Sennen Cove Yearling Nat 2017 -

[willie reynolds]

Sennen Cove Y. N. Wednesday Evening.
Posted on June 7, 2017
Wednesday 7th June 2017 @ 22:15.

Sennen Cove Yearling National (provisional result).

1 J Douglas & Son Lurgan Social 1360, 2 O Fitzpatrick & Son Gilford 1358, 3 D Lyness Lurgan Social 1357, 4 R Bell & Sons Edgarstown 1355, 5 P Hope Edgarstown 1354, 6 A & T & J Houston Lisburn 1339, 7 T Fitzpatrick Wilton Cross 1338, 8 P Hope Edgarstown 1334, 9 Bingham & seaton Ligoniel 1333.7, 10 T McClean Annaghmore 1333.4 - South section best known B Szakala Drogheda Inv. 1281

Approximately 350 first day arrivals have been recorded.

Clock checking for second day arrivals - Lisburn, Banbridge and Muckamore Thursday evening at 21:00

Balbriggan, Stillorgan, Wicklow & Cork contact your station manger.

Sennen Cove Y. N. Liberation Wednesday
Posted on June 7, 2017
Wednesday 7th June

Sennen Cove Yearling National - Sponsored by H. Beattie & Son.

706 members have entered 4264 pigeons in the race and are competing for £35,085 in pools and prizemoney. The pigeons have been released at 6:45 in a westerly wind which will turn south westerly on route. Our next update will be this evening.

Sunday 4th June 2017 @ 15:30.

Sennen Cove Yearling National - Sponsored by H. Beattie & Son.

Race marking will take place as planned on Monday 5th June (time as printed in the race entry form booklet) for a possible release on Wednesday.

Saturday 3rd June 2017 @ 20:15.

Sennen Cove Yearling National - Sponsored by H. Beattie & Son.

Weather reports are being monitored for Wednesday and a further update will be issued tomorrow (Sunday) evening on race marking arrangements.

[willie reynolds]

Sennen Cove Y. N. Wednesday Evening
Posted on June 7, 2017

Wednesday 7th June 2017 @ 22:15.Sennen Cove Yearling National (provisional result).1 J Douglas & Son Lurgan Social 1360, 2 O Fitzpatrick & Son Gilford 1358, 3 D Lyness Lurgan Social 1357, 4 R Bell & Sons Edgarstown 1355, 5 P Hope Edgarstown 1354, 6 A & T & J Houston Lisburn 1339, 7 T Fitzpatrick Wilton Cross 1338, 8 P Hope Edgarstown 1334, 9 Bingham & seaton Ligoniel 1333.7, 10 T McClean Annaghmore 1333.4 – South section best known B Szakala Drogheda Inv. 1281Approximately 350 first day arrivals have been recorded.

Clock checking for second day arrivals – Lisburn, Banbridge and Muckamore Thursday evening at 21:00
Balbriggan, Stillorgan, Wicklow & Cork contact your station manger.

Sennen Cove Y. N. Liberation Wednesday
Posted on June 7, 2017
Wednesday 7th June
Sennen Cove Yearling National - Sponsored by H. Beattie & Son.

706 members have entered 4264 pigeons in the race and are competing for £35,085 in pools and prizemoney. The pigeons have been released at 6:45 in a westerly wind which will turn south westerly on route.

