Gowran Park 13/08/22 -

[willie reynolds]

Cormac O’Hare & Daughter take top three in early liberation at Gowran Park -

With severe heat forecast over the weekend the NIPA posted early that not only would they proceed with the race from Gowran Park but advised all members there would be a very early liberation. The Newry area dominated the leading positions and Cormac O’Hare & Daughter will long remember this race first three birds in Ballyholland and 1st, 2nd & 3rd in Section G, and same positions in the NIPA Open. Liberation was at 6.30am wind Lt Northerly, and birds were home before the real heat. Lt Northerly en-route, at release it was 14 degrees.

Hi Everyone - As promised, I will bring you all up to date with the arrangements for the 5-Bird race from Fermoy to be flown on Saturday 20th August. The members of the Nipa voted for this race to be flown earlier in the young bird programme, it is not usually flown until after Talbenny National.

The arrangements put in place for this race to be flown have now been amended and all other arrangements have been cancelled.

The new arrangements are as follows, I appreciate they will not suit everyone,

1, The race will be flown on Saturday 20th August 2022 weather permitting.

2, All pigeons will be race marked at your club and collected by the transporter.

3, All pigeons race marked for Fermoy & the Five Bird will be spread as evenly as possible over all club crates. There will be no exceptions permitted.

4, You will pay your entry fee for the Five Bird to your club. Your Club will forward all entry forms and cheque via the transporter.

5, Your club will arrange with another club for two members of their club to oversee the race marking of all five bird entries, it should be possible to arrange this as many members are not racing young birds.

6, If you record an arrival from the Five Bird Race you must have your clock checked off at your centre no exceptions permitted.

7, If you do not record an arrival from the 5 Bird Race you will be able to have your clock checked at your club.

8, All pigeons will compete for Nipa Open and Section positions in Fermoy young bird race.

9 The Nipa will produce an open & section results for both races.

Best Regards F C Russell Nipa Sec.

NIPA Race/Date
Gowran Park Saturday 13th August 2022, liberation at 6.30am wind Lt Northerly

NIPA Open Gowran Park 526/15,333 –
1-1G C O’Hare & Daughter Ballyholland 1421, 2-2G C O’Hare & Daughter 1421, 3-3G C O’Hare & Daughter 1420, 4-4G Owen Markey Ballyholland 1419, 5-5G Owen Markey 1418, 6-6G Ron Williamson Newry & Dist 1418, 7-7G Owen Markey 1417, 8-8G D McCartney & Son Ballyholland 1416, 9-9G Mark Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1412, 10-10G D McCartney & Son 141111-11G Gary Murphy Ballyholland 1409, 12-12G N Murtagh Millvale 1406, 13-13G N Murtagh 1405, 14-1E G & S McMullan Drumnavaddy 1405, 15-14G Mark Maguire & Son 1405, 16-2E A Feeney & Son Gilford & Dist 1396, 17-15G Mark Maguire & Son 1395, 18-3E Thompson & Lunn Newry City 1393, 19-16G F Simpson Banbridge 1392, 20-17G Owen Markey 1391.

NIPA Section results Gowran Park

NIPA Section A 34/835 – Philip McElhatton Coalisland & Dist 1303, W & J McLean Rasharkin & Dist 1286, K Murphy Coalisland & Dist 1269, J Hanson Coleraine Prem 1268, J Hanson 1267, J Hanson 1267, B & D Coyle Coleraine Prem 1264, B Morgan Coalisland & Dist 1263, P McElhatton 1260, R McElhatton Coalisland & Dist 1259.

NIPA Section B 73/1953 – S & J Bones and T Yates Muckamore 1388, 1360, T Johnston & Son Harryville 1355, S & J Bones and T Yates 1342, 1341, 1341, 1332, Fleming Bros Crumlin & Dist 1329, D Dixon Ballymoney 1326, T Johnston & Son 1325.

