Skibbereen OB National - 23/05/17

It was in 1932 that His Majesty King George V presented a new cup to the Irish National Flying Club to be known as The King George V Challenge Cup and was to be awarded to the winner of the OB Grand National.

The 1932 Grand National race was flown from Les Sables at a distance of some 600 miles and the race was won by R Hawthorn from Ligoniel in North Belfast.This race was flown under IHU rules and it was not until 1948 that the Kings Cup was flown under IHU and RPRA rules.The race in 1948 was won by Sammy Robinson from Belfast.

The Irish National Flying Club have a six race programme for the 2020 season which enables its members to compete in the inland Nationals or over the channel at the very highest level. I hope you will enjoy using the website as it will be a source of information through out the season. Good luck to all members competing in this years Nationals. Ronnie Johnston Patron INFC.

The INFC has 2,100 members across Ireland. The 6 Race Programme includes the famous Kings Cup from France. Friendship Nat is also France, Ylr Nat Sennen Cove, YB Nat Penzance and OB and YB Nat from Skibbereen. Numerous other awards including Gold Medal, Hall of Fame Diploma, Triple Championship, Single Bird Challenge, 3 Bird Championship, Merit Awards etc. Results, Reports, Latest News etc. See Website http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com or http://www.infc.co.uk
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willie reynolds
Posts: 6810
Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm

Skibbereen OB National - 23/05/17

Post by willie reynolds »

Skibbereen Provisional Result Tuesday 23rd May
Tuesday 23rd May @ 23.30

Provisional result of today’s Skibbereen Old Bird National.

Middle Section - T & E Kelly Barrow Valley 1697, T McLoughlin Naas 1649, B Cully Naas 1649, T McLoughlin Naas 1611, T McLoughlin Naas 1611.

South Section - C Nolan Carlow 1642, P Nagle Carlow 1629, S Duffy Wicklow 1616, N Dickinson & Son Wicklow 1616, N Dickinson & Son Wicklow 1609.

North Section - J Gregory & Sons Colin 1648, M Foulis Dundonald 1647, V Cooney & Son Andersonstown 1645.8, R Moore & Son Bangor 1645.7, D & J Campbell Eastway 1642, Johnston Bros. Andersonstown 1635, J Burrows Eastway 1634, Cromie & Magee & Son Ballynahinch 1631, McGrath & McParland Drumnavaddy 1629, T McKinstry Drumnavaddy 1626

NOTE: All positions provisional and are subject to change.

Updated Tuesday 23rd May 2017
Skibbereen Old Bird Inland National - Sponsored by Bamfords Top Flight Feeds.
486 members have entered 4668 pigeons and are competing for £16,902 in pools and prizemoney.
The pigeons have been released at 11.45am in a light westerly wind. Our next update will be this evening.

Sunday 21st May 2017 @ 19:45
Skibbereen Old Bird National - Sponsored by Bamfords Top Flight Feeds.
Race marking will take place as planned on Monday 22nd May times as printed in the race entry form booklet. For a possible release on Tuesday.

To be included in this report send results to HOMER.

Results INFC Skibbereen OB National

Balbriggan Centre – Keegan & Darling 1673, S Duran 1661, M Gilligan 1649, M/M Guildea & Son 1646, P Rock & Son 1642, M Gilligan 1639, T Nelson 1634, S Duran 1634, Keegan & Darling 1632, Madden Bros 1626, S Duran 1622, S Duran 1622, G O’Mara & Family 1621, T Nelson 1616, McCabe & Byrne 1616, G O’Mara & Family 1615, P Rock & Son 1613, M Gilligan 1611, S Duran 1611, T Nelson 1608.

Drumnavaddy Inv 9/112 – B McGrath 1629, T McKinstry 1626, B McGrath 1615, 1575, N Smyth 1544, B McGrath 1532, 1525, J Smyth & Sons 1508, S Ogle 1481, J Smyth & Sons 1473.

Rathnew 7/75 – R Fewings 1603, Gregory Bros 1574, R Fewings 1561, 1554, 1553, 1545, J & W Smullen 1543, Gregory Bros 1529, E Kennedy & Son 1517, 1516.

Monaghan HPS – B Corley 1523, P McFadden 1455, 1443, 1429, Allister & Kruger 1428, P Caughlan 1402.

NewtonKilpeddar – J Byrne 1506, 1497, 1495, E Gilbert 1494, S Shannon 1493, 1482, J Byrne 1481, Massey & Duffey 1473, C & T Murphy 1465, J Byrne 1464.

Sallynoggin - Matthers & Kelly 1504.

Portadown and Drumcree - Hagan and Rowney 1503, 1495, Larkin Bros 1430, Hagan & Rowney 1429, B Creaney 1424, Hagan & Rowney 1423, 1406, B Creaney 1395, 1391, 1390, A McDonald 1378. The in-form team of Hagan and Rowney keep on turning in stellar performances taking the lion’s share of the spoils from what proved to be a tough race, congratulations to Martin and Philip.