Muckamore Centre Sennen Cove – Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1333, D & R Turkington Doagh & Dist 1331, A Thompson Ballyclare 1325, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1324, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1308, Horner Bros & Son Ballyclare 1298, M Graham Ballymena 1278, L O’Neill & Son Larne & Dist 1276, A Darragh Cullybackey 1260, J & M & M Brown Glen Inv 1251, A O’Hanlon Fortfield 1250, M Graham 1234, D Dixon Ballymoney 1231, Jason Smyth Ligoniel 1229, Jason Smyth 1228, D McClelland Ballyclare 1219, G F Lindsay Crumlin 1214, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1204, L Millar Limavady 1202, P McClarence Crumlin 1199, M Graham 1192, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1190, Speirs & Campbell 1190, G McNeilly Ballyclare 1183, Reid Bros & McCloy 1183, B & M Gilmore Doagh & Dist 1165, R Duddy Ballyclare 1156, John Harkness Crumlin 1153, Speirs & Campbell 1147, J Millar Randalstown 1134, A Thompson 1128, D & H Kirkpatrick Cullybackey 1120, McMurray & Anderson Ligoniel 1120, Speirs & Campbell 1107, Savage Bros Castledawson 1104, Jason Smyth 1104, F Simpson Doagh & Dist 1099, R Duddy 1098, G & R Lawrie Ballyclare 1097, A Darragh 1083, Calderwood & Waite Shankill & Dist 1073, A Thompson 1072, S Steele Cullybackey 1065, A Gault Ballyclare 1062, A O’Hanlon 1054, P Cochrane Cullybackey 1051, T Picken & Son Cullybackey 1048, A Thompson 1016, C Moore Ahoghill 1015, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 1013, A Thompson 970, L O’Neill & Son 941, J & R Blair Ballyclare 929, A Gault 916, David Young Muckamore 854, A Darragh 854, G & R Lawrie 834, A Darragh 810.

Mid Antrim Combine Sennen Cove – W & J Smyth Ballymena & Dist 1316, M Graham Ballymena & Dist 1238, M Graham 1234, D Dixon Rasharkin 1231, M Graham 1192, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1190, J Millar Randalstown 1134, D Dixon 1085, C Moore Ahoghill 1015.

East Coast Federation Sennen Cove (INFC) - B Slakalia Drogheda Inv 1281.15, A Smyth Castlebellingham 1265.16, Gregory Bros Rathnew 1261.82, T Barrett Sallynoggin 1259.97, G Doyle Rathnew 1258.92 , E & J Campbell Balbriggan 1252.49, McKeown & McEvoy Castlebellingham 1199.08, R Coleman Drogheda Inv 1191.50, A Kelly Skerries 1186.71, K Sharkey Castlebellingham 1171.26, Gregory Bros Rathnew 1154.71, Harford & McNally Balbriggan 1153.33, P & J Jones Skerries 1152.06, Matthews & Kelly Sallynoggin 1151.61, J Sharkey Castlebellingham 1150.01, Mr & Mrs K Guildea & Son Balbriggan 1149.98, McKeown & McEvoy Castlebellingham 1137.53, T Kavanagh & Ptnr Laytown & Dist 1115.29, A Lacey & Sons Sallynoggin 1114.32, H & C Thorpe & McMorrow Boyne Valley 1089.01.

To be included in this report send club results to HOMER.

