Farming Life - Wednesday 20/04/11

[willie reynolds]

For the second old bird race the NIPA were back in Tullamore and after early morning low cloud and fog over parts of the route the release was at 12.30pm in a variable wind on Sat 16th April. Good returns have been reported in all areas and the NIPA have indeed had, a fantastic start to the racing season. Best reported so far but still a lot of clubs to come is Mal Maguire & Son from Millvale in Newry doing velocity 1607 followed by the best in East Antrim Ed Heaney & Son of Ligoniel.

NIPA Tullamore (2) Open 1-1G Mal Maguire & Son Millvale Inv 1607, 2-1C Ed Heaney & Son Ligoniel & Dist 1601, 3- 1F P Lue & Son Downpatrick 1598, 4-2G C McMahon Ballyholland 1596, 5-2F A Murray & Son Corrigs H.P.S. 1592, 6-3G Hutchinson Bros Ashfield 1591, 7-1D McKinstry Bros Dromara 1591, 7-4G Hutchinson Bros 1590, 9-3F P Lue & Son Downpatrick H.P.S 1590, 10-5G J Murtagh Ballyholland 1586, 11-6G A Curran Ballyholland 1583, 12-2C W Campbell Ligoniel & Dist HPS 1582, 13-7G T Gordon Ballyholland 1582, 14-4F R & G Thompson Portavogie 1581.8, 15-2D J Greenaway Universal Lofts Dromore 1581.7, 16-8G C O'Hare & Dtr Ballyholland 1581, 17-3C G & M Atcheson Glengormley 1580.6, 18-4C G & M Atcheson Glengormley 1580.4, 19-5C Whiteside Bros Eastway 1576.9, 20-6C G McKenna Eastway 1576.4.

Section A: S Drain Coalisland 1487, A McDonnell Coleraine Premier 1484, S Marshall Cookstown 1479. Section B: Scott & Clements Kells 1515, Thompson Bros Crumlin 1511, Fleming Bros Crumlin 1508. Section C: Ed Heaney & Son Ligoniel H.P.S. 1601, W Campbell Ligoniel H.P.S. 1582, G & M Atcheson Glengormley 1580. Section D: McKinstry Bros Dromara 1591, J Greenaway Universal Lofts Dromore 1581, M Foulis Dunedin 1575. Section E: A Craig Tandragee 1567, F Wright Edgarstown 1556, A Craig Tandragee 1543. Section F: P Lue & Son Downpatrick H.P.S. 1598, A Murray & Son Corrigs H.P.S. 1592, P Lue & Son Downpatrick H.P.S 1590. Section G: Mal Maguire & Son Millvale Inv. 1607, C McMahon Ballyholland 1596, Hutchinson Bros Ashfield 1592. Section H: A Hall Omagh & Dist 1393, B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1393, S Healy Derry & Dist 1379.

When going to press the top of Section A had Sean & Lauren Drain topping the big Coalisland HPS on velocity 1487 and looking like 1st Section. They are followed by long time fancier Anthony McDonnell of the Coleraine Premier who is getting very close now to Jimmy Hanson who has had such a good start with 2 x 1st Club. Stevie Marshall will take 3rd in Sect A after topping Cookstown on velocity 1479.

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland 18/437 – S & L Drain 1487, J Devlin 1473, 1462, K Carolan 1447, W Bleeks & Son 1440, 1440, S Hughes 1437, 1436, S & L Drain 1436, K Carolan 1435. Sean & Lauren timed a Blue yearling hen racing to the perch unmated. This hen has already been 2nd Club as a young bird, beaten by a loft mate. Looks like a good one in the making. Breeding: Sire was Donnelly Bros lines through G & A Campbell of Armagh and the dam, Luc van Hoecke direct. The dam was a Section winner herself as a young bird, this latest winner could be another 1st Sect.

Coleraine Premier 16/416 – Hanson & Harpur 1488, A McDonnell 1484, Nevin Bros 1452, Diamond Bros 1451, J L Madden 1442, Diamond Bros 1442, 1419, J L Madden 1418, Hanson & Harpur 1415, A McDonnell 1414. Jimmy Hanson wins for the second week just ahead of the former Kings Cup winner Anthony McDonnell.

