Farming Life - Wednesday 05/03/14

[willie reynolds]

The 64th AGM of the Irish National Flying Club was held in the Lagan Valley Leisure Plex on Saturday, 1st March. The attendance was approximately the same as last year and the Chairman David Black, after accepting a few apologies asked the members to stand for a minute’s silence in respect for those members who had died during the past year. He paid tribute in particular to the following who had been great supporters of the Irish National Flying Club, our current National Champion Maurice Wilkinson whose funeral took place the previous day, T Patterson and J McMillan.

The secretary Trevor Topping was invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed on a show of hands. The Convoyer’s race reports were on the table and available to the members. There were no questions raised in respect of the reports. The Secretary then gave his report.

Secretary’s Report for the 2013 season.
I would like to extend sympathy to all the families of members and any relatives who passed away since our last AGM on behalf of the Irish National Flying Club.
The 2013 membership totalled 1881, with 692 members in the south and 1189 in the north. It is disappointing to see the number of members below 2000 and I appeal to all members to promote the club and what it has to offer especially in the South of Ireland. Members who left totalled 247 this is 13%. New members totalled 171. The total prize and pool money paid out was £119,317.00 over the six races.
I wish to thank on behalf of the members the following sponsors for the 2013 season Bamfords Top Flight, Frazers Animal Feeds., Versele-Laga, Bucktons, Veterinary Services for Birds and Sawyers & Co. Estate Agents also to the BHW with a discount on publishing rates for race results.
The sponsorship prizes are greatly appreciated by the club members.
The club had a successful seasons racing with some races proving challenging and Quimper very disappointing. Thanks to the efforts of race advisors David Black, Tom Marshall and Willie Hore we managed to avoid poor weather. Race markings and race dates were changed to avoid long holdovers, and these proved to be the right decisions. Sennen Cove yearling race was a perfect example of the effort that is put into waiting for the right conditions. The Skibbereen young bird race was moved forward and many members missed the race. Please check the lib line and web site for race marking information. A great loss to the club was the release site at Plaudren. The RPRA were offered a new site at Nort – sur- Erdre but in mid June the permit to release on Friday 5th July was cancelled and restrictions put on release days. After a lot of effort a site was obtained at Saint Allouestre a similar race distance to Rennes. It is very difficult to find suitable release sites in France especially for pigeons racing to Ireland. I congratulate Ron Williamson on his King’s Cup win and all other winners of national races and prize winners. Ronnie Johnston arranged the annual prize distribution to a very high standard once again. The awards were presented by out going President Sid Collins, who was assisted by Anthony McDonnell who was the King’s Cup winner 50 years ago in 1963.
All the club trophies were presented 2013 along with three hall of fame awards and one gold medal. The first silver medal to be presented was to Paul Dunlop Edgarstown for four times a prize winner in the Friendship national. Six Triple Awards for three times a prizewinner in the Friendship National and two Triple Crown awards were also presented. 2013 was a very successful year for the Irish National Flying Club.
Mr. Sid. Collins arranged a presentation evening in January to present the merit awards, and had Mr. & Mrs. J. Tyerman, John is President of the BICC, Ian Crammond of Yorkshire and Derek Partridge of Manchester as the special guests. Eleven merit awards were presented on the evening and it proved to be a very successful event.
I wish to thank the committees of the East Down Combine and Ulster Federation for assistance with transport during the 2013 season. On behalf of the members I wish to thank all of those committee members and members who helped at the race markings, clock settings and checking’s and race controllers, Jim McCrory convoyer and Vincent McCrory driver for their great work and assistance. Also thanks to the ETS company representatives for assistance at race markings. The club web site was put to good use in 2013 for keeping members informed and results were available three or four days after the race, we hope to have more information on the web site during 2014 and thanks to Ian Gill for his assistance...
I also thank the officials, the committee members, press officers and any members who helped me during the past season. I can assure the members of the club to have no worries about the management of the Irish National Flying Club despite what is published in the fancy press.
The 2014 season is fast approaching and I appeal for help at the marking centre if only for a few hours as those members of the committee who faithfully attend the race marking are struggling to cope. The single bird challenge entries to be in before 17th March.
I hope we all have a successful 2014 season”

Annual Accounts: No questions had been asked prior to the meeting regarding the annual accounts and Ron McKelvey was called to give the Auditors report before the accounts were adopted. Mr McKelvey noted the reduction in costs from the previous year and commented that the prizemoney was the highest in the British Isles if not in Europe.

