News Letter Sport - Sat 24/07/10

[willie reynolds]

The young bird season has been a mixed bag so far, plenty of birds missing and the poor weather conditions are giving the fancy a lot to think about. Ulster Federation started in Navan and had a race dominated by lofts in Fortfield, members were at the same point last weekend. The NIPA cancelled the first training toss from Mullingar and last weekend had two afternoon liberations in Tullamore, not totally satisfactory and changes may be required for the future. East Down Combine started in Navan last weekend and the winner was B McConnell of Annalong.

Ulster Federation Navan (1) 122/2,935 – D Gorman Fortfield 1578.8, D Gorman 1578.8, D Gorman 1578.1 Martin & Tabb Fortfield 1577.0, Martin & Tabb 1577.0, Martin & Tabb 1577.0, Martin & Tabb 1576.7, Martin & Tabb 1576.7, Martin & Tabb 1576.0, D Gorman 1574.7.

East Down Combine Navan (1) - B McConnell Annalong 1607, E&D Harper&Sons Cloughey 1581, E&D Harper&Sons 1580, E&D Harper&Sons 1580, E&D Harper&Sons 1580, E&D Harper&Sons 1579, E&D Harper&Sons 1579, K Rooney&Son Annalong 1566, K Rooney&Son 1566, K Rooney&Son 1565.

Sunday week past 11th July saw 25 members sending 417 birds in the first Young Bird City of Derry Federation race from Mullingar. With favourable conditions the birds made high speeds with returns being excellent. Taking the honours on this occasion is Maiden City fancier Robbie Hegarty who will be happy with this start to his Young Bird campaign.

City of Derry Federation Mullingar 25/417 – R Hegarty Maiden City 1789, P & J Masters Londonderry 1787, N Murray Londonderry 1784, S Gallagher Londonderry 1766, James McLaughlin Foyle 1766, S Gallagher & Son Londonderry 1766, S Gallagher & Son 1765, J Ebbs Foyle 1764, S Gallagher & Son 1764, S Gallagher & Son 1763.

Saturday 17th July 47 members sent 673 birds to the first NIPA race from Tullamore and with a westerly wind prevailing losses were severe with many young birds missing overnight and many fanciers losing half their Young Bird teams. Foyle member Joe Ebbs takes the top spot and also has another two quick timers for 3rd & 5th, an excellent result for Joe when many lofts failed to see an arrival.

City of Derry Federation Tullamore (1) 47/673 – J Ebbs Foyle 1455, J & G Ramsey Foyle 1453, J Ebbs 1452, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1452, J Ebbs 1415, N Murray Londonderry 1392, Fox & Hegarty Rock 1352, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1351, A McCrudden Foyle 1346, A McCrudden 1343.

Coleraine Triangle Tullamore (1) – T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1569, T & J McDonald 1567, T & J McDonald 1567, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1559, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1550, J L Madden 1550, J L Madden 1550, J L Madden 1550, J L Madden 1549, J L Madden 1549.

Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore (1) 76/1,725 - Surgenor Bros Kells&Dist 1701, Scott&Clements Kells&Dist 1700, M Graham Ballymena 1651, Surgenor Bros 1646, S Millar Randalstown 1642, S Murphy Randalstown 1641, Scott&Clements 1630, Scott&Clements 1629, Scott&Clements 1629, McFarlene&Agnew Kells&Dist 1628.

Orchard Combine Tullamore (1) - P & P Kelly Armagh 1692, N Weir Loughgall 1637, P Grew Charlemont 1571, N Weir 1569, 1568, 1565, 1546, 1545, 1544, 1544, P Duffy Armagh 1521, P Caughlan Monaghan 1498, N Weir 1496, D & C McArdle Armagh 1495, N Weir 1492, N Weir 1492, Cooney Bros Monaghan Monaghan 1467, E Grew Charlemont 1388, E Grew 1380, D & C McArdle 1382.

North South Fed Tullamore (1) 28/783 - Donnelly Bros Newry City 1768, T Mooney & Son Millvale 1756, N Murtagh Millvale 1748, N Murtagh 1746, N Murtagh 1742, N Murtagh 1739, A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1723, W Jones Millvale 1723, T Mooney & Son 1693, T Mooney & Son 1692.