Coleraine & County Derry 12/184 – J McCormick 1449, T McCrudden 1443, J Mullan 1398, J McCormick 1393. Same hen won last year for Sam the best bloodlines of Paddy McManus through Brennan & Christie. Kenny Darragh won the Pools Again!

Cookstown Social 8/250 – S Marshall 1479, G & S Smith 1467, 1455, 1444, S Marshall 1443, K Morton & Sons 1438.

Castledawson 7/163 – S K Watson 1442, T Leacock & Son 1435, T & S Dawson 1410, S K Watson 1406, M Lynn 1389, T Leacock & Son 1389.

Dungannon – G & H Boyd 1384, 1374, S Shannon 1335.

Windsor Social 12/230 – R & J Parke 1424, K Glass 1410, 1404, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1403, R McCook 1403, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1399. Roy & Jason win the Red Card, also collecting all pools and the DTW.

A great race into Sect B with best reported the high flying Scott & Clements loft who had 1st Kells & District on velocity 1515. The Mid Antrim Combine Champions League started this weekend and remember last season Scott & Clements made it to the final at Penzance. Over 3,000 birds were competing in Mid Antrim and the entries in both races so far have exceeded the previous season. Crumlin & Dist lofts will be next best, Thompson Bros winning for the first time in their new club after a lifetime in Muckamore and followed by ace racers Fleming Bros who I hear are training hard. The best in Ballymena was Allen McBride who had 1st Harryville timing his yearling Cheq cock at 2.58pm recording velocity 1488 for the 125 miles. J & D Surgenor of Rasharkin were best in the Ballymoney area doing velocity 1485 and Danny Dixon was back with another 1st in Ballymoney HPS (1483) just ahead of the previous weeks winners A & R McAuley. .

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 13/464 – Young McManus & Sons 1491, 1467, 1464, 1460, J Balmer 1458, 1452, Young McManus & Sons 1444, G & G Jackson 1440, D Lowry & Sons 1437, C Young 1435. Another top four for Paddy McManus followed by John Balmer with two birds.

Ballymena & Dist 13/288 – M Graham 1479, Blair & Rankin 1473, W & J Smyth 1456, G & A Eagleson 1455, 1454, B O’Rawe 1452, W & J Smyth 1446, Blair & Rankin 1444, B O’Rawe 1432, J Harris 1431. Martin Graham timed his good 2yo Ch Pd cock The Duke to win for the fourth time having previously won three times from Rosscarbery. He clocked at just after 3.00pm flying 126 miles, the cock was on widowhood.

Ballymoney 27/962 – D Dixon 1483, A & R McAuley 1476, J Hutchinson & Son 1471, G Holmes 1470, 1461, D Dixon 1460, L Neill 1459, R J Elliott 1452, A & R McAuley 1447, J McDowell & Sons 1444, 1443, J Hutchinson & Son 1434. The winner for Danny Dixon was timed at 15.07hrs, flying 133 miles for velocity 1483.

Ballymoney West Combine 10/415 – J Hutchinson & Son 1471, L Neill 1459, R J Elliott 1452, J McDowell & Sons 1444, C Henry 1425, D Laverty 1394, Curry & Gilmore 1389, B & I Stewart 1379, W Blair 1368, D Gage 1334.

Dervock IPS 8/280 – J Hutchinson & Son 1471, 1434, D & H Stuart 1431, 1431, A & M Boyle 1430, S Laverty 1423, A & M Boyle 1411, R McIntyre 1390, S Laverty 1378, D & G McMullan 1376.

Broughshane 11/200 Mrs M Smyth 1501, J & N Simpson 1469, H Smyth & Son 1460, A Purvis 1446, T & E Service 1440, A Purvis 1437, T & E Service 1433, J & N Simpson 1433. Moira times a yearling Leemputten & Van Reet cross to win Broughshane this week at 2.57pm, 30 yards ahead of last weeks winner J & N Simpson. With just 7 birds away this wee woman can pick them winning all pools with this bird.

