The NIPA race season for 2023 started as planned at Tullamore on Saturday 15th April, the weather had been poor in the week with plenty of rain and high winds and it was cold, not the birds favourite. Saturday turned out good enough and in a helping Southerly wind the birds raced home at a mile a minute for the top winners. Many congratulations to the 1st Open NIPA winner Ronnie Witherow a top racer in Limavady for many years. For this year’s press coverage, I am joined with Jordan Hughes from Newry who will be covering all the news in Sections C, D, F & G. Do remember we need info on each 1st Sect winner and a photo holding the bird if possible, and any other 1st Club winners. Deadlines are tight and info must be sent ASAP over weekend of the race.
NIPA Tullamore Open 524/14,706 – 1-1H Ronnie Witherow Limavady 1784, 2-1A B Isbaner Dungannon 1777, 3-2H A McCrudden Derry & District 1770, 4-1B T & J McDonald Ballymoney 1768, 5-1E John Greenaway Bondhill 1766, 6-2E K Allister Monaghan 1758, 7-2B J Connolly Ballymoney 1758, 8-3B H Cubitt Rasharkin 1757, 9-4B D & H Stuart 1756, 10-5B H Cubitt 1756, 11-3E R Mulligan Monaghan 1756, 12-4E R Mulligan 1755, 13-6B Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1753, 14-7B D Dixon Ballymoney 1753, 15-8B D & H Stuart 1752, 16-9B D & H Stuart 1751, 17-3H L & M Moran Derry & Dist 1748, 18-10B M & J Howard & Son Coleraine Prem 1748, 19-5E J & E Calvin Annaghmore 1747, 20-6E J & E Calvin 1746.
NIPA Section C Tullamore 111/2631 – P & M Travers Glen 1715, A & T Agnew Ballyclare & Dist 1713, T Longman Ligoniel 1712, J & D Braniff Glen 1708, 1706, 1705, C McManus Ligoniel 1704, T Longman 1704, McMurray & Anderson Ligoniel 1703.
NIPA Section D Tullamore 68/1923 – H Jennings & Sons Hills & Maze 1713, J & L Smyth Trinity 1710, r Keegan & Son Dromore 1707, O & M Monaghan Colin 1703, 1702, 17o2, I Gibb & Sons Glenavy & Dist 1701, O & M Monaghan 1701, J Ward & Son Glen 1697, J Greenaway Hills & Maze 1696.
NIPA Section F Tullamore 47/1110 – R Moore & Son Bangor 1651, Burgess & Brennan Bangor 1629, 1624, 1623, R Moore & Son 1619, 1618, 1618, P Brown & Son Corrigs 1613, McCartan & Woodside Crossgar 1609, Burgess & Brennan 1602.
NIPA Section G Tullamore 27/927 – J F McCabe & Son Newry & Dist 1700, 1699, 1698, Mark Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1696, 1696, 1691, S Ogle Drumnavaddy 1688, Ron Williamson Newry & Dist 1686, 1686, Mark Maguire & Son 1685.
NIPA Race/Date
Tullamore Saturday 15th April 2023 – Liberated at 10.45am in Fresh Variable Southerly wind.
NIPA Section A Tullamore 43/1466 – B Isbaner Dungannon & Dist 1777, B & D Coyle Coleraine Prem 1746, G & S Smith Cookstown Soc 1745, R McAlary Coleraine Prem Coleraine Prem 1743, G & S Smith 1742, S Diamond Coleraine Prem 1739, B Morgan Coalisland 1731, J Hanson Coleraine Prem 1731, Diamond Bros & G McLaughlin Coleraine Prem 1730, M McPhillips Coalisland 1730.
NIPA Sect A Clubs
Coalisland & District 11/420 – B Morgan 1731, M McPhillips 1730, B Morgan 1729, M McPhillips 1729, 1725, 1725.
Coleraine Premier HPS 15/617 – T & J McDonald 1768, M & J Howard & Son 1748, B & D Coyle 1746, R McAlary 1743, S Diamond 1739, T & J McDonald 1734. Congratulations Trevor & Jennifer. Good win today. Brilliant 1st Section B and 4th Open NIPA.This is the Stickers Donkers hen second win. She won Gowran Park as a youngster last year. She is off a daughter of Gary Gibson’s Golden pair when paired to a son of Bart purchased at Kevin Moran’s clearance sale. This pair has now bred 3 winners for Trevor& Jennifer, including two 1st Section B winners. A Moffatt PO.