NIPA Section C 85/2287 – D & J Campbell Eastway 1379, G McKenna Eastway 1376, Whiteside Bros Eastway 1375, G McKenna 1375, G & M Atcheson Ligoniel 1371, G McKenna 1371, Grattan Bros Eastway 1367, G McKenna 1364, D McElhone Eastway 1363, Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1363.

NIPA Section D 66/2142 – J & L Smyth Trinity RPC 1389, J & L Smyth 1383, I Rollins & Son Hills & Maze 1381, J Greenaway Hills & Maze 1379, J & L Smyth 1375, J & L Smyth 1374, J Greenaway 1373, J Greenaway 1373, J Greenaway 1372, J Greenaway 1369.

NIPA Section E 120/4207 – G & S McMullan Drumnavaddy 1405, A Feeney & Son Gilford & Dist 1396, Thompson & Lunn Newry City Inv 1393, S Curran Lurgan Son 1384, G Marsden Glenavy & Dist 1377, G O’Down Gilford & Dist 1375, Thompson & Lunn 1370, A Craig Laurelvale 1370, J Whitten & Son Portadown & Drumcree 1370, J Whitten & Son 1370, A Craig 1369.

NIPA Section F 43/1132 – R Watson & Son Killyleagh Cent 1303, Gordon Bros & Sons Kircubbin 1301, D Grieves Killyleagh & Dist 1299, T Smyth Killyleagh Cent 1298, Gordon Bros & Sons 1295, Gordon Bros & Sons 1295, Gordon Bros & Sons 1295, Gordon Bros & Sons 1295, Gordon Bros & Sons 1295, 1295.

NIPA Section G 48/2028 – C O’Hare & Daughter Ballyholland 1421, C O’Hare & Daughter 1421, C O’Hare & Daughter 1420, Owen Markey Ballyholland 1419, Owen Markey 1418, Ron Williamson Newry & Dist 1418, Owen Markey 1417, D McCartney & Son Ballyholland 1416, Mark Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1412, D McCartney & Son 1411.

NIPA Section H 57/749 – David Booth Mourne & Dist 1221, R McMonagle Amelia Earhart 1203, A Kelly Omagh & Dist 1180, J Coyle Foyle 1178, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1175, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1165, L Flanagan Londonderry 1163, David Booth 1162, P Hegarty Derry & Dist 1156, A Kelly 1152.

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland & District 7/214 – P McElhatton 1303, K Murphy 1269, B Morgan 1263, P McElhatton 1260, R McElhatton 1259, K Murphy 1255.

Coleraine Premier HPS 11/463 – T & J McDonald 1308, 1284, J Hanson 1268, T & J McDonald 1268, J Hanson 1267, 1267.

Coleraine & County Derry 6/86 – T McCrudden 1256, 1236, 1197, 1189, W V& W Murdock 1175, B McCrudden 1163.

Dungannon & District 7/164 – B Isbaner 1230, 1229, 1193, 1179, 1162, 1155.

Windsor Social 7/223 – R & J Parke 1260, 1259, 1250, 1540, 1239, 1231.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Amelia Earhart 8/85 – R McMonagle 1203, E Quigley 1123, R McMonagle 1080, mC Fox 991, R McMonagle 983, E Quigley 964.

Derry & District 9/139 – J & G Ramsey 1175, P Hegarty 1156, A McCrudden 1150, 1122, 1120, R Gallagher 1120.

Foyle RPS 12/127 – John Coyle 1178, P Maxwell Jnr 1151, 1105, 1102.

Londonderry PRS 3/21 – L Flanagan 1163, 1127, 1118, 907.

Maiden City 6/82 – P McLaughlin 1165, R Lyle 1108, J McConomy 1098, R Lyle 1085, J McConomy 1083, P McLaughlin 1082.

Mourne & District 4/78 – David Booth 1221, 1162, S Gilmore 1116, T Booth 1107, C & C Reid 1077, David Booth 1069.

Omagh & District 5/91 – A Kelly 1180, 1152, 1151, 1091, 1079, K Armstrong 1055.

