Friday 01/07/22
The INFC Friendship National liberation is planned for next Thursday 7/7/2022 weather permitting and race marking will be on Monday 4/7/2022 evening. This will be confirmed on Sunday 3/7/2022 Thanks Trevor.
Sunday 3rd July 2022 @ 13:30
Race marking will take place on Monday 4th July 2022 between 15:30 and 19:00 for a possible release on Thursday 7th July.
Race marking for -INFC ST Malo Friendship National will take place tomorrow 4/7/2022.
Covid -19 is still a cause for concern and would all members please adhere to any requests at the marking and clock stations.
Race marking will take place on Monday 4th July 2022 between 15:30 and 19:00 for a possible release on Thursday 7th July 2022
Everyone make sure you put ST MALO MEASUREMENTS ON ENTER FORM .
Please take care when completing your entry forms, especially when totaling them up.
Please attach your payment to the entry form and put your membership number on the back of your cheque or bank draft. If the payment covers more than one member please put all membership numbers on the back of the cheque or draft and keep the entry forms together.
Payments will not be processed at the race marking to avoid queuing.
Any shortages will be removed from pool monies and any over payments will be added to pool monies. (This can be avoided by accurately completing your entry form and payment.)
Any members paying by euro please remember to multiply the sterling grand total by 1.25 for the currency conversion.
Any help to race mark the pigeons would be appreciated.
Unfortunately many have declined to assist when requested to help for a short time, this is very discouraging. Thank you for your co operation and please all act responsibly when attending the marking centre and respect the facilities which have been kindly granted.
Catering will be available as usual.
Thursday 07/07/22
St. Malo Friendship National St. Malo Thursday 7th July 2022 -Sponsored by Beattie’s Bird and Pet Food.
The pigeons have been held over. Due to the strong winds forecast for the Irish Sea (force 4-6) 18-30 miles per hour which will not be easing until the afternoon. Conditions are set to improve and we are hopeful for a possible release tomorrow morning (Friday).
Friday 08/07/22
NFC St.Malo Friendship National Liberation Friday 8th July
St. Malo Friendship National Friday 8th July 2022. Sponsored by Beatties Bird & Pet Foods.
214 members have entered 993 pigeons and are competing for £5888.00 in pools and prize money. The pigeons have been liberated at 06:00AM in calm conditions wind direction on route will be northerly. Our next update will be this evening.
INFC Friendship National St. Malo update Friday 8th July 2022 @ 23:00pm
INFC St. Malo Friendship National Friday 8th July - Sponsored by Beatties Bird and Pet Foods.
Provisional top five in todays race
1 R - Stranney Killyleagh 1061, 2 F Moran Malahide 1057, 3 & 4 & 5 Hand and Kallmeyer Skerries 1036.9 1036.8 & 1035, 6 Donnelly Bros Newry City 1017, 7 Larkin Bros Blackwatertown W.E. 1007, 8 Burns Bros Comber Social 1004, 9 A Thompson Ballyclare 981, 10 N Thompson Comber Central 926.
Approximately 15 pigeons have been recorded on the first day. - Hours of darkness 22:45 to 04:52
Clock checking arrangements for second day arrivals - Portadown 18.30 to 19.00. Lisburn 19.00 to 19.15 Muckamore 19.00 to 19:15 Balbriggan 19:00 to 19 :30, Banbridge 19.30 to 20:15 Coleraine contact Russell. Wicklow , Sallynoggin, Kilkenny & Cork contact the station manager.
Friendship Nat 2022 - 1st Open R Straney, Killyleagh
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 6803
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 6803
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: Friendship Nat 2022 - 1st Open R Straney, Killyleagh
Killyleagh loft wins Friendship National from St Malo –
The second race from France each season is the Friendship Nat and over the years has attracted the majority of what we might call out and out distance lofts, entry would go up and down but would usually sit at around 1,000 birds. In the early days we were convoyed by the Up North Combine forming a great relationship, it was quickly added to the overall National Average and National Champion and over the years has been won by numerous top lofts household names in the sport and that includes several Kings Cup winners. The early winners were the following and the full list of winners is published in INFC History on pigeonnetwork.com
1973 Beauvais – Fleming Bros Crumlin, 1974 Beauvais – H Stockman, Ballynahinch, 1975 Beauvais – A McDowell & Son, Newtownards, 1976 Beauvais – Jennings & Rea, Ballynahinch, 1977 Falaise – J W & T Harper, Ballymena & Dist, 1978 Falaise – J Waugh, Newtownards, 1979 Falaise – H Beattie, Laurelvale, 1980 Beauvais – J Anderson, Cullybackey.
1st Open & 1st North Sect R Straney Killyleagh Central, Vel 1061 flying 426 miles, winning £206 and the Friendship Cup for the winner.
At 6:00am on Saturday 8th July almost 1000 racing pigeons from lofts across the length and breadth of Ireland were released in St Malo on the north coast of France, competing in the Irish National Flying Club’s Friendship National. Given the conditions on the day, with the birds flying into a Northwest wind, a difficult race was expected and so it turned out.
At 5:47 that afternoon a Black Chequer belonging to Bobby Straney, who races in the Killyleagh Central HPS, arrived home and was registered on the lofts electronic timing clock, Given the lack of reports on social media of birds arriving in the North a bird at this time, within 12 hours from release, was considered an early arrival.
On checking arrivals at the clock stations across Ireland that evening it was clear that Bobby’s bird was ndeed the winner of the Friendship National. Bobby was naturally totally overwhelmed. As he put it “You try for years to win a National and you convince yourself that it is impossible to win a such a race in this little corner of Ireland, and then you do it, unbelievable”
Bobby, through his club, is a member of both the East Down Combine (EDC) and the Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation (NIPA) and is the first member of the EDC to win the Friendship National, another First for Bobby. Bobby’s had an excellent race overall, in addition to winning the race he timed two further birds finishing 30th open and 44th open.
The first 2 birds had already demonstrated their long-distance abilities and stamina having timed from Penzance in Cornwall 3 weeks before the Friendship National, when they were 7th and 14th club. Bobby focuses on these longer distance races and has built his current team around strains of birds brought in with this in mind.
The pedigrees of the birds include Eurodiamond, Jan Theelan, and birds from his good friends Kevin Carolan and Willie Neill. Bobby would also wish to express his congratulations to all the members of the Irish National Flying Club who competed in the race and timed birds. He wanted to especially thank the Convoyer Jim McCrory who looked after the birds on their journey to St Malo and when they were at the liberation site. As Bobby put it “the birds were in excellent condition when they arrived home after such a gruelling race.” Colin Watson PO.
2nd Open & 1st South Section F Moran Malahide & District, Vel 1057 flying 383 miles, winning £890 and British Barcelona Trophy for 2nd Open, John Millar Logistics Trophy 1st member in Sect not winning the Open.
Fintan writes - Firstly I would like to congratulate the winner R Straney on a very brave bird up to Killyleagh in County Down and Hand & partner Kallmeyer of Skerries on outstanding clocking in a testing race.
The preparation for my 2nd Open 4yr old cock started in April with being privately trained and having 3 inland races, the furthest Fermoy and last race Bude on the 11th June. He raced celibate up the land and sent to Bude sitting on eggs. He won 30th open East Coast Federation from Bude and was then prepared for the Friendship National where he was given a few 50 mile tosses, thanks Cora, and sent sitting on a 10 days old y/bird. He was the first bird clocked on the day at 4.38pm and I knew when I saw him at that time that he was after putting in a real effort.
His breeding is steeped in the very best of the old long-distance English pigeons. His sire was bred by Andy Parsons, Salisbury, from his Eric Cannon/George Burgess and Michael Spencer family. The g/sire of the cock won 1st Section, 5th Open Tarbes NFC for Andy in 2012 and the g/dam was a daughter of ‘Big Sam’ a NFC Diploma of merit winner (63rd , 70th, 130th and 72nd NFC Tarbes) when paired to Andy’s 15th open NFC Tarbes, a full sister to‘Warpaint’, the Central Southern Classic Flying Club Champion Old Bird of the Year 2013, 11th open Tarbes and 17th open Bergerac in 2013). The dam of the cock was bred by the late Brian Tattersall, Oswaldtwistle, from his old family of English distance bloodlines and was purchased at Brian’s major dispersal sale. This family of pigeons bred the famous Perpignan Hen of Frank Kay, Bolton. The dam was line-bred from a son of ‘Dual Award’ paired to the dam of ‘Dual Award’. ‘Dual Award’ won a Region and National RPRA Middle Distance Meritorious award for Brian.
This cock in 2021 won 2nd open East Coast Federation and 31st open INFC Lamballe, arriving home having been hawked. For his efforts he wins a Merit Award in 2022. I want to acknowledge the great work of the convoyers as both my birds returned in immaculate condition and the INFC committee and helpers for all the work undertaken to facilitate racing. Finally, a big thank you to Aoife for helping during the year.
3rd, 4th & 5th Open Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries, Vel 1036, 1036 and 1034 flying 386 miles, winning £586 and Henry Beattie & Son Trophy for Best 2 Bird Average
All 3 pigeons were yearlings, they raced the inland and chanel programme out to Penzance. 1st pigeon blue cock is all N Black and sons blood, it was off our 10th National Friendship hen Wedding bells in 2018 when paired to a son off N Black and sons good pair.
The second bird was a blue cock which came with first pigeon was a grandson off Wedding bells 10th National which i gave Peter McKeown a lend of the 10th national he paired her to his Hall of Fame pigeon which I got a cock out of the nest and I paired this to the 10th Nationals mother these bred the second pigeon.
Our 3rd bird arrived 2 mins later a Check hen the best of Hennies Clausing bloodlines (Same line as 2nd open Penzance for our partnership a few weeks prior.
In finishing I just want to thank David and Alan Black for the blood of the first two birds, this is the second time these pigeons have helped us win the 2 Bird average in the Freindship national in 4 years.