Election of Officers: All offices were declared vacant and Eugene Fitzgerald was invited to conduct the election. There were no changes at the top with the President, Senior Vice President and Junior Vice President had all completed their first year of a three year term in office.
Officers for 2014 are: Patron Ronnie Johnston, President Eugene Fitzgerald, Senior Vice-President David Black, Junior Vice-President Clifford Browne, Chairman David Black, Secretary Trevor Topping, Treasurer, D Mawhinney, Auditor Ron McKelvey, Press Officer Brendan McLoughlin. INFC Management Committee 2014: RPRA representatives: R Stevenson Dromara, W Sawyers Banbridge, R Duddy Ballyclare, L Woodside Ballyclare, J Serplus Laurelvale, C O’Hare Ballyholland, P Smith Ind South, C Lyons Hillsborough & Maze, G Delaney Dromore, G McDowell Kells, W Reynolds Ballymena, D Suitters Doagh, W Kelly St Pauls, P Dunlop Edgarstown, K Shannon Coalisland; INFC Appeals Committee: W Knowles Kingsmoss, J Burrows Eastway, S.S Cairns Gilford:
IHU representatives: L McCavery Annalong, B McLoughlin Annalong, G Gaw, East End, A McFarland East End, T Marshall Newtownbreda, B Marshall Newtownbreda, A Milliken Lagan Valley, M Irvine Tyrella, T O’Reilly Andersonstown, R Taylor Shankill, R Trimble Ballynahinch, F Gilmore Comber, C Browne Bangor, P Bell Kildonagh, P McKeown Dundalk; INFC Appeals Committee representatives: J Albert Ballylesson, PJ Corcoran Balbriggan, P Harford Balbriggan.
Race Advisers: D Black Dromara, W Hore Wexford, and T Marshall Newtownbreda:
The position of the race convoyer was left to the committee to complete.

Notices of Motion: 1, Submitted by the committee. Replace present clock rule 8 “Clock to be returned to the clock station together with verification envelope fully completed (measurements etc) within 3 hours after timing first bird. Members travelling more than 50 miles will be allowed 4 hours, plus one hour for every other 50 mile they have to travel. (When it is deemed all major prizes and pools have been won clocked will be checked at the discretion of the clock centre manager, and secretary as per rule 16). Clock station officials to record a) time of arrival at the clock station/centre, b) where applicable receptacle numbering showing and indented clock number. Clocks returned late will be given clocks check off time for birds arrival time/s”. With new race rule 8 “Clock to be returned to the nearest clock station together with verification envelope fully complete, (measurement etc) within 3 hours after timing first bird. Members travelling more than 50 miles to their nearest clocking station will be allowed 4 hours, plus one hour for every other 50 mile they have to travel. (When it is deemed that all major prizes and pools have been won clock will be checked at the discretion of the clock centre manager, and secretary as per rule 16. Clock station officials to record a) the time of arrival at the clock station/centre, b) where applicable receptacle numbering showing and indented clock number. Clocks returned late will be given clocks check off time for birds arrival time/s” This was passed
Notice of Motion 2:, submitted by the committee. Replace present rule 21: “Annual subscriptions must be paid and returned before 28th April each year. No applications will be accepted after 28th April. New members £10 joining fee plus annual subscription” with New Rule 21: “Annual subscriptions must be paid and returned before 28th April each year. No applications will be accepted after 28th April. New members £10 joining fee plus annual subscription. Any member paying his/her membership individually will incur a £5 charge to cover administration and postage costs. Applicable from 2015”. This was passed.
Notice of Motion 3: Submitted by the committee. Replace present rule 22a “New members joining must fly a minimum of 150 miles in any national race they compete in. Members changing address this also applies. (not to apply to existing members pre 2002). With new rule 22a “Members must fly a minimum of 100 miles in any national race they compete in. Members changing address this also applies to”. This was passed.

INFC Charity Show report: Samuel Briggs, the Show secretary submitted the INFC Charity Show report and said that it was great to see pigeons back in the show again. There were 26 trade stands in attendance and the numbers attending were up on the previous year. £7,000 had been presented at the Merit Awards night as follows; Somerton House £3,000, NI Children’s Hospice £3,000 and the Southern Area Hospice £1,000. Samuel thanked all who had helped in any way to make the show such a success and in particular the North Coast Classic for their sponsorship. The 2014 Show will be held on Saturday 6th December.

There was a short discussion on drug testing and it was agreed as this was already in the rule book under rule 12 of the racing rules. The Press Officer was asked to point out that the members of the INFC committee are all volunteers as these are not paid positions.

INFC Race programme 2014: Skibbereen Old Bird Inland National Tuesday 27th May; Sennen Cove Yearling National Wednesday 11th June; Grand National Kings Cup St Allouestre Friday 4th July; Friendship National Quimper Friday 11th July; Penzance Young Bird National Wednesday 3rdh September; Skibbereen Young Bird National Saturday 20th September:
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The meeting closed at 3.15pm

The next committee meeting will be held in Lisburn & District HPS on Tuesday 18th March at 7.30pm. PO.