Club Results Sennen Cove

Lurgan Social – J Douglas & Son 1360, D & B Lyness 1357, K Henderson & Son 1116. A great result for the Social 1st & 3rd National with over 4000 birds competing. The Douglas loft winning over £1460, well done.
Gilford & District – O Fitzpatrick & Son 1358, J McAtamney & Grandson 1303, O Fitzpatrick & Son 1259, A Feeney & Son 1211, T Wilson 1196, Rafferty & Toman 1183, T Wilson 1024, Fitzpatrick & Hyde 977, Rafferty & Toman 972, A Feeney & Son 971, O Fitzpatrick & Son 910, 907, 881.
Edgarstown HPS – R Bell & Sons 1355, P Hope 1245, 1325, 1202, R & J McCracken 1154, R Cassells 1149, R Bell & Sons 1145, R Cassells 1133, P Dunlop 1088, G & C Simmons 1022. Well done to Ronnie and Jason on their win great result of 4th Open also a big mention to Paul Hope on 5th & 14th Open great performance lads well done to who all clocked.
Lisburn & District – A T & J Houston 1339, I Donaghy 1167, D Ferguson 1096, A T & J Houston 1081, 1078, S & W English 1065, L Magee & Son 1042, I Donaghy 1039, 990, R Topping & Son 988, L Magee & Son 967, A T & J Houston 897, G Benson 876, G Smyth 839.
Wilton Cross – T Fitzpatrick 1338.
Ligoniel & District – Bingham & Seaton 1333, Jason Smyth 1229, 1228, McMurray & Anderson 1120, Jason Smyth 1104.
Annaghmore – T McClean 1333, R D Calvin 1284, G Calvin & Son 1234, G Buckley & Sons 1227, 1190, 1184, P Boyd 1160, T McClean 1154, G Buckley & Sons 1077, R Telford 1052, P Boyd 1051, H Cordner 1028, T Devlin 1007, P Boyd 1002, J & E Calvin 900.
Doagh & District HPS – D & R Turkington 1331, B & M Gilmore 1165, F Simpson 1099.
West Belfast – M Johnston & Son 1327, 1298.
Millvale – Malachy Maguire & Son 1327, Donnelly Bros 1245, Malachy Maguire & Son 1239, 1189, Donnelly Bros 1173, 1149, 1122, 994, Malachy Maguire & Son 954, K Havern 915.
Ballyclare & District – Arnold Thompson 1325, Horner Bros & Son 1298, D McClelland 1219, G McNeilly 1183, R Duddy 1156, A Thompson 1128, R Duddy 1098, G & R Lawrie 1097, A Thompson 1072, A Gault 1062, A Thompson 1016, 970, J & R Blair 929, A Gault 916, G & R Lawrie 834.
Cookstown Social – Speirs & Campbell 1324, 1190, 1147, 1107.
Grosvenor – S O’Halloran & Son 1322, J & J McAlorum 1319, S O’Halloran & Son 1304, J Ramsey & Son 1294, J Ramsey & Son 1149, J Porter & Son 1089.
Banbridge – M Conlon & Sons 1316, C McArdle & Sons 1182, M Conlon & Sons 1167, B McAvoy 1060, C McArdle & Sons 1031.
Ballymena & District 7/54 – W & J Smyth 1316, M Graham 1278, 1234, 1192, T R Alexander & Son.
Dromore HPS – J Kelly & Sons 1308, J Greenaway 1306, J Kelly & Sons 1181, Brown & Burns 1168.
Ballynahinch HPS – W Catherwood & Sons 1304, C Lavery & Son 1113.
Drogheda Inv – B Slakalia 1281, R Colman 1191.
Larne & District HPS – L O’Neill & Son 1276, 941.
Andersonstown – Johnston Bros 1275, P & K Braniff 1031.
Castlebellingham – A Smyth 1265, McKeown & McEvoy 1199, K Sharkey 1171, J Sharkey 1150, McKeown & McEvoy 1137, K Sharkey 1081, McKeown & McEvoy 1058, A Smyth 1048, D Coleman 797, A Smyth 759.
Newtownbreda – T Marshall & Son 1263, 1171, 1115.
Blackwatertown – J Brown 1262, 1007, 989, Collins & Douglas 841.
Rathnew – Gregory Bros 1261, G Doyle 1258, Gregory Bros 1154, P & J Snell 1044, E Kennedy & Son 1007, B Smyth & Sons 948, John Franey & Son 879, Joe Fitzgerald 836, R Fewings 828, 799, Gregory Bros 597.
Arklow United RPC – P Doyle 1261, T Hobbs 1254, Paul & Marie Byrne 1085, P Lambert 1013, D O’Neill 979.
Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 1260, Reid Bros & McCloy 1204, 1183, A Darragh 1139, D & H Kirkpatrick 1120, A Darragh 1083, S Steele 1065, P Cochrane 1051, T Picken & Son 1048, A Darragh 854, 810.
Sallynoggin – T Barrett 1259, Matthews & Kelly 1151, A Lacey & Sons 1114.
Balbriggan – E & J Campbell 1256, Hartford & McNally 1153, M/M K Guildea 1149, S Dunne & Son 1064, C Reid 958, David Kenny 874, S Dunne & Son 761.
Corrigs – W B Shaw 1256.
Glen Inv – J & M & M Brown 1251, S Brown 1157.
Fortfield – A O’Hanlon 1250, 1174, 1054.
