Farming Life - Wednesday 22/07/15

[willie reynolds]

Feds & Combine News Update Kings Cup -

East Coast Federation St Allouestre 110/550 – H & C Thorpe Boyne Valley 1632, D Barry Boyne Valley 1514, J O’Brien Laytown & Dist 1503, Moran & Mooney Stillorgan 1498, J Dowling Stillorgan 1484, M/M K Guildea & Son Balbriggan 1441, E Barnes & Son Ballybrack 1424, Parkin & Cairns Castlebellingham 1290, R Fox Ballybrack 1393, Parkin & Cairns 1292, B & P McEvoy Castlebellingham 1290, F Moran Malahide & Dist 1278, D Coleman Castlebellingham 1244, R Fewings Rathnew 1238, G O’Reilly Malahide & Dist 1157, F Moran 1139, B & P McEvoy 1131, A Kelly Skerries 1127, J Doheny Malahide & Dist 1093, A Morgan Boyne Valley 1087. Well done H & C Thorpe and all in the result.

The fastest bird into the Newry area was a 3 year old Dark Cheq hen belonging to Gary Hughes and Son. This hen, sent sitting on eggs, has been named \\\'Cantona\\\' by the Hughes\\\'s who are keen Man Utd fans! Cantona is a Hutchinson Bros Soontjen of Ashfield origin. This year she was also 14th Open, 4th Section out of Bude, flying against 5,744 birds. These bloodlines have been very successful for Gary and Jordan, winning from 85 miles to 462 miles and a bird they bred was Kieran Byrne and Sons\\\' Blue Riband winning pigeon last year. Gary\\\'s son Jordan has started racing his own team this year and has taken a keen interest in the channel races. Entering only a few races, he has been 5th Section Talbenny, and was well up the result in the Yearling National Sennen Cove, taking 3 positions. Jordan timed his own Red Cheq pigeon from the Kings Cup – only its 4th race, at 8.28pm.

North South Federation Kings Cup – G Hughes & Son Newry & District 1457, Mal Maguire & Son Millvale 1379, Sands & Rice Ballyholland 1313, Sands & Rice 1282, A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1271, Mal Maguire & Son 1266, S & A Swindell Newry City 1222, M Gillen Newry & Dist 1220, P & C Swindell Newry City 1205, S & A Swindell 1197, R Williamson Newry & Dist 1194, Sands & Rice 1157, C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 1138, S Curran Newry & Dist 1136, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1124.

Mid Antrim Blue Riband Kings Cup -

The INFC Blue Riband for the old birds, the Grand Nat Kings Cup was flown last Friday from St Allouestre in France. Liberation on 3rd July was at 6.15am in a Lt South Easterly wind. Pre-race predictions were for a fast race and it turned out that way with all prizes filled on the day. Randalstown completed the OB Classic double after Hugh Boyd won 1st Sect, 1st Comb and 3rd Open NIPA St Malo the week previous. This time the club result was even better with Houston Bros 1st Combine, Hugh Boyd 3rd Combine and the new partnership of Noel Percy and Sam Murphy having their best result to date finishing 4th Combine. Danny Dixon was the MAC runner-up, Sammy Steele had 1st Cullybackey, former YB Nat winner Wesley Jackson had 1st Harryville, former OB Derby winner T Shanks & Son had 1st Kells and Young McManus & Sons had 1st Ahoghill Flying Club. Good to see Harry McCloy well placed after his recent trouble and new member Billy Ramsey had the only bird in Ballymena & District in the longest race of the year flying 510 miles to Glarryford.

Randalstown HPS finished the old bird season in good style from France, in the NIPA St Malo National Old Hand Hugh Boyd timed an early arrival on the day to take 1st Club, 1st MAC, 1st Sect B and a fantastic 3rd Open NIPA. That would be nearly good enough for any club, but just one week later in the INFC Blue Riband Kings Cup the club had an even better result from St Allouestre. This time the club had three early arrivals on the day following liberation at 6.15am on Friday 3rd July. Houston Bros recorded velocity 1405 flying 497 miles to finish 1st Club, 1st MAC, 26th North Sect & 38th Open INFC 766/2833. They were followed by the new partnership of Percy Son & Murphy and Hugh Boyd, finishing 3rd & 4th in the Mid Antrim Combine.