Cullybackey 19/606 – A Darragh 1460, 1460, Reid Bros & McCloy 1435, Russell Bros 1430, 1428, N & S Anderson 1413, H & R McCloy 1413, 1412, Reid Bros & McCloy 1403, W Scott 1400. Alan Darragh had four early birds ahead of the previous week’s winner Harry McCloy.

Crumlin & District 11/252 – Thompson Bros 1511, Fleming Bros 1508, 1507, J Lowry 1498, M McGrandles 1495, Fleming Bros 1494, K Galloway 1484, M & B McConville 1466, J & N Lamb 1464, J & A Galloway 1443. Sefton takes the Red Card for the first time in his new club, Fleming Bros are 2nd & 3rd.

Harryville HPS 16/526 – A McBride 1488, 1488, J Ramsey 1475, 1461, A McBride 1460, 1460, L Mullan 1459, 1457, G Price 1456, R H Clements 1456. Alan wins with a yearling Ch cock Van de Rhee and Hartog/Van Loon timed at 2.58pm flying 125 miles. The nest-mate of this bird won last season for Jimmy Rock.

Kells & District 11/275 – Scott & Clements 1515, T & M Morrow 1497, Surgenor Bros 1480, G McDowell 1476, Surgenor Bros 1474, B Swann & son 1455, Surgenor Bros 1454, McFarlane & Agnew 1450. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Surgenor Bros 1450, McFarlane & Agnew 1439.

Muckamore 13/351 – J White 1516, A & E Bell 1498, G Magill 1496, 1495, F Todd 1490, 1490, 1489, T Patterson & Son 1483, J White 1479, F Todd 1477. Sect C lofts fill the top two places a good winner for John White at Nutts Corner doing velocity 1516 followed by A & E Bell.

New Antrim Amal 7/171 – R McFall & Son 1480, 1472, C Moore 1471, C Magill 1455, McFall & McManus 1453, 1453, C Magill 1453, 1452.

Randalstown HPS 8/243 – S Millar 1495, 1488, Stewart Bros 1480, S Millar 1475, Houston Bros 1473, 1458, S Millar 1457, 1450, H Boyd 1379, S Murphy 1376.

Rasharkin & District 11/282 – J & D Surgenor 1485.708, Milliken & Barkley 1485.707, A C & T Tweed 1480, Steele & McNeill 1465, H Cubitt 1463, Steele & McNeill 1451, 1449, H Cubitt 1447. D Dixon – 1483, 1460. Nomination won by J & M Milliken.

In the big Sect E the best reported birds are in the Portadown area, Alan Craig had another top result in Tandragee and is best placed on velocity 1567. Edgarstown winner F Wright was next best doing velocity 1556. G & A Campbell had 1st Armagh (1523) and E & M Curran won the 2B Club, D McBride was the best in Lurgan (1561).

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Annaghmore – W G Neill 1510, H Cordner 1482, T McClean 1478.

Armagh 16/306 – G & A Campbell 1523, P & P Kelly 1472, P Tennyson 1461, E & M Curran 1457, P Campbell & Sons 1446, P Duffy 1443, G & A Campbell 1438, 1438, A Geraghty 1438, F McLaughlin 1437. Armagh 2 Bird – E & M Curran 1427, 1417, P & P Kelly 1384, G & A Campbell 1368.

Beechpark Social – D Mawhinney & Son 1486, R Bothwell 1481, C Reynolds 1477, D Percy & Son 1471, Dando & Bennett 1468, G McEvoy 1439.

Bondhill – Ron Williamson 1503, 1502, D Calvin 1497.

Charlemont – P Grew (t) 1499, E Grew 1478, A Grew 1477, 1470, M McGlinchey 1453, E Grew 1453.

Edgarstown – F Wright 1556, G & T Ritchie 1539, T & A Ford 1530, M Hughes 1498, F Wright 1496, P & D Stewart 1483.

Gilford & District – G O’Dowd 1511, J & D Breen 1500, S S Cairns 1500, J & D Breen 1481, T Wilson 1468, G O’Dowd 1467.