Hillsborough & Maze – E Russell 1248, Lavery Bros 1204, Lyons & Kennedy 1168, 1090, 1088, 1062.
Annsborough – P Brown & Son 1248, M Croskery & Son 1242, James Cleland 1158, Pritchard Bros 1127, P McCartan 842.
Loughgall – Stanley West 1241.
Northside – D Browne 1237.
Ballyholland – A McAteer & Sons 1235, C O’Hare & Son 1167, M Peters 1156, 1156, A McAteer & Sons 1134, C O’Hare & Son 1090, P Murtagh & Son 1033.
Annalong – John Trimble & Son 1233.
Gorey RPS – J McFarland 1233, Owen Kirwan 1183, S & M Neary 1031, P & E Gormley 1023.
Ballymoney HPS 13/64 – D Dixon 1231, W & L McCaw 1124, D Dixon 1085, D & H Stuart 1013, 949, W & L McCaw 851, D Dixon 781, D & H Stuart 761.
Newry & District – Ronnie Williamson 1229.
Bondhill Social – John Greenaway 1228, 1168, B & A Beattie 1166, M Robinson 1093, Capper Bros 915.
Downpatrick Premier – J Hannity & Son 1222, R Stranney 1203, J Linden & Son 1012, G McIntosh 937.
Enniscorthy – Niaz Mohamia 1220, 986, T O’Rourke & Son 980, Niaz Mohamia 593.
Dromara – N Edgar & Son 1220, 1157, H Silcock 1018, N Black & Son 788.
Crumlin & District – G F Lindsay 1214, P McClarence 1199, John Harkness 1153.
Lagan Valley – A & R Milliken & Brady 1214, 1127, S McAllister & Sons 1027, B & H Spence 996.
Newcastle – R McVeigh & Sons 1213.
Laurelvale – Dowey Bros 1213, G & C Topley 1142, Dowey Bros 1126, J Serplus 1124, John Dowey 1095, Deborah Lunn 962.
Greenhills – N & N Smith 1209.
Killyleagh Central – Gordon Bros & Sons 1208, 1170, Grieves & Morrison 1161, Gordon Bros & Sons 1135.
Donnycarney – G Daly & Son 1204, 1019.
Limavady – L Millar 1202.
Carlow & Dist – P J Nangle 1193.
Drumnavaddy – S Ogle 1190, E McAlinden & Sons 1170, S Ogle 1049, W McDowell & Son 1032, M/M N S Close 1032, C & G Quinn 1020, T McKinstry 905, M/M N S Close 891.
Randalstown HPS – Stewart Bros 1190, John Millar 1134.
Skerries – A Kelly 1186, P & J Jones 1152, J Hand 1070, A Kelly 979, P & J Jones 593.
Monaghan – P Coughlan 1182, H Gormley & Son 890, P McFadden 815, 812, H Gormley & Son 536.
Markethill – P McCall 1180.
Crossgar HPS – G & J O’Hare 1178, P Byrne & Son 1137, B Palmer & Son 1034, P Byrne & Son 1023, McCartan & Woodsides 1018, C McManus & Daughter 1014, S McLoughlin 894, McCartan & Woodsides 807.
Ballylesson - Alec Crawford 1176, J Kirk & Son 1096, 1092.
Armagh HPS 5/17 – D C & P McArdle 1173, G Steenson 1138, J Campbell 789, O Toal & Sons 748. 2 Bird Club - D C & P McArdle, J Campbell, O Toal & Sons.
Newtown Kilpedder – J Byrne 1158, E Nugent 1114, M Daly 837.
Finglas – W & J Bollard 1152, D Dalton & Son 1127.
Castledawson – S McFlynn 1139, Savage Bros 1104.
Newry City – K & H Young 1134.
Dervock RPS 3/16 - W & L McCaw 1124, D & H Stuart 1013, 949, W & L McCaw 851, D & H Stuart 761.
Laytown & District HPS – T Kavanagh & Partner 1115.
Newtownards – J McClenaghan 1113.
Drogheda & District – Seamus Clarke 1102, 764.
Boyne Valley – H & C Thorpe & McMorrow 1089, D Corrigan 1010, Ian Larney 682, Mark Palka 581, 581.
Shankill & District – Calderwood & Waite 1073.
Derriaghy – Belshaw & Anderson 1081.
Portadown & Drumcree – Sloan & Reid & Sons 1052, J Geary & Sons 1021, A McDonald 707, 492, Sloan & Reid & Sons 372, 354, Larkin Bros 318, 313, 308.
Stillorgan – P Smith & Son 1044, P Davis 607.
Malahide & District – T Nelson 1022, 893, D Ward 749.
Glenavy & District – D Coulter 1022, D Scott 797.
Wicklow South Road – G Hodgkinson 1019, 981.
Ahoghill Flying Club – Chris Moore 1015.
Blanchardstown RPC – J McLoughlin 1005, S Duran 977, 958, J Boothman & Son 796.
Beechpark Social – R Bothwell 979, G McEvoy 962.
Ballybrack RPC – G & P O’Dowd 969, 921, W Matthews 797.
Muckamore HPS – David Young 854.
Harmony HPS – Stephen Dempsey 792.
Hackettstown RPC – P Lucas 780.
Bray South End 16/85 – Harris Bros 702, E O’Toole & Sons 443, M Kane 434, W Healy 312, Harris Bros 260, P Scanlon 254, M Kane 248, E O’Toole & Sons 229, Fitzpatrick Bros 224, Fitzgerald & Reilly 217.
Naas RPC – L Gaffney 746.
East Wall & District – Josh Reily 502.