I wouldn't have been able to send the pigeons only for my good lady who looked after them while I was away for 3 days prior to basketing, .and thanks to Gerry O’Reily and Tom Speers for bringing the pigeons to marking station. Thanks Josh.
6th Open Donnelly Bros Millvale, Vel 1017 flying 434 miles winning £406
Donnelly Bros - The Donnelly Brothers Richard and John have ended the Old Bird Season on a high topping Newry Centre. The Brothers had an exceptional Old Bird season especially from the Channel and French Races and as far as I know the partnership is the only loft to clock on the day in the three French races in all of Ireland north and south a tremendous achievement alone. The Lads timed 3 Birds finishing overall 6th, 67th and 78th National, 2nd, 52nd and 55th North Section. Taking 1st, 11th,13th in Newry Centre and while claiming the top 3 Positions in Newry City Inv. Club
The Brother’s winning pigeon is a 2-year-old Blue Chequer Hen now named ‘Wee Tilly’ She was sent to the race sitting 12 days on eggs. Before this race this hen had been in good racing form this year for them from the channel races. Finishing 50th Open, 13th Section G out of Bude and then 13th Section G in the Penzance Classic Race.
Her Breeding - A granddaughter of our 2nd Open St. Malo hen ‘Smash Hit' when only 10 birds were timed in race time. she carries the bloodlines of N. Black and Son. She was paired to our Merit Award winner in the Friendship National ‘Lunch Time’ being 7th and 76th Open also narrowly missing out on the prizes one other year. Her Aunt was our first bird out of St. Malo National Race this year being 6th Open in the N.I.P.A being clocked at 10.31pm on the day. She is now a Bronze Diploma winner being 18th the previous year from St Malo. Her Sire was a gift bird from our good friend Gregory McEvoy. This cock won 7th North Section in the Skibbereen National I.N.F.C and carries distance blood lines from Rutz Bros. Jordan Hughes PO.
7th Open Larkin Bros Blackwatertown West End, Vel 1007 flying 449 miles winning £321.
It gives me great pleasure to be writing another bit of info for one of our birds. The 49 hen is a product of the breeding plan we implemented back when we started racing in 2014. She is a great granddaughter of our Gold Ring Pair (Hereman Ceuster cock via Fourmula One lofts and a Billy Higgins SVR hen) her father was a top racing son of the 21 Cock, a multiple prize-winning racer put to stock and producing winners and breeders, and the Maurice Scheers hen, Dam of The Boss, our 5 bird OB 1st Open winner.
Her dam the 86 hen is a multiple prizewinning racer, a daughter of an Andy Smith van Breeman cock when paired to the Model hen, a direct Louis Thijs. She has earned her perch in the stock loft after this latest performance. Congratulations to all in the result. Alan Larkin PO.
8th Open Burns Brothers Comber Social, Vel 1004 flying 448 miles winning £198.
In 8th Open we have the Comber lofts of Paddy Burns racing as Burns Bros, another well established and popular distance loft. The partnership was originally brothers Paddy and Hughie but when Hughie passed away Paddy decided to retain the partnership name in respect to his late brother. They are one of the very few lofts to win the INFC Gold Medal for a bird 4 times in the Kings Cup. The Grandam of this winner was Dolly who won the Hall of Fame Diploma. His bird this time was a yearling Blue Ch cock that had three cross channel races prior to St Malo, breeding the dam was a daughter of Wesley Sawyers Helen a Gold Medal winner herself and the sire was all his old bloodlines a son of his Rose Bowl cock that has produced a number of top winners, including 3rd and 8th in the Kings Cup.
9th Open Arnold Thompson Ballyclare & District, Vel 981 flying 462 miles winning £230.
Arnold was 9th Open in the friendship National with a 2-year-old Blue hen sent to the race on a 2/3 day old Youngster. The sire of the hen was off a cock that was 10th in the Kings Cup. He timed a further two birds to be in the prizes. Dam was down of James Clelland and C & L Woodside breeding. Arnold has had a great year from the French races, he timed 5 birds in the Kings Cup to be in the prizes and was also 12th Open from St Malo. Must rank as one of not the best distance racers in Ireland in the results every year. Noel Higginson PO.
10th Open Norman Thompson Comber Central, Vel 925 flying 448 miles winning £254.
Ace racer in previous years returned to the sport recently sending one bird and timing on the day. See photo of Norman Thompson holding his only entry in the Friendship Nation al finishing 10th Open. Norman is no stranger timing in these French races having previously won the Harkness Rose Bowl for 2Bird Ave. He has had many top positions in the French races including 4th Open in Kings Cup. His Clearance Sale in Chimney Corner was a record breaker at the time, he had a fantastic family of birds.
Homer - Willie Reynolds INFC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.infcpigeons.co.uk
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
www.elimarpigeons.com
Race report captions
INFC Banner on top
Bobby Straney of Killyleagh Central, 1st Open INFC St Malo Friendship National.
Fintan and Aoife Moran 2nd Open in the Friendship National.
The winning Blue cock for F Moran, 1st ECF, 1st South Sect & 2nd Open INFC St Malo.
That's my partner Hennie holding our first over the pad if you could give her a mention it would be great thanks, blue cock in first picture is the same pigeon. Team Hand & Kallmeyer of Skerries in Dublin.
Blue cock winner of 2nd ECF, 2nd South Sect & 3rd Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat for Hand & Kallmeyer of Skerries.
Josh Hand team Hand & Kallmeyer of the Skerries scoring big time in the INFC Nationals.
Richard Donnelly of Donnelly Bros Newry City holding their 6th Open INFC Friendship Nat winner.
The winning bird for Larkin Bros of Blackwatertown WE, the 49 Hen finished 7th Open INFC.
Paddy Burns Comber Social with grandson Leo 8th Open Friendship National St Malo.
The ever-consistent Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare had the best bird in East Antrim from Saint Malo to finish 9th Open INFC.
Norman Thompson with his single entry finished 1Oth Open INFC Friendship National.
Jimmy Smyth of Ahoghill topped the MAC in the INFC Friendship National.
Chris & Robin McIntyre of Cullybackey holding 1st Club, 2nd Combine & 64th Open Friendship National and 1st Club, 3rd Combine & 110th Open Kings Cup St Allouestre
William Livingstone holding 3rd Comb, 88th Open Friendship Nat, loft also placed in Kings Cup.
The second race from France each season is the Friendship Nat and over the years has attracted the majority of what we might call out and out distance lofts, entry would go up and down but would usually sit at around 1,000 birds. In the early days we were convoyed by the Up North Combine forming a great relationship, it was quickly added to the overall National Average and National Champion and over the years has been won by numerous top lofts household names in the sport and that includes several Kings Cup winners. The early winners were the following and the full list of winners is published in INFC History on pigeonnetwork.com
1973 Beauvais – Fleming Bros Crumlin, 1974 Beauvais – H Stockman, Ballynahinch, 1975 Beauvais – A McDowell & Son, Newtownards, 1976 Beauvais – Jennings & Rea, Ballynahinch, 1977 Falaise – J W & T Harper, Ballymena & Dist, 1978 Falaise – J Waugh, Newtownards, 1979 Falaise – H Beattie, Laurelvale, 1980 Beauvais – J Anderson, Cullybackey.
1st Open & 1st North Sect R Straney Killyleagh Central, Vel 1061 flying 426 miles, winning £206 and the Friendship Cup for the winner.
At 6:00am on Saturday 8th July almost 1000 racing pigeons from lofts across the length and breadth of Ireland were released in St Malo on the north coast of France, competing in the Irish National Flying Club’s Friendship National. Given the conditions on the day, with the birds flying into a Northwest wind, a difficult race was expected and so it turned out.
At 5:47 that afternoon a Black Chequer belonging to Bobby Straney, who races in the Killyleagh Central HPS, arrived home and was registered on the lofts electronic timing clock, Given the lack of reports on social media of birds arriving in the North a bird at this time, within 12 hours from release, was considered an early arrival.
On checking arrivals at the clock stations across Ireland that evening it was clear that Bobby’s bird was ndeed the winner of the Friendship National. Bobby was naturally totally overwhelmed. As he put it “You try for years to win a National and you convince yourself that it is impossible to win a such a race in this little corner of Ireland, and then you do it, unbelievable”
Bobby, through his club, is a member of both the East Down Combine (EDC) and the Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation (NIPA) and is the first member of the EDC to win the Friendship National, another First for Bobby. Bobby’s had an excellent race overall, in addition to winning the race he timed two further birds finishing 30th open and 44th open.
The first 2 birds had already demonstrated their long-distance abilities and stamina having timed from Penzance in Cornwall 3 weeks before the Friendship National, when they were 7th and 14th club. Bobby focuses on these longer distance races and has built his current team around strains of birds brought in with this in mind.
The pedigrees of the birds include Eurodiamond, Jan Theelan, and birds from his good friends Kevin Carolan and Willie Neill. Bobby would also wish to express his congratulations to all the members of the Irish National Flying Club who competed in the race and timed birds. He wanted to especially thank the Convoyer Jim McCrory who looked after the birds on their journey to St Malo and when they were at the liberation site. As Bobby put it “the birds were in excellent condition when they arrived home after such a gruelling race.” Colin Watson PO.
2nd Open & 1st South Section F Moran Malahide & District, Vel 1057 flying 383 miles, winning £890 and British Barcelona Trophy for 2nd Open, John Millar Logistics Trophy 1st member in Sect not winning the Open.
Fintan writes - Firstly I would like to congratulate the winner R Straney on a very brave bird up to Killyleagh in County Down and Hand & partner Kallmeyer of Skerries on outstanding clocking in a testing race.
The preparation for my 2nd Open 4yr old cock started in April with being privately trained and having 3 inland races, the furthest Fermoy and last race Bude on the 11th June. He raced celibate up the land and sent to Bude sitting on eggs. He won 30th open East Coast Federation from Bude and was then prepared for the Friendship National where he was given a few 50 mile tosses, thanks Cora, and sent sitting on a 10 days old y/bird. He was the first bird clocked on the day at 4.38pm and I knew when I saw him at that time that he was after putting in a real effort.