Following the AGM the NIPA would normally hold a meeting to sort out arrangements for the racing season and did so on Thursday 27th February with an almost complete attendance. One or two items of interest agreed was £1 increase in the membership fee and the £1 which has been usually added to the prize fund for the Old Bird National from France will now be retained. Race Controller for 2014 will be David Campbell (Eastway), Race Advisors are J Ramsey (Derry & Dist), A Darragh (Cullybackey), K Wilkinson (Antrim), W Seaton (Ligoniel), and K Byrne (Newry & Dist).

If required an advert will be placed for the post of Convoyer and/or Driver, this was not decided at the AGM. They also intend to fit tracker systems to the fleet of six lorries. Drug Testing and Club Visits will be carried out this season and the new ETS Committee is J Ramsey (Derry & Dist), K Kernohan (Harryville), G Magill (Muckamore), J Vage (Dromore) and D Mawhinney (Beechpark Social).

Weather permitting the OB Nat from St Malo (France) will be flown on Friday 27th June. Resignation from Cloughey was accepted, and applications for new clubs will be considered at a future meeting. Some members were cleared to race mark at different Marking Centres as is required by the rules and there was some discussion on club accounts.

There was a complaint in writing from Horseshoe in Larne and after some discussion it was passed for the case to be considered by the Rules and Disciplinary Committee which was later selected from the General Purposes Management Committee as in General Rule 3. This Committee will deal with the case on Wednesday 12th March, those attending will include Sect A - J Hanson (Coleraine Prem), Sect B – K Wilkinson (Antrim), Sect C – W Seaton (Ligoniel), Sect D – J Vage (Dromore), Sect E – K Henderson (Lurgan Soc), Sect F – B Smyth (Kircubbin), Sect G – G Delaney (Ashfield), Sect H – P McLaughlin (Maiden City). Chairman is Ken Wilkinson. The complaint is about the failure of the NIPA Committee to include the Resolution from Horseshoe regarding the Introduction of a 50 Bird limit on to the AGM Agenda.

Because of the amount of outstanding business it has been necessary to arrange 3 further NIPA Committee Meetings which will take place in Dromore on Thursday 6th, 13th and 20th March.

On the subject of publicity it will be as last year Steve McGarry covering Sect C, D, F & G and Homer covering Sect A, B, E & H, there has been some complaints regarding my area of coverage. Firstly I will say if this helps almost the first report I get weekly is from Blackwatertown, I also know for a fact most clubs are covered weekly. How do I know that, well I work from a Master List of all clubs that I fill in for each race. I can easily see if any, or those that are missing. If the result is not delivered to me I have on occasions obtained it from other sites, and as a last resort I check the NIPA Club Results on their site where they publish 4 places. It is a rare occasion we run without a club result, if it would turn up late the editorial copy could already be away. Dead simple I would have thought. Members will have noticed I have been trying to list the Top 10 from each Marking Centre in the big races, not just Ballymena where I usually attend and help. This season I hope to list the early details from all Marking Centres, I will be chasing these up.
Over and above that I would appreciate any news reports or photos, might not be possible to have everything published everywhere but we will do our best. Best results are obtained through a local club Press Officer and more and more are going that way including Ballymena, and it’s not me! It is dead simple with a little bit of effort.

The agreed NIPA race programme for 2014:
Old Birds - April 12th Tullamore, April 19th Roscrea, April 26th Roscrea, May 3rd Clonmel, May 10th Mallow, May 17th Rosscarbery Inland Nat, May 24th Talbenny, May 31st Bude, May 31st Rosscarbery Yearling Cock/Hen Nat, June 7th Truro, June 7th Mallow 5 Bird Championship, June 14th Mallow, June 14th Penzance Classic, June 21st Penzance, June 21st Roscrea Comeback, June 27th St Malo (France) National.
Young Birds - July 19th Area Liberations, July 26th Area Liberations, August 2nd Mass Liberation, August 9th Roscrea, August 16th Clonmel, August 23rd Fermoy, August 30th Talbenny National, August 30th Comeback Race, September 6th Fermoy, September 6th Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, September 13th Rosscarbery Inland National.