[willie reynolds]

IRISH NATIONAL FLYING CLUB YEARLING NATIONAL FROM SENNEN COVE

The Irish National Flying Club’s Yearling National was held on Wednesday 7th June this year. Once again there was a good entry for this very popular race in the racing calendar. In the end however the overall entry was just slightly down from last year with 706 members sending 4264 pigeons to compete for £33,086 compared to last year when 823 members sending 4325 birds to compete for £35,085 in pools and prizes.

The birds were liberated in Sennen Cove at 6.45am in a westerly wind which was due to turn south westerly on route. The race was won by J Douglas & Son Lurgan Social with B Slakalia best in the South section. The race this year was sponsored by H Beattie & Son and we are very grateful to them for their continued sponsorship.


Kevin Douglas of J Douglas and Son Lurgan Social 1st Open Yearling National

1st North section, 1st Open J Douglas & Son Lurgan Social, Vel 1360, flying 305 miles, winning £1463 and the Nelson Corry Trophy

The winners of the Yearling National sponsored by H Beattie & Son this year are Lurgan’s Martin and Kevin Douglas racing as J Douglas & Son. The ‘J’ in the name is Martin’s late father, Jimmy but Martin like a lot of other fanciers wanted to retain the name. Martin and Kevin are very popular and well known fanciers throughout Northern Ireland and are regular attendees at the various shows and functions throughout the year. They had a lot of success last year with their 1st North section from the Skibbereen Young Bird National being the highlight. There were also Young Bird Fanciers of the Year in the highly competitive section ‘E’ of the NIPA. The pigeon timed here to win the National is a chq pied cock racing widowhood, although he had lost his hen two weeks previously. The National winner, timed at 1.20pm was a gift pigeon from Joe and Sharon Flood, from the Fortfield club in Belfast. It was one of four that Martin and Kevin got from the Floods last year. Another one was 5th Open NIPA Young Bird Talbenny last year. Training is generally Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from Annagassan (35-40 miles). Martin and Denis Lyness train together, with Denis taking 3rd Open here. This is another major honour for Martin and Kevin from an entry of 3 birds from an overall entry of 4,264 with many lofts sending 20 birds.