His breeding is steeped in the very best of the old long-distance English pigeons. His sire was bred by Andy Parsons, Salisbury, from his Eric Cannon/George Burgess and Michael Spencer family. The g/sire of the cock won 1st Section, 5th Open Tarbes NFC for Andy in 2012 and the g/dam was a daughter of ‘Big Sam’ a NFC Diploma of merit winner (63rd , 70th, 130th and 72nd NFC Tarbes) when paired to Andy’s 15th open NFC Tarbes, a full sister to‘Warpaint’, the Central Southern Classic Flying Club Champion Old Bird of the Year 2013, 11th open Tarbes and 17th open Bergerac in 2013). The dam of the cock was bred by the late Brian Tattersall, Oswaldtwistle, from his old family of English distance bloodlines and was purchased at Brian’s major dispersal sale. This family of pigeons bred the famous Perpignan Hen of Frank Kay, Bolton. The dam was line-bred from a son of ‘Dual Award’ paired to the dam of ‘Dual Award’. ‘Dual Award’ won a Region and National RPRA Middle Distance Meritorious award for Brian.
This cock in 2021 won 2nd open East Coast Federation and 31st open INFC Lamballe, arriving home having been hawked. For his efforts he wins a Merit Award in 2022. I want to acknowledge the great work of the convoyers as both my birds returned in immaculate condition and the INFC committee and helpers for all the work undertaken to facilitate racing. Finally, a big thank you to Aoife for helping during the year.
3rd, 4th & 5th Open Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries, Vel 1036, 1036 and 1034 flying 386 miles, winning £586 and Henry Beattie & Son Trophy for Best 2 Bird Average
All 3 pigeons were yearlings, they raced the inland and chanel programme out to Penzance. 1st pigeon blue cock is all N Black and sons blood, it was off our 10th National Friendship hen Wedding bells in 2018 when paired to a son off N Black and sons good pair.
The second bird was a blue cock which came with first pigeon was a grandson off Wedding bells 10th National which i gave Peter McKeown a lend of the 10th national he paired her to his Hall of Fame pigeon which I got a cock out of the nest and I paired this to the 10th Nationals mother these bred the second pigeon.
Our 3rd bird arrived 2 mins later a Check hen the best of Hennies Clausing bloodlines (Same line as 2nd open Penzance for our partnership a few weeks prior.
In finishing I just want to thank David and Alan Black for the blood of the first two birds, this is the second time these pigeons have helped us win the 2 Bird average in the Freindship national in 4 years.
I wouldn't have been able to send the pigeons only for my good lady who looked after them while I was away for 3 days prior to basketing, .and thanks to Gerry O’Reily and Tom Speers for bringing the pigeons to marking station. Thanks Josh.
6th Open Donnelly Bros Millvale, Vel 1017 flying 434 miles winning £406
Donnelly Bros - The Donnelly Brothers Richard and John have ended the Old Bird Season on a high topping Newry Centre. The Brothers had an exceptional Old Bird season especially from the Channel and French Races and as far as I know the partnership is the only loft to clock on the day in the three French races in all of Ireland north and south a tremendous achievement alone. The Lads timed 3 Birds finishing overall 6th, 67th and 78th National, 2nd, 52nd and 55th North Section. Taking 1st, 11th,13th in Newry Centre and while claiming the top 3 Positions in Newry City Inv. Club
The Brother’s winning pigeon is a 2-year-old Blue Chequer Hen now named ‘Wee Tilly’ She was sent to the race sitting 12 days on eggs. Before this race this hen had been in good racing form this year for them from the channel races. Finishing 50th Open, 13th Section G out of Bude and then 13th Section G in the Penzance Classic Race.
Her Breeding - A granddaughter of our 2nd Open St. Malo hen ‘Smash Hit' when only 10 birds were timed in race time. she carries the bloodlines of N. Black and Son. She was paired to our Merit Award winner in the Friendship National ‘Lunch Time’ being 7th and 76th Open also narrowly missing out on the prizes one other year. Her Aunt was our first bird out of St. Malo National Race this year being 6th Open in the N.I.P.A being clocked at 10.31pm on the day. She is now a Bronze Diploma winner being 18th the previous year from St Malo. Her Sire was a gift bird from our good friend Gregory McEvoy. This cock won 7th North Section in the Skibbereen National I.N.F.C and carries distance blood lines from Rutz Bros. Jordan Hughes PO.
7th Open Larkin Bros Blackwatertown West End, Vel 1007 flying 449 miles winning £321.
It gives me great pleasure to be writing another bit of info for one of our birds. The 49 hen is a product of the breeding plan we implemented back when we started racing in 2014. She is a great granddaughter of our Gold Ring Pair (Hereman Ceuster cock via Fourmula One lofts and a Billy Higgins SVR hen) her father was a top racing son of the 21 Cock, a multiple prize-winning racer put to stock and producing winners and breeders, and the Maurice Scheers hen, Dam of The Boss, our 5 bird OB 1st Open winner.
Her dam the 86 hen is a multiple prizewinning racer, a daughter of an Andy Smith van Breeman cock when paired to the Model hen, a direct Louis Thijs. She has earned her perch in the stock loft after this latest performance. Congratulations to all in the result. Alan Larkin PO.
8th Open Burns Brothers Comber Social, Vel 1004 flying 448 miles winning £198.
In 8th Open we have the Comber lofts of Paddy Burns racing as Burns Bros, another well established and popular distance loft. The partnership was originally brothers Paddy and Hughie but when Hughie passed away Paddy decided to retain the partnership name in respect to his late brother. They are one of the very few lofts to win the INFC Gold Medal for a bird 4 times in the Kings Cup. The Grandam of this winner was Dolly who won the Hall of Fame Diploma. His bird this time was a yearling Blue Ch cock that had three cross channel races prior to St Malo, breeding the dam was a daughter of Wesley Sawyers Helen a Gold Medal winner herself and the sire was all his old bloodlines a son of his Rose Bowl cock that has produced a number of top winners, including 3rd and 8th in the Kings Cup.
9th Open Arnold Thompson Ballyclare & District, Vel 981 flying 462 miles winning £230.
Arnold was 9th Open in the friendship National with a 2-year-old Blue hen sent to the race on a 2/3 day old Youngster. The sire of the hen was off a cock that was 10th in the Kings Cup. He timed a further two birds to be in the prizes. Dam was down of James Clelland and C & L Woodside breeding. Arnold has had a great year from the French races, he timed 5 birds in the Kings Cup to be in the prizes and was also 12th Open from St Malo. Must rank as one of not the best distance racers in Ireland in the results every year. Noel Higginson PO.
10th Open Norman Thompson Comber Central, Vel 925 flying 448 miles winning £254.
Ace racer in previous years returned to the sport recently sending one bird and timing on the day. See photo of Norman Thompson holding his only entry in the Friendship Nation al finishing 10th Open. Norman is no stranger timing in these French races having previously won the Harkness Rose Bowl for 2Bird Ave. He has had many top positions in the French races including 4th Open in Kings Cup. His Clearance Sale in Chimney Corner was a record breaker at the time, he had a fantastic family of birds.
Homer - Willie Reynolds INFC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.infcpigeons.co.uk
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
www.elimarpigeons.com
Race report captions
INFC Banner on top
Bobby Straney of Killyleagh Central, 1st Open INFC St Malo Friendship National.
Fintan and Aoife Moran 2nd Open in the Friendship National.
The winning Blue cock for F Moran, 1st ECF, 1st South Sect & 2nd Open INFC St Malo.
That's my partner Hennie holding our first over the pad if you could give her a mention it would be great thanks, blue cock in first picture is the same pigeon. Team Hand & Kallmeyer of Skerries in Dublin.
Blue cock winner of 2nd ECF, 2nd South Sect & 3rd Open INFC St Malo Friendship Nat for Hand & Kallmeyer of Skerries.
Josh Hand team Hand & Kallmeyer of the Skerries scoring big time in the INFC Nationals.
Richard Donnelly of Donnelly Bros Newry City holding their 6th Open INFC Friendship Nat winner.
The winning bird for Larkin Bros of Blackwatertown WE, the 49 Hen finished 7th Open INFC.
Paddy Burns Comber Social with grandson Leo 8th Open Friendship National St Malo.
The ever-consistent Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare had the best bird in East Antrim from Saint Malo to finish 9th Open INFC.
Norman Thompson with his single entry finished 1Oth Open INFC Friendship National.
Jimmy Smyth of Ahoghill topped the MAC in the INFC Friendship National.
Chris & Robin McIntyre of Cullybackey holding 1st Club, 2nd Combine & 64th Open Friendship National and 1st Club, 3rd Combine & 110th Open Kings Cup St Allouestre
William Livingstone holding 3rd Comb, 88th Open Friendship Nat, loft also placed in Kings Cup.
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 6803
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: Friendship Nat 2022 - 1st Open R Straney, Killyleagh
INFC race review 2022 by HOMER – Friendship OB National
The third race on the programme was the Friendship National usually flown from France on the weekend following the Grand National Kings Cup.
1st Open & 1st North Sect R Straney Killyleagh Central, Vel 1061 flying 426 miles, winning £206 and the Friendship Cup for the winner.
At 6.00am on Saturday 8th July almost 1,000 racing pigeons from lofts across the length and breadth of Ireland were released in St Malo on the north coast of France, competing in the Irish National Flying Club’s Friendship National. Given the conditions on the day, with the birds flying into a Northwest wind, a difficult race was expected and so it turned out.
At 5.47pm that afternoon a Black Chequer belonging to Bobby Straney, who races in the Killyleagh Central HPS, arrived home and was registered on the lofts electronic timing clock, Given the lack of reports on social media of birds arriving in the North a bird at this time, within 12 hours from release, was considered an early arrival.
