RPRA (Irish Region) from 2004 -

[willie reynolds]

The AGM of the RPRA (Irish Region) was held in the Carrick Room at the top Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus on Saturday 6th February, 2010 starting on the dot of 1.30pm. Previously the Quality Hotel it’s still a quality venue, one which impressed the visitors who had travelled from various parts of Northern Ireland and Dublin. President Lyndon Boyle was absent due to illness, he had a fall at home recently, and had some time in hospital. NIPA Secretary Fred Russell was able to report that he was making a good recovery and after some physiotherapy in the next week he was looking forward to returning home. All three Vice Presidents were in attendance and Sam Briggs was invited to chair the meeting. He firstly asked the members to stand and observe a moments silence in respect of those who had passed away in the previous year. Apologies were placed for R Stevenson, C Lyons, G Shaw, P Gault and P Smith.

Secretary Robert Reid was then invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed as a true record. The accounts were also passed and the Irish Region has remained in a healthy financial state with surplus for the year at just under £1,000. The internal audit was to be carried out by Kells & Dist. The financial statement for the Irish Region was prepared by Adrian Hall & Co from Hillsborough, Chartered Accountants. Lyndon Boyle was thanked for again keeping a detailed report of the season’s workings and setting out the Statement of Accounts, the full audit procedure was not complete due to him being in hospital at that time. It would be prior to the next meeting. Under AOB 2009 the secretary had requested the committee decide the venue of future meetings, they decided to stay where they were and to continue with tea and coffee. Some discussion took place on a ring disqualified by INFC having not been transferred to the new owner. The seasons awards had been presented as usual at the NIPA Ladies Night, in the overall competition which had been confirmed in writing to all Councillors and Region Secretaries back in December, Jeff Greenaway from Dromore finished Runner-up in the Adult Short Distance, M Maguire & Son from Newry finished Runner-up in the Adult Middle Distance and Jordan Scott from Springvale was the winner of Young Fanciers Short Distance.

Correspondence was dealt with from Rafferty & Toman regarding use of race crates and this was to be raised at the club first, another from Raymond Hamilton regarding the Rule on ETS Pads and the word confined used in Rule 241. This item would be addressed later in the meeting.

Vice-President Sammy Briggs then conducted the election of officials for 2010. Very few changes were made to the Region Committee, all the top places remained unchanged.

President Mr Lyndon Boyle. Vice President’s Samuel Briggs, Sammy Thompson and Alan Darragh. Secretary’s M/M Robert Reid, 131 North Road Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. BT38 7QJ. Tel: (028) 93 362051. E-mail: mrandmrsreidrpra@yahoo.co.uk

Irish Region Appeals Committee: R McCracken, J Serplus, E Marshall, D Carson, A Darragh, W Knowles, A C McGrugan, T Davidson, J Burrows, R Reid, S Briggs, L Boyle, S Thompson, W Reynolds, B Kelly, G Delaney, C O’Hare, W Seaton, G McDowell, D Spence and D Dunne who was added to the list.

INFC Committee: P Smith, W Knowles, A Darragh, D Black, P Gault, R Duddy, C O’Hare, D Suitters, W Reynolds, C Lyons, L Woodside, G Shaw, G McDowell, B Stevenson, and G Delaney. Matt Wray resigned and was replaced by reserve from last time Gerald Delaney. INFC Appeals Committee unchanged: S Cairns, J Burrows and R McCracken.

RPRA Delegates: Sammy Thompson, Lyndon Boyle, Samuel Briggs and Reserve Alan Darragh. Sammy Thompson will be the main Delegate if the Rule Change takes place at the AGM. Auditors Adrian Hall & Co. Internal Audit will be carried out by Kells & District. Press Officer: Willie Reynolds. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683. E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com

Letters were received from two clubs – North South Federation. Includes members from the following NIPA Clubs ie. Newry & District, Millvale, Ballyholland, Newry City and Bessbrook. Were accepted as new members, secretary is Ron McKelvey. The East Coast Championship Club have resigned from membership.

Main business of the Delegates Meeting was to mandate the RPRA Delegates on the AGM Agenda Resolutions. The meeting decided to support most of the list but will vote against 7/1, 7/2, 7/3, 7/5, 7/24. Think I got all those, it was suggested the Irish Region appoint someone to look at the Propositions and explain the changes of each. It would probably help if the meeting had copies of the AGM Agenda, something to think about for next time.

The General & Appeals meeting as expected started late, minutes of the last meeting were read at the previous meeting in June. The meeting quickly moved on to item 5. Appeals – B & G Cochrane, Killinchy Road, Comber v Comber Central HPS. Mr & Mrs Maxwell, Rathlin Drive, Derry v Foyle RPS.