Broughshane & District – A Purvis 1471, 1464, T & M Morrow 1427, 1427.

Just short of 4,700 birds were competing in the opening race of the INFC old bird season, birds were race marked in Lisburn on Monday and released in Skibbereen at 11.45am in a helping Lt Westerly wind. It was a busy night at Muckamore for the clock checking with good returns in all parts of the country. Fresh from his success in the NIPA with 1st Open Talbenny the best bird in the Centre was recorded by D & J Campbell of the Eastway HPS in Belfast.

Muckamore Centre Skibbereen – D & J Campbell Eastway 1642, J Burrows Eastway 1634, D & R Turkington Doagh & Dist 1613, N Armstrong Ligoniel 1605, Grattan Bros Eastway 1604, A Cooke Ballycarry & Dist 1589, D & J Campbell 1579, Grattan Bros 1579, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1568, D McElhone Eastway 1564, R Mills & Son Larne & Dist 1560, G McDowell Kells & Dist 1558, R Mills & Son 1557, Jason Smyth Ligoniel 1557, M/M B McNeilly Doagh & Dist 1556, G K & I Moxham 1556, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 1555, G K & I Moxham 1553, Grattan Bros 1550, J Connolly Ballymoney 1547.

East Coast Federation Skibbereen (INFC) – Mr &Mrs K Guildea & Son Balbriggan 1646.53, P Rock & Son Skerries 1642.96, T Nelson Malahide & Dist 1634.75, T Nelson Malahide & Dist 1616.05, P Rock & Son Skerries 1613.47, T Nelson Malahide & Dist 1608.35, R Fewings Rathnew 1603.55, McCann & Whelan Bray SE 1602.71, T Nelson Malahide & Dist 1599.92, Gregory Bros Rathnew 1574.09, P Rock & Son Skerries 1566.91, Harford & McNally Balbriggan 1564.52, R Fewings Rathnew 1561.19, R Fewings Rathnew 1561.19, Mr & Mrs J McMahon Balbriggan 1558.56, Mr & Mrs K Guildea & Son Balbriggan 1557.93, J Flood & Son Castlebellingham 1555.47, R Fewings Rathnew 1554.05, R Fewings Rathnew 1545.50, J & W Smullen Rathnew 1543.82.

MAC Skibbereen – Gibson & O’Neill Associate 1546, D Dixon Rasharkin 1534, K Wilkinson & Son New Antrim 1525, K Wilkinson & Son 1515.

INFC Clubs -

Kells & District – G McDowell 1558, McFarlane & Agnew 1499.
Ballymoney HPS – J Connolly 1547, D Dixon 1534, D Dixon, D Dixon, D & H Stuart, D & G McMullan, D & H Stuart, D Dixon, D Dixon, J Connolly, D & H Stuart, D Dixon.
Cullybackey HPS – Gibson & O’Neill 1546, S Steele 1542, A Darragh 1533, 1525, S Steele 1521, 1508, 1508, Reid Bros & McCloy 1503, S Steele 1500, 1500.
New Antrim Amalgamated – K Wilkinson & Son 1525, 1515.
Harryville HPS – M D C Magill 1496.
Broughshane & Dist – A Purvis 1471, 1464, T & M Morrow 1427, 1427, D Houston & Son.
Ballymena & District 4/44 – M Graham 1422, 1421, 1419, T R Alexander & Son 1411, 1406, G & A EAgleson 1377, B Ramsey 1354, 1296, G & A Eagleson 1262.
Last edited by willie reynolds on Fri Jun 16, 2017 6:28 am, edited 2 times in total.
willie reynolds
Posts: 6810
Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm

Re: Skibbereen OB National - 23/05/17

Post by willie reynolds »

To be included in this report send results to HOMER.

Results INFC Skibbereen OB National
Middle Sect 87/630 – T & E Kelly Barrow Valley 1697, Keegan & Darling Donnycarney 1673, S Duran Blanchardstown 1661, M/M M Gilligan Finglas 1649, T McLoughlin Naas 1649, M/M K Guildea Balbriggan 1646, P Rock & Son Skerries 1642, M/M M Gilligan 1639, T Nerlson Malahide & Dist 1634, S Duran 1634.

North Sect 361/3722 – J Gregory & Sons Colin 1648, M Foulis Dundonald 1647, V Cooney & Son Andersonstown 1645, R Moore & Son Bangor 1645, D & J Campbell Eastway 1642, Johnston Bros Andersonstown 1635, J Burrows Eastway 1634, Cromie & Magee & Son Ballynahinch 1631, McGrath & McParland Drumnavaddy 1620, T McKinstry Drumnavaddy 1626.

South Sect 38/314 – C Nolan Carlow & Dist 1642, P J Nangle Carlow & Dist 1629, S Duffy Wicklow SR 1616, N Dickinson & Son Wicklow SR 1612, N Dickinson & Son 1609.