The Blue Riband Kings Cup was flown from Saint Allouestre in France on Friday 3rd July the INFC released just short of 3,000 birds competing for £33,856 in pools and prizes at 6.15am in a helping Lt SE wind. Birds were reported in all parts of Ireland and all prizes were filled on the day a bit unusual for this prestigious event. James Walker from Ballymoney scored a best ever result, he is a lot more interested in the longer races due to his shift work arrangements with Michelin. James timed his bird at 17.09hrs recording velocity 1408 for the 523 miles finishing a good 27th in the North Sect and 37th Open INFC. Club-mate Danny Dixon who races to Ballymacaldrick Lofts in Dunloy was next best and takes the runner-up place in Mid Antrim Combine.

The best bird in the Muckamore Centre was timed by Fleming Bros of Crumlin & District, they recorded velocity 1484 for the 487 miles and finished well placed on 4th North Sect & 10th Open INFC, a good end to the old bird season for one of the top lofts in the Antrim Area.

Muckamore Centre St Allouestre – Fleming Bros Crumlin & District 1484, D McClelland Ballyclare 1476, V Thompson Ballyclare 1447, Lindores Son & Nicholson West Belfast 1434, A Thompson Ballyclare 1433, J Braniff Fortfield 1421, J Walker Ballymoney 1408, Houston Bros Randalstown 1405, A Thompson Ballyclare 1390, Percy Son & Murphy 1390, S J G Bones Muckamore 1360, D Dixon Ballymoney 1342, L & S O’Neill & Sons Larne & Dist 1326, A McNaughton Cushendall 1316, H Boyd Randalstown 1311.

Mid Antrim Combine St Allouestre – Houston Bros Randalstown 1405, D Dixon Rasharkin 1342, H Boyd Randalstown 1311, Percy Son & Murphy Randalstown 1310, S Steele Cullybackey 1249, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1198, W Jackson Harryville 1167, Reid Bros & McCloy 1120, A Darragh Cullybackey 1119, T Shanks & Son Kells 1101, B Swann & Son Kells 1065, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1040, A Darragh 1040.