Strabane & District 4/36 – Iggy Deazley 1109, J Gamble 1095, 1019, J White 849, T Ferguson 823, J White 806.

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 13/249 – Young McManus & Sons 1287, T Whyte 1274, 1261, 1259, J Smyth & Son 1258, T Whyte 1238. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – T Whyte 1261, 1282.

Ballymoney HPS 9/250 – D Dixon 1326, 1322, J Connolly 1318, J Hutchinson & Son 1294, J Connolly 1270, Young & Gibson 1268.

Dervock RPS 2/46 – C McCook 1250, 1238, D & H Stuart 1221, 1196.

Cullybackey HPS 5/215 – G Gibson 1322, J & J Greer 1307, G Gibson 1305, 1305, 1293, J & J Greer 1288.

Crumlin & District 7/160 – Fleming Bros 1329, G Grant 1314, Sefton Thompson 1304, 1304, McConville Bros 1296, 1273.

Harryville HPS 10/234 – T Johnston & Son 1355, 1325, Johnston & Richards 1324, 1308, 1304.

Kells & District HPS 5/118 – H Turkington 1310, H Boyd 1303, A Barkley & Son 1299, Gregg Bros 1297, H Boyd 1294, Surgenor Bros 1267. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – H Turkington 1260, Gregg Bros 1246, Surgenor Bros 1160, Gregg Bros 1017, A Barkley & Son 873. Henry Turkington wins the Alan Barkley Memorial Shield and Harry Boyd wins the YB Knock-out cup beating Surgenor Bros in the final.

Muckamore 7/263 – S & J Bones and T Yates 1388, 1360, 1342, 1341, 1341, 1332. Winner was timed at 9.29am flying 141 miles, super card with the Top 12 positions and 1st Section B. Gowran park. Blue cock 1st club 236 pigeons. 1st section 1953 pigeons. 22nd open 15333 pigeons. Purchased in a kit of 6 young birds from R Moore and son Bangor. Slate hen 2nd club 236 birds, 2nd section 1953 birds, 71st open 15333 pigeons. Bred in own stock loft from Vandebeele's a son of Glen Mcneilly second place Skibereen National.

Randalstown HPS 6/135 – F & G & J Dickey 1288, 1286, Stewart Bros 1226, 1219, F & G & J Dickey 1216, W & W Gilbert 1215.

Rasharkin & District 6/66 – W & J McLean 1286, A C & T Tweed 1248, H Cubitt 1236, A C & T Tweed 1235, W & J McLean 1221, H Cubitt 1220. The McClean team finish 2nd Section A.

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Annaghmore 11/533 – T McClean 1347, J & E Calvin 1331, T McClean 1331, W G Neill 1330, G Calvin & Son 1328, T McClean 1324.

Armagh HPS 9/239 – D C & P McArdle 1291, P Duffy 1284, D C & P McArdle 1284, 1278, I Parkes & Son 1271, P Duffy 1267.

Beechpark Social 8/239 – D Mawhinney & Son 1330, G & P Lavery 1328, M Duggan & Son 1319, D Mawhinney & Son 1313, M Duggan & Son 1303, C Reynolds 1301.

Blackwatertown HPS 7/220 – Larkin Bros 1341, 1341, 1341, H T & J Larkin 1322, Larkin Bros 1312, Al Larkin 1309.

Bondhill Social – David Calvin 1341, 1337, 1308, 1308, 1307, 1307.

Edgarstown 11/465 – R & J McCracken 1368, 1352, David Love 1337, R & J McCracken 1333, 1329, R Bell & Sons 1309. Well done Jim on a cracking result taking the top two and five in the top ten of the result from a very warm and testing Gowran Park. Well done to all in result.

Gilford & District 8/300 – A Feeney & Son 1396, G O’Dowd 1375, Rafferty & Toman 1360, 1340, 1337, G O’Dowd 1327.

Laurelvale 8/255 – A Craig 1370, 1369, 1368, C Brown 1347, C Duke & Sons 1313, A Craig 1300.