Balbriggan Centre – Keegan & Darling 1673, S Duran 1661, M Gilligan 1649, M/M Guildea & Son 1646, P Rock & Son 1642, M Gilligan 1639, T Nelson 1634, S Duran 1634, Keegan & Darling 1632, Madden Bros 1626, S Duran 1622, S Duran 1622, G O’Mara & Family 1621, T Nelson 1616, McCabe & Byrne 1616, G O’Mara & Family 1615, P Rock & Son 1613, M Gilligan 1611, S Duran 1611, T Nelson 1608.

Muckamore Centre Skibbereen – D & J Campbell Eastway 1642, J Burrows Eastway 1634, D & R Turkington Doagh & Dist 1613, N Armstrong Ligoniel 1605, Grattan Bros Eastway 1604, A Cooke Ballycarry & Dist 1589, D & J Campbell 1579, Grattan Bros 1579, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1568, D McElhone Eastway 1564, R Mills & Son Larne & Dist 1560, G McDowell Kells & Dist 1558, R Mills & Son 1557, Jason Smyth Ligoniel 1557, M/M B McNeilly Doagh & Dist 1556, G K & I Moxham 1556, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 1555, G K & I Moxham 1553, Grattan Bros 1550, J Connolly Ballymoney 1547.

MAC Skibbereen – Gibson & O’Neill Associate 1546, D Dixon Rasharkin 1534, K Wilkinson & Son New Antrim 1525, K Wilkinson & Son 1515.