Club Results INFC Kings Cup
Boyne Valley – H Thorpe 1632, D Barry 1514, A Morgan 1087, D Mullen 964, J C Lynch 953.
Coalisland & District – B Morgan 1550, Garry Morgan 1371, B Morgan 1097.
Loughgall – N Weir 1505, S Corrigan 1355, J Capper 1175, W Corrigan 1109, N Weir 1105.
Laytown & District – J O’Brien 1503.
Stillorgan – Moran & Mooney 1498, J Downing 1484.
Crumlin & District – Fleming Bros 1484, K Galloway 1129.
Bondhill Social – R Williamson 1482, Capper Bros 1431, D Calvin 1409, 1211, 1209, R Williamson 1122, M Robinson 1093.
Monaghan 10/34 – P Tierney 1477, G Swift 903, J Graham 619, Cooney Bros 588, B Corley 527, Allister & Kruger 476. Well done Peter, Top 20 finish!
Annaghmore – J & E Calvin 1459, G Buckley & Sons 1443, W G Neill 1426, P Boyd 1342, W G Neill 1307, G Buckley & Sons 1216, B & M McGilly 1204, G Buckley & Sons 1199, T McClean 1193, A Cherry 1094, H Cordner 1088, R Telford 1047.
Edgarstown 10/35 – T & A Ford 1459, S & E Buckley 1425, M Hughes 1413, P & D Stewart 1383, G & T Ritchie 1358, R Bell & Sons 1351, 1342, M Hughes 1078. Well done to Tommy Ford on winning the biggest race of the season, also to all who clocked. In the Kings Cup “Champion Katie” won 16th Open, 9th North Sec, 1st Club plus second in the Single Bird Challenge winning a Diploma.
Beechpark Social – R Bothwell 1453, 1177, Dando & Bennett 1146, D Mawhinney & Son 1071. Congratulations to Dando & Bennett on winning the very much sought after and difficult to win Hall of Fame award.
Lagan Valley – A & R Milliken & Brady 1452, 1452, S McAllister & Sons 1388, 1387, B & H Spence 1169, H Elliott & Son 1149, B & H Spence 1117, Smyth & Adams 1080.
Balbriggan – M/M K Guildea 1441, N Grant & Sons 982, C Reid 928, P J Corcoran & Son 865.
West Belfast – J Lindores Son & Nicholson 1434, S Jordan 1030.
Ballybrack – E Barnes & Son 1424, R Fox 1393, P Kennedy & Son 1073, O Donovan 910.
Fortfield – J Braniff 1421.
Castlebellingham – Parkin & Cairns 1413, 1292, P & B McEvoy 1290, D Coleman 1244, P & B McEvoy 1131, D Coleman 1083, McKeown & McEvoy 970, N Briscoe 909, A & M McAuley 890.
Ballymoney 8/29 – J Walker 1408, D Dixon 1342., W & L McCaw 687, W McCaw 594, A Gage 586, J Walker 554, W McCaw 407. James Walker had the best bird in the local club recording his arrival at 17.09 hrs on the day flying 523 miles.
Dervock RPS 4/17 – J Walker 1408, W & L McCaw 687, W McCaw 594, J Walker 554, W McCaw 407.
Randalstown 8/20 – Houston Bros 1405, H Boyd 1311, Percy Son & Murphy 1310, H Boyd 719, 584.
Wheatfield – J & D Braniff 1385, 1276, 1174.
Armagh – P Tennyson 1378, G & A Campbell 1034.
Gilford & District – T Wilson 1375, Dillon & Morrow 1314, Fitzpatrick & Hyde 1044.
Dungannon – K Shannon 1374, C Reid 1365, G & H Boyd 1028.
Arklow United RPC 15/57 – J Annesley & Sons 1366, G & M Doyle 1319, Kenna & Finn 1234, M & J O’Reilly 897, P Lambert 814, T Hobbs 527, P Lambert 502, T Kavanagh 490, B & N Costello 455, E E & S Kavanagh 452.
Muckamore – S J G Bones 1360.
Blackwatertown – J Brown 1358, Collins & Douglas 1317, R G & G Donaldson 1142, 1082.
Grosvenor – S O’Halloran & Son 1340, P O’Neill & Son 1227, M Black 1079.
Markethill – G Hewitt 1322.
Wilton Cross – C J & B Ferris 1287, T Bell.
Malahide & District – F Moran 1278, G O’Reilly 1157, F Moran 1139, J Doheny 1093, 1068, G O’Brien & Daughters 1039, B Harris 914.
Cullybackey – S Steele 1249, Reid Bros & McCloy 1198, 1120, A Darragh 1119, 1040.
Portadown & Drumcree – Sloan & Reid & Sons 1239, Matchett Bros 1173, A McDonald 1132, Hagan & Rowney 896. Congratulation to Francie and all who clocked from St Allouestre.
Rathnew – R Fewings 1238.
Corrigs 4/14 – W B Shaw 1217, 992, 662, 555.
Cookstown Social – G Marshall 1215.
Harryville – W Jackson 1167.
Andersonstown – P & K Braniff 1140, O & M Monaghan 1015.
Skerries 11/41 – A Kelly 1127, P Rock & Son 1041, T Fay 917, B Walton 852, P Rock & Son 633, 529, Walton Family 527, P Rock & Son 445. Well done Art, having a great year on the channel.
Kells & District – T Shanks & Son 1101, B Swann & Son 1065.
Ahoghill Flying Club – M/M Robinson 1093, Young McManus & Sons 1040, C Young 644, 592, 513.
Shankill & District – J Wallace & Son 1079.
Laurelvale – A Neill 1024.
Bray South End – Fitzpatrick & Hughes 1017, E O’Toole & Sons 994, J Cowap 973.
Amelia Earhart – E Quigley 1005.
Gorey RPC - Paddy McCabe 528, James Whittaker 494, Paddy McCabe 418, Fran & James Crowe 379.

Fast Friendship National -

Just had a little note from Eamon Quigley who races his birds with Amelia Earhart in Londonderry, previously Rock FC. This is something that will take some beating.

