The Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena was once again the venue for the annual Dinner & Prize presentation for Cullybackey HPS, President Brian Herbison welcomed a good turn-out of members and friends. Special guests included sponsors Derek & Geraldine McDowell with an apology from Brian Hayes from the Bridge Garage who covered the Single Bird Nomination for the last number of years and supplies the feeding in the local store. Alan Darragh was invited to say grace and another good dinner followed with members having a choice of North Antrim Turkey and Ham, Salmon or Steak.
Following the meal Brian Herbison thanked the hotel staff for the lovely meal well served, he introduced the guests including local pigeon scribe “Homer” who is ever present at the function. Best wishes were sent to Betty Darragh who was in hospital at present and to Ring Secretary Hubert Logan who is recently out of hospital. He had a special word for all the hard work over the season by Secretary Edrick Davidson who had good help from Neil Anderson and Len Russell, he also thanked all those involved at the club during both the racing and show seasons, a big lot of work. Cullybackey remain as the National Centre for the NIPA and it can also be very busy in the comeback races when all the race crates for local clubs are loaded.
Covering the race season it was again Alan Darragh who emerged as Top prize-winner, every year bar two he has lifted the Russell Family Cup that going back to 1986. Alan won 16 cups and trophies and despite not sending for Sunday races won around 20 x 1sts. Total pay-out was around £650 and the leading lofts were Alan Darragh, Reid Bros & McCloy, Gibson & Dickey, Wendell Scott, Russell Bros, J & J Greer, H & R McCloy, Des Robinson, N & S Anderson and Charlie McDowell.
In Mid Antrim Combine the local club won 4 x Diplomas, all in the Irish Nat Flying club races. Three were won by loft to beat Alan Darragh who won from Skibbereen Old Bird, Sennen Cove Yearling Nat (62nd Open INFC) and Penzance Grand YB National (26th Open INFC). The seasons top result was in the Blue Riband Grand Nat Kings Cup with only three birds recorded locally Cullybackey had 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Mid Antrim Combine.
The Blue Riband of pigeon racing the INFC Grand Nat Kings Cup was flown from St Allouestre in France on Tuesday 8th July. 744 members entered 2807 pigeons competing for £37,480.00 pools and prize-money, the birds were released at 6.20am in a light west wind which was to turn north westerly on route. Just three gallant birds made home lofts on the day of liberation, overall winner was the first bird timed at 21.10hrs. Just 40 birds were recorded in the three days of the race. Those early on the second day included Wendell Scott of Cullybackey at 7.51am recording velocity 768 for the 506 miles taking 1st Club, 1st Mid Antrim Combine, 2nd North Sect & 4th Open INFC all pooled for a massive total of £4,521. He wins the INFC Single Bird Challenge plus the Joe Doheny Cup and a further £500 and McCloud Cup 1st Yearling in Kings Cup. “Heather’s Delight” now named after his daughter who gives a hand with the birds was a yearling Blue Cheq cock bred off very good distance bloodlines. The dam is out of stock obtained from John Downey & Sons of Laurelvale which has the best of McDowell Bros twice winners of the Kings Cup and Bob Harkness. The sire is a son of Paddy McManus good Jan Aarden cock the best lines of “Invinsible Spirit”. This cock has produced a whole line of winners. As a young bird Heather’s Delight raced the programme including Talbenny Nat finishing 11th Sect & 137th Open NIPA vel 1138 plus £325 and then two days later sent to the Blue Riband YB Nat to score 123rd North Sect & 129th Open INFC vel 1289 plus £290. Before the Kings Cup this year the bird had two inland races, Talbenny and the INFC Yearling Nat from Sennen Cove, 9th bird home. In the Mid Antrim area the Cullybackey HPS have a fantastic record at the distance, in the Kings Cup former winner Alan Darragh had a bird early on the second day to finish 7th North Sect & 11th Open INFC and H & R McCloy also timed finishing 17th North Sect & 28th Open INFC. Two of the lofts also recorded arrivals in the NIPA St Malo, another very difficult race with just over 100 birds home, Wendell Scott timed another yearling Blue Ch cock on the third day, this bird has been named “Lorna’s Boy” after his other daughter and finished 11th Sect & 90th Open NIPA St Malo. Best bird for the second year in this one was Reid Bros & McCloy, who will ever forget the 1st, 2nd & 3rd MAC won in 2013 and H & R McCloy who was 2ndClub also won 1st MAC 2011.