The Derry City case was heard first and the meeting found in favour of M/M Maxwell due to insufficient evidence. B & G Cochrane won her appeal had suspension lifted and will be able to race with any NIPA Club. Comber Central HPS were suspended for non-appearance at the meeting and for not adopting the decision of the last Irish Region meeting.

Under item 6. Any other business it was confirmed the next meeting will be first Saturday in October and the Press Officer will be supplied with tickets to cover the RPRA Presentation at the Gala Night, during the Blackpool Show weekend.

Could all members who have not registered their ETS Clock with the Irish Region Secretary, please do so as soon as possible as this must be done before they are used. The Secretary has also asked for the names of all members that have resigned or had a Clearance Sale in their club during 2009/10.

Members should not some change in the Administration Fees for 2010 due by 1st March 2010. Clubs £4.00. Single Members £8.00. Individual Members £8.00. Each Partnerships £8.00 in respect of each member of the partnership.








The Royal Pigeon Racing Association (Irish Region) AGM will be held in the Clarion Hotel, 75 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus on Saturday 6th February starting at 1.30pm. With no meeting held in the Autumn, there will be a full agenda. Any member wishing to be elected to the Committee of the Irish Nat Flying Club should attend this meeting. If my memory serves me right the RPRA must nominate the future President of the INFC.

Items listed for discussion include 1. Minutes of previous AGM (2009). 2. Matters arising. 3. Statement of accounts for 2009. 4. Any other business 2009. Secretary would like committee to tell him where they want their meetings held. 5. Election of officers for 2010. 6. New Clubs – North South Federation. Includes members from the following NIPA Clubs ie. Newry & District, Millvale, Ballyholland, Newry City and Bessbrook.

Following the AGM, a Region Delegates meeting will be held. Following this at 2.45pm there will be a General & Appeals Committee meeting. Agenda items include. 1. Minutes of the last meeting. 2. Matters arising 2009. 3. Correspondence. 4. Suspensions/Removals. 5. Appeals – B & G Cochrane, Killinchy Road, Comber v Comber Central HPS. Mr & Mrs Maxwell, Rathlin Drive, Derry v Foyle RPS. 6. Any other business.

Could all members who have not registered their ETS Clock with the Irish Region Secretary, please do so as soon as possible as this must be done before they are used. The Secretary has also asked for the names of all members that have resigned or had a Clearance Sale in their club during 2009/10.

Members should not some change in the Administration Fees for 2010 due by 1st March 2010. Clubs £4.00. Single Members £8.00. Individual Members £8.00. Each Partnerships £8.00 in respect of each member of the partnership. Fees must be paid through one Society Cheque made payable to Royal Pigeon Racing Association – Irish Region.

REPORT FROM AGM IN 2009.

The AGM of the RPRA (Irish Region) was held in the Dromore Leisure Centre, Lurgan Road, Dromore, County Down on Saturday 7th February, despite poor weather conditions with a lot of frost and snow a fair number of members were present. President Lyndon Boyle opened the meeting and firstly asked the members to stand and observe a moments silence in respect of those who had passed away in the previous year.

Secretary Robert Reid was then invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed as a true record. The accounts were also passed and the Irish Region has remained in a healthy financial state with surplus for the year at just under £1,430. The internal audit was carried out by Diamond Carson (Banbridge) and Anthony McDonnell (Coleraine Premier). The financial statement for the Irish Region was prepared by Adrian Hall & Co from Hillsborough, Chartered Accountants. Lyndon Boyle was thanked for again keeping a detailed report of the season’s workings and setting out the Statement of Accounts, the Irish Region account is very sound. Under AOB 2008 it was asked if the three new clubs fulfilled their obligation to supply their conditions and members etc inside 7 days. Beech Park was outside the time but it was agreed to accept the clubs explanation that they waited until after the NIPA meeting to confirm an up to date list of membership.

Vice-President Sammy Thompson was invited to conduct the election of officials for 2009. Some changes were made to the Region Committee but all the top places remained unchanged, a number of apologies were received prior to and at the start of the AGM.

President Mr Lyndon Boyle. Vice President’s Samuel Briggs, Sammy Thompson and Alan Darragh. Secretary’s M/M Robert Reid, 131 North Road Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. BT38 7QJ. Tel: (028) 93 362051. E-mail: mrandmrsreidrpra@yahoo.co.uk

Irish Region Appeals Committee: R McCracken, J Serplus, E Marshall, D Carson, A Darragh, W Knowles, A C McGrugan, J Burrows, M Gibson, R Reid, S Briggs, L Boyle, S Thompson, T Davidson, W Reynolds, B Kelly, G Delaney, C O’Hare, W Seaton, G McDowell and D Spence.