“Thanks for letting me compile this report on my performances this year from the three French race points. What happened over the last 14 days is hard to believe. To time on the day of liberation in all three races from France into the north west of Ireland was a dream come true especially as each of these races meant over a 500 mile flight.
The first race was 507 miles from St Malo and my Chequered cock was 1st Club and 3rd Section (H). The second race, just a week later, this was the Kings Cup from St Allouestre, 534 miles to my loft. I timed my two year old Chequered hen having flown for 15 hours 34 minutes. Liberation, in the third race, from Quimper meant another 507 mile flight as part of the Friendship National. I timed my Blue Pied hen on the day to complete my hat trick of day birds and make history into the extreme North West. All three birds were the furthest flying birds timed on the day following liberation in France.
I had a second bird in the Kings Cup the next morning day. All these birds are related, being children and grandchildren of my No. 1 hen - a gifted young bird from T & P Cassidy\\\'s 2 times France hen called “Madam Butterfly”, bred in 2006. This bird, from a Kenyon and Logan line, has bred multiple French winners for me. I hope that this covers everything”. What more can be added to that? Well done Eamon they will talk about this for years to come.

Muckamore Centre Quimper – V Thom Cookstown 1774, K Carolan Coalisland 1770, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1758, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1742, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1724, A Thompson Ballyclare 1708, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 1705, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 1667, F Simpson Doagh & Dist 1589, D Dixon Ballymoney 1565, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 1560, C & L Woodside 1557, A Thompson 1557, G F Lindsay Crumlin & Dist 1550, G Marshall Cookstown 1534, G Marshall 1512, D Dixon 1512, A Thompson 1504, C & L Woodside 1501, Reid Bros & McCloy 1483.

Mid Antrim Combine Quimper - Russell Bros Cullybackey 1758, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1742, D Dixon Rasharkin 1565, D Dixon 1512, Reid Bros & McCloy 1483, A Darragh Cullybackey 1478, T Picken Cullybackey 1464, Reid Bros & McCloy 1464, A Darragh 1423, A Darragh 1361, A Darragh 1358.

Former NI Fanciers of the Year Russell Bros from Cullybackey had the best bird locally in the Friendship Nat from Quimper 485 miles, they record velocity 1758 almost a mile a minute to finish 1 st in the MAC and 6 th Open INFC. Next best from the same club was Reid Bros & McCloy doing velocity 1742 to finish 7 th Open INFC followed by two birds for Danny Dixon. This Belgium Rung 4 year old Blue cock has won 4 races with other positions and is a great grasndson of the famous “Beer”. Previously it had 1 st Coleraine Centre from Penzance winning 40 th Open NIPA. The second bird was 2 nd in Ballymoney and 43 rd Open in the NIPA Penzance OB Classic. See photo of Danny and Loft Manager Danny Gordan.

North South Federation Quimper - Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale 1796, S & A Swindell Newry City 1556, Ronnie Williamson Newry & Dist 1534, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1516, A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1509, Donnelly Bros 1503, Ronnie Williamson 1458, Donnelly Bros 1456, Malachy Maguire & Son 1453, A McAteer & Sons 1446.
For most fanciers it is a lifetime achievement to win one of the big French races, but Malachy has now won the Friendship National 3 times with 3 hens! As a result they have decided to call their winning yearling hen \\\'Three Times a Lady\\\'. Three Times a Lady is a double granddaughter of Champion Home Alone, the only bird on the day from the NIPA OB National from Fougeres. Home Alone was not only a champion racer but has bred many winners including Moonlight Lass which won the Kings Cup Challenge and No Problem which won at least 11 x 1st prizes. Looks like his winning genes are still producing fantastic pigeons for Malachy and Mark!
Many congratulations to Malachy Maguire & Son from Newry who have won the INFC Friendship on 3 occasions in the last 7 seasons. 2009 1 st Open Picauville vel 911, 2013 1 st Open Quimper vel 1203, 2015 1 st Open Quimper vel 1796.