Laurelvale 17/301 – W Gillis & Sons 1509, R K Abraham 1490, F McCann 1478, C Duke & Sons 1475, J Dowey & Sons 1462, F McCann 1459.

Loughgall – N Weir 1497.9, 1497.7, 1494.

Lurgan Amateur 8/155 – D McBride 1561, 1535, Higginson & Johnston 1522, G Gillespie & Son 1512, 1508, D McBride 1505.

Lurgan Social /230 – J Douglas & Son 1539, 1526, 1524, 1524, D & B Lyness 1523, 1523.

Markethill – J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1540, 1515, P McCall 1504, 1504, M McDowell 1502, W Brown & Son 1488.

Monaghan 8/183 – P Tierney 1443, 1431, Cooney Bros 1384, S O’Brien 1382, 1364, G Swift 1364. Many congratulations to W Walker who last week won 1st Sect E from Tullamore. This week from the same race-point Peter Tierney timed a yearling Dark Cheq cock at 2.03pm recording velocity 1443. This spare cock won three prizes as a young bird, the runner-up this week is a half brother.

Portadown Inv 4/91 – A McDonald 1529, 1525, W Cooke 1498, D J Gordon 1493, A McDonald 1492, M Livingstone 1478. Allan timed a yearling Belgie hen.

Tandragee – A Craig 1567, 1543, 1512, 1501, 1489, T McKinstry 1488.

Wilton Cross 13/264 – Furphy & Cairns 1524, C & J Ferris 1515, 1510, D Carville & Son 1504, 1508, C & J Ferris 1489.

After the big NIPA result last week when Sect H lofts dominated the result it was back down to earth for the far North West, the level of competition remains high and last weekend the local lofts had an extra race from Mullingar. Derry & District took the top honours with B & K Reid and S Healy filling the top two places in both Foyle Valley and the City of Derry Federation. Best reported in the NIPA Sect H is the Omagh & Dist ace flyer Alan Hall doing velocity 1393 and best on a decimal point.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Derry & District 12/140 – B & K Reid 1393, S Healy 1379, A McCrudden 1370, B & K Reid 1363, J Ebbs 1329, A McCrudden 1314. B & K Reid take there first Red Card of the year with a very good performance at club level to take 1st 4th 7th and 10th. Taking 2nd and pushing hard for the top spot was Sean Healy with Anthony McCrudden the previous week’s winner not far away in 3rd and 6th Joe Ebbs takes 5th and 9th pos while Sean Duffy is 8th.

Foyle RPS 15/175 – Raymond O’Reilly 1379, J Gallagher 1347, 1319, B Hart 1306, M/M Maxwell 1305, B Hart 1303. Red Card this week to Raymond O’Reilly.

Limavady 11/241 – R Witherow 1343, 1335, J Crawford 1306, 1278, B Mailey 1215, J Crawford 1208.

Londonderry PRS 13/189 – T & M Gallagher 1306, N Murray 1306, T & M Gallagher 1290, D & P Wick 1290, P McLaughlin 1289, N Murray 1269. Toby & Martin take the top spot in the Waterside this week with a further three birds in the result. Well done lads on an excellent result.

Maiden City 21/273 – Dunne & Quigley 1368, 1363, P Cregan 1352, G McLaughlin 1333, B Page 1322, P McLaughlin 1314.

Omagh & District 7/103 – A Hall 1393, 1370, 1350, S Gilmore 1298, A J Kelly 1266, 1230. The winner for Alan Hall is a grand-daughter of his Talbenny Open winner and is closely related to his 49th Open Yearling Nat bird.

Strabane 11/190 – G Quinn 1335, 1307, 1286, D Farrell 1285, G Quinn 1284, T McBride 1281. Winner for Glen was a Soontjen.

Rock Flying Club – T White 1299, L & G McCloskey 1260, Fox & Hegarty 1240.