INFC Committee: P Smith, W Knowles, A Darragh, D Black, P Gault, R Duddy, C O’Hare, D Suitters, W Reynolds, C Lyons, M Wray, L Woodside, G Shaw, G McDowell and B Stevenson. Reserve G Delaney. INFC Appeals Committee: S Cairns, J Burrows and R McCracken.

RPRA Delegates: Lyndon Boyle, Sammy Thompson and reserve Alan Darragh. Auditors Adrian Hall & Co. Internal Audit will be carried out by Kells & District. Press Officer: Willie Reynolds. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683. E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com

Letters from two new clubs, one from Southern Ireland the Stewart Cant Inv FC, and from Northern Ireland the Loughview Combine which is open from competition in East Antrim and involving members of Glengormley, Ligoniel and Eastway. The secretary was to obtain the exact name of the new organisations.

Main business of the Delegates Meeting was to mandate the RPRA Delegates on the AGM Agenda Resolutions. The meeting decided to support most of the list but will vote against 7/15, 7/16, 7/20, 7/21, 7/22, and 7/23. Think I got all those.

The General & Appeals meeting as expected started late, minutes of the last meeting were read. There was a short discussion on the recording of the minute regarding the case Wilkinson v Reynolds & McCormick. It was proposed by Campbell McGrugan and seconded by Alan Darragh that the report should read Reynolds & McCormick made a genuine mistake which was rectified before the sale took place. This was the reason why the Irish Region Committee in a unanimous decision would take no further action. This case and one involving A Beattie will be coming up at the next RPRA Council meeting. On matters arising 2008 the secretary said the method of selecting the various award winners for the Irish Region would have to change after two objections having been raised last time. No decision was taken but the feeling was the winners would have to be decided prior to the meeting and then confirmed at same. Each category winner has to be the best and they in turn are presented as the Irish Region performance to be considered for the overall awards in England.

Under Suspensions/Removals the suspension was lifted on both S Beattie and D Beattie. Both R Mills and T Booth had been suspended prior to this appeal. Both were confirmed to be lifted again at the end of February. Just the one appeal W Neill v NIPA it got started and the decision was that the appeal was outside the time allowed.

The secretary should have the names of all members that have resigned from the club and all members who have had a Clearance Sale. Affiliation Fees are due for 2009. Clubs £4.00, Single Members £4.50, Individual Members £10.00, Each Partnership £4.50 in respect of each member. Socities in arrears at 1st March 2009 will be called upon to pay an extra 50p per Member and £10 for Club. Fees must be paid through one Society Cheque made payable to Royal Pigeon Racing Association – Irish Region.



The AGM of the RPRA (Irish Region) will be held in the Dromore Leisure Centre, Lurgan Road, Dromore on Saturday 7th February 2009 at 1.30pm. If any members wish to be on the INFC Committee they should attend the RPRA (Irish Region) Annual General Meeting to be nominated. Agenda: 1. Minutes of previous AGM. 2. Matters arising. 3. Statement of accounts for 2008. 4. Any other business 2008. 5. Election of Officers for 2009. 6. New Clubs.

Following the AGM meeting a Region Delegates meeting will be held.

Following the Delegates Meeting there will be a General & Appeals Committee Meeting at 2.45pm. The Secretary has requested that if any club member who is using an ETS Clock to let him have the number of the clock, the name and address, the IR Number and make of the clock before the 2009 season starts. Note: If this does not happen the clock will not be used.

Agenda: 1. Minutes of last meeting. 2. Matters arising 2008. 3. Correspondence. 4. Suspensions/Removals - R Mills, T Booth, S Beattie and D Beattie. 5. Appeals - W Neill v NIPA. 6. Any other business.

Secretary Robert Reid has also asked for the names of all members that have resigned from Club, and all members who have had a Clearance Sale.

November Meeting in Carrickfergus

A meeting of the Irish Region Appeals Committee was held in the Coast Road Hotel in Carrickfergus on Saturday 22nd November, it was the first time this venue was used and the members were impressed. President Lyndon Boyle was in the chair, with Vice Presidents Sammy Thompson and Alan Darragh also in attendance. Other members present included: R McCracken, D Carson, C O’Hare, G Delaney, J Burrows, W Knowles, A C McGrugan, W Seaton, T Dowie, A McCormick, J Serplus and W Reynolds. Minutes of the last meeting a few weeks earlier were read and passed. Suspension was lifted on Paul Swindell. Three appeals were down for consideration and decisions were: D Parr v A Beattie, the meeting found in favour of D Parr under Rule 117 RPRA. The penalty imposed was 5 years suspension. K Wilkinson v W Reynolds and A McCormick, the unanimous decision of the committee was that K Wilkinson had a reason for complaint, but that W Reynolds and A McCormick had made an innocent mistake. No other action was to be taken. A Beattie v D Parr, legal action was pending and this case was deferred. The usual 21 days were set for any appeal to the decisions. Both new clubs on the agenda were accepted Beach Park HPS and South Belfast HPS, a late application for Ballynahinch HPS was also agreed pending no objections to the advert for new clubs. All new clubs must furnish rules and conditions as part of membership.