Barrow Valley – T & E Kelly 1697.
Donnycarney – Keegan & Darling 1673, 1632, 1577, G Daly & Son 1568, 1558.
Blanchardstown RPC – S Duran 1661, 1634, 1622, 1622, 1611, 1600, 1599, 1579.
Finglas – Mr & Mrs M Gilligan 1649, 1639, 1611, 1607, L Donnelly & Son 1581.
Naas RPS – T McLoughlin 1649, B Cully 1629, T McLoughlin 1611, 1611, B Cully 1610, 1608, J King 1595, T McLoughlin 1573, J King 1556.
Colin HPS – J Gregory & Sons 1648, 1554, 1553, 1549, G & S Owens 1545, J Gregory & Sons 1502.
Dundonald – M Foulis 1647, Cowan & McCartney 1622, 1589, M Foulis 1581, 1580, 1578, 1564, B C T Foulis & Gill 1561, R Irwin 1544, Cowan & McCartney 1541, B C T Foulis & Gill 1536, M Foulis 1535, B C T Foulis & Gill 1535, M Foulis 1534, Cowan & McCartney 1534, 1529, B C T Foulis & Gill 1519, Cowan & McCartney 1519, R Irwin 1517, B C T Foulis & Gill 1492.
Balbriggan Inv 13/63 – M/M K Guildea & Son 1646, Harford & McNally 1564, M/M J McMahon 1558, M/M K Guildea & Son 1557, E & J Campbell 1541, J Guildea & Son 1535, P J Corcoran & Son 1535, S Dunne & Son 1533, C Reid 1521, D Kenny 1498.
Andersonstown – V Cooney & Son 1645, Johnston Bros 1635, 1559, J & J Dillon & Son 1522, O & M Monaghan 1501, Johnston Bros 1496.
Bangor – R Moore & Son 1645, 1624, 1615, Burgess & Brennan 1565, 1548, R Moore & Son 1523, 1511, 1495.
Skerries – P Rock & Son 1642, 1613, 1566.
Carlow & District – Colin Nolan 1642, P J Nangle 1620.
Eastway – D & J Campbell 1642, J Burrows 1634, Grattan Bros 1605, 1604, D & J Campbell 1579, Grattan Bros 1579, D McElhone 1564, Grattan Bros 1550, D & J Campbell 1545, 1544, 1544, J Burrows 1537, G McKenna 1536, R Lillie & Son 1535, D & J Campbell 1529, 1528, D McElhone 1526, 1522, R Lillie & Son 1522, Grattan Bros 1522, 1521, D & J Campbell 1517, M & T Griffith 1516, 1514, J Burrows 1494, M & T Griffith 1492.
Malahide & District – T Nelson 1634, 1616, 1608, 1599.
Ballynaninch HPS – Cromie & Magee & Son 1631, 1592, D & R Topping 1585, Cromie & Magee & Son 1519.
Drumnavaddy Inv 9/112 – McGrath & McParland 1629, T McKinstry 1626, B McGrath & McParland 1615, 1575, N Smyth 1544, B McGrath & McParland 1532, 1525, J Smyth & Sons 1508, S Ogle 1481, J Smyth & Sons 1473.
Dublin North County – Madden Bros 1626, McCabe & Byrne 1616, Madden Bros 1606, McCabe & Byrne 1581.
Millvale – Mark Maguire & Son 1626, 1605, 1528, Donnelly Bros 1509, Noel Murtagh 1506, T Mooney & Son 1505, Gary Murphy 1495.
Dromara - Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1622, A Bradley 1598, 1562, 1531, 1508, 1507, M/M Stevenson 1496.
Titanic HPS – W & R Evans & Leahy 1621, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1609, 1604, 1578, 1561, W & R Evans & Leahy 1551, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1536, 1499.
Kildonagh RPC - G O’Mara & Family 1621, 1615, Mark Hartnett 1566.
Bleary – R Adamson 1619.
Wicklow South Road – S Duffy 1616, N Dickinson & Son 1612, 1609, S Duffy 1598, N Dickinson & Son 1597, A Duffy 1584, 1584, N Dickinson & Son 1580, S Duffy 1579, A Duffy 1553, T Smyth 1548, 1547.
Doagh & District – D & R Turkington 1613, M/M B McNeilly 1570, 1556, A & N Lewis 1555, W McClelland 1546, A & N Lewis 1543, 1540, F Simpson 1536, M/M B McNeilly 1523, D & R Turkington 1521, M/M B McNeilly 1511, A & N Lewis 1499.
Lisburn & District – A T & J Houston 1613, R Topping & Son 1571, D Ferguson 1565, M Laffin 1556, S G Briggs 1539, G Benson 1527, A T & J Houston 1519, G Smyth 1505, A T & J Houston 1505, 1504.
Kilkenny RPC – L Conran 1608, 1606.
Ligoniel & District – N Armstrong 1605, Jason Smyth 1557, Bingham & Seaton 1517.
Rathnew 7/75 – R Fewings 1603, Gregory Bros 1574, R Fewings 1561, 1554, 1553, 1545, J & W Smullen 1543, Gregory Bros 1529, E Kennedy & Son 1517, 1516.
Bray South End – McCann & Whelan 1602.
Hillsborough & Maze – Kennedy & Lyons 1600, S Grainger & Son 1595, J & D Coburn & Sons 1576, Lyons & Kennedy 1574, 1569, 1553, J & D Coburn & Sons 1545, S Grainger & Son 1539, Lavery Bros 1525, 1518, Kennedy & Lyons 1505, H Jennings & Sons 1500, Lyons & Kennedy 1493.
Dublin North East RPC – J Hanley & Mother 1599, 1554.
Dromore HPS – Doonan & McGuinness 1597, P & J Boal 1597, 1588, 1558, 1552, 1546, M/M G Delaney 1516, P & J Boal 1505, 1495.
Ballylesson – Alec Crawford 1595, J Patterson 1541, Alec Crawford 1535, 1530, K & B McConaghie & Son 1519.
Newry & District – Ron Williamson 1594, K Byrne & Sons 1583, Ron Williamson 1548, Pat McCabe 1539, Ron Williamson 1510, 1509, 1492.
Ballycarry & District – A Cooke 1589, N J Arthurs 1507, Lynch Bros 1496.
Arklow United RPC – Cullen, Burke & O’Reilly 1589, 1553, G & M Doyle 1552.
Gilford & District – I Kidd 1585, T Wilson 1569, 1569, G O’Dowd 1537, G Hanratty & Daughter 1514.