On checking arrivals at the clock stations across Ireland that evening it was clear that Bobby’s bird was indeed the winner of the Friendship National in 2022. The race was sponsored by Beatties Bird & Pet Foods Tandragee. 1st 3 bags mixture, 2nd 2 bags mixture, 3rd 1 bag mixture.
INFC Friendship Nat St Malo Open 214/993 – R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, Norman Thompson Comber Cent 925, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858, C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 858, W McDowell & Son Drumnavaddy 802, J Murtagh & Son 798, A Kelly Skerries 780, Jim Robinson 735, G & J O’Hare Harmony HPS 707.
INFC North Sect St Malo - R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, Norman Thompson Comber Cent 925, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858.
INFC South Sect St Malo - F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly Skerries 780, B Cahill Skerries 619, James Graham Monaghan 586, F Moran 561, A Kelly 508, Massey & Duffy Newtown Kilpedder 491.
NIPA (Friendship Nat St Malo) - R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858, C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 858, W McDowell & Son Drumnavaddy 802, J Murtagh & Son 798, Jim Robinson 735, G & J O’Hare Harmony HPS 707, Ronnie Williamson Newry & Dist 669, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 610.
East Coast Federation (INFC) St Malo Friendship Nat - F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly Skerries 780, B Cahill Skerries 619, F Moran 561, A Kelly 508, G O’reilly Malahide & Dist 480, B & P McEvoy Castlebellingham 473, C Reid Balbriggan 458, G O’Reilly 438, J Guildea & Son Balbriggan 410, Hand & Kallmeyer 394,
South Leinster Fed (INFC) St Malo – Massey & Duffy Newtown Kilpedder 491, 362, M/M M Gregg & Daughter Gorey RPS 303, Pat Lambert Arklow United Rpc 207.
East Down Combine (INFC) St Malo – R Straney Killyleagh 1061, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, N Thompson Comber Cent 925, R Straney 622, Adair & McCombs Crossgar 515, r Straney 509, Paul Brown Kircubbin 508, Adair & McCombs 489, 466, Paul Brown 269, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 262.
Ulster Federation (INFC) St Malo – S McAllister & Sons Lagan Valley 429.
Muckamore Station St Malo Friendship Nat – Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Witherspoon Horseshoe 641, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 624, Arnold Thompson 600, N Lusty Muckamore 577, R Duddy Ballyclare 570, R Duddy 525, Arnold Thompson 509, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 508, r Duddy 475, Mr & Mrs Magill Muckamore 456, C & r McIntyre Cullybackey 444, W Livingstone Ahoghill 242.
Coleraine Station St Malo Friendship Nat – A McCrudden Derry & District 665, John McConaghie Ballymoney 650, A McCrudden Derry & District 610, W & L McCaw Ballymoney 523, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 503.
East Antrim Combined St Malo Friendship Nat - Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Witherspoon Horseshoe 641, Arnold Thompson 600, R Duddy Ballyclare 570, R Duddy 525, Arnold Thompson 509, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 508, r Duddy 475.
Jimmy Smyth & Son - Best In the Mid Antrim Combine from St Malo
The INFC Friendship National was held on Friday 8th July with the birds liberated at 6.00am in calm condition. Jimmy Smyth & Son of Ahoghill FC had the best local bird winning 1st in the Mid Antrim Combine and 29th Open INFC National. Jimmy timed his yearling red hen sitting eggs 10 days at 10.26am on the second morning after her 474 miles fly. The sire is from Glen Smith of Cookstown and the dam from Sam Murphy of Randalstown. Jimmy, always a good supporter of this race won 1st Mid Antrim Combine, 5th North Section and 8th Open INFC when the race was flown from Lamballe in 2019 when only 49 birds were recorded in race time. Runners up in the Combine were Chris & Robin McIntyre of Cullybackey who timed at 20.39pm on the second day flying 493 miles to their Dervock lofts. This 3-year-old blue cock raced roundabout all season and was then paired up for St. Malo and sent on 9-day old eggs. A good racer having been in the section and open prizes from Talbenny last season and Penzance this year. He is full brother to 5 x 1st prize-winners for the brothers including 1st club & 4th Section Talbenny YB National and 1st club & 10th Section Rosscarbery YB National. Last season Chris & Robin had the best bird in the local area from this race winning 15th Open National this season they finish 1st club & 64th Open. In 2019 the loft won 3rd Section B & 10th Open in the NIPA French OB National from St. Malo and only last week in the Kings Cup race from Saint Allouestre they were placed 1st Club & 110th Open. Good consistent flying from the lads. The only other Combine member to be placed in the open result was Ahoghill's William Livingstone who timed at 9.54am on the fourth morning. William's yearling chequer cock sitting on newly hatched chicks is bred down from his old stock that he has inbred over the years and is closely related to last season's 7th Section & 72nd Open NIPA OB National St. Malo. The cock had 1st Talbenny and Bude before being sent to the Friendship. William who races a small team timed in all the INFC channel races this season having been placed 2nd Combine & 108th Open Sennen Cove Yearling National, 5th Combine & 155th Open King's Cup Saint Allouestre and from this race 3rd Combine & 88th Open Friendship National St. Malo. Not many can say they recorded arrivals in all three races this season and considering these results were achieved with a total of 8 birds sent to 3 races. Top racing from a small loft. Mervyn Eagleson PO.
Mid Antrim Combine Saint Malo Friendship National - 1st Jimmy Smyth & Son Ahoghill 624, 2nd Chris & Robin McIntyre Cullybackey 444, 3rd William Livingstone Ahoghill 242.
INFC Clubs St Malo Friendship National
Killyleagh Central – R Straney 1061, 622, 509.
Malahide & District - F Moran 1057, 561, G O’Reilly 480, 438.
Skerries – Hand & Kallmeyer 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly 780, B Cahill 619, A Kelly 508, Hand & Kallmeyer 394, A Kelly 308.
Millvale – Donnelly Bros 1017, T Mooney & Son 502, Donnelly Bros 426, 303.
Blackwatertown West End – Larkin Bros 1007, H & T & J Larkin 499.
Comber Social - Burns Bros 10.
Ballyclare & District – A Thompson 981, 600, R Duddy 570, 525, A Thompson 509, C & L Woodside 508, R Duddy 475.
Comber Central – Norman Thompson 925.
Newry & District – M Gillan 900, R Williamson 669, J J McCabe 552, R Williamson 257,
Ballyholland – P Murtagh & Son 888, J Murtagh & Son 868, C O’Hare & Son 858, J Murtagh & Son 798, 449, P Murtagh & Son 419, C O’Hare & Son 284.
Edgarstown – Jim Robinson 858, 735, R G & G Donaldson 279.
Drumnavaddy Inv – W McDowell & Son 802.
Harmony HPS – G & J O’Hare 669, L O’Neill & Son 356.
Derry & District – Anthony McCrudden 665, 610.
Laurelvale – G & C Topley 656, J Serplus 452.
Derriaghy – R Benson 654.
Ballymoney HPS – John McConaghie 650, W & L McCaw 523, D & H Stuart 503.
Horseshoe HPS – Mark Witherspoon 641.
Banbridge – McCracken Bros 637.
Lisburn & District – M O’Reilly & Son 632, G Benson 531, M O’Reilly & Son 292, Ian Donaghy 267.
Ahoghill Flying Club – J Smyth & Son 624, W Livingstone 242.
Monaghan – James Graham 586, 365,
Muckamore HPS – N Lusty 577, Mr & Mrs Magill 456.
Crossgar HPS – Adair & McComb’s 515, 489, 466, McCartan & Woodsides 262,
Annaghmore – T McClean 512, G Buckley & Sons 236.
Kircubbin HPS – Paul Brown 508, 269.
Newtown Kilpedder – Massey & Duffy 491, 362.
Bray Invitation – James Cullen 488, 344.
Colin HPS – P & K Braniff 475.
Castlebellingham – B & P McEvoy 473.
Balbriggan – C Reid 458, J Guildea & Son 410.
Cullybackey HPS – C & R McIntyre 444.
Lagan Valley RPC – S McAllister & Sons 429.
Dublin Northeast Rpc – P Rock & Son 425.
Gorey RPS – Mr & Mrs M Gregg & Daughter 303.
Markethill – R McCracken 259, 214.
Dromare – N Black & Son 253.
Bondhill Social – John Greenaway 237.
Hillsborough & Maze – J Kelly & Sons 221.
Arklow United Rpc – Pat Lambert 207.
Homer - Willie Reynolds INFC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.infcpigeons.co.uk
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
www.elimarpigeons.com
Photo Captions
Bobby Straney from Killyleagh collects the Freindship Nat Trophy at the INFC presentation.
The winner of the Friendship Nat for Bobby Straney of Killyleagh.
Fintan Moran from Malahide & Dist collects the British Barcelona Club cup for runner-up in the Friendship Nat
Hand & Kallmeyer from Skerries win the Henry Beattie & Son trophy for Best 2 Bird Ave Friendship OB Nat – 3rd and 4th Open INFC.
Jimmy Smyth from Ahoghill tops the Mid Antrim Combine for the second time in four seasons of the Friendship OB National.
Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare was best in the Muckamore Station and best bird into East Antrim.
Fintan Moran Malahide & District R.P.C. “Mr Reliable” Blue Cock IHU18S – 075713 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 31st Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 2nd Open.
Richard McCracken Markethill H.P.S. “Drumorgan Jake”Black Chequer Cock GB18X – 17128 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 59th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 92nd Open.
Arnold Thompson Ballyclare & District H.P.S. Blue Hen GB19B – 34028 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 9th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 45th Open.
Adair & McComb’s Crossgar H.P.S. “Sweet Lips” Blue w/f Hen IHU19N – 06340 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 39th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 59th Open.
John Greenaway Bondhill Social H.P.S. Blue Cock GB19B-13280 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 5th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 96th Open.