AGM to be held in Dromore on February 7

The AGM of the Irish Region will be held in the Dromore Leisure Centre, Lurgan Road, Dromore on Saturday 7th February 2009 at 1.30pm. If any members wish to be on the INFC Committee they should attend the RPRA (Irish Region) Annual General Meeting to be nominated. Agenda: 1. Minutes of previous AGM. 2. Matters arising. 3. Statement of accounts for 2008. 4. Any other business 2008. 5. Election of Officers for 2009. 6. New Clubs.

Following the AGM meeting a Region Delegates meeting will be held.

Following the Delegates Meeting there will be a General & Appeals Committee Meeting at 2.45pm. The Secretary has requested that if any club member who is using an ETS Clock to let him have the number of the clock, the name and address, the IR Number and make of the clock before the 2009 season starts. Note: If this does not happen the clock will not be used.

Agenda: 1. Minutes of last meeting. 2. Matters arising 2008. 3. Correspondence. 4. Suspensions/Removals - R Mills, T Booth, S Beattie and D Beattie. 5. Appeals - W Neill v NIPA. 6. Any other business.

Secretary Robert Reid has also asked for the names of all members that have resigned from Club, and all members who have had a Clearance Sale.

Willie Reynolds RPRA (Irish Region) PO.




Homer writes - Just a quick follow up on my article regarding the RPRA (Irish Region) AGM, some adjustments were made to the text previous and little wonder I do not cover as a big spread. The case coming up at RPRA Council will feature Hills & Maze v NIPA and maybe it would be some help if I had that agenda to read before-hand. On the other hand maybe I am writing enough considering the many times the text/copy has come up recently. The Secretary must have a very difficult job listing the minutes, to keep everything correct, when one word can be so easily misplaced.

The final item was an appeal involving Larne & Dist, and Messrs Hagans and Spence. This was all to do with the lost bird from the Larne Monster Show owned by Montgomery & Kirk from Springvale confirmed to me as such, and also note the NIPA Sect C members were excluded from the process. The appeal was disallowed but it was thought the penalty placed by Larne & Dist was excessive (ie. 10 years suspension) and this was re-arranged to a Severe Reprimand. The parties were informed they could appeal the decision to the RPRA Council inside 21 days, I understand Larne & District at their recent meeting decided to do just that.

The Fanciers Combine detail was slightly out of line, it was also good the hear clarification at the recent NIPA Committee Meeting. Any Combine can join the RPRA at £7, not through the Irish Region but direct. They will then qualify with everyone else to submit claims for RPRA Awards which as they say will be a brand new ball game. Don’t be surprised either, if the Mighty Mid Antrim Combine don’t do the same for 2008 and again qualify to submit claims for awards etc.

Just for the record my submissions as PO for the NIPA will be clearly listed in both pigeon weeklies and when available on the NIPA Website. Any other work published is freelance covering mostly local competition and I have encouraged this especially for parts getting none. Remember, I have told you where to find the official reports.

A recent loft report published was the subject of discussion at the recent NIPA Committee meeting featuring Donnelly Bros. From the many pages of text a few lines need some explanation and I will be happy any time to adjust and correct same. They have not been the most tested loft for drugs, they have been done once. Another top loft holds the testing record and all tests all over the UK and Ireland over the past few seasons have returned negative. Newry City clocks were lifted for testing, the same night as another club was lifted for the same purpose. Like I say any time a correction or further explanation is required I am here to do just that. I know from long experience how easy it is to make a mis-leading comment, unintentional I might add. Not everyone is happy about my text either but over many years I have fought for the right to have news published and to give coverage to all parts, that are interested in having it. I have found that the vast majority that are getting coverage are more than happy, as indeed are the vast majority wholesale.



With the Christ Church Hall in Lisburn not available the 2008 AGM for the RPRA (Irish Region) was arranged to be held in the Dromore Town Hall on Saturday 2nd February. We got away to a very bad start with the delegates having to wait outside until a key was retrieved, at least the weather although very cold, it was dry. The good number of delegates attending again included members from Dublin.

President Lyndon Boyle opened the meeting and asked the members to observe a moments silence in respect of members who had passed away in the previous year. He included Mrs Mac from the RPRA who had been a very good friend of the Irish Region over very many years, she had recently passed away having retired just a sort time earlier. Secretary Robert Reid was then invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed as a true record. The accounts were also passed and the Irish Region has remained in a healthy financial state with surplus for the year at just under £700. The internal audit was carried out by Sam Briggs (Lisburn & Dist) and Anthony McDonnell (Coleraine Premier). The financial statement for the Irish Region was prepared by Adrian Hall & Co from Hillsborough, Chartered Accountants. Lyndon Boyle was thanked for again keeping a detailed report of the season’s workings and setting out the Statement of Accounts.