Club Results Quimper –
Millvale – Mal Maguire & Son 1796, Donnelly Bros 1516, 1503, 1456, Mal Maguire & Son 1453, Donnelly Bros 1444.
Skerries 7/32 – B Cahill 1796, 1736, P Rock & Son 1636, 1357, A Kelly 1092, 1054, N & C Shields 872, P Rock & Son 858, Walton Family 794, P Rock & Son 783. Well done Brendan only pipped for 1 st National. Wins the INFC 2 Bird Average Henry Beatie & Son Cup, John Millar Cup, and British Barcelona Cup.
Laurelvale – G & C Topley 1794, J Dowey & Sons 1566.
Cookstown Social – V Thom 1774, Speirs & Campbell 1724, G Marshall 1534, 1512.
Coalisland & District K Carolan 1770, B Morgan 1649.
Cullybackey HPS – Russell Bros 1758, Reid Bros & McCloy 1742, 1483, A Darragh 1478, T Picken & Son 1464, Reid Bros & McCloy 1464, A Darragh 1423, 1361, 1358.
Gilford & District – T Wilson 1727, E & P Cairns Bros & Fegan 1505, T McKinstry 1468, T Wilson 1441, C & H Beattie 1427.
Bondhill Social – J Greenaway 1712, Capper Bros 1564, J Greenaway 1543, R Williamson 1505, 1457, 1421, M Robinson 1389,
Ballyclare & District – A Thompson 1708, C & L Woodside 1560, 1557, A Thompson 1557, 1504, C & L Woodside 1501, 1483, 1455, 1449, R Duddy 1445, C & L Woodside 1444, M/M C Hayes 1412, 1363, 1301.
Malahide & District 5/20 – J Doheny 1706, G O’Reilly 1414.
Doagh & District – A & N Lewis 1705, F Simpson 1589, 1183.
Lisburn & District – G Benson 1699, M O’Reilly & Son 1395.
Dromara – N Black & Son 1667, H Silcock 1507, C & L Fryers 1496, N Black & Son 1489, 1476, H Silcock 1475, N Black & Son 1401.
Kingsmoss – J & S Graham 1667.
Annsborough – M Croskery & Son 1634, J McNally & Son 1609, J Cleland 1569, Gallagher Bros 1483, Pritchard Bros 1469.
Armagh HPS – P Tennyson 1634.
Monaghan – J Graham 1615, G Swift 1212, 890.
Loughgall – N Weir 1604, S Corrigan 1427, 1412.
Edgarstown – R Bell & Sons 1591, J Robinson 1554, P Dunlop 1546.
Ballymoney 6/16 – D Dixon 1565, 1512, W & L McCaw 1159, W McCaw 533.
Wilton Cross – G Douglas 1553.
Crumlin & District – G F Lindsay 1550.
Wheatfield – J & D Braniff 1547.
Annaghmore – T McClean 1547, G Buckley & Sons 1477, 1388.
Newry & District – R Williamson 1534, 1458, 1433.
Ballyholland – A McAteer & Sons 1509, 1446, C O’Hare & Son 1394, M McDonald.
Andersonstown – O & M Monaghan 1499.
Crossgar HPS – McCartan & Woodsides 1443, 1436.
Lurgan Social – Houston & McDonald 1436.
Beechpark Social – Dando & Bennett 1430, B Carson & Son 1409.
Dromore – J Kelly & Sons 1419.
Newtownbreda – T Marshall & Son 1407.
Grosvenor HPS – J Ramsey & Son 1403.
Fortfield – J Braniff 1389, 1389.
Dervock RPS 3/8 – W & L McCaw 1159, W McCaw 533.
Ballymena & District – Blair & Rankin, W & N Gilbert.

The NIPA started the young bird season with a series of Area Liberations, due to weather conditions only the release from Navan was possible on Saturday. The next day was greatly improved and birds romped home from Tullamore and Mullingar.

Sect F Navan Area Lib 9.00am 16/424 – A Crawford Comber Cent 1850, J McClenaghan Ards 1845, J McClenaghan 1843, C Healy Killyleagh Cent 1841, A Crawford 1837, H McVeigh Killyleagh Cent 1835, H McVeigh 1833, A Crawford 1831, T McClenaghan Ards 1810, Muckle & McCormick Ards 1809.

Sect C Mullingar Area Lib 11.00am 86/1905 – E Heaney & Son Ligoniel 1635, E Heaney & Son 1634, Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1632, Bingham & Seaton 1628, E Healey & Son 1625, W O’Boyle 1632, E Heaney & Son 1623, E Heaney & Son 1621, Bingham & Seaton 1620, E Gracey Eastway 1620.

Sect D & G Mullingar Area Lib 11.30am 42/896 – L Magee & Son Lisburn & Dist 1609, W & R Evans & Leahy Kingswood 1600, W & R Evans & Leahy 1600, W & R Evans & Leahy 1600, M Laffin Lisburn & Dist 1600, W & R Evans & Leahy 1599, 1599, 1599, 1599, 1599.