Mid Antrim Combine Update

Liberation for the second race from Tullamore was at 12.30pm with variable wind conditions over the route. The best bird locally was timed at 2.55pm by Scott & Clements of Kells & District recording velocity 1515 for the 125 miles. This team made the final of last seasons Champions League and have a very good result here to top Mid Antrim Combine where over 3,000 birds were competing and expected to take 1st Sect B. Their yearling Dark Cheq hen racing Roundabout was Van Reet/Hybrects, a full sister topped Mid Antrim Combine last season. The best in Ballymena was Allen McBride who had 1st Harryville timing his yearling Cheq cock at 2.58pm recording velocity 1488 for the 125 miles.

Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore (2) 109/3,055 – Scott & Clements Kells 1515, Mrs M Smyth Broughshane 1501, T & M Morrow Kells 1497, S Millar Randalstown 1495, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1491, A McBride Harryville 1488, S Millar 1488, A McBride 1488, J & D Surgenor Rasharkin 1485, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1485, D Dixon Rasharkin 1483, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1480, A C & T Tweed Rasharkin 1480, Surgenor Bros Kells 1480, R McFall & Son New Antrim 1480, M Graham Ballymena 1479, G McDowell Kells 1476, S Millar 1475, J Ramsey Harryville 1475, Surgenor Bros 1474, Houston Bros Randalstown 1473, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1473, R McFall & Son 1472, C Moore New Antrim 1471, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1469, Young McManus & Sons 1467, Steele & McNeill Rasharkin 1465, Young McManus & Sons 1464, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1463, J Ramsey 1461.

Mid Antrim Combine Champions League –

The draw for the new campaign was made at the home of the 2010 Champions Ballymena & Dist on Friday evening after the birds were race marked for Tullamore. The first part operates in a League Competition moving to Knock-Out in the cross channel programme, with the final at Penzance in late June. The Champions League competition involves all nine clubs in the Mid Antrim Combine, each club nominated four lofts. Many thanks again to James Harris who is looking after the admin each week.

Sect (1) A – Ahoghill J Balmer, Ballymena M Graham, Broughshane H Smyth & Son, Cullybackey Reid Bros & McCloy, Harryville R H Clements, Kells Surgenor Bros, New Antrim C Magill, Randalstown S Millar, Rasharkin D Dixon.

Sect (2) B – Ahoghill A & N Young, Ballymena W & J Smyth, Broughshane A Purvis, Cullybackey Russell Bros, Harryville L Mullan, Kells Harry Boyd, New Antrim McFall & McManus, Randalstown Stewart Bros, Rasharkin H Cubitt.

Sect (3) C – Ahoghill J Smyth & Son, Ballymena J Devlin, Broughshane J & N Simpson, Cullybackey A Darragh, Harryville J Millar & Son, Kells Scott & Clements, New Antrim C Moore, Randalstown Hugh Boyd, Rasharkin Milliken & Barkley.

Sect (4) D – Ahoghill Young McManus & Sons, Ballymena B O’Rawe, Broughshane D Houston & Son, Cullybackey H & R McCloy, Harryville A McBride, Kells G McDowell, New Antrim R McFall & Son, Randalstown Houston Bros, Rasharkin Steele & McNeill.

The Champions League started at the second old bird race flown from Tullamore on Saturday 16th April. The League leaders after the first week are Simon Millar Randalstown 24 Points, Stewart Bros Randalstown 16 Points, Scott & Clements Kells 27 Points, and Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 23 Points. The state of play after week one is: Sect (1) A – S Millar 24 Points, D Dixon 17 Points, Surgenor Bros 14 Points, M Graham 12 Points. Sect (2) B – Stewart Bros 16 Points. Sect (3) C – Scott & Clements 27 Points, Milliken & Barkley 18 Points, C Moore 4 Points, J & N Simpson 3 Points. Sect (4) D – Young McManus & Sons 23 Points, A McBride 22 Points, R McFall & Son 13 Points, G McDowell 11 Points, Houston Bros 7 Points, Steele & McNeill 1 Point.

In the Antrim area the best bird in the weekend race from Tullamore in Co Offaly was timed in Muckamore by John White who races to lofts at Nutt’s Corner, his yearling Red cock recorded velocity 1516 followed by A & E Bell and two birds for Glen Magill. Thompson Bros win for the first time in their new club Crumlin & Dist recording velocity 1511 and the consistent Fleming Bros not far behind with two birds. Simon Millar wins for the second time in Randalstown (1495) while 1st Kells & Dist Scott & Clements doing velocity 1515 take 1st Mid Antrim Combine and 1st NIPA Sect B.