NIPA Secretary Fred Russell was invited to conduct the election of officials for 2008. Some changes were made to the Region Committee but all the top places remained unchanged, a number of apologies were received prior to and at the start of the AGM.

President Mr Lyndon Boyle. Vice President’s Samuel Briggs, Sammy Thompson and Alan Darragh. Secretary’s M/M Robert Reid, 131 North Road Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. BT38 7QJ.

Irish Region Appeals Committee: F Russell, R McCracken, J Serplus, E Marshall, D Carson, R Watson, A Darragh, W Knowles, A C McGrugan, J Burrows, M Gibson, R Reid, S Briggs, L Boyle, S Thompson, T Davidson, W Reynolds, D Ward, B Kelly, T Dowie, A McCormick, G Delaney and C O’Hare.

INFC Committee: P Smith, A McDonald, W Knowles, A Darragh, D Black, P Gault, R Duddy, C O’Hare, D Suitters, J Irvine, W Reynolds, D Ward, A McCormick, C Lyons and M Wray. INFC Appeals Committee: S Cairns, J Burrows and R McCracken.

RPRA Delegates: L Boyle, S Thompson and reserve A Darragh. Auditors A Hall & Co. Press Officer: W Reynolds.

New Clubs approved were The Fanciers Combine, Millisle and Kingswood. East Antrim Combine was dissolved, not having operated for several years. There was some discussion in regard to communication from the RPRA re when club membership has 4 members or less. See rules 166a and 166b, the local Irish Region has the power to dissolve said clubs after investigation. The Fanciers Combine members would not be able to list bird performances re RPRA Awards in that it was decided that the competition was not open to all. With no other business the AGM was closed.

Next item on the agenda was the Region Delegates Meeting which in other years was the final item, a lot of members were not happy that the previous format had been changed. This mostly concerns the voting on the AGM Resolutions for the RPRA meeting, with a large number to go through it was going to take a bit of time. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed. On the AGM Resolutions the Irish Region will support 7/1, 7/2, 7/3, 7/4, 7/5, 7/6, 7/8, 7/9, 7/10, 7/11, 7/12, 7/15, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 7/32, 7/33, 7/34, 7/35, 7/36, 7/37, 7/38, 7/39, 7/40, 7/41, 7/42, 7/43, 7/44, 7/45, 7/47, 7/48, 7/52, and 7/53. The Delegates will vote against the others 7/7, 7/13, 7/14, 7/16, 7/20, 7/21, 7/22, 7/23, 7/24, 7/25, 7/26, 7/27, 7/28, 7/29, 7/30, 7/31, 7/46, 7/49, 7/50, 7/51, 7/54, 7/55, 7/56, 7/57, 7/58 and 7/59.

A plate donated by the RPRA from one of the foreign delegations or visitors will be flown for in the Talbenny YB Nat won by the first RPRA loft in the race, the bird with the best velocity which will allow the South of Ireland lofts to compete.

The General & Appeals Committee meeting started late in the day and understandable as the hours passed the numbers present got smaller. In the AGM communication the Region Secretary Robert Reid had asked clubs to inform him on who had ETS Systems. He requires number of the clock, name, address and IR Number of the loft and make of the clock. If this is not supplied the clock will not be able to be used in 2008. This information has been asked for several times, don’t miss out.

I intend to shorten this report as I don’t wish the members to take as long to read it as it took the meeting to complete. Less chance of me making a mistake as well and publishing wrong information. First item was the reading of the minutes of the meeting held in Lisburn on 6th October 2007, most of that meeting including myself were excluded leaving just a small number to handle the Appeal involving the NIPA, Hills & Maze and Leonard & Greenaway. Some matters were raised following the reading of the minutes and the end decision was that the Irish Region would ask the RPRA Council to withdraw the appeal coming up, requesting to re-hear the case at local level.

The final item was an appeal involving Larne & Dist, and Messrs Hagans and Spence. This was all to do with the lost bird from the Larne Monster show owned by Montgomery & Kirk from Springvale confirmed to me as such, and also note the NIPA Sect C members were excluded from the process. The appeal was disallowed but it was thought the penalty placed by Larne & Dist was excessive (10 years suspension) and this was re-arranged to a Severe Reprimand. The parties were informed they could appeal the decision to the RPRA Council inside 21 days.

A very interesting day all round, very few left at the end, and can I thank Fred Russell for giving me a lift back to Lisburn to collect my car with a late return to Ballymena after a very long day. I do well understand why so few are interested in serving the sport on what are necessary committees. The load however does need to be shared.