Sect B & Part A Mullingar Area Lib 10.30am 81/2130 – Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1527, L Mullan Harryville 1525, Scott & Clements Broughshane 1524, Scott & Clements 1522, Mrs M Smyth Broughshane 1517, Blair & Rankin 1516, Blair & Rankin 1515, Thompson Bros Crumlin 1503, Thompson Bros 1489, A McBride Harryville 1486.

Sect H Mullingar Area Lib 10.00am 29/398 – W McIlmoyle Limavady 1410, W McIlmoyle 1409, W McIlmoyle 1409, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1320, N Doherty Amelia Earhart 1319, P Maxwell Jnr Foyle 1318, G Toner Amelia Earhart 1317, T Bradley Foyle 1313, P Maxwell Jnr 1302, P Maxwell Jnr 1295.

NIPA Race/Date
Area Lib (1) 18/07/15 & 19/07/15

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland & District – P Grew 1604, E Grew 1585, P Grew 1576.

Coleraine Premier 12/322 – J L Madden 1438, 1438, 1438, Hanson & Harpur 1438, J L Madden 1438, 1438.

Coleraine & County Derry – T McCrudden 1428, S Thompson 1293, 1222.

Castledawson – R Dunseath 1437, Lynn & Leacock 1367, 1325.

Windsor Social 4/144 – Horner & Scott 1440, 1438, 1419, 1419, 1418, 1417.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Amelia Earhart – N Doherty 1319, G Toner 1317, M Rabbett 1293, 1286, 1282, N Doherty 1282. Second win of the season for Noel Doherty. Well done to young Michael Rabbett taking 3rd, 4th and 5th in his first race with the club.

Derry & District 7/69 – A McCrudden 1320, 1284, J McDaid 1264, A McCrudden 1264, D Canning 1264, A McCrudden 1264.

Foyle RPS – P Maxwell Jnr 1318, T Bradley 1313, P Maxwell Jnr 1302, 1295, Millar & Doherty 1288, P Maxwell Jnr 1272.

Limavady – W McIlmoyle 1410, 1409, 1409.

Maiden City 2/21 – T Rodgers 1251, 1240, 1213, Coyle Bros 1189. Well done Tony.

Strabane – I Deasley 1269, J Gamble 1267, I Deasley 1248, 1245, J Gamble 1234, D Devine 1212.

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 7/161 – D Lowry 1431, J Smyth & Son 1399, 1394, J Orr & Son 1378, T & G Balmer 1374, 1374.

Ballymena & District 6/107 – Blair & Rankin 1527, 1516, 1515, G Bell 1463, 1445, M/M Sempey 1442.

Ballymoney HPS 8/214 – R McIntyre 1451, D Dixon 1442, 1441, S & C McCook 1420, 1416, A & M Boyle 1392, R McIntyre 1384.

Dervock IPS 5/131 - R McIntyre 1451, A & M Boyle 1392, R McIntyre 1384, S Laverty 1380, 1379, D & H Stuart 1375.

Broughshane & District 6/108 – Scott & Clements 1523, 1522, Mrs M Smyth 1517, 1435, D Houston & Son 1402, 1397.

Cullybackey HPS 9/371 – Reid Bros & McCloy 1453, A Darragh 1442, 1442, W Scott 1436, Gibson & Dickey 1433, W Scott 1430.

Crumlin & District 1/32 – Thompson Bros 1503, 1489, 1465, 1465, 1464, 1456.

Harryville HPS 8/154 – L Mullan 1525, A McBride 1476, D Craig 1486, L Mullan 1472, D Craig 1471, 1470.

Rasharkin & District 8/233 – J & M Milliken 1481, J & D Surgenor 1452, 1450, Steele & McNeill 1442, 1441, J & M Milliken 1441. Danny Dixon – 1442, 1441, 1441.

Kells & District 3/55 – Tully Lofts 1421, 1421, 1421, 1420, J Millar & Son 1415, 1414.

Randalstown HPS 7/236 – Percy Son & Murphy 1463, 1461, 1460, F & G & J Dickey 1456, H Boyd 1455, Stewart Bros 1449.

Rasharkin & District 8/233 – J & M Milliken 1481, J & D Surgenor 1452, 1450, Steele & McNeill 1442, 1441, J & M Milliken 1441. Danny Dixion – 1442, 1441, 1441.

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Annaghmore – G Buckley & Son 1598, 1584, Calvin & Calvin 1582.

Armagh – D Gallagher & Son 1609, 1596, 1595.

