Pigeon Network

Saturday 1st September 2018 @ 11:00 AM

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race. Sponsored by Frazers Animal Feeds.

No decision on race marking has been made. Current weather reports forecast strong north easterly winds for Wednesday at Penzance and on the Irish Sea. Weather reports will be checked tomorrow Sunday and a further update will be issued around 8:00 PM on Sunday evening.

Sunday 2nd September 2018 @ 18:00

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race. Sponsored by Frazers Animal Feeds.

Race marking will not take place on Monday.

Current weather reports forecast strong north to north easterly winds for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Penzance and on the Irish Sea.

Weather reports will be checked tomorrow Monday and a further update will be issued around 7:00 PM on Monday evening.

Monday 3rd September 2018 @ 18:30

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race. Sponsored by Frazers Animal Feeds.

Race marking will not take place on Tuesday.

Current weather reports forecast strong north to north easterly winds for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Penzance and on the Irish Sea.

Weather reports will be checked tomorrow Tuesday and a further update will be issued around 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening.

Tuesday 4th September 2018 @ 18:30

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race. Sponsored by Frazers Animal Feeds.

Race marking will not take place on Wednesday.

Current weather reports forecast strong north to north easterly winds for Friday at Penzance and on the Irish Sea.

Weather reports will be checked tomorrow Wednesday and a further update will be issued around 7:00 PM on Wednesday evening.

Wednesday 5th September 2018 @ 18:30

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race. Sponsored by Frazers Animal Feeds.

Race marking will not take place on Thursday.

Current weather reports forecast strong north to north easterly winds for Friday and and a low pressure system over Penzance and on the Irish Sea for Saturday. A ridge of high pressure is expected to build for Sunday.

Weather reports will be checked tomorrow Thursday and a further update will be issued around 7:00 PM on Thursday evening.

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race Marking.
Posted on September 6, 2018
Thursday 6th September 2019 @ 17.30

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race.

Race marking will take place on Friday 7th September for a possible

release on Sunday.

Please Note Race Marking will be between 11:00 and 15:00 on Friday.

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race Liberation Sunday 9th September 2018.
Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race. Sponsored by Frazer Animal Feeds.

251 members have entered 1326 pigeons and are competing for £14,587 in pools and prize money.

The pigeons have been released in Penzance this morning at 07.45am the wind at the release site was light south westerly. Our next update will be this evening.

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race Update Sunday 23:30
Posted on September 9, 2018

Grand National Penzance Young Bird Race - Sponsored by Frazers Animal Feeds.

Provisional Top 10 in today’s race. All positions subject to change.
1 Telford Bros. & S & J Milligan Downpatrick 1249.1, 2 C McArdle & Sons Banbridge 1248, 3 Ronnie Williamson Newry 1243.6, 4 D Grieves Killyleagh 1243.0, 5 Ronnie Williamson Newry 1242, 6 Jeff Greenaway Dromore 1237, 7 Sean McLoughlin Crossgar 1236, 8 A Thompson Ballyclare 1233, 9 Mr & Mrs J McMahon Balbriggan 1231, 10 A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1220.7.

Clock checking arrangements for second day arrivals. Wicklow, Balbriggan and Stillorgan 20.00 hours Monday. Banbridge 21.00 Monday. Muckamore 18.00 Monday. Lisburn 20.00 Monday. Hours of Darkness 20.32 to 06.41. 175 first day arrivals have been recorded.

Difficult Young Bird National -

All the weekend races were delayed due to poor weather conditions and on Sunday we had a full day of events, NIPA Roscrea comeback liberated at 9.45am and most birds home. It was a lot different in the cross channel National events which were very difficult. Birds were first away in Penzance at 7.45am in the INFC Grand Nat Blue Riband event at the end of the first day just 175 gallant birds had been recorded.

Another big INFC National result for this year’s Sennen Cove Yearling national winner Martin Graham. He timed his brave Blue pied cock at 15.40hrs for the 329 mile fly to the Old Cullybackey Road lofts to win 1st Club Ballymena & District and 1st Mid Antrim Combine. The sire is a grandson of the famous Big Hen while the dam is a grand-daughter of Ronnie Williamson's Golden Pair. The young cock was showing to a hen before basketing. Well done Martin, what a season!