Coleraine & County Derry RPS –
Cookstown Social 6/231 – G & S Smith 1745, 1742, 1714, 1714, W M Bleeks & Son 1695, G & S Smith 1689.
Castledawson 3/57 – S McFlynn 1600, Lynn & Leacock 1597, 1577, S McFlynn 1571, 1557, 1552.
Dungannon & District 5/71 – Bartek Isbaner 1777, 1711, 1710, 1709, I Blair 1692, 1675.
Windsor Social 6/236 – R & J Parke 1742, M Simpson 1737, C Parke 1712, r & J Parke 1712, 1689, 1689.
NIPA Section B Tullamore 77/2274 – T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1768, J Connolly Ballymoney 1758, H Cubitt Rasharkin & Dist 1757, D & H Stuart Ballymoney n1756, H Cubitt 1756, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1753, D Dixon Ballymoney 1753, D & H Stuart 1752, D & H Stuart 1751, M & J Howard & Son Coleraine Prem 1748.
NIPA Sect B Clubs
Ahoghill Flying Club 6/262 – Young McManus & Sons 1753, T Whyte 1703, Young McManus & Sons 1698, J Smyth & Son 1695, T Whyte 1684, Young McManus & Sons 1682.
Ballymoney HPS 14/486 – J Connolly 1758, D & H Stuart 1756, D Dixon 1753, D & H Stuart 1752, 1751, D Dixon 1744.
Ballymoney West Combine –
Broughshane & District 3/39 – M Neilly 1580, J Getty 1565, T & M Morrow 1557, 1557, J Getty 1497, M Neilly 1486. Many thanks to Ahoghill who helped out with race marking at short notice.
Ballymena & District HPS 3/139 – J Eagleson & Sons 1666, 1659, 1658, 1658, Blair & Rankin 1653, J Eagleson & Sons 1651.
Cullybackey HPS 10/283 – G Gibson 1726, 1724, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1720, G Gibson 1714, 1707, C & R McIntyre 1701.
Crumlin & District 5/90 –Fleming Bros 1694, McConville Bros 1675,R & S Hope 1663, McConville Bros 1655, 1653, 1632.
Dervock RPS -
Harryville HPS 7/194 – J Rock 1712, 1667, 1665, S Crawford 1659, S Johnston & Son 1659, S Crawford 1654.
Kells & District HPS 7/171 – H Boyd 1703, 1692, Surgenor Bros 1679, 1671, 1659, A Barkley & Son 1645. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – A Barkley & Son 1604, Gregg Bros 1596, H Boyd 1559, B Swann & Son 1556, S McIlveen 1540.
Muckamore HPS 8/272 – S & N Maginty 1706, 1700, 1699, S Murphy 1694, 1693, 1684.
Randalstown HPS 6/133 – J Millar 1679, 1678, 1675, Stewart Bros 1670, 1668, 1664.
Rasharkin &District HPS 6/99 – H Cubitt 1757, 1756, W McFetridge 1745, H Cubitt 1738, 1724, A C & T Tweed 1722.
NIPA Section E Tullamore 94/3021 – John Greenaway Bondhill Social 1766, K Allister Monaghan 1758, R Mulligan Monaghan 1756, 1755, J & E Calvin Annaghmore 1747, 1746, G Buckley & Son Annaghmore 1745, J & E Calvin 1744, M Bruce & Daughter Markethill 1742, G & S Simmons Edgarstown 1736.
NIPA Sect E Clubs
Annaghmore 9/286 – J & E Calvin 1747, 1746, G Buckley & Son 1745, J & E Calvin 1744, P Boyd 1703, J & E Calvin 1703.
Armagh HPS 12/454 – G & A Campbell 1722, Kelly Bros 1719, R Parkes & Son 1710, 1704, D C & P McArdle 1701, G & A Campbell 1696.This week's result from Tullamore. Taking first place are the lofts of G & A Campbell, certainly no strangers to the Red Card and starting the season off strong, just in front of J. Kelly (2nd) and also two good birds for R. Parkes & Son to finish in 3rd & 4th spot. Taking first spot in the club race is Joe Kelly. Well done to all who sent this week and good luck to all for the rest of the season.
Beechpark Social 5/85 – G McEvoy 1685, D Mawhinney & Son 1680, 1680, 1679, 1665, 1655.
Blackwatertown HPS –
Bondhill Social 2/160 – John Greenaway 1766, David Calvin 1701, 1700, 1692, 1691, 1689.