The 2007 AGM for the RPRA (Irish Region) was held in Christ Church Hall, Market Square, Smithfield, Lisburn on Saturday 3rd February, the attendance was a little bit better that the season previous and again Delegates attended from Dublin.

President Lyndon Boyle opened the meeting and asked the members to observe a moments silence in respect of members who had passed away in the previous year. Secretary Robert Reid was then invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed as a true record. The accounts were also passed and the Irish Region has remained in a healthy financial state with surplus for the year at just over £700. The internal audit was carried out by Sam Briggs (Lisburn & Dist) and Malcolm Livingstone (Portadown Inv). The financial statement for the Irish Region was prepared by Adrian Hall & Co from Hillsborough, Chartered Accountants. Lyndon Boyle was thanked for again keeping a detailed report of the season’s workings and setting out the Statement of Accounts.

NIPA Secretary Fred Russell was invited to conduct the election of officials for 2007. Some changes were made to the Region Committee but all the top places remained unchanged, a number of apologies were received prior to and at the start of the AGM.

President Mr Lyndon Boyle. Vice President’s Samuel Briggs, Sammy Thompson and Alan Darragh. Secretary’s M/M Robert Reid, 131 North Road Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. BT38 7QJ.

Irish Region Appeals Committee: F Russell, R McCracken, J Serplus, E Marshall, D Carson, R Watson, A Darragh, W Knowles, A C McGrugan, J Burrows, J Vage Snr, M Gibson, N J Arthurs, H Bigger, R Reid, S Briggs, L Boyle, S Thompson, T Davidson, W Reynolds, J Kelly, D Ward, B Kelly, P Smith, T Dowie, A McCormick, D Black and W Seaton.

INFC Committee: P Smith, A McDonald, W Knowles, A Darragh, D Black, P Gault, R Duddy, C O’Hare, W Sawyers, D Suitters, J Irvine, W Reynolds, D Ward and A McCormick. INFC Appeals Committee: S Cairns, J Burrows and R McCracken.

RPRA Delegates: L Boyle, S Thompson and reserve A Darragh. Auditors A Hall & Co. Press Officer: W Reynolds.

Following the AGM a General & Appeals Committee meeting was held, the secretary read the minutes of the last meeting held on 30th September 2006. There were three separate Appeals McAleenon & Patton v Derriaghy HPS, D Parr v Charlemont HPS and McAleenon & Patton v Derriaghy HPS. All were successful after a lot of discussion. The NIPA will provide some feedback regarding the ETS System following it’s AGM, this will help the Councillors to make an important decision on behalf of the members at the RPRA Annual Meeting to be held in Coventry on 23rd February. At the final Region Delegates meeting the members mandated the Delegates re the RPRA Resolutions. It was getting back to old times, with the meeting not finished until 7.00pm it’s easy to understand why members are reluctant to attend.

Irish Region members had good success in the overall RPRA Awards which were presented at the Blackpool Show on the Friday evening. Alan Darragh from Cullybackey was 3rd in the Adult Middle Distance. Kevin Carolan from Coalisland was 3rd in the Adult Long Distance. The Tony Cornwell Trophy for Best All Round Performance was won by Ron Williamson and his Champion Yearling Cock 52 was also 2nd in the Adult Short Distance. Christopher Tweed from Rasharkin & Dist was 1st in the Young Fanciers Middle Distance and also won the Guy Barrett Trophy.

Secretary Robert Reid has asked the local clubs when putting in their Membership Lists to include the names of all members that have resigned from the Club and all members who have had a Clearance Sale.




The AGM for the RPRA (Irish Region) was held in Christ Church Hall, Market Square, Smithfield, Lisburn on Saturday, another very poor attendance from member clubs but good to see St Paul’s delegates present from Dublin.

President Lyndon Boyle opened the meeting and asked the members to observe a moments silence in respect of members who had passed away in the previous year. Secretary Robert Reid was then invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed as a true record. The accounts were also passed and the Irish Region has remained in a healthy financial state, big expenditure in the previous year included a Presidential Chain purchased for the NIPA at just over £1,000 and £360 in expenses to cover the NIPA 60th Anniversary Race.

The Alexandra HPS have resigned from the Irish Region. NIPA Secretary Fred Russell was invited to conduct the election of officials for 2006. Some changes were made to the Region Committee but all the top places remained unchanged, a number of apologies were received including one from Joe Doheny of Dublin who was out in Sun City for the Million Dollar Race.