Michael Fitzpatrick Gilford 2nd Open Yearling National

2nd North section, 2nd Open O Fitzpatrick & Son Gilford, Vel 1358 flying 298 miles, winning £1100

2nd Open goes to Michael Fitzpatrick racing as O Fitzpatrick & Son. Michael started racing with his late father Owen but decided to retain the name after his father passed away. Michael told me that he definitely got the racing pigeon bug from his father who had won a couple of Opens with The NIPA years ago. Michael had a great race in the Penzance Young Bird National last year with 5 birds in the Open result at 44th, 48th, 49th, 52nd and 85th Open. He had four more in the result here taking 40th, 225th, 289th and 300th Open. The pigeon timed at 2nd Open here is a Blue Pied cock, reared in May last year. It had only one young bird race but has had all the races this year prior to the National, just narrowly missing out on the prizes from 2nd Talbenny. The sire Van Widermeersch down from a gift pigeon from Darren Thompson, Tandragee, while the dam is a Vandenabeele that was 3rd in the Penzance Classic in 2011. The breeding on this side is from a gift bird from Des Breen Gilford. Michael races roundabout and the birds are trained from Balbriggan with Ronnie Williamson.


Dennis and Jacqueline Lyness of D and B Lyness Lurgan Socia,l 3rd Open Yearling National

3rd North section, 3rd Open D & B Lyness Lurgan Social, Vel 1357, flying 303 miles, winning £473

3rd North section 3rd Open goes to the Lurgan Social lofts of D & B Lyness who were 9th Open in the Penzance Young Bird National last year. Nowadays it’s just Denis as Benny unfortunately passed away a few years ago but like many lofts in the same circumstance Denis decided to retain the name. Denis has had a fair degree of success in National races over the years. Having been 2nd Open Skibbereen Young Birds in 1977, he has also been 6th Open in the Yearling National and 6th Open in the King’s Cup, in a race that also saw him take 40th Open. Like the bird at 9th Open in the Young Bird National this is another Willy Jacobs Grondelaar from the Mr & Mrs G Delaney stock. Denis’ birds got off to a slow start this year so he paired them up after the fourth race and saw a steady improvement after this culminating in his success here. The pigeon timed here is a Blue Pied hen sent to this race sitting 8-10 days on eggs. Denis and Martin Douglas are good friends and as reported they train together from Annagassan which is a popular training location along the east coast between Dundalk and Drogheda.


Ronnie, Jason and David Bell Edgarstown, 4th Open Yearling National

4th North section, 4th Open R Bell & Sons Edgarstown, Vel 1355, flying 301 miles, winning £640

4th North section, 4th Open goes to Ronnie Bell and his son Jason from Edgarstown, who were 2nd Open in the King’s Cup in 2014. The pigeon timed here was actually reared two doors from me by John Trimble & Son of Annalong, who were 57th Open in this race themselves. The sire is one of the Bell’s own pigeons which is off Ronnie Williamson’s ‘Nicky’s Pride’, 8th and 11th Open King’s Cup. It bred their 2nd Open King’s Cup bird and another that was 25th Open King’s Cup. The grand dam of the pigeon timed here is a half sister to Willie Neil’s 1st Open St Malo and 2nd Open King’s Cup bird on the sire’s side. On the dam’s side the pigeon timed here is a Jacobs x Massenhoven from Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney, Dromore. It’s dam is a full sister to ‘Oroory Surprise’, winner of 2nd National, 7th National, 11th National and 4th Inland Classic. The bird at 4th Open here was 1st club from the Roscarberry as a young bird and has had four inland races this year plus 1st Talbenny. Training is twice a week with Ron Williamson from Balbriggan (50 miles) and feeding is from Cyril Beattie.