Edgarstown 12/301 – G & C Simmons 1736, 1717, T McClean 1708, G & C Simmons 1694, 1693, S & E Buckley 1687. Team Simmons delighted with today’s performance taking the top 2 the winner a 2-year-old Roundabout hen was a gift from Jim Armstrong of Carrick this hen got badly hurt last season after the 4th race she was fixed up and left to heal, she has done the business today. Well done to all in the result ps you can see who does the work around here.
Gilford & District 5/183 – A Feeney & Son 1702, 1699, 1683, T Wilson 1674, Moody Bros 1664, 1663.
Laurelvale 2/75 – Alan Craig 1714, 1686, 1677, 1652, 1652, 1649.
Loughgall 5/239 – N Weir 1733, 1732, 1731, R Calvin & Daughter 1709, J McGeary 1699, N Weir 1698.
Lurgan Social 15/471 – S Curran 1722, C J & B Ferris 1721, J Barr 1716, C J & B Ferris 1714, 1714, 1711.
Markethill HPS 5/124 – M Bruce & Daughter 1742, R McCracken 1682, J & H Muldrew & McMurray 1681, 1681, 1681, 1675.
Monaghan HPS 9/251 – K Allister 1758, r Mulligan 1756, 1755, 1685, 1681, G Swift 1659.
Portadown & Drumcree 6/146 – J Whitten & Son 1696, J Geary & Son 1693, J Whitten & Son 1648, J Geary & Son 1641, J Whitten & Son 1637, A McDonald 1620. Nom J Geary & Son. Young Jay delighted to get back to the racing again and claiming his first win of the season from today’s race, he timed another Hereman Ceuster from Cock Crow Breeding Lofts. Well done to all members finishing in the Top 10.
Meadows 3/54 – Joe Brown 1654, 1652, A Larkin 1647, H T & J Larkin 1607, 1586, 1584.
NIPA Section H Tullamore 57/1354 – R Witherow Limavady 1784, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1770, L & M Moran Derry & Dist 1748, D Devine Strabane & Dist 1736, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1735, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1734, 1730, 1727, N Murray Londonderry 1726, A McCrudden 1723.
NIPA Sect H Clubs
Amelia Earhart 5/51 – R McMonagle 1702, 1700, M Rabbett 1693, 1680, R McMonagle 1672, 1668.
Derry & District 11/261 – A McCrudden 1770, l & M Moran 1748, J & G Ramsey 1735, A McCrudden 1723, L & M Moran 1715, A McCrudden 1710.
Foyle RPS – Paul Maxwell jnr 1757, 1732, 1704, 1703, 1696, Gerry Toner 1685.
Limavady 5/142 – Ronnie Witherow 1784, 1687, 1687, 1686, 1660, 1654.
Londonderry RPS 9/170 – N Murray 1726, L Flanagan & Son 1721, 1721, 1718, 1718, 1717.
Maiden City 10/345 – P & M Healy 1704, P McLaughlin 1698, R Lyle 1680, R & G Martin 1679, Concannon Bros 1675, P & M Healy 1674.
Mourne & District HPS 4/116 – David Booth 1720, 1719, 1719, T Booth 1691, 1689, J Convey 1649.
Omagh & District 3/31 – A Kelly 1686, 1684, 1584, 1499, M/M J Chism 1425.
Strabane & District Inv RPC 10/238 – D Devine 1736, Dessie Mullen 1734, 1730, 1727, 1704, 1704.
Feds & Combines Tullamore
Coleraine Triangle Tullamore – T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1768, M & J Howard & Son Coleraine Prem 1748, B & D Coyle Coleraine Prem 1745, R McAlary Coleraine Prem 1743, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1742, S Diamond Coleraine Prem 1739, M Simpson Windsor Soc 1737, T & J McDonald 1734, J Hanson Coleraine Prem 1731, Diamond Bros & G McLaughlin Coleraine Prem 1730, 1723, S Diamond 1721, P O’Connor Coleraine Prem 1719, R McAlary 1718, B & D Coyle 1717.
City of Derry Federation Tullamore – A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1770, P Maxwell Jnr Foyle 1757, L & M Moran Derry & Dist 1748, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1735, P Maxwell Jnr 1732, N Murray Londonderry 1726, A McCrudden 1723, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1721, 1721, 1718, 1718, 1717, L & M Moran 1715, N Murray 1712, A McCrudden 1710, 1710, N Murray 1710, J & G Ramsey 1705, P & M Healy Maiden City 1704, L Flanagan & Son 1703, Ray McMonagle Amelia Earhart 1702, J & G Ramsey 1701.