INFC – The AGM took place in Lisburn Leisure Centre on Saturday 1st March at 2.00pm, all three items on the Agenda easily carried on the vote. Entry Forms for the Single Bird Challenge were enclosed with the AGM Agenda, a free entry once again and a pay-out of £2,000. We had a fantastic entry last year with the Joe Doheny Cup won by Billy McCaw (Ballymoney), in the Kings Cup race from St Allouestre. Return the entry sheet to David Black, 11 Drumiller Hill, Dromore, Co Down BT25 1EP before 17th March. All Membership Forms for the 2014 season must be back with the Secretary by 28th April, there is no late date for joining. A club application is the best way to join however If required individual forms can be downloaded from the INFC Website www.infc.co.uk - For INFC History and Results have a look at www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
The agreed race programme for 2014 is as follows: Tuesday 27th May Skibbereen North, Wednesday 11th June Yearling Sennen Cove, Friday 4th July Grand Nat Kings Cup St Allouestre, Friday 11th July Friendship OB Nat Quimper, Wednesday 3rd September YB Grand Nat Penzance, Saturday 20th September YB Skibbereen North.

Meetings arranged for Mid Antrim - The Harryville Clubrooms will be the venue for the AGM of Mid Antrim Combine, note the date Wednesday 12th March at 8.00pm. Two Delegates from each member club to vote on proposals, usual items listed on Agenda. 1. Minutes of last AGM. 2. Passing of Accounts. 3. Correspondance. 4. Any other business 2013. 5. Meeting to follow. Election of officials will be included, for the last number of years it has been Chairman Robert Service (Harryville) and Secretary George McDowell (Kells & Dist).

SPRING FAYRE in Ballyclare – The Spring Fayre is being held on Saturday 22nd March 2014 with the event opening at 9am and closing 4.30 pm (approx) . Last season’s event was a tremendous success for all who had youngsters to sell with most SOLD OUT !!! At this event fanciers can purchase their last minute requirements prior to the racing season and avail themselves of youngsters for sale from various stalls. The venue for the event is the Six Mile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare. The response to this event has been great with a number of stalls booked to date . As well as the usual stands a new venture in the pipeline on offer at the Fayre is “ tables only”. Here you can book a table only to promote your stock. It is hoped to encourage fanciers to offer a few youngsters to help generate a few quid for themselves to help pay their seasons expenses . It is also a chance to promote your club or yourself with a few youngsters on view to generate a few pounds for your club or yourself. Many stalls already confirmed - Only limited space available.

COLERAINE PREMIER HPS – The Breeder/Buyer has been kindly sponsored by Frazer Animal Feeds, with a high number of youngsters promised from across Ireland and the UK there will have to be two sales. Please note the dates Monday 17th March and Monday 31st March in the local clubrooms. Those wishing to donate should contact 07543 970493 or any club member.

Doagh Gold Ring - Doagh will be running their Golden Ring Nomination again the race is Talbenny Young Bird National the price is £20 a nomination, Open to fanciers in NIPA Sections B & C.

Breeder/Buyer Charity Sale – To be held on Thursday 27th March 2014 in Banbridge Royal British Legion at 8.00pm. In aid of Blue Dove Hospice, Newry
50% total proceeds go to Blue Dove Hospice/50% goes to prize money.
Pigeons donated by leading lofts in Northern and Southern Ireland.
1st-50% divided between Breeder and Buyer, 2nd-30% divided between Breeder and Buyer, 3rd- 20% divided between Breeder and Buyer.
Race to be flown in the INFC Penzance Young Bird National 2014. All Young Birds donated must be in pens on night of the sale.
In the event of Only 2 birds times divided 60% 40%. Only 1 bird timed divide 50% 50%. No Birds timed in race TOTAL proceeds will be donated to the above charity.
If you wish to enter a young bird in this sale please contact E. McAlinden 07771 813198, W. Sawyers on 07831 560399 or D. Carson on 07813 265311.

MARKETHILL HPS Breeder/Buyer in aid of club room fund, race will be flown from Talbenny on 30th August. More birds sold the bigger the prize fund. The race is Open to anyone in the NIPA, EDC, and Ulster Federation.
DATE OF SALE: Friday 28th March. PENNING: to start at 19.00 Sale to start 20.00hrs. VENUE: Laurelvale HPS Club Rooms - All usual Breeder/Buyer rules will apply. Please phone 07716 585335 for any further information.

Grosvenor HPS – Please note the first of 3 Sales for the Grosvenor Breeder/Buyer will take place in the Grosvenor Clubrooms on Friday 14th March. The race as usual will be the Skibbereen YB National with the Irish Nat FC, 2013 was a record pay-out.

North Coast Classic – The One Loft Race based in Coleraine are up and running for the new race season. Entry Forms can be downloaded from the Website in the Race Info Section, it can be put in the post if requested. Contact Sean Tel: 07548 607756 or Willie Tel: 07709 089233.


Photo Captions
Irish National FC President Eugene Fitzgerald from Dublin
INFC Chairman David Black (Dromara)
INFC Secretary for almost 10 years Trevor Topping (Lisburn)