President Mr Lyndon Boyle. Vice Presidents Messrs S Briggs, S Thompson and A Darragh. Secretary M/M R Reid 131 North Road Carrickfergus. Irish Region Appeals Committee: F Russell, R McCracken, J Serplus, E Marshall, T Kelly, J Doheny, D Carson, R Watson, A Darragh, W Knowles, A C McGrugan, J Burrows, J Vage Snr, M Gibson, H J Arthurs, R Reid, S Briggs, L Boyle, S Thompson, T Davidson, W Reynolds, W Kelly, D Ward, and B Kelly.

INFC Committee: P Rock, M Wray, P Smith, A McDonald, W Knowles, A Darragh, D Black, V Kelly, P Gault, R Duddy, C O’Hare, W Sawyers, D Suitters, K Bell and J Irvine. INFC Appeals Committee: S S Cairns, J Burrows and R McCracken.

RPRA Delegates: L Boyle, S Thompson and reserve A Darragh. Auditors D R Myles & Co. Press Officer: W Reynolds.

Following the AGM a General & Appeals Committee meeting was held, the secretary read the minutes of the last meeting held on 1st October 2005. The meeting decided to donate £450 to add to the NIPA £1,050 which will buy 15 entries for the RPRA One Loft Race which local schools are being invited to get involved adopting birds for the competition. Some Schools are already on the list but we are still looking for a number of birds. The Future of Sport Committee has also offered one place for the Irish Region putting up the entry to 16.

Members should note that it is important to return the form to register the address for keeping birds to DARD in Armagh, so far some 1,200 forms have been returned from 1,800 sent out. Racing inside GB has been confirmed as ok, a meeting with the South of Ireland officials takes place this week.

A number of suspensions were confirmed and suspensions removed for T Stevenson Carrickfergus and J Kirk & Son Ballynahinch. James Logan will be able to race with Glengormley HPS having had three years out of the sport following a Clearance Sale.

Delegates were then mandated re the RPRA Resolutions, the Irish will vote against the ETS Resolutions. The AGM for the RPRA will take place in Coventry on Friday 24th February.

The NIPA Annual General Meeting will be held in Protestant Hall Glenavy on Saturday at 2.00pm sharp. The Resolutions have already been published and it should be noted that delegates only can vote or enter into the business of the meeting.

The AGM for the RPRA (Irish Region) will be held in Christ church Hall, Market Square, Smithfield, Lisburn on Saturday 4th February starting at 1.30pm. We look forward to a good attendance from member clubs, if any members wish to be selected for the INFC Committee they should attend this AGM where members are elected.

The NIPA Annual General Meeting will be held in Protestant Hall Glenavy on Saturday 11th February at 2.00pm sharp. Last time I covered the Secretary Report for the Year, the following Resolutions will be voted on by member clubs.

The AGM of the RPRA (Irish Region) was held last Saturday at the Christ Church Hall in Lisburn County Antrim, President Lyndon Boyle was in the chair. He welcomed the very good attendance including fanciers from Dublin and asked the members to stand and observe a moments silence in respect of deceased members in the past year. Secretary Robert Reid read the minutes of the previous AGM and these were accepted. A point was raised about the number of open races and breeder/buyer races etc taking place and how much it is in the clubs own interest to apply to the Region Secretary for a licence number regarding the event. Clubs having such races where outside member lofts are competing must obtain a Licence to keep within the rules. All adverts for these races must carry a licence number under RPRA rules. The BHW will not publish adverts unless they have a licence number. Some of the account details were explained by Samuel Briggs from Lisburn & Dist, the club who had done the internal audit, these were passed without question. All offices were declared vacant and the NIPA Secretary Fred Russell was invited to conduct the election for 2005.

President Mr Lyndon Boyle Dromore. Vice Presidents Mr Sammy Thompson Coleraine & Co Derry, Mr Alan Darragh Cullybackey HPS, Mr Samuel Briggs Lisburn & Dist. Secretary Mr & Mrs Robert Reid Carrickfergus & District HPS.

General & Appeals Committee: F Russell Dromore, R McCracken Banbridge, E Marshall Killyleagh, J Kelly Dublin, J Doheny Malahide & Dist, R Watson Dromore, D Carson Banbridge, A Darragh Cullybackey, W Knowles Kingsmoss, A C McGrugan Springvale Soc, E Gilliland Carrick & Dist, J Burrows Eastway, J Vage Sen. Dromore, M Gibson Lisburn & Dist, N Arthurs Ballycarry & Dist, R Reid Carrick & Dist, S Briggs Lisburn & Dist, L Boyle Dromore, S Thompson Coleraine & Co Derry, T Davidson Springvale Soc, D Black Dromara, T Dowie Ligoniel & Dist, J McSeveney Cookstown, W Sawyers Banbridge.

Irish Nat FC Committee: P Rock Dublin, M Wray Harryville, P Smith Dublin, A McDonald Portadown, D Suitters Doagh & Dist, A Darragh Cullybackey, D Black Dromara, V Kelly Balbriggan, C Beattie Gilford & Dist, W Knowles Kingsmoss, W Sawyers Banbridge, P Gault Kingsmoss, R Duddy Ballyclare, C O’Hare Ballyholland, I Mawhinney Moira.