Muckamore Centre Penzance – Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 1233, Martin Graham Ballymena 1220, D & R Turkington Doagh & Dist 1178, Lynch Bros Ballycarry 1074, Robin Duddy Ballyclare 945, Davy McClelland Ballyclare 936, Arnold Thompson 856, Arnold Thompson 827, L O’Neill & Sons Larne & Dist 779.

Photo Caption
Martin Graham, 1st Ballymena & District & 1st MAC Penzance.

The Irish National Flying Club Blue Riband Young Bird National was held on Sunday 9th September with the birds liberated in Penzance at 7.45am in a light south westerly wind. The race was once again sponsored by Frazer’s Animal Feeds. Race marking was delayed for several days with weather reports forecast strong north to north easterly winds for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Penzance and on the Irish Sea. The major race of the young bird season was due to be flown on Wednesday 5th September. Only 175 gallant birds had been recorded on the first day with the prize list completed on the second day when we had poor conditions. All told in the season which has been most difficult for a number of reasons it was no surprise the entry was well down, 251 members from across Ireland sent 1326 birds and members were racing for total pools and prize-money of £14,587.

INFC Open Penzance YB Grand Nat 251/1326 – Telford Bros & S & J Milligan Downpatrick Prem 1249, C McArdle & Sons Banbridge 1248, R Williamson Newry & Dist 1243, D Greives Killyleagh & Dist 1243, R Williamson 1242, J Greenaway Dromore 1237, S McLoughlin Crossgar 1236, A Thompson Ballyclare 1233, M/M J McMahon Balbriggan 1231, A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1220.

North Section Penzance YB Grand Nat 142/786 - Telford Bros & S & J Milligan Downpatrick Prem 1249, C McArdle & Sons Banbridge 1248, R Williamson Newry & Dist 1243, D Greives Killyleagh & Dist 1243, R Williamson 1242, J Greenaway Dromore 1237, S McLoughlin Crossgar 1236, A Thompson Ballyclare 1233, A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1220. M Graham Ballymena 1220.

South Section Penzance YB Grand Nat 109/533 – M/M J McMahon Balbriggan 1231, D Cummins & Son Finglas 1216, T McLoughlin & Son Finglas 1211, P Boylan Jnr Ind South 1208, P Rock & Son Skerries 1197, N & N Smith Greenhills 1195, J Farrell Cabra 1189, A Maguire Dublin North County 1183, G Large South End Bray 1181, J Farrell 1177.

NIPA Penzance YB Nat – C McArdle & Sons Banbridge 1248, R Williamson Newry & Dist 1243, D Greives Killyleagh & Dist 1243, R Williamson 1242, J Greenaway Dromore 1237, A Thompson Ballyclare 1233, A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1220, M Graham Ballymena 1220, T Gordon Ballyholland 1217, T McClean Annaghmore 1201.

East Coast Federation Penzance YB Nat – M/M J McMahon Balbriggan 1231, P Rock & Son Skerries 1197, G Large South End Bray 1181, P & B McEvoy Castlebellingham 1163, K Sharkey Castlebellingham 1048, M & U Gorman Balbriggan 1039, A Smyth Castlebellingham 969, R Coleman Drogheda Inv 967, J & W Smullen Rathnew 936, Joe Fitzgerald Rathnew 933.

ISRF Penzance YB Nat - D Cummins & Son Finglas 1216, T McLoughlin & Son Finglas 1211, D & D Boylan Finglas 1109, A Maguire Dublin North County 1103, J Farrell 1055, T Halpin & Son Blanchardstown 1002, N & N Smith Greenhills 1195, J Farrell Cabra 1189, A Maguire 1183, J Farrell 1177.

Muckamore Station Penzance YB Nat – Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 1233, Martin Graham Ballymena 1220, D & R Turkington Doagh & Dist 1178, Lynch Bros Ballycarry 1074, Robin Duddy Ballyclare 945, Davy McClelland Ballyclare 936, Arnold Thompson 856, Arnold Thompson 827, L O’Neill & Sons Larne & Dist 779, Arnold Thompson 675, Lynch Bros 530.

