Broughshane and District HPS held their annual prize distribution in Ballymena Rugby and Cricket Club. The function was well attended by family and friends of the club members, the prizes being presented by Natalie Cole.
The members would like to thank Ballymena Rugby and Cricket Club for the use of their facilities and providing a lovely meal.
A big thank you to all who brought ballot prizes and also bought ballot tickets.
The club would like to also thank their sponsors, Mr G McCartney and Mr W Aston for their continued support of the club.
Top Prize Winners this year were: D Houston and Son winning 11 cups including Young Bird Averages, Bird of the Year and the Gold Ring Race. Davy, helped by good friend Tommy Cole, won 7 of the 9 Young Bird races they competed in.
Runner up this year was J Simpson. Johnny won 10 cups winning 10 races including Rosscarbery Old Bird National and Penzance Classic. Johnny also won the Old Bird Inland Averages.
NIPA Old Bird race winners: Tullamore 8/177 – J Simpson vel 1767; Gowran Park (1) – T & M Morrow 1st & 2nd vel 1316; Fermoy (1) – T & M Morrow vel 1832; Gowran Park (2) – J Simpson vel 1644; Corrin 7/139 – T & M Morrow vel 1851; Rosscarbery Inl Nat 4/36 – J Simpson vel 1897; Fermoy (2) – J Simpson 1st & 2nd vel 1139; Talbenny (1) – J Simpson 1st & 2nd vel 1497; Fermoy 5 Bird Championship – T & M Morrow vel 1450 winner of 2nd MAC, 1st Sect B & 11th Open NIPA; Talbenny (2) – J Simpson 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th cel 1192; Dunmanway – J Simpson vel 1710; Dunmanway Ylr Cock Nat – T & M Morrow vel 1591 won 1st MAC; Cunmanway Ylr Hen Nat – T & M Morrow vel 1490; Penzance – J Simpson 1st, 2nd & 3rd vel 1195; Fermoy Comeback – J Simpson vel 1438.
NIPA Young Bird race winners: Mullingar (1) – J Getty 1st & 2nd vel 943; Mullingar (2) – D Houston 1st & 2nd vel 1265; Tullamore mass lib – D Houston vel 1384; Gowran Park – D Houston 1st & 2nd vel 1718; Fermoy (1) – D Houston vel 1346 plus Gold Ring winner; Roscrea Comeback – D Houston vel 1632, Dunmanway – D Houston vel 1676; Rosscarbery Nat – R Wylie vel 991.
Winning run continues for Davy Houston in Broughshane, a fantastic young bird season. The winning birds are from birds gifted by club-mates Alistair Purvis and Johnny Simpson who both had their share of winners over many years. Davy would also like to thank Tom Cole for all his help this year, especially when he had a spell in hospital. As we look forward to racing in 2019 the usual three members, A Purvis, D Houston and T & M Morrow will compete as Associate Members in the Mid Antrim Combine, every race plus the OB & YB Knock-Out competition. Since the club have not joined they can’t compete in the famous Champions League. Sorry for delay with report, it got lost in my e-mail account.
Closing Date for INFC Membership is 12th April 2019, that’s the final date. Please note the new annual subscriptions are as follows. - Existing Member £20.00 payable through your club, New Member £25.00 payable through your club. - Individual Member paying direct £30.00, and new Individual Member paying direct £35.00.
INFC Race dates – Old Bird Inland Skibbereen Tuesday 28th May 2019 (Marking Monday), Yearling Nat Sennen Cove Wednesday 12th June 2019 (Marking Monday), Kings Cup St Allouestre Friday 5th July 2019 (Marking Tuesday), Friendship Nat Lamballe or Plougastel-Daoulas Friday 12th July 2019 (Marking Tuesday), Young Bird Inland Skibbereen Tuesday 27th August 2019 (Marking Monday), YB Channel Nat Penzance Wednesday 4th September 2019 (Marking Monday).
The votes cast at the AGM were as follows. Yearling National from Cheltenham was withdrawn. Newtown Abbot had 24 and Sennen Cove 40. Blue Riband King's Cup Le Mans had 11, Alencon had 29 and St. Allouestre 31. Friendship National from Vire had 25, Plougastel or Lamballe 36. Channel YB from Cheltenham had 11, Okehampton had 21 and Penzance 36. Meeting Register shows 73 attended, some 4% of the total membership 1873. Change of race point might just come up again in 2020, I suppose it will all depend on how things go in 2019. Don’t forget the deadline date for membership – It’s 12th April.
All clubs should note Race Sheets/Allocation Sheets and Vaccination Sheets need lodged with club secretary 14 days prior to racing. The opening NIPA race is from Mullingar on Sat 13th April. This year Ahoghill Flying Club will host the Marking Centre, a team of officials with assistance from member clubs will carry out all duties – Centre Manager will be Jackie Steele. Kells & District clubrooms will be open at 7.00pm on Thursday 28th March for return of race sheets, vaccination sheets, clocks and fees to be paid.
Officials and members of Broughshane & Dist at the annual prize distribution.
Natalie Cole presenting Davy Houston top prize-winner with one of his many cups.
No stranger to top success, Johnny Simpson won 10 x 1sts.
T & M Morrow finished 3rd overall, Marcus is the club Secretary.
John Getty winner of first YB race, and Lowest Winning Velocity.
Bob Wylie the YB Nat Winner.
Marc Neilly was Clubman of the Year.