Coleraine Triangle Results -

Hanson & Harpur have won two races on the trot and this time take the top place in the Coleraine Triangle just ahead of Anthony McDonnell in the same club. They were followed by A & R McAuley who had 1st Ballymoney last week and 2nd this time. Sam McCormick was 1st Coleraine & County Derry (1449) and R & J Parke took 1st Windsor Social (1424).

Coleraine Triangle Tullamore (2) - Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1488, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 1484, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1476, Nevin Bros Coleraine Prem 1452, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1451, J McCormick Co Derry 1449, A & R McAuley 1447, T McCrudden Co Derry 1443, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1442, Diamond Bros 1442, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1424, Diamond Bros 1419, J L Madden 1418, Hanson & Harpur 1415, A McDonnell 1414.

City of Derry Federation

Racing with the NIPA from Tullamore a distance of a round 122mls sees B and K Reid of the Derry and District take the honours with very good flying to secure 1st 6th and 19th following close by was Sean Healy Derry and District taking 2nd place his best result to date. Fellow club member Anthony McCrudden Derry and District last weeks winner takes 3rd and 14th Maiden City winners Dunn and Quigley also have a good race taking 4th and 5th . Pat Creggan Maiden City 7th , Foyle member James Gallagher also has 2 places in 8th and 12th ,Gerry Mclaughlin Maiden City 9th Joe Ebbs Derry and District 10th. Billy Page Maiden City is 11th , Pat McLaughlin Maiden City 13th , Sean Duffy Derry and District 16th , John McGoarty Maiden City 17th , Concannon Bros Maiden City 18th , Barry Hart Foyle 19th , and T & M Gallagher Londonderry club 20th . Racing this week from Roscrea on Saturday with the NIPA.

City of Derry Federation Tullamore (2) – B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1393, S Healy Derry & Dist 1379, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1370, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 1368, Dunne & Quigley 1363, B & K Reid 1363, P Creggan Maiden City 1352, J Gallagher Foyle 1347, G McLaughlin Maiden City 1333, J Ebbs Derry & Dist 1329, B Page Maiden City 1322, J Gallagher 1319, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1314, A McCrudden B & K Reid 1313, S Duffy Derry & Dist 1312, J McGoarty Maiden City 1312, Concannon Bros Maiden City 1312, B Hart Foyle 1306, T & M Gallagher Londonderry 1306.

Foyle Valley Combine Tullamore (2) – B & K Reid Derry & Dist, S Healy Derry & Dist, R O’Reilly Foyle, A McCrudden Derry & Dist, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City, Dunne & Quigley, B & K Reid, P Creggan Maiden City, J Gallagher Foyle, Quinn & Harpur Strabane, G McLaughlin Maiden City, J Ebbs Derry & Dist, B Page Maiden City, J Gallagher, P McLaughlin Maiden City, A McCrudden, B & K Reid, S Duffy Derry & Dist, J McGoarty Maiden City, Concannon Bros Maiden City.

Williamson & Calvin Transporter –
Please note that from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th birds will be training from Slane Castle, Sunday 24th April the venue will be Balbriggan. Usual collections - Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.50am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.05am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.30am, and Newry 9.50am.

Tauris ETS For Sale –
In new condition and including 4 x Pads 22” and 70/80 Rings, cost £900 new, will accept £650. Tel: 07709 077266.

Homer training has started and depending on the weather going every Tue, Wed & Thur. Birds can be left with Danny Dixon (Dunloy) for collection at 8.20am then Ballymoney HPS Clubrooms at 9.00am (Ballybracks Business Park), calling on way back at Rasharkin (Main St), Cullybackey, and Ahoghill HPS Clubrooms, approx 10.00am. We travel through Randalstown and Antrim and I have also arranged to lift at Crumlin & Dist Clubrooms on the Main St, en route to Oxford Island. In Crumlin at approx 10.45am. Contact me on my Mobile. Tel: 07538 238364. For those using computers we update weekly on http://www.pigeonnetwork.com

Big birdage again in Loughview Combine and the top birds were timed in Ligoniel, overall winner was Ed Heaney & Son and all the top birds will be well placed in the NIPA.