Paul Hope Edgarstown 5th Open Yearling National with Wayne Kennaway

5th North section, 5th Open P Hope Edgarstown, Vel 1345, flying 301 miles, winning £155 and the Sam Buckley Memorial Cup for best 2 bird average

We stay in the Edgarstown club for the 5th North section, 5th Open to Paul Hope whose second bird was 14th Open to win the Sam Buckley Memorial Cup for the best two bird average in the Yearling National. Paul had a great race here with seven birds on the day and three on the second day. His third bird was 38th North section, 81st Open. The pigeon timed here is a Blue W/F hen sent to the National sitting 16 days on eggs. Breeding of this one is Andre Roodhooft from Jeff Greenaway Dromore and is a grand daughter of the ‘Not for Sale’ cock. Paul would like to take this opportunity to thank Jeff for breeding this bird. As a young bird she was a steady racer without winning any prizes but this year she showed better form and won a couple of minor prizes in the Edgarstown club. Wayne Kennaway is a big help to Paul and does the training which is either from Annagassan or Newry.


AT and J Houston - Lisburn and Dist - 6th Open Yearling National - Alan pictured with brother Don

6th North section 6th Open A & T & J Houston Lisburn & Dist, Vel 1339, flying 306 miles, winning £438

6th Open goes to Alan, Timothy and Jolene Houston from Lisburn & District. Alan is from a long line of pigeon fanciers and Timothy and Jolene are his son and daughter. Alan’s brother Dan is also a great help around the loft. The pigeon timed here is a blue cheq cock racing roundabout. The breeding is Willy Can Herck x Van Loon and these pigeons are winning out of turn in inland racing. They are all bred from one cock and two hens so are very inbred. This year the birds really took off on the channel with the Houstons taking 1st, 3rd and 6th club, 1st, 4th and 10th section D, and 3rd, 34th and 99th Open, 1st Talbenny, and 1st, 2nd and 4th club, 3rd, 10th, 23rd and 38th section., 2nd Talbenny. Another one from these lines had 7 x 1sts in the club, taking 5th and 8th Open in the process. This particular bird had no previous prizes but was very consistent. One of six that was sent to the National, they had four in the prizes at 6th, 195th, 196th and 292nd Open. The birds are given a few tosses at the beginning of the season and are then flown at home for half an hour morning and evening.


Tommy Fitzpatrick Wilton Cross, 7th Open Yearling National with grandsons Jack and Lucca

7th North section, 7th Open T Fitzpatrick Wilton Cross, vel 1338, flying 302 miles, winning £155

7th Open goes to Tommy Fitzpatrick, Wilton Cross, another fancier with a good return here with five out of eight home. Tommy is a relative newcomer to the sport and joined Wilton Cross about 20 years ago. Tommy has no family background in the sport so is grateful to all those who offered him advice over the years. The pigeon timed here is a Blue Bar cock, racing on the Natural system and sent to this race sitting on a 5 day old youngster. The breeding is from Maurice Wilkinson and Jeffrey Douglas with some wonderful French distance lines here. The grandsire of the pigeon at 7th Open here was 2nd Open St Malo in 2010. Another bird from these lines was 26th Portland and 28th St Malo, while Cyril and Hilary Beattie’s 2nd Open King’s Cup bird in 2013 contained similar bloodlines. The dam has bred 10 x 1st prizewinners. The cock at 7th Open here didn’t show as either a young bird or on the land this year but he was in Tommy’s first couple of birds from both Talbennys. Tommy has been consistent in this race having been 92nd Open last year and 97th the previous year. Training is basically from where Tommy is working and that could be anywhere in Northern Ireland.


