 1291, J Patterson Ballylesson 1291, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1285, R Trimble Ballynahinch Ballynahinch 1285, A & P Trimble & Son 1284, E & A Rogan Newcastle 1284, J McNally & Son Annsborough 1281, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1281, J Patterson 1280, A & P Trimble & Son 1279, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1274, Massey Bros Ballylesson 1273, W Hardy & Son Annsborough 1272, R Strain & Son Millisle & Dist 1270, R J Keown Annsborough 1268, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 1263, Massey Bros 1262, J McGreevy Crossgar 1261, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1260, T Marshall & Son 1260, J Young & Partners 1257, S & K Duke Crossgar 1257, J Cleland Annsborough 1255, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1254, Burns & O’Neill Drumaness 1254, A & A Cheevers 1254, C J Healy Killyleagh Cent 1253, W Catherwood & Son Ballynahinch 1253, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1253, F Gilmore Comber Soc 1252.

EDC West Sect 51/622 - D Brennan Hillfoot 1334, S Rea Dundonald 1332, M/M E Spence Hillfoot 1307, C Lavery & Daughter Drumaness Mills 1302, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1298, McCartan & Woodsides 1291, J Patterson Ballylesson 1291, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1285, R Trimble Ballynahinch 1285, A & P Trimble & Son 1284, J Patterson 1280, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1274, Massey Bros Ballylesson 1273, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 1263, Massey Bros 1262, J McGreevy Crossgar 1261, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1260, T Marshall & Son 1260, J Young & Partners 1257, S & K Duke Crossgar 1257, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1254.

EDC East Sect 84/709 - G & P Brown Annsborough 1318, A & P Trimble & Son Donaghadee 1318, J McCartan Annalong 1311, A & P Trimble & Son 1302, Benson Bros Annsborough 1293, A & P Trimble & Son 1284, E & A Rogan Newcastle 1284, J McNally & Son Annsborough 1281, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1281, A & P Trimble & Son 1279, W Hardy & Son Annsborough 1272, R Strain & Son Millisle & Dist 1270, R J Keown Annsborough 1268, J Cleland Annsborough 1255, C J Healy Killyleagh Cent 1253, F Gilmore Comber Soc 1252, G & P Brown 1251, R Moore & Son Bangor 1247, B Knight Annsborough 1247, Pritchard Bros Annsborough 1242.

East Down Combine Clubs Talbenny (2) –

Dundonald HPS – S Rea 1332, J Young 1274, 1257, S Brown & Sons 1253, 1250, J Young 1249.

Donaghadee 8/100 – A P Trimble & Sons 1318, 1302, 1284, 1279, EDK Allan & Sons 1220, 1219.

Annalong HPS 12/97 – J McCartan 1311, K Rooney & Son 1281, J Newell 1234, J Trimble & Son 1232, J Newell 1228, B Higgins 1219.

Drumaness Mills – C Lavery & Daughter 1302, Burns & O’Neill 1254, J Kirk & Sons 1218, 1217, Burns & O’Neill 1210, 1185.

Crossgar 7/92 – McCartan & Woodsides 1298, 1291, A & A Cheevers 1263, J McGreevy 1261, S & K Duke 1257, A & A Cheevers 1254.

Ballylesson 15/146 – J Patterson 1291, C & D Smyth & Sons 1285, J Patterson 1280, Massey Bros 1273, 1262, A Cousins & Sons 1254.

Ballynahinch – R Trimble 1285, W Catherwood & Son 1253, 1224, R Trimble 1215, H Wallace 1209, R Trimble 1202.

Cloughey 5/71 – Gordan Bros & Sons 1195, 1192, 1192, H & A Keenan & Partners 1178, Harper & Young 1127, H & A Keenan & Partners 1102.

Ballywalter SPC 6/45 – Palmer & McKay 1179, 1108, J Orr & Son 1094, W McMaster & Son 1079, S Regan 1055, J Robinson 987.

Downpatrick 2/18 – P McCullough & Daughter 1170, 1078, Ward & McIntosh 1076, 1058.

Tyrella – D McNabb & Partners 1137, G & B Feenan & Sons 1106, 1076, D McNabb & Partners 884.