Reid Bros & McCloy were in early on the second day, this is the same bird that won 1st Comb & Sect last season from Portland and will collect the Bronze Diploma. Look at this for the record: 1st Club, 1st MAC, 1st Sect B & 20th Open NIPA Portland 482/1697 vel 1083 in 2013 and then 1st Club, 3rd MAC, 3rd Sect B & 16th Open NIPA St Malo 404/1304 vel 659 in 2014. His dad who topped the Comb & Sect from St Malo in 2011 was well placed again and Wendell Scott got one on the third day as mentioned above. Cullybackey HPS continue to dominate in the long races from France.
Looking over the NIPA season old birds stared at Tullamore and a first win for Alan Darragh then Roscrea where the winner was Reid Bros & McCloy who have been next best to the Darragh loft the last three seasons. Winners the second time at Roscrea were the new team of Gary Gibson and Geoff Dickey, both having had great success when racing on their own. At this stage they were to win three races on the trot, from Clonmel 4th Comb, 6th Sect & 32nd Open NIPA 986/25,549 and then 1st, 2nd & 3rd Club from Mallow (1). The first big race was the Rosscarbery Inl Nat, won by Alan Darragh on velocity 2068 finishing 5th Comb & Sect and 88th Open NIPA 632/5,669. On the same day he had 1st Club in the comeback race from Roscrea. Neil & Steven Anderson came up with the winner in the first channel race from Talbenny, doing velocity 1540 their loft finished 8th Comb, 12th Sect & 46th Open NIPA 797/10,852. Congratulations to Steven who I seen has just completed his apprenticeship, now a full qualified Joiner. Wendell Scott had the winner from Bude finishing 6th Comb, 10th Sect & 140th Open NIPA 727/8,754. The Yearling Nationals were flown on the same weekend from Rosscarbery, both won by Alan Darragh. In the Yearling Cock he had the top four and finished 2nd Comb, 4th Sect & 38th Open NIPA 431/2,171 on velocity 1601 while in the Yearling Hen he had the top three all well placed, 3rd, 5th & 6th Comb, 3rd, 6th & 8th Sect plus 68th, 91st & 107th Open NIPA 390/1,859. At Clonmel the second time, the Reid Bros & McCloy team were winners on velocity 2000 to finish 10th Comb, 15th Sect & 86th Open NIPA 529/7,685. Truro turned out quite difficult and this new point might not get used again, a full review of all points will be made shortly. Des Robinson was the winner doing velocity 787 finishing 14th Comb, 16th Sect & 117th Open NIPA 538/4,389 with further birds timed by C McDowell, S McKendry, A Darragh (2) and Reid Bros & McCloy. On the same day we had the 5 Bird Championship from Fermoy, winner doing velocity 1971 was H & R McCloy finishing 2nd Combine, 4th Sect & 15th Open NIPA 425/1,935. Alan Darragh won the Mallow (2) 2nd Comb & Sect and 105th Open NIPA 603/8,872 and followed that up the following week in his favourite Penzance winning both club races on another hard day. Just 7 birds in Cullybackey and A Darragh doing velocity 916 finished 5th Comb, 7th Sect & 75th Open NIPA 535/4,967. In the duplicate Penzance Classic the Darragh loft was to take 5th Comb, 6th Sect & 62nd Open NIPA 397/2,397.