INFC Appeals Committee: S S Cairns Gilford & Dist, J Burrows Eastway, R McCracken Banbridge. RPRA Delegates: L Boyle, S Thompson. Reserve Delegate: E Gilliland. Auditors External D R Myles & Co. Auditors Internal, Club to be selected by Irish Region Secty. Press Officer Mr Willie Reynolds Ballymena & District HPS.

To avoid a build up of business a General Committee meeting will be held following the old bird racing, should that be required the secretary has authority to call same. A letter was read from DARD regarding looking for a list of lofts and the address in Northern Ireland and some discussion took place on the drug testing procedure. It was noted that the NIPA tested the most birds of any organisation in GB last year and they expect that trend to continue during 2005. Both these matters will come up again at the AGM of the NIPA to be held next Saturday. The Irish Region had done well in the RPRA Awards presented at Blackpool Show, it was more that disappointing that the application put forward for Young Fancier Chris Quinn had been mislaid and was not included in the competition. I think myself there has to be some way to cross check such applications to ensure this cannot happen again, it’s usually a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a go at such awards and can’t afford to be missed. This young fancier had a season to remember and if he keeps that up will achieve lots of success in the years ahead.

The minutes of the General & Appeals Committee meeting of 2nd October 2004 were read and passed and then the meeting moved on to correspondence mostly involved with the freeing up of addresses. Where a Clearance Sale was involved the meeting was of the opinion the three year sanction would have to apply according to the rules. This may not be the complete answer and it is a subject that attracts a lot of attention, the rule is what it is at present, and the meeting took decisions accordingly. It should be remembered changes to any rule can come through application being put on an agenda for discussion and approval, it really is as simple as that. The only appeal of R Callaghan & Son v Coleraine Premier HPS was resolved after a lot of discussion and under any other business some matters were raised. The NIPA have obtained the Ring List details from the RPRA in respect of all rings obtained for 2005 in Northern Ireland and intend to publish the list in the Race Programme issued to all members. This is a very good idea and should help in the early reporting of stay youngsters. Both the Irish Region and NIPA will celebrate in this season their respective 60th Anniversary Birthday and it was agreed the Irish Region in conjunction with the NIPA will sponsor prizes in a race up to the value of £50 for each NIPA Sect plus Dublin. This could be very well a Special RPRA Medal plus one ticket to NIPA Ladies Night for the Presentation of Prizes. The meeting closed with discussion on the forthcoming AGM Agenda of the RPRA to be held in England and the mandate of Irish Region Delegates.

[willie reynolds]

The AGM for the RPRA (Irish Region) was held once again in the Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus on Saturday 5th February at 1.30pm. It was low key with an average attendance helped by the fact of the appeals. Sammy Thompson a long time RPRA Councillor from Bushmills in County Antrim was installed as President taking over from the long time in office Lyndon Boyle who has had some ill health over the last year and who was made a Life Vice President.

Vice President’s Samuel Briggs, and Jim Serplus. Secretary’s M/M Robert Reid, 131 North Road Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. BT38 7QJ. Tel: (028) 93 362051. E-mail: mrandmrsreidrpra@yahoo.co.uk

Irish Region Appeals Committee: R McCracken, J Serplus, D Carson, W Knowles, A C McGrugan, J Burrows, R Reid, S Briggs, S Thompson, W Reynolds, B Kelly, G Delaney, C O’Hare, W Seaton, G McDowell, D Spence, D Dunne, plus K Quigley and W Ferguson who was added to the list.

INFC Committee: P Smith, W Knowles, P Gault, R Duddy, C O’Hare, D Suitters, W Reynolds, C Lyons, L Woodside, G Shaw, G McDowell, B Stevenson, G Delaney plus J Serplus who was added. INFC Appeals Committee unchanged: S Cairns, J Burrows and R McCracken.

RPRA Delegates: Sammy Thompson, Samuel Briggs and Reserve Jim Serplus. Auditors Adrian Hall & Co. Internal Audit will be carried out by Kells & District. Press Officer: Willie Reynolds. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683. E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com

New Clubs: Derry & District HPS and Dundalk Northern Flying Club.

Suspension was removed on Kerry Spence, now Mrs Kerry Hagan and of the two appeals the meeting found in favour of M/M GF Hall v Lurgan Amateur and B McCammon v Larne & Dist. There is a right of appeal inside 21 days.

Could all members who have not registered their ETS Clock with the Irish Region Secretary, please do so as soon as possible as this must be done before they are used. The Secretary has also asked for the names of all members that have resigned or had a Clearance Sale in their club during 2010/11.