LIBERATIONS - Sat 5th September 2009

[willie reynolds]

In the One Loft Races locally we are waiting for the Grand Finale events, North Coast Classic in Coleraine birds are flying from Cork City (240 miles) Sunday 6th September and Emerald Classic in Ballyclare birds flying from Rosscarbery (260 miles) Sunday 13th September. Latest news is that Coleraine fancier Anthony McDonnell came very close in the RPRA One Loft race last week from Truro (176 miles), a handful of seconds behind the overall winner to finish 4th Open and collect £4,000. Just before that Adie McCormick from Lisburn took 1st Open in the Galway Classic flown from the Giants Causeway. Races this weekend include NIPA in Fermoy, plus 5 Bird Classic, EDC in Nenagh and Ulster Federation in Mallow. It has just been confirmed the North Coast Classic intend to release on Saturday, one day earlier due to the forecast and in consultation with Race Controller Alan Darragh. It is intended to relase after the NIPA who are approx 50 miles shorter. In helping conditions the races on Saturday are expected to be fast. This page will update when more info is available.

SATURDAY UPDATE - Overcast conditions and patchy rain over the route have delayed liberations, NIPA don't expect to release before Noon. EDC and Ulster Fed are to update later this morning. NIPA Liberation confirmed at Noon in Fermoy also the 5 Bird, wind westerely and a fast race expected. East Down Combine Nenagh Lib Noon, wins SW. Ulster Fed lib Mallow at 12.45pm, ISRF Mallow at 12.30pm and EDF (Dublin) released Pilmore Beach at 10.15am.

NORTH COAST CLASSIC - Birds released at 1.00pm in a SSW wind, expected home around 5.00pm. Good luck to all entries.