East Antrim Combined Penzance YB Nat – Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 1233, D & R Turkington Doagh & Dist 1179, Lynch Bros Ballycarry & Dist 1074, R Duddy Ballyclare 945, D McClelland Ballyclare 936, A Thompson 856, A Thompson 827, L O’Neill & Son Larne & District 779, A Thompson 675, Lynch Bros 530.

Mid Antrim Combine Penzance YB Nat – Martin Graham Ballymena & District 1220.

Stillorgan Station Penzance YB Nat – N & N Smith Greenhills 1195, Plunkett & Earls Bray Inv 1112, J Maguire & Daughter Tallagh & Dist 1000, J Murphy & Son Greenhills 992, J Maguire & Daughter 907, N & N Smith 822, Brady & Burton Sallynoggin 758, G & P O’Dowd Ballybrack 702, Ollie Donovan Ballybrack 672.

INFC Club Results Penzance YB Grand Nat

Downpatrick Premier – Telford Bros & S & J Milligan 1249, 1091, 512.
Banbridge – C McArdle & Sons 1248, M Conlon & Sons 1045, McCracken Bros 608, C McArdle & Sons 569.
Newry & District – Ron Williamson 1243, 1242, 1195, 1131, 1001, 892, 803, 802, 744.
Killyleagh & District – D Grieves 1243, 801.
Dromore HPS – Jeff Greenaway 1237, D & L Aiken 1044, J Greenaway 947, D & L Aiken 918, J Greenaway 918, 914, J Vage & Son 912, J Greenaway 852.
Crossgar HPS – Sean McLoughlin 1236, Joe McGreevy 1153, G Adair 1070, P Byrne & Son 803, Sean McLoughlin 781.
Ballyclare & District – Arnold Thompson 1233, R Duddy 945, D McClelland 936, Arnold Thompson 856, 827, 675.
Balbriggan – Mr & Mrs J McMahon 1231, M & U Gorman 1039, E & J Campbell 900, N Grant & Sons 811, Hartford & McNally 664, N Grant & Sons 623.
Ballyholland – A McAteer & Sons 1220, T Gordon 1217, C O’Hare & Son 645, 501.
Ballymena & District 4/19 – Martin Graham 1220.
Finglas – D Cummins & Son 1216, T McLoughlin & Son 1211, D & D Boylan 1109, D Cummins & Son 722, 720.
Annaghmore – T McClean 1201, W G Neill 1131, T McClean 1051, W G Neill 995, T McClean 989, J & E Calvin 971, W G Neill 966, T McClean 885, W G Neill 870, Glen Buckley & Sons 547.
Skerries – P Rock & Son 1197, P & J Jones 791, 737, P Rock & Son 591, P & J Jones 496, D Mooney 430.
Greenhills – N & N Smith 1195, J Murphy & Son 992, N & N Smith 822.
Newtownbreda – T Marshall & Son 1189, 629.
Dromara – Darren Aiken 1189, A Bradley 1120, 904, 902, Darren Aiken 887, A Bradley 788, 786, H Silcock 751, A Bradley 626, N Edgar & Son 499.
Cabra – J Farrell 1189, 1177, 1123, 1055, 990, 961, 959.
Dublin North County – A Maguire 1183, 1103.
South End Bray – G Large 1181, Fitzgerald 290. Another great pigeon from G Large clocking the only bird in club on the day well done Greg super result, and big well done to Peter and Sammy clocking the only other bird in the club on the second day, well done lads.
Annalong – Henry McDowell 1180, John Trimble & son 1179, McLoughlin Bros 905, John Tribble & Son 889, 588, Len McCavery 545.
Doagh & District – D & R Turkington 1178.
Castlebellingham – P & B McEvoy 1163, K Sharkey 1048, A Smyth 969, K Sharkey 893, J Sharkey 827, 826, P & B McEvoy 821, 787, 767, McKeown & McEvoy 755.
Dublin North East – L Keogh 1161, 882.
Wicklow South Road – S Duffy 1148, T Smyth 738.
Arklow United RPC – T & S Molloy 1148, B Kennedy 694, Leonard De Ridder & Callo 586.
Bray Invitation – Plunkett & Earls 1112, 513.
Dundonald – Myles, Kincaid, McCann, Auld 1094, 911.
Andersonstown O & M Monaghan 1091.
Drumnavaddy – C & G Quinn 1077, B McAvoy 1015, C & G Quinn 867, T McKinstry 799, 726, C & G Quinn 633.