Loughgall 7/396 – R Calvin & Daughter 1297, 1293, 1293, 1290, 1288, 1285.

Lurgan Social 21/737 – S Curran 1384, D Carville & Son 1364, S Curran 1361, R Adamson 1338, D & B Lyness 1337, R Adamson 1331.

Markethill 7/248 – R McCracken 1350, 1350, J & H Muldrew & McMurray 1336, R McCracken 1319, J & H Mukldrew & McMurray 1319, 1319.

Monaghan 9/192 – R Mulligan 1213, K Alister 1208, P Tierney 1194, C & O Meyers 1193, G Swift 1185, R Mulligan 1180.

Portadown & Drumcree 6/215 – J Whitten & Son 1370, J Gordon 1348, J Whitten & Son 1335, 1320, 1311, Sloan & Reid 1310. Jay and myself are delighted with winning our 4th young bird race of the year. A big thanks to Gerald Delaney for providing the parents of the pigeon clocked today finishing 9th Section E from 4,207 birds.
Also well done to all members in the Top 10. Jason Whitten PO.

Federation & Combine results Gowran Park -

Coleraine Triangle Gowran Park – T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1308, T & J McDonald 1284, J Hanson Coleraine Prem 1268, T & J McDonald 1268, J Hanson 1267, J Hanson 1267, B & D Coyle Coleraine Prem 1264, T & J McDonald 1261, R & J Parke Windsor Social 1260, R & J Parke 1259, S Diamond Coleraine Prem 1256, T McCrudden Coleraine & County Derry 1256, Diamond Bros & G McLaughlin Coleraine Prem 1256, J Hanson 1254, B & D Coyle 1251, R & J Parke 1250, J Hanson 1249, M & J Howard & Son Coleraine Prem 1248, Diamond Bros & G McLaughlin 1242, S Diamond 1241, M & J Howard & Son 1241, R & J Parke 1240, R & J Parke 1239, B & D Coyle 1238, T McCrudden Coleraine & Co Derry 1236.

Foyle Valley Combine Gowran Park - R McMonagle Amelia Earhart 1203, J Coyle Foyle 1178, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1175, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1165, L Flanagan Londonderry 1163, P Hegarty Derry & Dist 1156, P Maxwell Jnr Foyle 1151, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1150, L Flanagan 1127, E Quigley Amelia Earhart 1123, A McCrudden 1122, 1120, R Gallagher Derry & Dist 1120, D Canning Derry & Dist 1120, L Flanagan 1118, Iggy Deazley Strabane 1109, R Lyle Maiden City 1108, P Maxwell Jnr 1105, 1102, A McCrudden 1099.

City of Derry Federation - R McMonagle Amelia Earhart 1203, J Coyle Foyle 1178, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1175, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1165, L Flanagan Londonderry 1163, P Hegarty Derry & Dist 1156, P Maxwell Jnr Foyle 1151, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1150, L Flanagan 1127, E Quigley Amelia Earhart 1123, A McCrudden 1122, 1120, R Gallagher Derry & Dist 1120, D Canning Derry & Dist 1120, L Flanagan 1118, R Lyle Maiden City 1108, P Maxwell Jnr 1105, 1102, A McCrudden 1099, J McConomy Maiden City 1098.

HOMER. Willie Reynolds

Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683

Mobile: 07538 238364

Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw

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Trevor Johnston & Son best locally from Gowran Park -

The young bird season continued with the fifth race from Gowran Park in County Kilkenny on Saturday 13th August. The NIPA liberation took place at 6.30am in east to northeast winds. Trevor Johnston & Son of Harryville had a big early arrival timing the best bird in the local area at 9.57am to their loft's on the Doury Road to record 1355. Trevor's winning chequer white flight cock wins 3rd Section B and was purchased in a kit from his cousin Chris Houston. Danny Dixon of Dunloy was next best topping the Mid Antrim Combine with two birds on 1326 & 1322. Danny's two birds both red cocks are uncle's to clubmate Davy Devenney's NIPA Open winner from 2nd Kilbeggan. Gary Gibson the Cullybackey winner was next best on 1322 with a dark hen bred by D, C & P McArdle of Armagh and is from their Van den Brande family. Other local winners included Henry Turkington of Kells on 1310 with a young bird bred by clubmate Geoff Surgenor, Frank Dickey best in Randalstown on 1288 and Young & McManus & Sons best in Ahoghill on 1287 under strong pressure from Trevor Whyte. Mervyn Eagleson PO.