Lurgan Social – D B Lyness 1579, D B Lyness 1556, R Higginson 1551, D B Lyness 1539, J Douglas & Son 1516, R Higginson 1506, D & B Lyness 1505, 1498.
Glenavy & District – I Gibb & Sons 1575, 1575, 1544, 1521.
Laurelvale – Dowey Bros 1573, G & C Topley 1558, Dowey Bros 1541, 1541, 1540, 1522.
Harmony HPS – Herman McAvoy 1572, 1558, Delaney & McCambridge 1556, Herman McAvoy 1546, J Hall & Son 1541, Delaney & McCambridge 1523, 1516.
Larne & District – G K & I Moxham 1568, R Mills & Son 1560, 1557, G K & I Moxham 1556, 1553, R Mills & Son 1536, 1523, G K & I Moxham 1520, 1505.
Ballyholland – O Markey 1566, 1533, A McAteer & Sons 1514, Sands & Rice 1502, M McDonald & Sons 1499, Sands & Rice 1494.
Tallagh & District – M & M Roche 1565.
Millisle & District – McCormick & Muckle 1564, 1525, 1519.
Enniscorthy – T O’Rourke & Son 1562, 1554.
Downpatrick Premier – J Crossan 1560, S Milligan & Daughter 1545, 1519, 1500.
Comber Social – G Lyttle 1560, Ken Tompsett 1529, G Lyttle 1496.
Derriaghy – W Ringland & Son 1559.
Kells & District HPS – G McDowell 1558, McFarlane & Agnew 1499, H Boyd 1467, G McDowell 1436, 1362, 1357. Well done George finishing 78th North Sect.
Dunedin – A & J Brown 1557.
Crossgar HPS – S & K Duke 1557, McCartan & Woodsides 1544, 1534, 1530, G Adair 1514, McCartan & Woodsides 1492.
East Wall & District – J & J Carabini 1555.
Casltebellingham – J Flood & Son 1555.
Kingswood – J Galbraith & Son 1553, 1549, 1533, 1524.
Beechpark Social – K Downey 1547.
Ballymoney HPS – J Connolly 1547, D Dixon 1534.
Cullybackey HPS – Gibson & O’Neill 1546, S Steele 1542, A Darragh 1533, 1525, S Steele 1521, 1508, 1506, Reid Bros & McCloy 1503, S Steele 1500, 1500.
Killyleagh Central – Gordon Bros & Sons 1545, Grieves & Morrison 1544, Gordon Bros & Sons 1536, 1523, 1518, McComb Bros 1504, 1494.
Crumlin & District – John Harkness 1544.
Hillfoot – D George 1543, 1522, 1522, A Cousins & Sons 1511.
Wheatfield – J & D Braniff 1543, 1508, 1492, 1492.
Annalong – K Rooney Son & Daughter 1542, 1527.
Lagan Valley – T & K Mawhinney 1541, A & R Milliken & Brady 1539, 1529, 1509, John Taggart & Son 1507, A & R Milliken & Brady 1495.
Blackwatertown HPS – Collins & Douglas 1538, 1500, R & G & G Donaldson 1489, Collins & Douglas 1476.
Shankill & District – McAuley Kell Gibson & Tosh 1536, 1518, Smyth & Bittles 1509.
Cloughey – M Adair & Sons 1536, Harper & Young 1508, 1492.
East End – P Wylie 1532.
Annaghmore – Glen Buckley & Sons 1531, T McClean 1523, Glen Buckley & Sons 1521, W G Neill 1517, 1506.
West Belfast – Stockman & Robinson 1529, M Johnston & Son 1524, Mawhinney & Morrison 1526, Stockman & Robinson 1498.
Fortfield – T Kearney 1529, A O’Hanlon 1521, T Kearney 1514, B & B & L O’Hara 1512.
Glen Invitation – J & M & M Brown 1529.
Bondhill Social – John Greenaway 1529.
New Antrim Amalgamated – K Wilkinson & Son 1525, 1516.
Grosvenor HPS – J & J McAlorum 1523, J & L Smyth 1495, 1492.
Monaghan HPS – B Corley 1523, P McFadden 1455, 1443, 1429, Allister & Kruger 1428, P Caughlan 1402.
Armagh HPS – A Whitcroft 1513.
Kingsmoss – T Cairns & Sons 1513, J & S Graham 1508.
NewtonKilpeddar – J Byrne 1506, 1497, 1495, E Gilbert 1494, S Shannon 1493, 1482, J Byrne 1481, Massey & Duffey 1473, C & T Murphy 1465, J Byrne 1464.
Annsborough – M Croskery 1505
Sallynoggin - Matthers & Kelly 1504. Well done Ray and Jay on a super result once again this week taking 8 from 10 positions in the club from Skibbereen with the INFC. The lads tell me there 1st bird is a blue cock flown widowhood which is down from there Janssen verheye lines there 2nd bird is again a widowhood cock off there houben cock who himself was a fantastic racer and there 3rd bird again been a Janssen verheye these lads pigeons are on fire this season really well done again
Portadown and Drumcree - Hagan and Rowney 1503, 1495, Larkin Bros 1430, Hagan & Rowney 1429, B Creaney 1424, Hagan & Rowney 1423, 1406, B Creaney 1395, 1391, 1390, A McDonald 1378. The in-form team of Hagan and Rowney keep on turning in stellar performances taking the lion’s share of the spoils from what proved to be a tough race, congratulations to Martin and Philip.
Banbridge – R Carson & Son 1501.
South Belfast – A McEwen 1498.
Harryville HPS – M D C Magill 1496.
Ballyclare & District – R Duddy 1495.
Wilton Cross – Toal Bros 1476, D Cooper 1458, Toal Bros 1434, D Cooper 1426.
Broughshane & District – A Purvis 1471, 1464, T & M Morrow 1427, 1427.
Ballymena & District 4/44 – M Graham 1422, 1421, 1419, T R Alexander & Son 1411, 1406, G & A EAgleson 1377, B Ramsey 1354, 1296, G & A Eagleson 1262.
willie reynolds
Posts: 6810
Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm

Re: Skibbereen OB National - 23/05/17

Post by willie reynolds »

IRISH NATIONAL FLYING CLUB SKIBBEREEN OLD BIRD NATIONAL

The first of the 6 races organized by the Irish National Flying Club was held on Tuesday 23rd May from Skibbereen in Co Cork. 486 members sent 4,666 birds to compete for £16,898 in pools and prizemoney. This was slightly up on last year’s entry of 4,498 birds. The race was sponsored by Bamfords Top Flight and we are very grateful to them for their continued sponsorship. The race took the same format as last year with the Ronnie Johnston Challenge Cup and diploma awarded to the Overall winner and the Gerald Delaney Trophy awarded to the best velocity of the other two sections. The winner of the section with the lowest winning velocity will receive a coveted INFC diploma. There are no Open positions for the Skibbereen Nationals but prizes are allocated to the three sections. As the result is divided into 3 sections I will cover the top 5 in the three sections in this article. This article was delayed as the result was subject to appeal and other commitments following the appeal hearing.
The birds were liberated at 11.45 am in a light westerly wind, with the winning velocity recorded as 1673.

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Paul Keegan and Luke Darling Donnycarney 1st Middle section 1st Open Skibbereen OB National

1st Middle Section, 1st Open, P Keegan & L Darling Donnycarney, Vel 1673, Flying 179 miles, winning £269 and the Ronnie Johnston Challenge Cup

The winners of this year’s Skibbereen Old Bird National are Paul Keegan and Luke Darling from the Donnycarney club in Dublin who have been racing together for 15 years. Paul is a Vice-President of the Irish Honing Union and also served on the INFC committee for eight years, while Luke is secretary of the Northside club. It’s good to see two men who put so much into the sport get something out of it. The pigeon timed here is a yearling chequer hen that was raced on the roundabout. The sire is a Gevaert cock that was bought from Gary Tomlinson, Derbyshire, while the dam is off a Paul Stobbs Soontjens. The dam was a super racer herself, she only had 12 races but won 6 of them including 1st Open Irish South Road Fed from Mallow (134 miles) with 13,500 birds competing. The National winner had all the races before the National including Barleycove (200 miles) two days before basketing for the National, when she was 3rd club, 67th Fed (4,500 birds) She had six races as a young bird and her best position was 41st Irish South Road Fed from Castletown (162 miles) with over 10,000 birds competing. Paul and Luke had a good year’s racing with many club positions. They had two club wins prior to the National race and had another two birds in the result here at 10th and 37th Middle section. In concluding they asked me to thank Fran Nash for all his help around the loft.

Image
Safet Duran (centre) Blanchardstown 2nd Middle section Skibbereen OB National

2nd Middle section, S Duran Blanchardstown, Vel 1661, Flying 174 miles, winning £205

2nd Middle section is Safet Duran from the Blanchardstown club who has had many great results in National racing in recent years. Safet had another super race here with other birds taking 9th, 13th, 14th, 22nd, 29th, 36th Middle section. The pigeon at 2nd Middle section is a medium sizes blue hen named ‘Vandara’. She was bred in May last year and had a few races as a young bird. This season she was trained and had 3 races. Breeding is Van Loon x Cooreman and her sire is a son of ‘Daro’, who had many wins for Louis Cooreman and is responsible for many winners. Safet’s Van Loon lines are well established and have produced many winners for him. Safet trains his pigeons Monday to Thursday from 30 to 50 miles. Safet asked me to thank his good friend Paul Foster for helping in and around the lofts with the pigeons, Liam Donnelly for his support and help, bring his pigeons to the Marking Station and his clock to Balbriggan, and also his daughter Merjem for all her help and for clocking the pigeons from the National.

Image
Mick Gilligan Finglas 3rd Middle section Skibbereen OB National with grandchildren Grace and Leo

3rd Middle section, Mr & Mrs M Gilligan Finglas, Vel 1649.5, Flying 177 miles, winning £153

3rd Middle section is Mr & Mrs Mick Gilligan from Finglas in Dublin. Mick is well known throughout the pigeon sport and has always played an active part in the sport. Mick and Teresa had a great race here with three other birds in the result at 7th, 20th and 27th Middle section. The pigeon timed is a blue yearling Soontjens hen bred by Danny Dalton from pigeons obtained from Paul Stobbs, West Durham Amalgamation and Jimmy McGann, Belfast. This yearling hen was 5th Middle section in the Skibbereen Young Bird National in 2016. Interestingly their second pigeon that day taking 15th Middle section was also their second pigeon here to take 7th Middle section. Training is twice a day, going with Herbie Thorpe to Rathangan (35 miles) in the morning and then Mick and Liam Donnelly give them a 20 mile toss in the evenings.

Image
Tristan McLoughlin Naas 4th Middle section Skibbereen OB National

4th Middle section, T McLoughlin Naas, Vel 1649.1, Flying 158 miles, winning £267

4th Middle section is Tristan McLoughlin from Naas who has become a well known name in National racing. The pigeon timed here is a chequer yearling hen racing roundabout. She is one of a kit of ten from Mark Simpson from the North West Homing Union. They are a Janssen x Wal Zoontjens cross and have done well for Tristan. The yearling hen timed here was 1st club, 3rd Fed, 9th Open IHUNFC (2100 birds from Barleycove (177 miles) nine days prior to this race, and the week before that she was 7th club, 14th Mid Leinster Fed. Tristan trains five times a week up to the first race, weather permitting and reduces this to four times a week up to the third race. After that they are flown at home. Tristan had three other birds in the result here at 21st, 23rd and 38th Middle section.