Ballycarry & District – Lynch Bros 1074, 530.
Edgarstown HPS 6/38 – S & E Buckley 1068, 593. Well done S & E a weekend to remember for the partnership having taken the top two in Talbenny, and being the only members to time in the club from Penzance. Well done lads good shooting.
Lurgan Social – D & B Lyness 1060.
Bondhill Social – Capper Bros 1032, M Robinson 1030, 902, Oliver Jackson 850, Capper Bros 648, M Robinson 582.
Ballylesson – Stephen Dempsey 1012.
Corrigs – C McManus 1010, Toner Bros 890.
Blanchardstown – T Halpin & Son 1002, S Duran 781, J Boothman & Son Jun 780.
Tallagh & District – J Maguire & Daughter 1000, 907.
Armagh HPS – P Campbell & Sons 991.
Drogheda Inv – R Coleman 967.
Killyleagh Central – McComb Bros 949.
Rathnew 9/80 – J & W Smullen 936, J Fitzgerald 933, R Fewings 798, 793, 781, B Smith & Sons 758, J Fitzgerald 751, J & J Merrigan 730, R Fewings 721, Gregory Bros 687, R Fewings 606.
Lisburn & District – R Topping & Son 935, A & T & J Houston 782, 606.
Dundrum – J Maguire & Partners 934, 924, 867.
Gilford & District – O Fitzpatrick & Son 933, 933, 864.
Markethill – P McCall 908, 745, 590.
Millvale – Mal Maguire & Son 907, 765.
Stillorgan – M/M Curtis Sons & Daughters 900.
Coalisland – S Hughes 876, G Quinn 872, Danny Carolan 871.
Laurelvale – R K Abrasham 847, J Serplus 756, G & C Topley 720, 608.
Glenavy & District – D Scott 834.
Newton Kilpedder – J Byrne 816, 806.
Larne & District – L O’Neill & Son 779.
Sallynoggin – Brady & Burton 758, R Matthews 622. This was the 3rd race of the weekend and the winner doing the cross channel double this weekend is John Brady. John had a fantastic weekends racing winning Talbenny and well up in the Open, also winning Penzance clocking on the day of such a hard testing race in strong head winds on the Irish Sea. Johns winner is a nice Cheq cock, this cock was racing home to a 10 day old baby, so that certainly motivated this cock to get home in good time from such a though race for young birds. This cock has been raced all the young bird season on the Darkness System, the sire of this cock is a g/son of Rudi ,Van Denabeele lines. John only had this g/son of Rudi since 2015 and this is the 2nd Penzance winner he has bred. John clocked the only bird in the club last year on the 2nd day from what was another very hard race and last year’s winner is half-brother to this year’s winner both been bred from this g/son of Rudi. The dam of this winner is Johns Number 1 Hen , she is now responsible for 8 x winners with 7 different cocks, so a real special hen this one. It’s no surprise when she comes from the late Terence O’Brien stock, as I’m sure most know Terence was one of, if not, the best all-round fancier to ever race in Dublin, and his pigeons still winning well now, as I know John has won plenty of other races with this bloodline. Well done john a weekend to remember doing the double, super racing and also well done Ray also clocking on the day of a very hard race. Jamie Kelly PO.
Lagan Valley – D McShane & Son 740.
Middle Route –Charlotte Reyburn 703, 666, 396.
Ballybrack – G & P O’Dowd 702, O Donovan 672, S Doyle 396.
Gorey RPS – S & M Neary 658.
Shelbourne Prem – McCabe J Byrne & Daughter 533.
Derraighy – R Benson 531.
Grosvenor – J & L Smyth 514.
Clontarf RPC – D White 405.
Boyne Valley RPC