Bleary – T Wilson 1684, D Lunn 1644, T Wilson 1639.

Edgarstown 4/109 – S & E Buckley 1630, R & J McCracken 1614, 1614, D Love 1608, S & E Buckley 1596, R & J McCracken 1584. Well done Simon & Eric on winning the opening YB race of the season.

Gilford & District – Fitzpatrick & Hyde 1716, Adamson & Anderson 1714, Fitzpatrick & Hyde 1708, 1643, Adamson & Anderson 1626.

Laurelvale – J Trotter 1621, Thompson Bros & Jameson 1619, 1613, J Trotter 1603, 1602, J Serplus 1511.

Lurgan Social – J Douglas & Son 1687, D & B Lyness 1685, J Douglas & Son 1683, 1682, D & B Lyness 1672. Congratulations to Angus Houston on winning the club in the Kings Cup and the Friendship National. Well done.

Markethill 4/107 – A Humphries & Son 1656, Hyde Bros 1626, 1592, 1563, A Humphries & Son 1554, 1553.

Monaghan – P Caughlin 1569, 1569, P Tierney 1565.

Portadown & Drumcree 7/131 – J Gordon 1640, J Douglas 1630, Larkin Bros 1619, 1619, 1616, 1608. 2 Bird Club – Larkin Bros, G Matchett. A great win for John and Davy, many congratulations.

Wilton Cross 6/141 – D Cooper 1643, C J & B Ferris 1636, Toman & Hamill 1613, D Cooper 1612, C J & B Ferris 1597, 1597.

The opening race of the young bird season was delayed birds were held over on Saturday due to the weather conditions over the route and released in Mullingar on Sunday at 10.30am in a helping SW wind. The first two races are Area Liberations and more members than usual gave the race a miss some not being ready and others concerned about the weather. Bertie Blair had the top three in Ballymena & District and was best in Mid Antrim, his Cheq Pied cock was timed at 12.27pm to record velocity 1527 for the 102 miles into Chichester Park. Next best doing velocity 1525 was Lexi Mullan of Harryville his Cheq cock was a Herman Ceuster. Scott & Clements had the top two places in their first race in Broughshane.

Mid Antrim Combine Mullingar 54/1425 – Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1527, L Mullan Harryville 1525, Scott & Clements Broughshane 1523, Scott & Clements 1522, Mrs M Smyth Broughshane 1517, Blair & Rankin 1516, Blair & Rankin 1515, A McBride Harryville 1486, D Craig Harryville 1486, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1481, L Mullan 1472, D Craig 1471, D Craig 1470, D Craig 1470, Percy Son & Murphy Randalstown 1463, G Bell Ballymena 1463, Percy Son & Murphy 1461, Percy Son & Murphy 1460, F G & J Dickey Randalstown 1456, H Boyd Randalstown 1455, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1453, J & D Surgenor Rasharkin 1452, J & D Surgenor 1450, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1449.

Mid Antrim Clubs Mullingar

Ballymena & District 6/107 – Blair & Rankin 1527, 1516, 1515, G Bell 1463, 1445, M/M Sempey 1442, G Bell 1433, M/M Sempey 1432, McFall & McManus 1426, W & J Smyth 1426.

Harryville HPS 8/154 – L Mullan 1525, A McBride 1486, D Craig 1486, L Mullan 1472, D Craig 1471, 1470, 1470, A McBride 1440, 1440, T Johnston & Son 1425.

Broughshane & District 6/108 – Scott & Clements 1523, 1522, Mrs M Smyth 1517, 1435, D Houston & Son 1402, 1397.

Rasharkin & District 8/233 – J & M Milliken 1481, J & D Surgenor 1452, 1450, Steele & McNeill 1442, 1441, J & M Milliken 1441. Danny Dixion – 1442, 1441, 1441. J & M Milliken win the first young bird race from Mullingar with a Sjaak
Buwalda bird, well done.

Randalstown HPS 7/236 – Percy Son & Murphy 1463, 1461, 1460, F & G & J Dickey 1456, H Boyd 1455, Stewart Bros 1449, 1445, 1431, D Logan & Son 1425, 1423.

Cullybackey HPS 9/371 – Reid Bros & McCloy 1453, A Darragh 1442, 1442, W Scott 1436, Gibson & Dickey 1433, W Scott 1430, Gibson & Dickey 1424, Reid Bros & McCloy 1417, D Robinson 1414, S Steele 1393.