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Ken Guildea of Mr & Mrs K Guildea & Son Balbriggan 5th Middle section Skibbereen OB National

5th Middle section Mr & Mrs K Guildea Balbriggan, Vel 1646, Flying 192 miles, winning £65

5th Middle section are Mr & Mrs Ken Guildea and son Gary from Balbriggan. This is a race that they target to win in the club each year as it’s for Ken’s father’s cup, so they were delighted when they not only did that but had the best bird in the East Coast Fed and 5th Middle section as well. The pigeon timed here is a 3-year-old cock now named ‘Our Ned’. Racing natural he was sent to this race starting to look at his hen. A consistent racer he has scored a few minor positions in the club. The sire of ‘Our Ned’ has bred 3 x 1st club winners plus a hen that was 2nd club, 3rd Open East Coast Fed from Truro. He is also sire of ‘The Rocket’ who topped the Fed by 8 minutes from Pilmore Beach in 2012 and went on to be 1st club, 14th Middle section in this race on 2013. The grandsire of ‘Our Ned’ was Brendan Richardson’s 2005 INFC Yearling National winner. The dam was a gift pigeon from Tommy Nelson of Malahide’s best Soontjens lines. Ken and Gary asked me to thank Tommy and Brendan for their help and support over the years.

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John Gregory and Sons Colin 1st North section Skibbereen OB National

1st North Section J Gregory & Sons Colin HPS, Vel 1648, Flying 248 miles, winning £873 and the Gerard Delaney Trophy for the best Velocity in the Sections not winning the Open

Winners of the North section and the Gerald Delaney Trophy are John Gregory and Sons Eamon, John and Steven from the Colin club in Belfast. Topping the north section here makes up for their disappointment in 2013 when they were beaten into second place on the second decimal. The pigeon timed here is a blue yearling hen and is a Vandenabeele from M & D Evans stock. She was in the top 5 in the Harmony Loft’s race from Navan three weeks before the National and was 27th section D, 141st Open NIPA from Rosscarbery a week before the National. A very consistent racer she had all the inland races except the first one. This line of pigeons have done well for the Gregorys. Her half brother was 4th Open NIPA Sennen Cove Classic in 2015. Another half brother was 1st section D, 3rd Open NIPA Rosscarbery Yearling cocks and a full sister was 12th North section in the Skibbereen Old Bird National in 2014 and 7th Open Rosscarbery and 13th Open Yearling Hens from Rosscarbery. Training is on Wednesdays with either John Abernethy or Rosie & Jim.

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Mark Foulis Dondonald 2nd North section Skibbereen OB National

2nd North Section M Foulis Dundonald, Vel 1647, Flying 254miles, winning £747

2nd North section is Mark Foulis from the Dundonald club just outside Belfast. Mark was 2nd North section in the Skibbereen Young Bird National, a year that saw him win the Charles Hunniford Memorial Trophy for Best Averages (North section) Skibbereen Old Bird and Young Bird Nationals. The pigeon timed here is a mealy yearling hen racing roundabout. Breeding is Lambrecht from Derek Parr, Portadown. Mark has been buying birds from Derek for a number of years and they have always performed exceptionally well. This bird certainly has earned her perch this year as she was also 1st section D, 15th Open Fermoy Old Bird 5 Bird in the NIPA, winning £450 in the process. Training is generally from Finnis and Mark says that his wife Rosie is very helpful both with training and generally around the lofts.

3rd North Section V Cooney & Son Andersonstown, Vel 1645.8, Flying 249 miles, winning £822

3rd North section are Vincent Cooney and his son Niall from the Andersonstown club in Belfast. Plumbers by trade Vincent and Niall work together and sometimes have different views on how to manage the birds but they never fall out. The pigeon timed here is a light blue cheq yearling cock racing roundabout. The sire is Van Den Horst, a gift bird from their very good friend Paddy McGarrity from Glenavy. The dam is Van Den Bulck and was bought from Ronnie Johnston, West Brom. He had a win and a couple of minor prizes as a young bird and as a yearling she was a very consistent racer. His nestmate and another pair the same way bred all scored in the club and in the Ulster Fed as young birds. Vincent and Niall give the birds a few tosses before racing starts and then they are flown at home.

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Reggie and David Moore Bangor 4th North section Skibbereen Old Bird National

4th North Section R Moore & Son Bangor, Vel 1645.7, Flying 261 miles, winning £471

We go to the Bangor in Co Down for 4th North section to the lofts of Reggie and David Moore. Reggie and David had a fantastic Old Bird season prior the National and had won all but two of the Inland races before it and collected many Open and section positions within the East Down Combine. They had 6 birds in the result here taking 4th, 12th, 18th, 192nd, 239th and 297th North section. The pigeon at 4th section is a yearling blue hen from their Guido Verheyen lines. She is a direct daughter of their number One breeding cock ‘Dakota 801’, when paired to another hen of the same lines ‘02’. This hen has put up some outstanding performances. From Skibbereen last year she was 1st section, 3rd Open East Down Combine and this year she was 5th section, 11th Open Skibbereen Old Bird Classic. This line of bird have done well for the Moores, with ‘801’ himself having been 5th section, 6th Open Skibbereen Old Bird Classic and he is also the Great Grandsire of their 2015 Skibbereen Derby winner.