Burns Bros Comber Social HPS “Wee Bridie” Blue Ch w/f Hen IHU19N-01702 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 6th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 138th Open.
A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland “Drumcove Clara” Blue Cheq Hen GB19B-32131 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 15th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 165th Open.
N Black & Son Dromara HPS “Honeysuckle” Pencil Blue Pied Hen GB18D-06256 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 27th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 210th Open.
The third race on the programme was the Friendship National usually flown from France on the weekend following the Grand National Kings Cup.
1st Open & 1st North Sect R Straney Killyleagh Central, Vel 1061 flying 426 miles, winning £206 and the Friendship Cup for the winner.
At 6.00am on Saturday 8th July almost 1,000 racing pigeons from lofts across the length and breadth of Ireland were released in St Malo on the north coast of France, competing in the Irish National Flying Club’s Friendship National. Given the conditions on the day, with the birds flying into a Northwest wind, a difficult race was expected and so it turned out.
At 5.47pm that afternoon a Black Chequer belonging to Bobby Straney, who races in the Killyleagh Central HPS, arrived home and was registered on the lofts electronic timing clock, Given the lack of reports on social media of birds arriving in the North a bird at this time, within 12 hours from release, was considered an early arrival.
On checking arrivals at the clock stations across Ireland that evening it was clear that Bobby’s bird was indeed the winner of the Friendship National in 2022. The race was sponsored by Beatties Bird & Pet Foods Tandragee. 1st 3 bags mixture, 2nd 2 bags mixture, 3rd 1 bag mixture.
INFC Friendship Nat St Malo Open 214/993 – R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, Norman Thompson Comber Cent 925, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858, C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 858, W McDowell & Son Drumnavaddy 802, J Murtagh & Son 798, A Kelly Skerries 780, Jim Robinson 735, G & J O’Hare Harmony HPS 707.
INFC North Sect St Malo - R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, Norman Thompson Comber Cent 925, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858.
INFC South Sect St Malo - F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly Skerries 780, B Cahill Skerries 619, James Graham Monaghan 586, F Moran 561, A Kelly 508, Massey & Duffy Newtown Kilpedder 491.
NIPA (Friendship Nat St Malo) - R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858, C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 858, W McDowell & Son Drumnavaddy 802, J Murtagh & Son 798, Jim Robinson 735, G & J O’Hare Harmony HPS 707, Ronnie Williamson Newry & Dist 669, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 610.
East Coast Federation (INFC) St Malo Friendship Nat - F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly Skerries 780, B Cahill Skerries 619, F Moran 561, A Kelly 508, G O’reilly Malahide & Dist 480, B & P McEvoy Castlebellingham 473, C Reid Balbriggan 458, G O’Reilly 438, J Guildea & Son Balbriggan 410, Hand & Kallmeyer 394,
South Leinster Fed (INFC) St Malo – Massey & Duffy Newtown Kilpedder 491, 362, M/M M Gregg & Daughter Gorey RPS 303, Pat Lambert Arklow United Rpc 207.
East Down Combine (INFC) St Malo – R Straney Killyleagh 1061, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, N Thompson Comber Cent 925, R Straney 622, Adair & McCombs Crossgar 515, r Straney 509, Paul Brown Kircubbin 508, Adair & McCombs 489, 466, Paul Brown 269, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 262.
Ulster Federation (INFC) St Malo – S McAllister & Sons Lagan Valley 429.
Muckamore Station St Malo Friendship Nat – Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Witherspoon Horseshoe 641, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 624, Arnold Thompson 600, N Lusty Muckamore 577, R Duddy Ballyclare 570, R Duddy 525, Arnold Thompson 509, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 508, r Duddy 475, Mr & Mrs Magill Muckamore 456, C & r McIntyre Cullybackey 444, W Livingstone Ahoghill 242.
Coleraine Station St Malo Friendship Nat – A McCrudden Derry & District 665, John McConaghie Ballymoney 650, A McCrudden Derry & District 610, W & L McCaw Ballymoney 523, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 503.
East Antrim Combined St Malo Friendship Nat - Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Witherspoon Horseshoe 641, Arnold Thompson 600, R Duddy Ballyclare 570, R Duddy 525, Arnold Thompson 509, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 508, r Duddy 475.
Jimmy Smyth & Son - Best In the Mid Antrim Combine from St Malo
The INFC Friendship National was held on Friday 8th July with the birds liberated at 6.00am in calm condition. Jimmy Smyth & Son of Ahoghill FC had the best local bird winning 1st in the Mid Antrim Combine and 29th Open INFC National. Jimmy timed his yearling red hen sitting eggs 10 days at 10.26am on the second morning after her 474 miles fly. The sire is from Glen Smith of Cookstown and the dam from Sam Murphy of Randalstown. Jimmy, always a good supporter of this race won 1st Mid Antrim Combine, 5th North Section and 8th Open INFC when the race was flown from Lamballe in 2019 when only 49 birds were recorded in race time. Runners up in the Combine were Chris & Robin McIntyre of Cullybackey who timed at 20.39pm on the second day flying 493 miles to their Dervock lofts. This 3-year-old blue cock raced roundabout all season and was then paired up for St. Malo and sent on 9-day old eggs. A good racer having been in the section and open prizes from Talbenny last season and Penzance this year. He is full brother to 5 x 1st prize-winners for the brothers including 1st club & 4th Section Talbenny YB National and 1st club & 10th Section Rosscarbery YB National. Last season Chris & Robin had the best bird in the local area from this race winning 15th Open National this season they finish 1st club & 64th Open. In 2019 the loft won 3rd Section B & 10th Open in the NIPA French OB National from St. Malo and only last week in the Kings Cup race from Saint Allouestre they were placed 1st Club & 110th Open. Good consistent flying from the lads. The only other Combine member to be placed in the open result was Ahoghill's William Livingstone who timed at 9.54am on the fourth morning. William's yearling chequer cock sitting on newly hatched chicks is bred down from his old stock that he has inbred over the years and is closely related to last season's 7th Section & 72nd Open NIPA OB National St. Malo. The cock had 1st Talbenny and Bude before being sent to the Friendship. William who races a small team timed in all the INFC channel races this season having been placed 2nd Combine & 108th Open Sennen Cove Yearling National, 5th Combine & 155th Open King's Cup Saint Allouestre and from this race 3rd Combine & 88th Open Friendship National St. Malo. Not many can say they recorded arrivals in all three races this season and considering these results were achieved with a total of 8 birds sent to 3 races. Top racing from a small loft. Mervyn Eagleson PO.
Mid Antrim Combine Saint Malo Friendship National - 1st Jimmy Smyth & Son Ahoghill 624, 2nd Chris & Robin McIntyre Cullybackey 444, 3rd William Livingstone Ahoghill 242.
INFC Clubs St Malo Friendship National
Killyleagh Central – R Straney 1061, 622, 509.
Malahide & District - F Moran 1057, 561, G O’Reilly 480, 438.
Skerries – Hand & Kallmeyer 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly 780, B Cahill 619, A Kelly 508, Hand & Kallmeyer 394, A Kelly 308.
Millvale – Donnelly Bros 1017, T Mooney & Son 502, Donnelly Bros 426, 303.
Blackwatertown West End – Larkin Bros 1007, H & T & J Larkin 499.
Comber Social - Burns Bros 10.
Ballyclare & District – A Thompson 981, 600, R Duddy 570, 525, A Thompson 509, C & L Woodside 508, R Duddy 475.
Comber Central – Norman Thompson 925.
Newry & District – M Gillan 900, R Williamson 669, J J McCabe 552, R Williamson 257,
Ballyholland – P Murtagh & Son 888, J Murtagh & Son 868, C O’Hare & Son 858, J Murtagh & Son 798, 449, P Murtagh & Son 419, C O’Hare & Son 284.
Edgarstown – Jim Robinson 858, 735, R G & G Donaldson 279.
Drumnavaddy Inv – W McDowell & Son 802.
Harmony HPS – G & J O’Hare 669, L O’Neill & Son 356.
Derry & District – Anthony McCrudden 665, 610.
Laurelvale – G & C Topley 656, J Serplus 452.
Derriaghy – R Benson 654.
Ballymoney HPS – John McConaghie 650, W & L McCaw 523, D & H Stuart 503.
Horseshoe HPS – Mark Witherspoon 641.
Banbridge – McCracken Bros 637.
Lisburn & District – M O’Reilly & Son 632, G Benson 531, M O’Reilly & Son 292, Ian Donaghy 267.
Ahoghill Flying Club – J Smyth & Son 624, W Livingstone 242.
Monaghan – James Graham 586, 365,
Muckamore HPS – N Lusty 577, Mr & Mrs Magill 456.
Crossgar HPS – Adair & McComb’s 515, 489, 466, McCartan & Woodsides 262,
Annaghmore – T McClean 512, G Buckley & Sons 236.
Kircubbin HPS – Paul Brown 508, 269.
Newtown Kilpedder – Massey & Duffy 491, 362.
Bray Invitation – James Cullen 488, 344.
Colin HPS – P & K Braniff 475.
Castlebellingham – B & P McEvoy 473.
Balbriggan – C Reid 458, J Guildea & Son 410.
Cullybackey HPS – C & R McIntyre 444.
Lagan Valley RPC – S McAllister & Sons 429.
Dublin Northeast Rpc – P Rock & Son 425.
Gorey RPS – Mr & Mrs M Gregg & Daughter 303.
Markethill – R McCracken 259, 214.
Dromare – N Black & Son 253.
Bondhill Social – John Greenaway 237.
Hillsborough & Maze – J Kelly & Sons 221.
Arklow United Rpc – Pat Lambert 207.
Homer - Willie Reynolds INFC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.infcpigeons.co.uk
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
www.elimarpigeons.com
Photo Captions
Bobby Straney from Killyleagh collects the Freindship Nat Trophy at the INFC presentation.
The winner of the Friendship Nat for Bobby Straney of Killyleagh.