Foyle Valley Combine Tullamore – A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1770, P Maxwell Jnr 1757, L & M Moran Derry & Dist 1748, David Devine Strabane & Dist 1736, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1735, P Maxwell Jnr 1732, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1734, 1730, 1727, N Murray Londonderry 1726, A McCrudden 1723, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1721, 1721, 1718, 1718, 1717, L & M Moran 1715, N Murray 1712, A McCrudden 1710, 1710.
Harold Cubitt of Rasharkin 1st & 2nd Combine from Tullamore
The 2023 racing season commenced on Saturday 15th April with the opening race from Tullamore in County Offaly. The NIPA released the birds at 10.45am in light southerly winds and an excellent race followed. Rasharkin fancier Harold Cubitt had a great start to the new season timing the first of his birds at 12.54pm to win 1st, 2nd, 7th, 9th & 19th Mid Antrim Combine and 8th, 10th, 32nd, 59th & 113th Open NIPA 14706 birds velo 1757. Harold's Combine winner a yearling chequer cock is bred from his own family of birds and the second yearling cock timed 2 seconds later was bred by his good friend Jimmy Smyth of Ahoghill. Young & McManus & Sons the Ahoghill winners were next best on 1753 plus 13th Open NIPA with a 4 year old dark cock driving the hen. This cock is a son of their No1 Karel Laenen stock cock and has now won Paddy and William 3 x 1st. Other club winners included Gary Gibson who had a top card in Cullybackey including 1st & 2nd club on 1726. Gary's winner a dark yearling hen won 1st Club & 3rd Combine from Gowran park last season and is bred by D, C & P McArdle of Armagh, breeding being their Van Den Brande family. Jimmy Rock had the best bird in the town and topped Harryville on 1712 with a 4 year old chequer cock. This cock has now won 4 x 1st and topped the Combine as a yearling from Tullamore. The sire is Manderlartz from the late Lexi Mullan and is a winner of 3 x 1st. The dam a Soontjen hen from the late Allen McBride was a winner for Jimmy of 1st Section B and 3rd Open NIPA Talbenny. Jimmy who is recovering from a wee op is being helped this season by his son in law Darryl Moore and they've got off to a fine start. Harry Boyd had the best two birds in Kells on 1703 with a blue yearling cock bred by Sammy Ogle of Drumnavaddy. Sire is Lambrecht and the dam a Van Den Bulck Kittel hen. John Miller took the top three in Randalstown on 1679 with a yearling blue w/f Leo Vanrijn hen sitting 14 days, Johnston Eagleson & Sons best in Ballymena & Dist on 1666 with a 4-year-old chequer cock that topped the Combine from Gowran Park in 2021 and Mark Neilly was best in Broughshane on 1580. Rasharkin have 50 x 2023 rings available. Mervyn Eagleson PO. Homer training this week Tuesday and Wednesday weather permitting.
Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore 46/1311 - H Cubitt Rasharkin 1757, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1756, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1753, D Dixon Rasharkin 1753, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1745, D Dixon Rasharkin 1744, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1738, G Gibson Cullybackey 1726, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1724, G Gibson Cullybackey 1724, A & C & T Tweed Rasharkin 1722, D Dixon Rasharkin 1722, 1722, 1722, 1721, Mr & Mrs Robinson Cullybackey 1720, G Gibson Cullybackey 1714, J Rock Associate 1712, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1710, G Gibson Cullybackey 1707, H Boyd Kells 1703, T Whyte Ahoghill 1703, W J & R J Reid Rasharkin 1702, C & R McIntyre Cullybackey 1701, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1698, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1695, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1695, F Barkley Rasharkin 1694, H Boyd Kells 1692, J & J Greer Cullybackey 1691, W McFetridge 1690, A & C & T Tweed Rasharkin 1687, C & R McIntyre Cullybackey 1687, G Gibson Cullybackey 1687 Gary Gibson Cullybackey 1684, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1684, C & R McIntyre Cullybackey 1684, F Barkley Rasharkin 1684, T Whyte Ahoghill 1684, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1682.
Just got the sad news that George Willis the former secretary of the Portadown Invitation has passed away and the funeral will be this Wedcnesday 19th April. He was an excellent secretary in his time and collected many prizes including the best of all the Blue Riband Kings Cup. The year was 1990 with the race flown from Rennes doing velocity 778.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
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Ronnie Witherow from Limavady. 1st Open NIPA Tullamore is a son of his 2nd Open Talbenny winner.
1st Open NIPA Tullamore