Don’t forget details and photo for the Top 10 to be included in Race Report. Willie Reynolds PO. E-mail: homerbhw@gmail.com

IRISH NATIONAL FLYING CLUB YOUNG BIRD GRAND NATIONAL PENZANCE -

The Irish National Flying Club Blue Riband Young Bird National was held on Sunday 9th September with the birds liberated at Penzance in Cornwall at 7.45am in a light south westerly wind. The race was once again sponsored by Frazer’s Animal Feeds, and open to all fanciers in Ireland. Race marking was delayed for several days with weather reports forecast strong north to north easterly winds for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Penzance and on the Irish Sea. The major race of the young bird season was due to be flown on Wednesday 5th September. Only 175 gallant birds had been recorded on the first day with the prize list completed on the second day when we had poor conditions. All told in the season which has been most difficult for a number of reasons it was no surprise the entry was well down, 251 members from across Ireland sent 1326 birds and members were racing for total pools and prizemoney of £14,587.

1st North Section, 1st Open Telford Bros & S & J Milligan Downpatrick Premier, Vel 1249 flying 290 miles, winning £613 plus J M K McGugan Perpetual Cup for the winner.

The first pigeon timed at 2.45pm to win 1st Open & 1st North Section from 1326 birds belonging to the partnership of Telford Bros & S & J Milligan from the Downpatrick Premier Club. This was a newly formed club in the area, and the partnership was a new one as well although S Milligan & Daughter also retain that membership. It was sent to the race sitting fourteen days on eggs along with his hen who was 42nd Open & 24th North Section, the third pigeon time 198th Open & 122nd North Section. It was very good return for the loft, in the circumstances, from their small entry of six birds. The winning pigeon is a Busscharet, how well that strain of birds have done over many years, now named ‘The New Mr Busscharet’ was bred by Dicky Quinn of Shrigley, a small village in County Down from his own inbred family of Busscharets. Very close to Killyleagh, this was the town-land made famous by the late Billy Parkes who had a top quality loft of the famous Busschaert’s. Congratulations Alan, Colin, Sean and Jennifer on your top winning performance.

2nd North Section, 2nd Open C McArdle & Sons Banbridge, Vel 1248 flying 294 miles, winning £872.

C McArdle and Sons race in Banbridge County Down, another famous area of long distance racing, the Kings Cup had been won on three occasions before my first visit to the area in 1984 when Russell & Moffatt won from Lerwick and then just a few years later in 1989 when R Carson & Son won the Blue Riband event from Rennes. C McArdle & Sons are consistent racers and I spoke with Brian who sent me the following.

After the death of our dad, July 2000, Stephen moved into the family home and had been involved with the birds since then. Myself Brian, and Stephen over the past few years, have tried to bring in distance birds from Buckley, Donnelly, Mark Ewbanks, W Sawers and J Brush, all fantastic local area lofts. Our second national young bird came direct from Glen Buckley and Sons of Annaghmore. The sire Van De Bulk cock and dam a Soontjen hen, many thanks Glenn. Congrats as well to Telford and Milligan on winning the national.

3rd & 5th North Section, 3rd & 5th Open Ron Williamson Newry & District, Vel 1243.7 and 1242 flying 282 miles, winning £342 plus De Scheemaecker Trophy for Best 2 Bird Average.

One of the top lofts in Ireland, has been doing the business in the whole time I have been writing reports, from the early days with the late Bertie Fletched in Portadown, then Bondhill where he set many records and now well settled in Newry. The lofts first bird finishing 3rd Open INFC is the best bloodlines of good friends Gregg Bros & McCandless, these bloodlines have won a whole host of top positions this season.

Sire - Direct Son of Champions “Ulster’s Dazzler” & “Helens Something Special”. Ulster Dazzler is a winner of NIPA Champion Old Bird RPRA Region & National Sprint Champion winning 1st, 4th, 6th, 6th, 7th, 9th Open NIPA with up to 28,000+ birds. Helens Something Special was winner of 1st Open INFC Hens National 2009 Penzance.