Fintan Moran from Malahide & Dist collects the British Barcelona Club cup for runner-up in the Friendship Nat
Hand & Kallmeyer from Skerries win the Henry Beattie & Son trophy for Best 2 Bird Ave Friendship OB Nat – 3rd and 4th Open INFC.
Jimmy Smyth from Ahoghill tops the Mid Antrim Combine for the second time in four seasons of the Friendship OB National.
Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare was best in the Muckamore Station and best bird into East Antrim.
Fintan Moran Malahide & District R.P.C. “Mr Reliable” Blue Cock IHU18S – 075713 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 31st Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 2nd Open.
Richard McCracken Markethill H.P.S. “Drumorgan Jake”Black Chequer Cock GB18X – 17128 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 59th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 92nd Open.
Arnold Thompson Ballyclare & District H.P.S. Blue Hen GB19B – 34028 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 9th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 45th Open.
Adair & McComb’s Crossgar H.P.S. “Sweet Lips” Blue w/f Hen IHU19N – 06340 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 39th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 59th Open.
John Greenaway Bondhill Social H.P.S. Blue Cock GB19B-13280 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 5th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 96th Open.
Burns Bros Comber Social HPS “Wee Bridie” Blue Ch w/f Hen IHU19N-01702 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 6th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 138th Open.
A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland “Drumcove Clara” Blue Cheq Hen GB19B-32131 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 15th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 165th Open.
N Black & Son Dromara HPS “Honeysuckle” Pencil Blue Pied Hen GB18D-06256 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 27th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 210th Open.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 6803
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: Friendship Nat 2022 - 1st Open R Straney, Killyleagh
The Final Curtain
This week was the final Race of the Old Bird Season and the last of the French Races. The I.N.F.C St. Malo Friendship National was held on Friday the 8th of July. All Fanciers sent their 20 Bird Limit teams for race marking through the designated I.N.F.C Centre in Lisburn on Monday the 4th of July.
This race is always hailed as the Big Finale of the Year with a total of 214 Members from throughout the Island of Ireland entering 933 Birds competing for £5,888 in pools and prize money.
The Lorry’s embarked on their Journey from Lisburn to the North of France to the Liberation Site in St. Malo
The I.N.F.C Lorry’s arrived on site on Thursday but the Weather Conditions was not favourable on the channel for the birds crossing so they held the birds over to the Friday. The Race controlling team gave the all clear Friday morning and Liberated 933 Pigeons at 6:00 AM in calm conditions with northerly wind on route. The Race point is approximately 432 miles from club members respective lofts in Newry & Mourne Area. The First Pigeons flight time into the Newry Centre was 12 hours and 31 minutes.
There was a Grand total of 93 Pigeons North and South arrived home over the 3 Days with 15 Birds clocked on the day. 52 the second day and 26 The Final Day. It was a typical race out of France a hard task to do and a big ask for fancier’s birds
Locally there was a Total of 15 Birds clocked in Newry Centre over the 3 Days with 6 Arrivals on the Day. 6 on the second day and 3 on the third day. The Newry Centre done exceptionally well from the 3 National Races from France.
Newry Centre I.N.F.C St. Malo Friendship National Winner is Donnelly Bros of Newry City Invitation
Donnelly Bros
The Donnelly Brothers Richard and John have ended the Old Bird Season on a high Topping Newry Centre. The Brothers had an exceptional Old Bird Season especially from the Channel and French Races and as far as I know the partnership is the only loft to clock on the day in the three French races in all of Ireland north and south a tremendous achievement alone. The Lads timed 3 Birds finishing overall 6th,67th and 78th National, 2nd,52nd and 55th North Section. Taking 1st,11th,13th Newry Centre and while claiming the top 3 Positions in Newry City Inv. Club
The Brothers Winning Pigeon is a 2 Year Old Blue Chequer Hen now named ‘Wee Tilly’ She was sent to the race sitting 12 days on eggs. Before this race this hen had been in good racing form this year for them from the channel races. Finishing 50th Open, 13th Section G out of Bude and then 13th Section G in the Penzance Classic Race.
Her Breeding - A granddaughter of our 2nd Open St. Malo hen ‘Smash Hit' when only 10 birds were timed in race time. she carries the bloodlines of N. Black and Son. She was paired to our Merit award winner in the Friendship National ‘Lunch Time’ being 7th and 76th open also narrowly missing out on the prizes one other year. Her Aunt was our first bird out of St. Malo National Race this year being 6th Open in the N.I.P.A being clocked at 10.31pm on the day. She is now a bronze award winner being 18th the previous year from St Malo. Her Sire was a gift bird from our good friend Gregory McEvoy. This cock won 7th North Section in the Skibbereen National I.N.F.C and carries distance blood lines from Rutz Bros.
Micky Gillan
Micky Pictured with his Grandson Liam Proudly holding his winning 3 year old Dark Chequer Cock. Micky is a Small Team man with even Bigger Results. Mickys Team is precisely picked and accessed each week as he has an unbelievable understanding of his pigeons. With only 3 Birds sent he has every confidence in getting his pigeons home to his loft down the Gosford Road. This Time Last Year Micky Closed the Old Bird Season with a Win from the Friendship National and does so again for a second year on the trot. He finishes the French Races and Old Bird Season in style picking up 11th National, 7th North Section, 2nd Newry Centre and Winning Newry & District H.P.S Club. We think Micky has been christened with a new nickname around the Club as Micky ‘The Final Curtain Man’ Gillan
The Winning Cock had just 3 races before the Race. 2 Inland Races and 1 Talbenny. Just a steady pigeon on his first young bird going to race. Sire is from Gary Inkley, KO Van Dommelen pigeons. Dam was a gift bird given to me as a young bird by good friend Sean Kane from his family of distance pigeons. When going through the books for the parents of the cock Micky to his delight discovered Sean's hen was also the Dam of his Pigeon he timed from the King’s cup pigeon this year. We hope to see young Liam take up the sport in years to come following in his grandfather’s footsteps.
Peter Murtagh & Son & Johnny Murtagh & Son
The Murtagh Brothers of Ballyholland always excel at the Distance Racing with Johnny having achieved the accolade of Winning the Kings Cup in 2019. A Competitive Matchup in the Pigeons and Outside of them Peter beat Johnny this time round taking home the bragging Rights in the Murtagh Household. Peter timing 2 again this time from the Friendship National achieving 12th and 69th National, 8th and 53rd North Section. 3rd and 12th Newry Centre. Peter Also Wins Ballyholland H.P.S Club and finishes 6th Club also finishing up with 50% Returns 2 from 4 Sent.
Johnny Very closely finishes behind Peter as the 2 brothers go neck and neck yet again, you just couldn’t write it. Johnny timed 3 Birds overall 2 on the day and another on the second day. The birds Finish 13th,17th and 63rd National, 9th,13th and 49th North Section. 2nd ,4th and 5th Ballyholland H.P.S Club. 4th,6th, and 10th Newry Centre.
Cormac O'Hare & Daughter
Another Fancier well represented in the Ballyholland Area Cormac always times and times well for that matter. Inland, Cross Channel or French Races he always rises to the occasion. Cormac Times 2 one on the first day and another on the final day. The birds take home the positions to Cormac loft with 15th and 80th National, 11th and 57th North Section. 5th and 14th Newry Centre. And claiming 3rd and 7th Ballyholland H.P.S Club
Ron Williamson
Ron is one of the Household names when it comes to the sport in general and especially from channel racing. Ron has timed and sent to all 3 races held in France Claiming 2nd National Position from St. Malo, 8th National from the King’s Cup. Ron timed 2 in the Friendship National finishing 21st and 86th National, 16th and 63rd North Section. 7th and 15th Newry Centre. 2nd and 4th Newry & District Club.
John J McCabe
After John J Timing well from the King’s Cup he sent to the Friendship National with every confidence in scoring yet again, and he did just that and even better positions. Finishing 3rd Newry & District Club. 8th Newry Centre and 38th National, 30th North Section.
Pictured is Johns 5 Year Old Blue Hen in her box after flying France to the Armagh Road. Sire is Leo Van Rign paired to Hartog Hen. Sire is Busscheart paired to Leo Van Rign. This is the Hens Third time in France with plenty of experience under her belt in her 5 years of racing with the bloodlines to match. John had sent her feeding a pair of 4 day old chicks. Nothing can come in the way of a mother’s heart for her offspring making the journey home to them. One of the many methods Jj uses for extra motivation for his pigeons. John J ‘The Tinkerman’ McCabe
Tommy Mooney & Son
Yet again to no surprise Tommy Mooney & Son time from the French Races. Another small team loft ‘The Boss’ always sticks by his ruling of 'Quality over Quantity' Pictured below is the Blue Chequer White Flight Yearling Hen from The Friendship National. This Hen Finished 50th National, 41st North Section. Winning Millvale H.P.S Club and taking 9th Newry Centre.
Sire is from Delbar Pigeons and the Dam is a mixture of the same bloodlines as the Cock they timed from the Kings Cup. The Father & Son Partnership also got a second bird home from the friendship on the fourth day just marginally missing out on the open prizes by about 15 minutes.
Yet again the Newry Area thrives at the French Races. Well done to all that timed.
From the 3 Races the Newry & Mourne Area seen a 2nd National Winner, The Grand National King’s Cup Winners 2022 and a 6th National, 2nd North Section Winner.
An Amazing year for the Newry Area in the Old Bird Programme and French Races with Results and records being broken every week and each season getting better and more successful than the last.
With the 2022 Old Bird Season Completed Fanciers now turn their attention to their Youngbirds. The Racing Programme starts Saturday the 16th of July and will continue to the Early part of September.
I would like to Congratulate everyone on their achievements during the Old bird Season
And the Best of Luck to all in the Upcoming 2022 Youngbird Season. Jordan Hughes PO.
This week was the final Race of the Old Bird Season and the last of the French Races. The I.N.F.C St. Malo Friendship National was held on Friday the 8th of July. All Fanciers sent their 20 Bird Limit teams for race marking through the designated I.N.F.C Centre in Lisburn on Monday the 4th of July.
