Flying into the NW - Clonmel 04/05/13

[willie reynolds]

This week the birds where at Clonmel, which is around the 180 mile mark for most fanciers in the North West. Saturday morning saw really cold and really windy conditions in the North West with many people expecting a later release, to allow at least for a rise in temperatures for the birds. But, the birds were actually released at the unusual time of 9.10am. The decision it seems was taken by the convoyer and will probably come with an explanation at a later date. That said, with the velocities posted across the North West, and with returns seeming to be good, the decision, although unexpected proved to have been a good one this time.

On then to our round up and results for the week, where we will start with our Section winner this week, Ronnie Witherow in the Limavady club. Ronnie is no stranger when it comes to Section wins, and this is another to add to his growing collection. In the club result, Ronnie dominates again, taking the top four positions this week. Henderson Crawford is there or there abouts again, filling out the top five. The full Limavady result looks like this then, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th, Ronnie Witherow 1619, 1587, 1558, 1556, 5th H Crawford 1555, 6th L Miller, 8th D Johnston. (10 sent 215).

Next up this week we have the Foyle club, where Paul Maxwell puts in another top performance, taking the top three positions, a Fed win and a second in the Section. Not a bad weekend by any standard. Noel Mc Grotty makes a return to the frame with fourth spot, while Paul Maxwell Jnr, makes up the top five. The full result for the Foyle was 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th Paul Maxwell 1601,1600, 1580, 4th N Mc Grotty 1577, 5th P Maxwell (jnr) 1574, 6th S Mc Grotty, 8th J Gallagher, 9th S Mc Grotty, 10th J Gallagher.

Down at the Amelia Earhart this week, a welcome return to winning ways for veteran flyer (he loves that), Jim Mc Monagle and his brother Ray. The winner this week was bred from gift birds from Jimmy Hamilton and Karl Murphy. Having purchased birds from Jimmy and Karl the gift birds were paired together, and bred the partnerships first three birds this week. A top three Fed spot for the partnership and a good Section position as well, so well done again to Jim and Ray. If I don’t get your photo in time Jim, don’t worry I will put it in next week’s report. The result then looks like this, 1st and 10th J+R Mc Monagle 1595, 2nd T White 1562, 3rd and 5th W+D Hamilton 1552, 1541, 6th E Quigley, 7th J Quigley, 8th S Campbell, 9th M Mc Closkey.

In the Derry and District this week, one of last year’s top flyers, Maxi Chism takes his first but surely not his last red card of the year. Sean Duffy is in the frame again in second, with Cooley Bros making up the top three. The full result looks like this, 1st, 5th and 9th Maxi Chism+ Son 1591, 2nd S Duffy 1563, 3rd and 6th Cooley Bros 1561, 4th A Mc Crudden 1555, 7th M Fahy,8th T Mullan, 10th J+G Ramsey. 18 sent 318.

Up in Strabane this week, it’s the Tony Conway show again. Tony’s birds are in top form at the minute, with Tony taking the top three spots as well as fifth and sixth just for good measure. Danny Farrell is the only man close to Tony this week in fourth. The full result then was 1st, 2nd ,3rd, 5th and 6th Tony Conway 1562, 1543, 1540, 1530, 4th D Farrell, 7th and 10th G Quinn, 8th R Mc Ateer, 9th D Mullen. A mix up in the photos last week, will have to get an update for Tony. 15 sent 232.

Down in the Maiden City club this week, Martin Healy is out in front again. That’s two on the bounce for Martin. Young Frankie Ramsey makes a return to the frame with a second and another two in the top ten. Mc Gettigan Bros are also starting to show a bit of form with third, fourth and ninth positions. The full result for the Maiden City looked like this then, 1st P+M Healy 1575, 2nd, 6th and 7th F Ramsey 1560, 3rd, 4th and 9th Mc Gettigan Bros 1554, 1550, 5th S Quigley Son and Grandson 1544, 8th Coyle Bros, 10th P Cregan. 19 sent 263.

Last but not least, to Omagh, where another man whose birds are in great shape, Alan Kelly makes it a double in the club, having won the Section last week. Close behind again is Kenny Armstrong who must take another red card before long. Another man whose birds are coming into form is Alan Hall, who takes fourth, fifth and sixth. The result looks like this, 1st and 2nd A Kelly 1559,1555, 3rd K Armstrong 1529, 4th, 5th and 6th A Hall 1477, 1435.

Well done once again to all our winners and a special mention to our Section winner Ronnie Witherow.
The City of Derry Federation result for this week looked like this, 1st, 2nd and 5th Paul Maxwell 1601, 1600, 1580, 3rd Jim and Ray Mc Monagle 1595, 4th Maxi Chism and Son 1591. 78 sent 1097.
billyknox@btinternet.com


Ronnie Witherow from Limavady, 1st Section H from Clonmel.


Paul Maxwell Foyle, 1st City of Derry Federation Clonmel.


Jim & Ray McMonagle 1st in the Amelia Earhart.


Maxi Chism & Son winners in the Derry & District.


Two wins on the trot for Martin Healy in Maiden City.