Dam - Direct daughter of The Chosen One & Helens Glory.The Chosen One is a winner of 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 22nd Open NIPA with up to 28,000+ birds. Helens Glory is a winner of 1st & 6th Open INFC Old Hens National 2009 & 2010 Penzance and probably the best racing hen we have ever had and now an ace breeder, it's also a winner in the NIPA of 6th, 7th, 14th, 42nd, 56th, 56th, 84th, 118th Open up to 26,000+ birds and out to Penzance, indeed an Ace Racer /Breeder.

The bird in 5th position was bred by Peter Martin of Belfast, a Van Leemputten from a pair of young stock birds, Peter had the best of this family from Wright Bros of Doncaster. Sire is a son of “Hammers” 1st Club & 3rd Fed and 1st Club & 2nd Fed when paired to the Golden Hen”. The dam was from the Golden Couple and a son of the Gold Medal hen.

4th North Section, 4th Open Dean Grieves Killyleagh & District, Vel 1243.0 flying 296 miles, winning £385.

The loft of Dean Grieves from the big Killyleagh & Dist was on top form at the Penzance weekend winning 1st Sect F in the NIPA premier YB Nat from Talbenny in South Wales, the weekend was complete when he timed “Robs Lass” to finish 4th Open Penzance. The hen was sent sitting 12 day old eggs. Sire, was obtained from Alwyn Paddy, Doncaster. This cock is responsible for the lofts 23rd YB Nat winner INFC last season and the 30th INFC Yearling National winner in 2018. Dam was from Colin Hayes of Ballyclare, who had a great record in this race, daughter of his 9th Open INFC Penzance YB National which was obtained from Mr Hayes Clearance Sale. The bird now named “Robs Lass” is called in dedication to his late grandfather who got him involved in pigeons.

6th North Section, 6th Open Jeff Greenaway Dromore HPS, Vel 1237 flying 297 miles, winning £319.

Jeff Greeaway from Dromore, rhe overall winner last year was well placed again in what is probably his favourite race where he had won numerous positions over the last few years. He won the De Scheemaecker Trophy for Best 2B Ave last year when the loft had five early birds, having previously won it in 2014. This season Cheq hen containe the best bloodlines available at the lofts in Dromore, sire bred by Mark Gilbert, Windsor and dam bred by John Adams, London. Training is most days to Ardee or Clogherhead with Joe Brown. Jeff’s father, Billy is a great help especially with the stock birds. He was curtailed a bit this season after having a fall.

7th North Section, 7th Open Sean McLoughlin Crossgar HPS, Vel 1236 flying 298 miles, winning £256.

In 7th spot we have a very popular fancier Sean McLoughlin of Crossgar who reported one of my birds during the year. His latest top performer is a Blue hen raced on darkness and flying to the perch for most of the season. Now to the breeding sire was a gift bird from good friend Fred McMaster of Kircubbin, the very best of Thompson Bros Maze bloodlines . Dam was Lambrecht bred from stock obtained from Danny Dixon of Dunloy. Sean timed a 2nd bird which was waiting when he returned from the Centre with his T3 clock to win 141st Open & 92nd North Section. Again it was off a pair of birds purchased at the INFC Charity Sales in 2016 & 2017 bred by Danny Dixon to whom Sean is very grateful. Many congratulations Sean, it was nice speaking to you.

8th North Section, 8th Open Arnold Thompson Ballyclare & Dist, Vel 1233 flying 321 miles, winning ££891.

Best in the Muckamore Centre was the ever consistent Arnold Thompson of Ballyclare in County Antrim, another hot-bed of long distance racing and Arnold is usually there, this time he put four birds in the result when there was only a handful between East and Mid Antrim. Arnold's first arrival was a blue cock raced on the Darkness and sent to the race with his hen had just laid her first egg. The sire of the cock was 11th Open Penzance, 36th Open Sennen Cove and 72nd Open St Malo. The dam was 13th Open Yearling National and a grand Dam 10th Open King's Cup. The Cock had every race prior to going to the National. Both Sire and dam best of long distance bloodlines via Pros Roosens & Peter Van De Eijden The cock was bred for the job and another great result for Arnold.