Mid Antrim Combine Gowran Park 39/926 - D Dixon Rasharkin 1326, D Dixon Rasharkin 1322, G Gibson Cullybackey 1322, D Dixon Rasharkin 1321 D Dixon Rasharkin 1320, H Turkington Kells 1310, D Dixon Rasharkin 1308, D Dixon Rasharkin 1308, J & J Greer Cullybackey 1307, G Gibson Cullybackey 1305, G Gibson Cullybackey 1305, H Boyd Kells 1303, A Barkley & Son Kells 1299, Gregg Bros Kells 1297, H Boyd Kells 1294, G Gibson Cullybackey 1293, J & J Greer Cullybackey 1288, A Darragh Cullybackey 1288, F & G & J Dickey Randalstown 1288, A Darragh Cullybackey 1288, G Gibson Cullybackey 1287, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1287, W & J McLean Rasharkin 1286, A Darragh Cullybackey 1286, F & G & J Dickey Randalstown 1286

Mid Antrim CombineYoung Bird Knock-Out Q/F (winners in capitals)

F Barkley v STEWART BROS, YOUNG & McMANUS & SONS v J Eagleson & Sons (never sent), J Miller v SURGENOR BROS, A Shiels v D DIXON.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs Gowran Park

Ahoghill Flying Club 13/249 – Young McManus & Sons 1287, T Whyte 1274, 1261, 1259, J Smyth & Son 1258, T Whyte 1238. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – T Whyte 1261, 1282.

Cullybackey HPS 5/215 – G Gibson 1322, J & J Greer 1307, G Gibson 1305, 1305, 1293, J & J Greer 1288.

Harryville HPS 10/234 – T Johnston & Son 1355, 1325, Johnston & Richards 1324, 1308, 1304.

Kells & District HPS 5/118 – H Turkington 1310, H Boyd 1303, A Barkley & Son 1299, Gregg Bros 1297, H Boyd 1294, Surgenor Bros 1267. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – H Turkington 1260, Gregg Bros 1246, Surgenor Bros 1160, Gregg Bros 1017, A Barkley & Son 873. Henry Turkington wins the Alan Barkley Memorial Shield and Harry Boyd wins the YB Knock-out cup beating Surgenor Bros in the final.

Randalstown HPS 6/135 – F & G & J Dickey 1288, 1286, Stewart Bros 1226, 1219, F & G & J Dickey 1216, W & W Gilbert 1215.

Rasharkin & District 6/66 – W & J McLean 1286, A C & T Tweed 1248, H Cubitt 1236, A C & T Tweed 1235, W & J McLean 1221, H Cubitt 1220.

Obituary – I have the sad duty to inform the fancy of two more big stars of recent years having passed away firstly William McKillen who raced for many years in the Ballymena & District under W & S McKillen. He scored many top results when racing and was especially interested in the long-distance events and had a great team of birds based on the old Kenyon family of birds raced in the same club by the famous Smyth Bros. For many years he operated Hilltop Feeds on the Old Bal;lymoney Road and always had a top selection of the various mixtures. Over the weekend I was informed of the passing of Matt Wray who raced with great success in the Harryville HPS where he was a founder member and more recently filled the post of Secretary. In his hey-day he could score from all points and again he had a great interest in the long-distance events not having success just for himself racing under Wray & McFadden but had produced several birds to win for other lofts across Ireland. He never missed the annual Blackpool Show and I travelled with him on the last occasion I was there myself, his final house move was to 141 Moat Road, and I have mentioned before we ourselves lived there in the early 70’s and had great fun in our early days in the sport. Out in company Matt was always great craic, never let his bone go to the dog. Due to ill health, he retired from the sport earlier this year, he will be sadly missed. HOMER.