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Davy and Alastair Campbell - D & J Campbell Eastway 5th North section Skibbereen OB National

5th North Section D & J Campbell Eastway Vel 1642, Flying 256 miles, winning £170

5th North section is Davy Campbell racing as D & J Campbell from the Eastway club just to the north of Belfast. The ‘J’ in the partnership name is Davy’s late father Jack. The pigeon timed here is a cheq w/f hen racing roundabout. Her sire is Gregg Bros and McCandless and was bought at PigeonCraic’s Fair in Ballyclare. The dam was 2nd North section in this race in 2012 and has bred a host of prizewinners. The nestmate of the bird timed here was 1st Open NIPA Yearling Cocks from Rosscarbery. Davy started the hens in the fourth race this year so this was the hen’s fourth race this year. She had raced well as a young bird picking up a few cards and had another few this year again. Davy calls this hen ‘Flash’ as she goes in like a flash from every race. The hens are trained once a week but otherwise are flown at home.

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Colin Nolan

1st South Section C Nolin Carlow & Dist, Vel 1642, Flying 133 miles, winning £88

1st South Section and winner of a Framed Diploma is Colin Nolan of Carlow & District. Colin has been racing on and off for 15 years and won the Sheldon Leonard Classic from Truro three years ago winning £1,000 in the process. The pigeon timed here was a yearling hen racing roundabout. She is a Soontjens from Paul Byrne from direct Soontjens. As a young bird she had a couple of minor positions and was 8th club this year from Barleycove (155 miles) Her brother was 1st club, 7th Fed from Dunmanway (121 miles). Colin is very pleased with these birds and they are going well for him. Training is up to 25 miles before racing starts then they get one 40 mile toss. After that they are flown at home and raced every week. Colin told me that his son Kian helps with the training and is generally a good help round the lofts.

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PJ Nangle Carlow 2nd South section Skibbereen Old Bird National

2nd South Section PJ Nangle Carlow & Dist, Vel 1629, Flying 133 miles, winning £65

2nd South section this year goes to P J Nangle like Colin Nolan from the Carlow & District club. PJ started racing in 1994 and his best performance to date was 1st Open IHUNFC from Sennen Cove in 2011. The pigeon timed here is a yearling hen racing roundabout. Breeding here is Louis Cooreman with the grandparents bought at a Bob Fenech auction in Bottom of the Hill pub in Finglas, Dublin. This bird had most races this year and was 3rd club, 17th Mid Leinster Fed from Tramore. Her nestmate was 30th Open Mid Leinster Fed last year from Skibbereen. A daughter of this hen was 1st club, 1st Fed, 1st section, 14th Open IHUNFC from Barleycove (154 miles). Training up until the 3rd race up to 30miles, then flown morning and evening at home.

3rd South Section S Duffy Wicklow South Road, Vel 1210, flying 168 miles, winning £130

3rd South section is Shamey Duffy from Wicklow. Shamey has been a lifetime in pigeons, from the day he was born. He raced in Newtownkilpeddar club for awhile he returned to the Wicklow club 5 years ago and has been the top prizewinner for the past four years. The pigeon timed here is a yearling blue pied hen, again racing roundabout. She is Soontjens x Delbar with the Soontjens coming from his cousin Robert Duffy from Rathnew. She was 1st club, 1st South Leinster Fed last year from Pilmore Beach (107 miles) and was also3rd club Skibbereen. Shamey’s birds were showing good form before the National race this year and on the Saturday before basketing he was 3rd, 4th and 5th club. Training is twice a week with Eric Kennedy to Rosslare (52 miles) and Courtown (26miles)

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Noel and Aaron Dickenson Wicklow 4th and 5th South section Skibbereen OB National

4th and 5th South Section N Dickenson & Son Wicklow South Road, 1612, 1609, Flying 168 miles, Winning £65

Noel and Aaron Dickenson from the Wicklow South Road Club are 4th and 5th South section. Noel started racing in 1983 with his father but like a lot of young guys other things took over for a period but he eventually got back to racing and now races with his 21-year-old son Aaron. Unfortunately fours years ago Noel was diagnosed with Pigeon Lung and COPD. Rather than backing off from the sport that he loved Noel throw himself into the pigeons and taking all the necessary precautions he is still a vey active pigeon man, though he does rely on Aaron to do much of the work. With two further birds in the result here at 11th and 15th South section their efforts have certainly paid off. They have just had a great year in the club, winning the Combined and Old Bird Averages, winning a total of seven races. Their first pigeon was a yearling Blue white flight cock sent to this race driving his hen to the nest. Breeding is Van loon bought in 2014 through Sheldon Leonard, Arklow. These Van Loons have bred many prizewinners for Noel and Aaron. The bird timed here had a 3rd club as a young bird and a 2nd and a 4th club this year. Their second bird here is a half brother to the first one and is a two-year-old blue cock. Racing on a jealousy system he was driving his hen to the nest and then removed from the nest and replaced by another cock. A very consistent racer he went on to win another race from Barleycove and had taken a few positions as a young bird.

The committee of the Irish National Flying Club would like to thank all those who helped at the marking station and all who helped at the clock centres. Thanks to all who helped with photographs.

Brendan McLoughlin
INFC Press Officer
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