Now to the young birds and fresh from his big success from France at the distance, Wendell Scott was best in the opening race flown from Mullingar, 1st & 2nd Club, and 10th Comb, Sect & NIPA Open 98/2,355 on velocity 1182. The second Area Liberation was flown from Tullamore, Alan Darragh had 1st, 2nd & 3rd with the winner recording velocity 1366. In the first mass release the venue was again Tullamore, winners this time were Cochrane Brothers, then Alan Darragh won the next three, 1st & 2nd Roscrea, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Clonmel and 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fermoy (1). The Talbenny YB Nat was won by Russell Bros doing velocity 1411, the loft finished 2nd Comb, 3rd Sect & 11th Open NIPA 419/3,002. This bird was bred from a hen gifted from Robin McIlvenna and was paired to a cock Len purchased at the Clearance Sale for the late W J Workman, a few winners have been bred from stock purchased at this sale. Wendell Scott a former winner of this event had the next three arrivals finishing 73rd, 100th & 105th Open NIPA. On the same day Alan Darragh had three quick birds in the Roscrea comeback, and followed that up the next week with 1st & 2nd Fermoy (2) finishing 3rd Comb & 7th Sect. On the same day as this race J & J Greer took the honours in the Fermoy 5 Bird Championship flown in duplicate. Finally it was Rosscarbery Inl Nat and yet another win for Alan Darragh, doing velocity 1321 the loft finished 5th Comb, 14th Sect & 172nd Open NIPA 396/3,782.
Another top season of competition in the Cullybackey HPS, Darragh is still the man to beat. Many thanks again to the members for their kind invite to myself and Rosie to again feature the racing achievements of a top club.
Show Season – Ballymena were away first the open classes for YC & TH Through the Wires was held on Monday evening, next Monday 3rd November the classes are for OC & OH Through the Wires. Penning from 7.00pm until 8.00pm, tea during the judging. Cullybackey HPS make a start this Saturday 1st November classes for YC & YH Through Wires, the date for the annual Open Show will be Saturday 20th December. Kells & Dist will start next week, Wednesday 5th November is for Old Cocks T/W, followed by OH, YC, YH, Mated Pairs, Pieds/Eye-sign. Ballymena were first away with almost 100 birds penned for the Young Birds Through the Wires, the judges travelled in from Kells Jimmy Scott and Brian Swann two of the clubs top racers. New Show Secretary Willie Gilbert had a fantastic start all told collecting 10 cards penning the winner in Young Cock and Special for Best in Show. The Show Shield winner from last season G & A Eagleson took the Red Card in Young Hens. Raffle was won by Charlie McManus, and a bigger entry is expected for the Old Birds.
Ballymena & Dist: Young Cock T/W (49 Birds) – 1st & Special W & N Gilbert, 2nd, 3rd, Reserve, VHC, HC & Commended W & N Gilbert, 4th Russell Bros. Young Hen T/W (48 Birds) – 1st G & A Eagleson, 2nd, 3rd, & Commended W & N Gilbert, 4th McFall & McManus, Reserve & VHC Russell Bros, HC Blair & Rankin. Judges – J Scott and B Swann (Kells & District).
Holidays at Herbison Feeds – The shop will be closed for Halloween on Thursday30th October plus Friday & Saturday and re-open on Monday 3rd November.
Larne & District Moot – In the local clubrooms on Glenarm Road, on the evening of Friday 31st October at 8 pm. Chief speakers are Nigel Laycock, whose sale is next day at Chimney Corner, Mick O'Rourke (the ''Sprint King'' - Google him), and Jeff Greenaway from Dromore, who needs no introduction to local fanciers. Chairman for the evening will be Chris Moore from Ballymena. There will be a selection of top birds from these, and other fanciers, and a supper during the break. Everyone will be very welcome, Admission £5 includes Supper.
New Mid Ulster Shows – A new venture has been agreed between Donacloney and Milltown that they arrange a series of shows for fund raising, to be held on a Tuesday starting 4th November. Its 50p per bird with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, opening night will be AA Cock or Hen with Special for Best Young Bird. A Xmas Show is planned, the weekly show will be in Lavery’s Bar. Good local night out and plenty of craic, more details will follow. Lurgan Social series of shows beginning on Monday October 27th Any Age cock or hen JTW, with Special for best Young Bird.