Photo Captions

Cormac O’Hare from Ballyholland in Newry, winner of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Open NIPA Gowran Park.

Phillip McElhatton of Coalisland & Dist 1st Club & 1st Sect A Gowran Park. Mealy cock Van Lock. Already a winner of 1st Club, 23rd Sect A Tullamore.

Gerry Quinn Coalisland & District, winner 1st Club and 1st Sect A Roscrea with a blue hen.

Geoffrey McMullan from Drumnavaddy, winner of 1st Section E from Gowran Park.

Jason Bones (l) and Trevor Yates. 2nd Kilbeggan. 1st Club 334 pigeons. 1st Section B 2541 pigeons. 6th Open 15000 pigeons. Pigeon is from the stock loft from birds purchased from S Hunt Dublin. See text at Muckamore HPS.

Trevor Johnston has 1st & 2nd in Harryville HPS and has the best bird in Ballymena.

Danny Dixon from Dunloy wins 1st and 2nd in the MAC from Gowran Park. Included in the photo is his grand-daughter Danni McMullan.

Gary Gibson 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Cullybackey plus 3rd Mid Antrim Comb.

Henry Turkington won Kells and Sizzlers 2B Club, first time winner of Alan Barkley Memorial Shield.

Jim McCracken had 1st & 2nd in the Portadown based Edgarstown HPS.

Jay Whitten four wins in the young bird at Portadown & Drumcree.

Inside the new clubrooms for Amelia Earhart in Derry City.

Amelia Earhart members greet the NIPA transporter at their new clubrooms.


Big OB Season in City of Newry -

End of June Early July...for many it is the start of Summer. Schools off, Holidays taken off work, getaways planned, suitcases packed. But for Pigeon Fanciers this time of year is the Start of French Racing from Ireland.

This time of the year, the Old Bird Season comes to a close, with the last of the Inland Races up Ireland all completed, some fanciers shut up shop happy with their birds performing well in Sprint racing in Ireland while others relish and live for these Marathon challenges that is long distance pigeon racing.

There are 3 Annual Races held from France in 3 week intervals each year to finish off the Old Bird race programme. For anyone not aware of the status that these races hold. These Races are the equivalent to the Grand National, Gold Cup and Royal Ascot of Pigeon Racing. The Winners of these races all have their Name forever etched into the History of the Sport and outside of it.

Up first is the NIPA St. Malo National. Following up with the INFC Grand National St. Allouestre King's Cup and then, last but not least, the INFC Lamballe Friendship National to finish off the Old Bird Season.

This week the N.I.P.A St. Malo National was held on Thursday the 23rd of June. Fanciers sent their 20 Bird Limit teams for race marking through Newry Centre on Monday 20th of June. The Designated N.I.P.A lorry’s picked up our birds along with the entirety if the North of Irelands. The Lorry’s then embarked on their oourney to the North of France to the Liberation Site.

The N.I.P.A got the all clear from the race controlling team and liberated 1,262 Pigeons at 6.15am in a Light North Easterly Wind. The Race point is approximately 432 miles from club members respective lofts in Newry & Mourne Area. The First Pigeons flight time into the Newry area just was over 13 hours and 25 minutes. Races from France are a 3 Day Race meaning members can time their Pigeons on the 2nd and 3rd Day from when first liberated and still be highly in the open and win clubs and prize money.

Newry Centre & Newry & District H.P.S St. Malo Winner was Ron Williamson
Ron knows what its like to time out these races including winning them. Ron Won this prestigous Race last season from St. Malo and this year finishes a close 2nd National this time round. Pictured below holding last years St. Malo National Winner along with a photo of this years 2nd National Winner. A 2-year-old Blue White Flight Hen called "Lady Lou". Ron wins the Newry Centre and Wins the Club and Section G finishing overall 2nd, 7th, 40th, and 52nd Open in the N.I.P.A out of 1,064 Birds taking home a great sum of prize money for his positions.