This race is always hailed as the Big Finale of the Year with a total of 214 Members from throughout the Island of Ireland entering 933 Birds competing for £5,888 in pools and prize money.
The Lorry’s embarked on their Journey from Lisburn to the North of France to the Liberation Site in St. Malo
The I.N.F.C Lorry’s arrived on site on Thursday but the Weather Conditions was not favourable on the channel for the birds crossing so they held the birds over to the Friday. The Race controlling team gave the all clear Friday morning and Liberated 933 Pigeons at 6:00 AM in calm conditions with northerly wind on route. The Race point is approximately 432 miles from club members respective lofts in Newry & Mourne Area. The First Pigeons flight time into the Newry Centre was 12 hours and 31 minutes.
There was a Grand total of 93 Pigeons North and South arrived home over the 3 Days with 15 Birds clocked on the day. 52 the second day and 26 The Final Day. It was a typical race out of France a hard task to do and a big ask for fancier’s birds
Locally there was a Total of 15 Birds clocked in Newry Centre over the 3 Days with 6 Arrivals on the Day. 6 on the second day and 3 on the third day. The Newry Centre done exceptionally well from the 3 National Races from France.
Newry Centre I.N.F.C St. Malo Friendship National Winner is Donnelly Bros of Newry City Invitation
Donnelly Bros
The Donnelly Brothers Richard and John have ended the Old Bird Season on a high Topping Newry Centre. The Brothers had an exceptional Old Bird Season especially from the Channel and French Races and as far as I know the partnership is the only loft to clock on the day in the three French races in all of Ireland north and south a tremendous achievement alone. The Lads timed 3 Birds finishing overall 6th,67th and 78th National, 2nd,52nd and 55th North Section. Taking 1st,11th,13th Newry Centre and while claiming the top 3 Positions in Newry City Inv. Club
The Brothers Winning Pigeon is a 2 Year Old Blue Chequer Hen now named ‘Wee Tilly’ She was sent to the race sitting 12 days on eggs. Before this race this hen had been in good racing form this year for them from the channel races. Finishing 50th Open, 13th Section G out of Bude and then 13th Section G in the Penzance Classic Race.
Her Breeding - A granddaughter of our 2nd Open St. Malo hen ‘Smash Hit' when only 10 birds were timed in race time. she carries the bloodlines of N. Black and Son. She was paired to our Merit award winner in the Friendship National ‘Lunch Time’ being 7th and 76th open also narrowly missing out on the prizes one other year. Her Aunt was our first bird out of St. Malo National Race this year being 6th Open in the N.I.P.A being clocked at 10.31pm on the day. She is now a bronze award winner being 18th the previous year from St Malo. Her Sire was a gift bird from our good friend Gregory McEvoy. This cock won 7th North Section in the Skibbereen National I.N.F.C and carries distance blood lines from Rutz Bros.
Micky Gillan
Micky Pictured with his Grandson Liam Proudly holding his winning 3 year old Dark Chequer Cock. Micky is a Small Team man with even Bigger Results. Mickys Team is precisely picked and accessed each week as he has an unbelievable understanding of his pigeons. With only 3 Birds sent he has every confidence in getting his pigeons home to his loft down the Gosford Road. This Time Last Year Micky Closed the Old Bird Season with a Win from the Friendship National and does so again for a second year on the trot. He finishes the French Races and Old Bird Season in style picking up 11th National, 7th North Section, 2nd Newry Centre and Winning Newry & District H.P.S Club. We think Micky has been christened with a new nickname around the Club as Micky ‘The Final Curtain Man’ Gillan
The Winning Cock had just 3 races before the Race. 2 Inland Races and 1 Talbenny. Just a steady pigeon on his first young bird going to race. Sire is from Gary Inkley, KO Van Dommelen pigeons. Dam was a gift bird given to me as a young bird by good friend Sean Kane from his family of distance pigeons. When going through the books for the parents of the cock Micky to his delight discovered Sean's hen was also the Dam of his Pigeon he timed from the King’s cup pigeon this year. We hope to see young Liam take up the sport in years to come following in his grandfather’s footsteps.
Peter Murtagh & Son & Johnny Murtagh & Son
The Murtagh Brothers of Ballyholland always excel at the Distance Racing with Johnny having achieved the accolade of Winning the Kings Cup in 2019. A Competitive Matchup in the Pigeons and Outside of them Peter beat Johnny this time round taking home the bragging Rights in the Murtagh Household. Peter timing 2 again this time from the Friendship National achieving 12th and 69th National, 8th and 53rd North Section. 3rd and 12th Newry Centre. Peter Also Wins Ballyholland H.P.S Club and finishes 6th Club also finishing up with 50% Returns 2 from 4 Sent.
Johnny Very closely finishes behind Peter as the 2 brothers go neck and neck yet again, you just couldn’t write it. Johnny timed 3 Birds overall 2 on the day and another on the second day. The birds Finish 13th,17th and 63rd National, 9th,13th and 49th North Section. 2nd ,4th and 5th Ballyholland H.P.S Club. 4th,6th, and 10th Newry Centre.
Cormac O'Hare & Daughter
Another Fancier well represented in the Ballyholland Area Cormac always times and times well for that matter. Inland, Cross Channel or French Races he always rises to the occasion. Cormac Times 2 one on the first day and another on the final day. The birds take home the positions to Cormac loft with 15th and 80th National, 11th and 57th North Section. 5th and 14th Newry Centre. And claiming 3rd and 7th Ballyholland H.P.S Club
Ron Williamson
Ron is one of the Household names when it comes to the sport in general and especially from channel racing. Ron has timed and sent to all 3 races held in France Claiming 2nd National Position from St. Malo, 8th National from the King’s Cup. Ron timed 2 in the Friendship National finishing 21st and 86th National, 16th and 63rd North Section. 7th and 15th Newry Centre. 2nd and 4th Newry & District Club.
John J McCabe
After John J Timing well from the King’s Cup he sent to the Friendship National with every confidence in scoring yet again, and he did just that and even better positions. Finishing 3rd Newry & District Club. 8th Newry Centre and 38th National, 30th North Section.
Pictured is Johns 5 Year Old Blue Hen in her box after flying France to the Armagh Road. Sire is Leo Van Rign paired to Hartog Hen. Sire is Busscheart paired to Leo Van Rign. This is the Hens Third time in France with plenty of experience under her belt in her 5 years of racing with the bloodlines to match. John had sent her feeding a pair of 4 day old chicks. Nothing can come in the way of a mother’s heart for her offspring making the journey home to them. One of the many methods Jj uses for extra motivation for his pigeons. John J ‘The Tinkerman’ McCabe
Tommy Mooney & Son
Yet again to no surprise Tommy Mooney & Son time from the French Races. Another small team loft ‘The Boss’ always sticks by his ruling of 'Quality over Quantity' Pictured below is the Blue Chequer White Flight Yearling Hen from The Friendship National. This Hen Finished 50th National, 41st North Section. Winning Millvale H.P.S Club and taking 9th Newry Centre.
Sire is from Delbar Pigeons and the Dam is a mixture of the same bloodlines as the Cock they timed from the Kings Cup. The Father & Son Partnership also got a second bird home from the friendship on the fourth day just marginally missing out on the open prizes by about 15 minutes.
Yet again the Newry Area thrives at the French Races. Well done to all that timed.
From the 3 Races the Newry & Mourne Area seen a 2nd National Winner, The Grand National King’s Cup Winners 2022 and a 6th National, 2nd North Section Winner.
An Amazing year for the Newry Area in the Old Bird Programme and French Races with Results and records being broken every week and each season getting better and more successful than the last.
With the 2022 Old Bird Season Completed Fanciers now turn their attention to their Youngbirds. The Racing Programme starts Saturday the 16th of July and will continue to the Early part of September.
I would like to Congratulate everyone on their achievements during the Old bird Season
And the Best of Luck to all in the Upcoming 2022 Youngbird Season. Jordan Hughes PO.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 6803
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Re: Friendship Nat 2022 - 1st Open R Straney, Killyleagh
willie reynolds wrote: ↑Wed Mar 29, 2023 11:12 am
INFC race review 2022 by HOMER – Friendship OB National
The fourth race on the programme was the Friendship National usually flown from France on the weekend following the Grand National Kings Cup.
1st Open & 1st North Sect R Straney Killyleagh Central, Vel 1061 flying 426 miles, winning £206 and the Friendship Cup for the winner.
At 6.00am on Saturday 8th July almost 1,000 racing pigeons from lofts across the length and breadth of Ireland were released in St Malo on the north coast of France, competing in the Irish National Flying Club’s Friendship National. Given the conditions on the day, with the birds flying into a Northwest wind, a difficult race was expected and so it turned out.
At 5.47pm that afternoon a Black Chequer belonging to Bobby Straney, who races in the Killyleagh Central HPS, arrived home and was registered on the lofts electronic timing clock, Given the lack of reports on social media of birds arriving in the North a bird at this time, within 12 hours from release, was considered an early arrival.
On checking arrivals at the clock stations across Ireland that evening it was clear that Bobby’s bird was indeed the winner of the Friendship National in 2022. The race was sponsored by Beatties Bird & Pet Foods Tandragee. 1st 3 bags mixture, 2nd 2 bags mixture, 3rd 1 bag mixture.
INFC Friendship Nat St Malo Open 214/993 – R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, Norman Thompson Comber Cent 925, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858, C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 858, W McDowell & Son Drumnavaddy 802, J Murtagh & Son 798, A Kelly Skerries 780, Jim Robinson 735, G & J O’Hare Harmony HPS 707.
INFC North Sect St Malo - R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, Norman Thompson Comber Cent 925, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858.
INFC South Sect St Malo - F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly Skerries 780, B Cahill Skerries 619, James Graham Monaghan 586, F Moran 561, A Kelly 508, Massey & Duffy Newtown Kilpedder 491.