Ards HPS – The annual Open Show will take place in the Portavogie HPS Clubrooms on Saturday 29th November with penning from 12 Noon – 2.00pm. Top judges in attendance, 3 Classes are AA Hen Handled, AA Cock Handled and Eye-sign. The show will be open to all members of the NIPA Section F and East Down Combine. Following the show a sale of selected 2015 young birds.
Jimmy Courtney of Muckamore HPS – After a lot of consideration over the last couple of years Jimmy who raced with great success at Nutts Corner has decided to leave the sport and the Entire Clearance Sale is to be held in Glenavy. Part (1) will be held on Saturday 1st November starting at 3.00pm and Part (2) will follow one week later on Saturday 8th November again at 3.00pm. Viewing for both sales will be from 2.00pm. Jimmy was the top purchaser at the Glen Buckley & Son sale one of the top winning partnerships in Ireland their Soontjen family of birds winning 9 x 1st National at all distances Rosscarbery to Lamballe in France and Hall of Fame winners. Jimmy bought the absolute best at this sale, this is a superb team of Soontjen pigeons that ooze class and ALL Jimmy’s winning pigeons and breeders will be sold including 1st & 2nd Sect C in the Talbenny YB National. Accessories include Bricon ETS, 2 x 6 Bird Pads, T3 Clock, Bowls, Hampers etc. An up to date winning family – All for Sale! Remember the Dates for Glenavy – 1st & 8th November 2014 at 3.00pm. Auctioneer Wesley Sawyers of Banbridge. Tel Mobile 07831 560399, Work (028) 4062 2939, Home (028) 4062 6861.
North Coast Classic One Loft Sales - On Thursday 6th November at 8.00pm Part (4), also Chimney Corner. North Coast Classic sale Part (4) will have Ace Pigeon plus Gold Medal Pair, the first three have been a great success. These birds put up for the One Loft race are special, contact NCC Tel: 07548 607756 or E-mail: northcoastclassic@live.com
Jim Sinton of Muckamore – After many seasons in the sport Antrim fancier Jim Sinton has decided to call it a day, small number of stock/racers mainly Soontjen birds from McKinstry Bros of Dromara and Busschaert through good friend Tommy Cotter. These, and usual accessories will be sold from his home at Molina Road included a couple of wicker hampers and 2 x T3 Clocks. No reasonable offer refused. Contact Jim Tel: 028 94 468240 or John Lavery Tel: (028) 94 467396.
The annual NIPA Ladies Night will be held in the Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick on Friday 14th November with tickets available from Fred Russell Tel: (028) 92 693913. All cups and trophies need returned to INFC immediately, to Ronnie Johnston who will retire from dinner duties this year, Tom Marshall or Trevor Topping. Tickets price at £28 is unchanged from last year available from the Secretary Trevor Topping or Ronnie, and rooms are available at the hotel for over-night stay. Venue again is the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, on Friday 28th November for the Irish Nat FC Night of the Year.
The East Down Combine Moot held in Magee's Lounge in Crossgar was a fantastic night a very special thanks to our panel Ron McKelvey, Peter Martin, Owen Markey and Chairman Wesley Sawyers . Each gave a very detailed account of how they manage their team of birds throughout the whole year which was well received. The total money raised on the night was £1,470 for the E.D.C Bereavement Fund, many thanks to all concerned.
The officials and prize winners of Cullybackey HPS attending the annual dinner in the Adair Arms Hotel.
Alan Darragh with selection of cups won including Russell Family Cup for Highest prize-winner.
Panel at the EDC Moot in Crossgar, from (l) W Sawyers, O Markey, R McKelvey and P Martin.
First show in Ballymena & Dist, from (l) G Eagleson, B Swann, W Gilbert and J Scott.