Loughview Combine Tullamore (2) 53/1266 – E Heaney & Son 1601, W Campbell 1582, G & M Atcheson 1580, G & M Atcheson 1580, Whiteside Bros 1576, G McKenna 1576, Grattan Bros 1576, J Dawson 1571, Foster & Larkin 1564.

Mal Maguire is best this week in the Northsouth Fed, his velocity of 1607 is also best in the NIPA, a fantastic result for the Newry area.

Northsouth Federation Tullamore (2) 63/1383 – M Maguire & Son 1607, C McMahon 1596, J Murtagh 1586, A Curran 1583, T Gordon 1582, C O’Hare & Daughter 1581, C O’Hare & Daughter 1572, C O’Hare & Daughter 1572, Donnelly Bros 1570, M Peters 1568.

Ban Federation Tullamore (2) 19/460 – J Mount & Son 1552, C McArdle & Son 1545, J Smyth & Sons 1545 £1 Nom, J Smyth & Sons 1541, W McDowell & Son 1540, J Smyth & Sons 1539, J Mount & Son 1538, J Mount & Son 1519, J Mount & Son 1515, W McDowell & Son 1509.

City of Derry Federation Mullingar 17/04/11

The Federation held there first race from Mullingar on Sun 17th April, Dunn and Quigley Maiden City show their intentions with a top performance taking 1st and 2nd Fed and put down a marker for the year. In 3rd and 7th was Tony Mullan and son Derry and district with a fine performance as Tony usually concentrates on the distance races, 4th 5th and 6th goes to J and G Ramsey Derry and district who also take the top nom prize of a television followed closely by Londonderry member Noel Murray taking 8th 9th 10th and 12th also scooping the 2nd nom prize of 3 bags of feeding. Maiden City flyer Pat Mclaughlin takes 11th place and the 3rd nom prize of 2 bags of feeding, Sean Duffy Derry and district has a fine race taking13th 14th 15th 17th and 20th , Michael Harkin Derry and district 17th . Racing on Sunday will be once again from Mullingar, check with your club about details for racing.

Derry & Dist Mullingar -

Old hand Tony Mullan and son show the way home in the best possible way taking 1st and 5th position to prove the distance pigeons can compete over the shorter distance as well. Runner up goes to Jim and Gary Ramsey with 3rd and 4th for good measure, and Sean Duffy has a good race taking 6th 7th 8th and 10th with Michael Harkin in 9th.

East Down Combine - Tullamore

The East Down Combine moved on to Tullamore for the second race of the year, liberation was at 1.15pm in a Lt Northerly wind. Returns appear to have been good and the race itself was dominated by lofts in Annalong. B McConnell had 1st East Sect and 1st Open EDC on velocity 1697 followed by J McCartan and P Trimble. Crossgar had the top places in the West Sect won by McCartan & Woodsides on velocity 1630 followed by S & K Duke with two birds.

East Down Combine Tullamore Open - 1 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1697, 2 J.McCartan Annalong HPS 1675, 3 P Trimble Annalong HPS 1669, 4 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1668, 5 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1654, 6 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1649, 7 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1648, 8 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1648, 9 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1647, 10 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1646, 11 J.McCartan Annalong HPS 1646, 12 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1643, 13 B Higgins Annalong HPS 1643, 14 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1642, 15 McComb Bros Killyleagh Central HPS 1640, 16 S.Halpin & Sons Tyrella HPS 1640, 17 K & J McCulla Annalong HPS 1639, 18 P McCullough & Dtr Downpatrick HPS 1638, 19 J Newell Annalong HPS 1636, 20 Gordon Bros & Sons Killyleagh Central HPS 1632, 21 Gordon Bros & Sons Killyleagh Central HPS 1632, 22 McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar HPS 1630, 23 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1629, 24 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1629, 25 N.W. Hagen & Son Killyleagh Central HPS 1629, 26 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1628, 27 J Newell Annalong HPS 1628, 28 R.McDowell & Son Annsborough HPS 1628, 29 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1627, 30 D & K McCutcheon Donaghadee RPC 1626, 31 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1626, 32 T McKelvey Killyleagh Central HPS 1626, 33 M.Croskery Annsborough HPS 1625, 34 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1624, 35 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1624, 36 C McVeigh Annalong HPS 1623, 37 P.Lue & Son Downpatrick HPS 1622, 38 J Newell Annalong HPS 1622, 39 McComb Bros Killyleagh Central HPS 1622, 40 P Trimble Annalong HPS 1622.