NIPA (Friendship Nat St Malo) - R Straney Killyleagh Cent 1061, Donnelly Bros Millvale 1017, Larkin Bros Blackwatertown WE 1007, A Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Gillan Newry & District 900, P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 888, J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 868, Jim Robinson Edgarstown 858, C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 858, W McDowell & Son Drumnavaddy 802, J Murtagh & Son 798, Jim Robinson 735, G & J O’Hare Harmony HPS 707, Ronnie Williamson Newry & Dist 669, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 610.
East Coast Federation (INFC) St Malo Friendship Nat - F Moran Malahide & Dist 1057, Hand & Kallmeyer Skerries 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly Skerries 780, B Cahill Skerries 619, F Moran 561, A Kelly 508, G O’reilly Malahide & Dist 480, B & P McEvoy Castlebellingham 473, C Reid Balbriggan 458, G O’Reilly 438, J Guildea & Son Balbriggan 410, Hand & Kallmeyer 394,
South Leinster Fed (INFC) St Malo – Massey & Duffy Newtown Kilpedder 491, 362, M/M M Gregg & Daughter Gorey RPS 303, Pat Lambert Arklow United Rpc 207.
East Down Combine (INFC) St Malo – R Straney Killyleagh 1061, Burns Bros Comber Soc 1004, N Thompson Comber Cent 925, R Straney 622, Adair & McCombs Crossgar 515, r Straney 509, Paul Brown Kircubbin 508, Adair & McCombs 489, 466, Paul Brown 269, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 262.
Ulster Federation (INFC) St Malo – S McAllister & Sons Lagan Valley 429.
Muckamore Station St Malo Friendship Nat – Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Witherspoon Horseshoe 641, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 624, Arnold Thompson 600, N Lusty Muckamore 577, R Duddy Ballyclare 570, R Duddy 525, Arnold Thompson 509, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 508, r Duddy 475, Mr & Mrs Magill Muckamore 456, C & r McIntyre Cullybackey 444, W Livingstone Ahoghill 242.
Coleraine Station St Malo Friendship Nat – A McCrudden Derry & District 665, John McConaghie Ballymoney 650, A McCrudden Derry & District 610, W & L McCaw Ballymoney 523, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 503.
East Antrim Combined St Malo Friendship Nat - Arnold Thompson Ballyclare 981, M Witherspoon Horseshoe 641, Arnold Thompson 600, R Duddy Ballyclare 570, R Duddy 525, Arnold Thompson 509, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 508, r Duddy 475.
Jimmy Smyth & Son - Best In the Mid Antrim Combine from St Malo
The INFC Friendship National was held on Friday 8th July with the birds liberated at 6.00am in calm condition. Jimmy Smyth & Son of Ahoghill FC had the best local bird winning 1st in the Mid Antrim Combine and 29th Open INFC National. Jimmy timed his yearling red hen sitting eggs 10 days at 10.26am on the second morning after her 474 miles fly. The sire is from Glen Smith of Cookstown and the dam from Sam Murphy of Randalstown. Jimmy, always a good supporter of this race won 1st Mid Antrim Combine, 5th North Section and 8th Open INFC when the race was flown from Lamballe in 2019 when only 49 birds were recorded in race time. Runners up in the Combine were Chris & Robin McIntyre of Cullybackey who timed at 20.39pm on the second day flying 493 miles to their Dervock lofts. This 3-year-old blue cock raced roundabout all season and was then paired up for St. Malo and sent on 9-day old eggs. A good racer having been in the section and open prizes from Talbenny last season and Penzance this year. He is full brother to 5 x 1st prize-winners for the brothers including 1st club & 4th Section Talbenny YB National and 1st club & 10th Section Rosscarbery YB National. Last season Chris & Robin had the best bird in the local area from this race winning 15th Open National this season they finish 1st club & 64th Open. In 2019 the loft won 3rd Section B & 10th Open in the NIPA French OB National from St. Malo and only last week in the Kings Cup race from Saint Allouestre they were placed 1st Club & 110th Open. Good consistent flying from the lads. The only other Combine member to be placed in the open result was Ahoghill's William Livingstone who timed at 9.54am on the fourth morning. William's yearling chequer cock sitting on newly hatched chicks is bred down from his old stock that he has inbred over the years and is closely related to last season's 7th Section & 72nd Open NIPA OB National St. Malo. The cock had 1st Talbenny and Bude before being sent to the Friendship. William who races a small team timed in all the INFC channel races this season having been placed 2nd Combine & 108th Open Sennen Cove Yearling National, 5th Combine & 155th Open King's Cup Saint Allouestre and from this race 3rd Combine & 88th Open Friendship National St. Malo. Not many can say they recorded arrivals in all three races this season and considering these results were achieved with a total of 8 birds sent to 3 races. Top racing from a small loft. Mervyn Eagleson PO.
Mid Antrim Combine Saint Malo Friendship National - 1st Jimmy Smyth & Son Ahoghill 624, 2nd Chris & Robin McIntyre Cullybackey 444, 3rd William Livingstone Ahoghill 242.
INFC Clubs St Malo Friendship National
Killyleagh Central – R Straney 1061, 622, 509.
Malahide & District - F Moran 1057, 561, G O’Reilly 480, 438.
Skerries – Hand & Kallmeyer 1036, 1036, 1034, A Kelly 780, B Cahill 619, A Kelly 508, Hand & Kallmeyer 394, A Kelly 308.
Millvale – Donnelly Bros 1017, T Mooney & Son 502, Donnelly Bros 426, 303.
Blackwatertown West End – Larkin Bros 1007, H & T & J Larkin 499.
Comber Social - Burns Bros 10.
Ballyclare & District – A Thompson 981, 600, R Duddy 570, 525, A Thompson 509, C & L Woodside 508, R Duddy 475.
Comber Central – Norman Thompson 925.
Newry & District – M Gillan 900, R Williamson 669, J J McCabe 552, R Williamson 257,
Ballyholland – P Murtagh & Son 888, J Murtagh & Son 868, C O’Hare & Son 858, J Murtagh & Son 798, 449, P Murtagh & Son 419, C O’Hare & Son 284.
Edgarstown – Jim Robinson 858, 735, R G & G Donaldson 279.
Drumnavaddy Inv – W McDowell & Son 802.
Harmony HPS – G & J O’Hare 669, L O’Neill & Son 356.
Derry & District – Anthony McCrudden 665, 610.
Laurelvale – G & C Topley 656, J Serplus 452.
Derriaghy – R Benson 654.
Ballymoney HPS – John McConaghie 650, W & L McCaw 523, D & H Stuart 503.
Horseshoe HPS – Mark Witherspoon 641.
Banbridge – McCracken Bros 637.
Lisburn & District – M O’Reilly & Son 632, G Benson 531, M O’Reilly & Son 292, Ian Donaghy 267.
Ahoghill Flying Club – J Smyth & Son 624, W Livingstone 242.
Monaghan – James Graham 586, 365,
Muckamore HPS – N Lusty 577, Mr & Mrs Magill 456.
Crossgar HPS – Adair & McComb’s 515, 489, 466, McCartan & Woodsides 262,
Annaghmore – T McClean 512, G Buckley & Sons 236.
Kircubbin HPS – Paul Brown 508, 269.
Newtown Kilpedder – Massey & Duffy 491, 362.
Bray Invitation – James Cullen 488, 344.
Colin HPS – P & K Braniff 475.
Castlebellingham – B & P McEvoy 473.
Balbriggan – C Reid 458, J Guildea & Son 410.
Cullybackey HPS – C & R McIntyre 444.
Lagan Valley RPC – S McAllister & Sons 429.
Dublin Northeast Rpc – P Rock & Son 425.
Gorey RPS – Mr & Mrs M Gregg & Daughter 303.
Markethill – R McCracken 259, 214.
Dromare – N Black & Son 253.
Bondhill Social – John Greenaway 237.
Hillsborough & Maze – J Kelly & Sons 221.
Arklow United Rpc – Pat Lambert 207.
Homer - Willie Reynolds INFC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.infcpigeons.co.uk
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
www.elimarpigeons.com
Photo Captions
Bobby Straney from Killyleagh collects the Freindship Nat Trophy at the INFC presentation.
The winner of the Friendship Nat for Bobby Straney of Killyleagh.
Fintan Moran from Malahide & Dist collects the British Barcelona Club cup for runner-up in the Friendship Nat
Hand & Kallmeyer from Skerries win the Henry Beattie & Son trophy for Best 2 Bird Ave Friendship OB Nat – 3rd and 4th Open INFC.
Jimmy Smyth from Ahoghill tops the Mid Antrim Combine for the second time in four seasons of the Friendship OB National.
Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare was best in the Muckamore Station and best bird into East Antrim.
Fintan Moran Malahide & District R.P.C. “Mr Reliable” Blue Cock IHU18S – 075713 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 31st Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 2nd Open.
Richard McCracken Markethill H.P.S. “Drumorgan Jake”Black Chequer Cock GB18X – 17128 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 59th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 92nd Open.
Arnold Thompson Ballyclare & District H.P.S. Blue Hen GB19B – 34028 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 9th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 45th Open.
Adair & McComb’s Crossgar H.P.S. “Sweet Lips” Blue w/f Hen IHU19N – 06340 Lamballe Friendship National 2021 39th Open, St. Malo Friendship National 2022 59th Open.
John Greenaway Bondhill Social H.P.S. Blue Cock GB19B-13280 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 5th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 96th Open.
Burns Bros Comber Social HPS “Wee Bridie” Blue Ch w/f Hen IHU19N-01702 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 6th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 138th Open.
A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland “Drumcove Clara” Blue Cheq Hen GB19B-32131 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 15th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 165th Open.
N Black & Son Dromara HPS “Honeysuckle” Pencil Blue Pied Hen GB18D-06256 St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2021 27th Open, St. Allouestre King’s Cup 2022 210th Open.