Bingham and Seaton, Ligoniel and Dist, 8th Open Yearling National

8th North section, 8th Open Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel & Dist, vel 1333.7, flying 313 miles, winning £125

8th Open goes to Bingham and Seaton of Ligoniel & District in Belfast, winners of the North section in Skibbereen Young Bird National in 2015, when they also won the Gloria Hunniford Trophy for best average (north section) for the two Skibbereen Nationals, having been 8th North section in the Old Bird National. The partnership is Lee Bingham and Billy Seaton. At the beginning of the season the partnership suffered a bit of a setback as a Goshawk had entered their natural loft and had killed a couple of birds. The survivors had to be left for a few weeks to allow them to settle again. The pigeon timed here was in that loft and so has only had a few races this year. A mealy cock he was sent to this race sitting on a 3 day old young bird, having returned from Bude on the Saturday before to a chipping egg. The sire was a gift from Bill Gilmore, Shankill who had topped the Ulster Fed two years in a row from St Malo. The dam is down from ‘John Boy’, winner of Roscarberry Young Birds with NIPA. Training is with Brian Foulis and Mark Johnston.


Tommy McClean Annaghmore 9th Open Yearling National

9th North section, 9th Open T McClean Annaghmore, vel 1333.2, flying 303 miles, winning £615

9th Open is Annaghmore’s Tommy McClean. In my first year as PRO for the INFC in 2011 Tommy was 7th Open in the King’s Cup. He has also been 9th Open Quimper Friendship national in 2012. Tommy originally raced in Newry in the Niblock and McClean partnership who won five Opens in the NIPA including a Young Bird Talbenny. They were also 2nd Open Penzance Young Bird National. The pigeon timed at 9th Open here is a Blue Soontjens cock bred by Jim Newell Annalong who also bred the pigeon that was 7th Open King’s Cup in 2011. This one is down from Jim’s ‘Blue Thunder’ lines. This yearling cock flew every race this year including both Talbennys, Bude, Yearling national and then Penzance. As a Young Bird he was a steady racer without winning any major prizes. Tommy trains with Stanley Best to Clogherhead (40 miles) four times a week, with cocks and hens going on alternate days.


Dessie and Robert Turkington, Doagh and Dist, 10th Open Yearling National

10th North section, 10th Open D & R Turkington Doagh & Dist, vel 1331, flying 324 miles, winning £1696 and the Charles Ingle Memorial Trophy for 10th Open Yearling National

10th Open goes to Dessie and Robert Turkington, a father and son partnership from Doagh & District club. Dessie’s father was a pigeon man and raced as Turkington and Robinson in Ballyclare. They were prolific racers and won the Penzance Open with the NIPA in 1980 and 1981. The pigeon timed here is a Chequer cock that had no nest box and no hen. He was unraced as a Young Bird but had all the Inland races this year and was 10th club Roscarberry as well as 208th Open Skibbereen Old Bird National. He had never been across the water before the Yearling National. The sire is a Leo Van Rijn from M & A Johnston, Ballylesson and is called ‘Brother Joshua’. The dam was a gift from Mr & Mrs Brian McNeilly, Doagh and is a sister to ‘Matthew’, 2nd section, 2nd Open in this race in 2013. She is also a sister of ‘24’, a winner of 6 races for Mr & Mrs McNeilly. The breeding is Leo Van Rijn x Van Den Bosche. In the run up to the Yearling National the birds were trained Saturday to Balbriggan with Tommy Cairns, Tuesday to Hayes Pipes, Wednesday to Ardee with Ivan Mawhinney, Friday to Hayes Pipes and Saturday to Balbriggan with Ivan Mawhinney.

I would like to thank everybody who helped with photographs for this report and to all the fanciers who give me an insight to their birds and racing methods
I have had to put the Skibbereen Old Bird National report on hold as the result is currently under appeal.

Brendan McLoughlin
INFC Press Officer


Jim Speirs (l) and Tommy Campbell won 15th Open, 92nd Open and 143rd Open Ylr Nat, as well as placing 1, 2 and 3 in the Club.


1st & 2nd Ballymena & Dist plus 1st & 2nd MAC Ylr Nat, Billy Smyth (l) and Martin Graham.