Pritchard Bros on top from difficult Talbenny -

The East Down Combine had their first channel race of the season on Saturday 2nd June, when the birds were released in Talbenny in South Wales writes Brendan McLoughlin. With bad weather coming in to the south of Ireland on the Saturday morning and moving northwards during the day, the birds were released at 7.30am in an attempt to get them home before the rain from the south had moved northwards towards the line of flight. Wind at the racepoint for the liberation was southeast.

Talbenny has produced many erratic races over the years and this was to be another one, with even the early pigeons well behind schedule. Indications are that the pigeons may have ran into a fog on the Irish Sea, although this didn’t show on any of the early morning forecasts. This then caused the birds to cross lower down in Ireland where some of them ran into the rain, which had moved swiftly up from the south.

The winners of the South Down Fed this week are Pritchard Bros of Annsborough whose pigeons always seem to thrive in difficult conditions. This bird also takes 3rd section, 16th Open East Down Combine. The partnership is made up of brothers Charlie and Denzil and they have put up sterling performances in recent years, with their best results coming in races where the winning velocities are low. The pigeon timed here is a three-year-old Van Reet hen from birds bred down off stock obtained from Tony Smyth, Downpatrick. These birds have been a great purchase for the Annsborough duo as they have featured regularly in the club and Fed results.

Bobby McConnell Annalong is second Fed this week with the pigeon that won a Meritorious Award last year in the East Down Combine for best single bird average from 2nd Talbenny and Penzance.

The pigeon timed is a two-year-old hen takes 4th section, 20th Open and was 3rd club, 33rd Open from 2nd Fermoy last year after a bad trap when she could have been pushing for top honours. She was also 2nd club from 2nd Talbenny and then 3rd Fed, 6th section, 7th Open and 5th Classic Penzance. The sire was bred by K Rooney & Son for the club’s Breeder Exchange while the dam was bred by Arnie Tonks.

Annsborough’s RJ Keown is another well established channel loft and here he has two birds in the Fed result at 3rd and 9th Fed with these birds taking 5th section, 27th Open and 18th section respectively. RJ’s first pigeon is a yearling hen that had only one race as a young bird. The sire was 1st South Down Fed from the King’s Cup in 2009 when he was 41st Open. The dam is a winner of an East Down Combine achievement award for three times in the Open result from the St. Malo Derby having been 2nd, 16th and 9th Open from St. Malo.

RJ’s second pigeon is a two-year-old red cheq hen. Its dam was a top class racer having been 6th Open Bude and 39th Open Penzance in 2010, and 24th Open Bude last year. The sire, a Louella Roland Janssen is a grandson of ‘Rode Bingo’, 4 times Ace pigeon in Belgium

K Rooney & Son Annalong are 4th Fed, 9th section, 34th Open this week as their run of good form continues. The pigeon timed is a yearling grizzle cock. It’s off a son of ‘The Joker’ a Cooremans cock from Jackie Scates, Hillfoot, while the dam is a granddaughter of ‘The joker’ which the bought at the Blackpool Show. This pairing has produced a lot of winners for Kevin and Kristopher and for others.

Annsborough’s R McDowell & Son are 5th Fed, 11th section this week. Somebody remarked to me last week that the results for this race featured all the recognised channel flyers and with the McDowells we again have one of the Fed’s most consistent Channel lofts. The pigeon timed here is a yearling hen. The sire is from Billy Lecky, Ards, lines while the dam has the Joe McGreevy, Crossgar lines crossed with their own old Fletcher Busschaert lines.

G & P Brown Annsborough are 6th Fed, 13th section here following on from their superb race the previous week when they were 2nd, 3rd, and 12th section, and 3rd, 4th and 22nd Open. The pigeon timed is a two-year-old cock that was 1st Open Fermoy last year and like most of Geraldine and Patrick’s birds is from K Rooney & Son Annalong. Its sire is a Busschaert from Davy Shields and Dtr of the Cragshead club in Durham while the dam is a Janssen and is a full sister of Geraldine and Patrick’s Skibbereen Classic winner last year.

On the same yard we have the other Brown Loft in Annsborough, P Brown & Son, taking 7th Fed, 14th section. This two-year-old is another from the K Rooney & Son lofts which have bred so many prizewinners for both the Brown lofts in Annsborough. The pigeon timed here is a Lindelauf.