With only 72 Pigeons arrived home over the 3 Days it was a typical race out of France with the journey home never being an easy task.

There was a total of 12 birds made the journey home to Newry & Mourne over the 3 Days with 4 arrivals on the Day. 7 on the second day followed by 1 on the 3rd day.
Other arrivals in the Newry & District Club came early on the 2nd Morning. A full 24 hours away from home and having to spend the night alone before making the journey towards Bessbrook to the Loft of Gary Hughes & Son Jordan. Picture of Gary & Jordans 2-year-old Mealy Cock "Silver Lining" was taking moments after arriving home from St. Malo at 6.56 am happy and content to be back home flying straight up to his box changing over with his Hen to sit on their 2 Eggs. Gary & Jordan Finish 3rd Club, 5th Newry Centre, 15th National and 6th Section G. This is the 4th Consecutive year that they have timed out of St. Malo not an easy feat to achieve.
The Ballyholland Area had a great turnout from France with 3 members Clocking 5 Birds. All lofts within touching reach of each other.

Aidan McAteer a hard day specialist as he is known for throughout Ireland. Aidan has a coveted record from France. Finishing 2nd National from this race with multiple awards and diploma winners from these French Races. Aidan wins Ballholland Club, 2nd Newry Centre, 5th National, 2nd Section G with a 2-year-old Blue Hen out of his best distance bloodlines.

Michael McDonald a man that never gives up hope in these races. Michael was up every morning from Dawn with full confidence in the 2 Birds he sent. That paid off when his 2-year-old Blue Chequer hen landed at his loft on the 2nd Morning taking 2nd Club 32nd National. With 50% returns Michael is well satisfied.

Cormac O'Hare another Fancier who never fails from these races and even inland racing. But Cormac himself even said he lives for these races and the buzz and adrenaline rush you get is indescribable. Cormac is another fancier with 50% returns clocking 3 out of 6. With 2 on the second day and another on the final day. With a result to build on from the Sennen Cove Yearling National it only got better for him finishing 37th, 54th and 67th National with every pigeons performance as better than the last. One of Cormac’s birds also won the Silver Award for 3 Times in the Open positions out of St. Malo in 2020, 2021 and now 2022 three years on the bounce brilliant achievement

On the other side of Newry in the Sheepbridge area. Richard and John Donnelly of Donnelly Bros of Newry City had the shock of their lives when their 3-year-old Blue Cock landed beside Richard as he was locking up the Landing Board towards the edge of dark on the 1st Day. Richard Pictured with Daughter Faith after finishing 6th and 44th National and 3rd Section G. Donnelly Bros also achieved the Bronze Diploma for 2 times in the NIPA Open positions from St. Malo in two hard races.

1 down 2 to go. Up next is the much anticipated, INFC Grand National Blue Riband Kings Cup race, to be followed by the Friendship National. Best of luck to all who has entered. Keep an eye out for the INFC Updates. Jordan Hughes PO.

Photo Captions

Winner for Ron Williamson Lady Lou 1st Sect G & 2nd Open NIPA OB Nat St Malo 432 miles, vel 943ypm.

Second bird for Ron Williamson 4th Sect G & 7th Open NIPA St Malo vel 781ypm. Winner of the Devine Memorial Trophy for Best 2 Bird Average.

The Ronnie Johnston French Diploma (Best Ave St Malo & Kings Cup) winner was Ron Williamson of Newry City. 6th Open INFC St Allouestre Grand National, flying 460 miles, vel 1193.

Donnelly Bros - Richard Donnelly holding his Winning Pigeon ‘Wee Tilly’
3 Birds Clocked finishing overall 6th,67th and 78th National, 2nd,52nd and 55th North Section. Taking 1st,11th,13th Newry Centre and claiming the top 3 Positions in Newry City Inv. Club Only Fancier North and South of Ireland to clock on the day in the three French races.