1st South Section, 9th Open Mr & Mrs J McMahon Balbriggan, Vel 1231 flying 242 miles, winning £110 plus William Erwin Memorial Cup for Sect Winner not winning 1st Open.

Winners of the South Sect and Best in the Balbriggan Centre winning William Erwin Memorial Cup Jackie & Moyra McMahon who acted as Secretary of East Coast Fed when I started covering the area many years ago. How things have moved on from that time. The Penzance National bird is a Blue cheq cock which was raced to the perch, he had 3 races from Cork before he was entered in this race. His Bloodlines are on his dam side the Gerry O`Mara 692 who is on loan to the team, she is a super hen and responsible for most of their winners including 2nd Open Y/B National in 2015. The sire is Gerry`s Rocket Ronnie lines crossed with Joe Dohenys gift hen, she is off Joe`s Friendship National Cock, they would like to thank these two great fanciers for their birds and their friendship. To finish with our congratulations to the winning loft of Telford Bros & Son & S & J Milligan and thanks to Balbriggan station manager Michael Gorman for all the hard work he puts in when our National`s are on. They would also like to thank friends and fanciers who phoned to congratulate them on their success. With a small team of pigeons they have enjoyed a great season 3 x 1st Federation, 2 x 2nd Federation, and now 1st South Sect Penzance for of the best lofts in the country this year.

9th North Section, 10th Open A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland, Vel 1220.7 flying 281 miles, winning £107.

This is another top racing loft, flying in the Ballyholland HPS on the outskirts of Newry City. They came very close to winning the race last season finishing 2nd North Sect & 2nd Open INFC and earlier in the seasons Kings Cup won the coveted Hall of Fame Diploma from St Allouestre, and have a great long distance record. In 2012 they won the INFC Friendship Nat from Quimper, in a year which saw them 2nd Open NIPA from St Malo, two weeks previously. This latest winner is steeped in the very best of long distance bloodlines available, no surprise. Sire - Davy Blacks “Rocky” winner of 5th and 8th Open in the Kings Cup paired to “Drumcove Olympic Gold” his own 1st Open Quimper 2012. Dam – “Drumcove Allen, 2nd Section & 22nd Open St Malo, 2011 and 1st Sect & 2nd Open St Malo, 2012 paired to his “15 Hen”, the lofts Number 1 stock hen, best of Alan Darragh Cullybackey and Mick Conlon Banbridge. I have just had it confirmed that the loft can add a Gold Medal to their CV, “Drumcove Cheeky Boy” was timed four years on the trot in the Kings Cup St Allouestre, 2015 – 107th Open 2016 – 27th Open, 2017 – 162nd Open and 2018 – 47th Open.

The INFC Committee are grateful once again for all the help at the race marking, and also all those involved in the various Clock Centres across Ireland over the days of the race, every little bit of help is appreciated. On a personal note thanks to all those who supplied text and photos for this report, some at short notice, or helped in any other way. The more info we get the better job can be done, any little snips, details of the bird itself plus info on the sire and dam. Any awards won previous, how long in the birds etc. This report is the Top 10, results from Clubs, Feds, Combine, etc. to follow.

Willie Reynolds - INFC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683 - Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.infc.co.uk
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com



Photo Captions
INFC Banner
The winning partnership of Telford Bros and Sean & Jennifer Milligan, Downpatrick Premier.
The 1st Open INFC winner Champion “New Mr Busschaert”.
The C McArdle & Son team from Banbridge, 2nd Open YB Nat Penzance.
Ron Williamson from Newry & Dist, 3rd & 5th YB Penzance and winning De Scheemaecker Trophy.
Dean Grieves of Killyleagh holding “Robs Lass”, 4th Open INFC.
A happy Jeff Greenaway from Dromore, former winner and 6th Open in 2018.
Sean McLoughlin from Crossgar in Co Down, 7th Open Penzance.
Arnold Thompson Ballyclare & Dist, best in the Muckamore Centre and 8th Open INFC.
Mr & Mrs McMahon with the winning bird at their lofts in Balbriggan, 1st South Sect.
Aiden McAteer of Ballyholland in Newry City, 10th Open INFC Penzance.