H Knight Annsborough is a loft showing a lot of form in recent weeks. This week Bert is 8th Fed, 15th section. Bert’s is another name that seems to appear when the going gets tough. The pigeon timed here is another from his own old bloodlines.

The result is completed by Annsborough’s Benson Bros at 10th Fed. The Benson’s for many years relied on their old Barker family of pigeons for harder days but now their M & D Evans’ Vandenabeeles are doing the job. The pigeon timed here is a yearling from their Vandenabeele lines.

Full Result: 1, Pritchard Bros Annsborough 983; 2, B McConnell Annalong 978; 3, R J Keown Annsborough 971; 4, K Rooney & Son Annalong 961; 5, R McDowell & Son Annsborough 948; 6, G & P Brown Annsborough 946.873; 7, P Brown & Son Annsborough 946.805; 8, B Knight Annsborough 945; 9, R J Keown 937; 10, Benson Bros Annsborough 935

* Next Pool race this week from Bude

* Final of Loft Knock Out this week sees James Cleland go head to head against J McNally & Son in what should be a very close affair.

EMERALD CLASSIC -

LOFT MANAGERS REPORT 27th May

“IRELANDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL ONE LOFT RACE”

It has been a very busy four months since the loft open at the beginning of February to except the entries for this year’s Emerald Classic which is now going into its 5th year and recognised by many as Europe’s Premier International One Loft Race and definitely the place to be if you want to test your pigeons against some of the world’s best.

Our percentage record for the past four years has been second to none and this is evident from the entries which have been arriving stead at the loft from some of the world’s top fanciers in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland North & South, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Hungry, Romania, Moldova Republic, Malta, Portugal, Canada and the Channel Islands.

Again we are deeply indebted to John Millar who circum navigates the UK and Ireland faithfully very week in all weather conditions to collect and deliver our entries.

Over 600 birds from 14 different countries have been delivered to the loft for this year’s event I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported the Emerald Classic this year again, with overseas Team entries from Team Germany, Team Belgium Masters, Team Romania, Team Moldova, and Team Malta.

We have also received tremendous support this year from Belgium and Holland with outstanding entries from Alex Allemeersch & Corry Van Parys winner’s of 1st Ace Pigeon 2011 Belgium Masters, Marc Pollin winner of 1st Open 2011 Belgium Masters, Dominique Velghe who owns one of the finest collections of direct Andre Verbesselt ( whose recent clearance sale on PIPA grossed 1.4 million euro) pigeons in Belgium, JL & N Houben who family of pigeons have excelled in the Million Dollar Pigeon Race, the world famous Herbot Brothers, Noel & Ivan Willockx, Jan Hermans, Harco Polman, Jos De Ritter, Belgica De Weerd Boscheind Flyers to name but a few. For the 60 plus Belgium entries I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Belgium agent Ivan Willockx of http://www.pitts.be for who will be conducting the auction of the top 20 prize winners and top 20 Ace pigeons in this year’s grand final.

Closer to home we have entries from Peter Fox Syndicate Lofts, Derek Parr Lakeside Lofts three past winners of the Emerald Classic W Gray & Son Ian, Hennie & Anette Kallmeyer, and Danny Dixon. RPRA One Loft Race winners Richard Owen & Ken Hogarth, two past Europa winners Mr & Mrs William Lewis, Ken Darlington, last year’s runners up Connor Whelan & Brendan Mc Cann, Philip & Mark Smith who has been the most successfully Irish compeditor in the MDPR for the past 4 years, Sheldon Leonard who not only owns one of the finest collections of direct Janssen pigeons but the actual nest mates of those recently sold on PIPA for an astonishing average of €21,400.00 each, yes each!, this is just a small selection with pure quality like this we are in for an exciting 2012 a full inventory of this year’s entries will be available on line shortly.

ATTENTION

Disappointedly a number of initial entries still remain unpaid (not reserves) if they have not been paid but the time the inventory list is compiled they will be listed as Bird of Sale there will be no more polite reminders.

THANK YOU

I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) http://www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway http://www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.

Important information

May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year’s final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have again been allocated to the Emerald Classic. However these rooms must be booked directly with the Hotel please visit their web site via the links section of our web site and speak to Karen to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe

Thank You JOHN H BOYD - RACE DIRECTOR