Ahoghill Flying Club 7/161 – D Lowry 1431, J Smyth & Son 1399, 1394, J Orr & Son 1378, T & G Balmer 1374, 1374, J Orr & Son 1367, 1361, J Smyth & Son 1344, T & G Balmer 1344.

Kells & District 3/55 – Tully Lofts 1421, 1421, 1421, 1420, J Millar & Son 1415, 1414, 1387, 1382. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Tully Lofts 1421, J Millar & Son 1387, 1382.

The NIPA young bird season started with an Area Lib from Mullingar, birds were held over on Saturday due to the weather conditions but got a good race on Sunday. Best bird locally was timed by Sefton Thompson in Crumlin & District recording velocity 1503, the Percy & Murphy team had the top three in Randalstown and Tully Lofts fill the top four in Kells.

Antrim Area Update

Crumlin & District 1/32 – Thompson Bros 1503, 1489, 1465, 1465, 1464, 1456.

Randalstown HPS 7/236 – Percy Son & Murphy 1463, 1461, 1460, F & G & J Dickey 1456, H Boyd 1455, Stewart Bros 1449, 1445, 1431, D Logan & Son 1425, 1423.

Kells & District 3/55 – Tully Lofts 1421, 1421, 1421, 1420, J Millar & Son 1415, 1414, 1387, 1382. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Tully Lofts 1421, J Millar & Son 1387, 1382.

The opening race of the young bird season was flown on Sunday from Mullingar, the birds had held over the previous day due to severe weather conditions. The Area Liberation was at 10.30am and J & M Milliken doing velocity 1481 were the clear winners in Rasharkin & District. Best in Coleraine was Horner & Scott who timed their Cheq cock at 12.58pm flying 121 miles for velocity 1440 winning Windsor Social, J L Madden had an outstanding result in the Coleraine Premier.

Coleraine & Ballymoney Update

Rasharkin & District 8/233 – J & M Milliken 1481, J & D Surgenor 1452, 1450, Steele & McNeill 1442, 1441, J & M Milliken 1441. Danny Dixion – 1442, 1441, 1441. J & M Milliken win the first young bird race from Mullingar with a Sjaak
Buwalda bird, well done.

Ballymoney HPS 8/214 – R McIntyre 1451, D Dixon 1442, 1441, S & C McCook 1420, 1416, A & M Boyle 1392, R McIntyre 1384, S Laverty 1380, 1379, D & H Stuart 1375.

Dervock IPS 5/131 - R McIntyre 1451, A & M Boyle 1392, R McIntyre 1384, S Laverty 1380, 1379, D & H Stuart 1375, 1341, A & M Boyle 1336, D Devenney 1317, 1313.

Coleraine Triangle Mullingar - Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1440, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1438, J L Madden 1438, J L Madden 1438, Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1438, Horner & Scott 1438, J L Madden 1438, J L Madden 1438, J L Madden 1438, J L Madden 1428.

Windsor Social 4/144 – Horner & Scott 1440, 1438, 1419, 1419, 1418, 1417, S Gage 1411, R & J Parke 1410, 1410, Horner & Scott 1401. Well done to Willie Horner on taking the first six positions in the first YB race from Mullingar. Winning bird was bred by Andy & Mavis Boyle.

Coleraine Premier 12/322 – J L Madden 1438, 1438, 1438, Hanson & Harpur 1438, J L Madden 1438, 1438, 1438, 1438, 1438, 1438.

Coleraine & County Derry – T McCrudden 1428, S Thompson 1293, 1222.

Photo Captions

Eamon Quigley from Amelia Earhart in Derry, set a France record.
Len Russell with grandson CCaelan 1 st MAC from Quimper
Tommy Ford holding his champion hen “Katie” named after gran-daughter Katie seen here in photo.
Wesley Jackson had 1 st Harryville in the Kings Cup.
Danny Dixon (r) with loft manager Danny Gordon.
Fleming Bros of Crumlin & Dist had the best local bird home in the Kings Cup.
Houston Bros from Randalstown had 1st MAC in the Kings Cup.
Noel Percy (l) and Sam Murphy from Randalstown, well placed in the Kings Cup.
Hugh Boyd from Randalstown had top results in both races from France.