EDC West Sect - 1 McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar HPS 1630, 2 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1629, 3 S & K Duke 1629, 4 J.Abernethy Ballynahinch HPS 1613, 5 McCartan & Woodsides 1612, 6 McCartan & Woodsides 1612, 7 C & G Adair Crossgar HPS 1611, 8 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1609, 9 C & G Adair 1606, 10 J.Abernethy 1603, 11 C & G Adair 1601, 12 D.& D Chew Newtownbreda HPS 1600, 13 J.Abernethy 1599, 14 S & K Duke 1595, 15 S & K Duke 1594, 16 S & K Duke 1594, 17 D Walsh Crossgar HPS 1594, 18 J.Abernethy 1594, 19 McCartan & Woodsides 1594, 20 McCartan & Woodsides 1593.

EDC East Sect - 1 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1697, 2 J.McCartan Annalong HPS 1675, 3 P Trimble Annalong HPS 1669, 4 B.McConnell 1668, 5 B.McConnell 1654, 6 K.Rooney & Son Annalong HPS 1649, 7 K.Rooney & Son 1648, 8 K.Rooney & Son 1648, 9 K.Rooney & Son 1647, 10 K.Rooney & Son 1646, 11 J.McCartan Annalong HPS 1646, 12 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1643, 13 B Higgins Annalong HPS 1643, 14 K.Rooney & Son 1642, 15 McComb Bros Killyleagh Central HPS 1640, 16 S.Halpin & Sons Tyrella HPS 1640, 17 K & J McCulla Annalong HPS 1639, 18 P McCullough & Dtr Downpatrick HPS 1638, 19 J Newell Annalong HPS 1636, 20 Gordon Bros & Sons Killyleagh Central HPS 1632.

East Down Combine Clubs

Annalong 18/594 – B McConnell 1697, J McCartan 1675, P Trimble 1669, B McConnell 1668.

Annsborough HPS – G & P Brown 1652, 1636, 1635, R McDowell & Son 1628.

Ballylesson HPS 16/443 – A Cousins & Sons 1586, A Crawford 1582, A Cousins & Sons 1577, A Crawford 1576.

Ballynahinch HPS 9/354 – J Abernethy 1613, 1603, 1599, 1594.

Cloughey HPS 9/241 – Gordon Bros & Sons 1612, 1612, 1612, H Gordon & Partners 1608.

Crossgar 13/516 – McCartan & Woodsides 1630, S & K Duke 1629, 1629, McCartan & Woodsides 1612.

Downpatrick 13/346 – P McCullough & Daughter 1638, P Lue & Son 1622, Telford Bros 1617, R Connolly 1615.

Drumaness Mills – J Kirk & Sons 1555, C Laverty & Daughter 1554, P O’Connor & Daughter 1554, G Hillen & Partners 1552.

Dundonald 7/203 – J Young & Partners 1581, S Brown & Sons 1579, BC & T Foulis & Gill 1573, R Irwin 1573.

Dundrum – A Murray & Son 1599, 1598, 1594, 1589.

Killyleagh Cent 16/390 – 16/390 – McComb Bros 1640, Gordon Bros 1632, 1632, N & W Hagan 1629.

Newtownbreda HPS 15/309 – W White & Son 1609, D & D Chew 1600, W White & Son 1588, 1587.

Tyrella 8/342 – S Halpin & Sons 1640, S Milligan & Daughter 1618, 1618, D McNabb & Partners 1601.