Farming Life - Wednesday 06/06/12

[willie reynolds]

Erratic Race from Talbenny in South Wales -

After a fantastic racing season with excellent returns the wheels came off at Talbenny when all the Irish birds including the NIPA were in South Wales for the first cross channel event. With a bad forecast it was touch and go whether to proceed or not, the decision was to collect as normal and monitor the weather as birds were in transit. Everything appeared perfect and the birds were released on Saturday 2nd June at 7.30am in Talbenny. We soon got reports the birds were slow to clear and the race turned out after that as expected, very erratic and just over half the convoy home. As we go to press the result is just available, great racing by Alan Craig of Tandragee who will top the NIPA for the second time this season, recording velocity 1201. Locally Ronnie Witherow from Limavady took 1st Section H and 2nd Open NIPA, Jack McDowell & Sons from Ballymoney took 1st Section B and 5th Open NIPA and G Donaghy Sons & Grandson from the Windsor in Coleraine took 1st Section A and 9th Open NIPA.

NIPA Talbenny (1) 959/14.955 – 1-1E A Craig Tandragee 1201, 2-1H R Witherow Limavady 1190, 3-2E R Williamson Bondhill 1184, 4-3E R Williamson 1184, 5-1B J McDowell & Sons Ballymoney 1181, 6-2B A Darragh Cullybackey 1171, 7-3B Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1164, 8-4B A Darragh Cullybackey 1164, 9-1A G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Soc 1159, 10-4E N Weir Loughgall 1158, 11-2A Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1154, 12-3A S McConnell Dungannon 1153, 13-5B D Dixon Ballymoney 1141, 14-5E C Duke & Sons Laurelvale 1141, 15-4A T McCrudden Coleraine & Co Derry 1141, 16-6E P Grew Charlemont 1140, 17-5A Newton & Quinn Coleraine Prem 1138, 18-6B R McFall & Son New Antrim Amal 1135, 19-6A K Shannon Dungannon 1134, 20-7A T McCrudden 1130.

Best in each Section. Sect A 63/777 – G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Soc 1159, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1154, S McConnell Dungannon 1153.

Sect B 150/2261 – J McDowell & Sons Ballymoney 1181, A Darragh Cullybackey 1171, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1164.

Sect C 184/3122 – A & E Bell Muckamore 1122, G McWhirter Glenarm & Dist 1103, Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel & Dist 1093.

Sect D 106/1747 – K Downey Beechpark Soc 1069, J Kelly & Son Dromore 1060, B & M McCorriston Dromore 1051,

Sect E 195/3741 – A Craig Tandragee 1201, R Williamson Bondhill 1184, R Williamson 1184.

Sect F 79/1181 – C Healy Killyleagh Cent 981, W Cleland Ards 980, P Lue & Son Downpatrick 980.

Sect G 102/1701 – Havern Bros Ballyholland 1111, G Hughes & Son Newry & Dist 1107, Hanratty & Mulvenna Gilford 1103.

Sect H 80/425 – R Witherow Limavady 1190, S Morrison Maiden City 1124, T Booth Omagh & Dist 1049.

NIPA Race/Date – Talbenny (1) 02/06/12

Homer & Adie will be attending the Coalisland & Dist Clubrooms on Monday 18th June from 7.00pm to take bird photos, on Tuesday 19th June the venue will be Ballymena & Dist clubrooms. Bring along your big winners and favourites. Deposit required for all orders. Tel: 07538 238364.

Coleraine Triangle Talbenny (1) – G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Soc 1159, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1154, T McCrudden Coleraine & Co Derry 1141, Newton & Quinn Coleraine Prem 1138, T McCrudden 1130, Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1130, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1123, Diamond Bros 1116, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1092, S Harpur Coleraine Prem 1092, Hanson & Harpur 1090, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1072, Diamond Bros 1071, Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1063, R Montgomery Coleraine Prem 1061.

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland 16/255 – K Murphy 1122, K Carolan 1120, G Quinn 1111, 1089, K Murphy 1085, 1082, G Quinn 1074, S & L Drain 1072, G Stringer 1065, R Corey 1061.

Coleraine Premier 14/121 – Diamond Bros 1154, Newton & Quinn 1138, Hanson & Harpur 1130, T & J McDonald 1123, Diamond Bros 1116, S Harpur 1092, Hanson & Harpur 1090, Diamond Bros 1071, R Montgomery 1061, J L Madden 1055.

Coleraine & County Derry – T McCrudden 1141, 1130, 1056, D Platt & Son 1042. The top three for Terence McCrudden and he wins the pools.

Cookstown Social 9/122 – G Marshall 1061, G & S Smith 1057, Speirs & Campbell 1043, J McCormick 1037, Speirs & Campbell 1033, 1016, J McCormick 982, V Thom 953, G & S Smith 940, 934.

Castledawson – T Leacock & Son 1082, 1029, Gilmour & Watson 1009.

Dungannon – S McConnell 1153, K Shannon 1134, S Shannon 1121, J & J Sampson 1083, K Shannon 1069, 1050.

Windsor Social 11/93 – G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1159, 1092, R & J Parke 1072, Horner & Scott 1063, R & J Parke 1050, R McCann 1030, 981, K Glass 972, 966, R McCook 956. Willie wins All Pools & DTW with this 2 year old Blue cock, best bird in Coleraine.

Derry City & North West -

This week saw the birds across the channel for the first time this year with a race from Talbenny in Wales writes Billy Knox. Although the weather did not look like being the best, indeed there was talk of the birds even being brought back; the birds were up early, with a 7.30am in a light easterly wind. And, when the NIPA tell you that the birds are slow to clear and the first birds were only facing the water half an hour after release, you know what to expect.

A very erratic race was to follow, with velocities and returns all over the place. In saying that, some birds must have had a good go at it, a couple over the 1,000ypm mark, and a few also doing over a 1,000ypm. There was even a bird around Ballymena that was apparently doing 1,800ypm.

We will start our round up this week with the Limavady club. No surprises here, where Ronnie Witherow’s season goes from strength to strength. Ronnie takes another Red Card this week, and it is the same bird that won for Ronnie last week that does the damage again. And to top the weekend off nicely, Ronnie takes 1st Section as well and hopefully will figure high in the Open positions as well. Well done again to Ronnie. The full result for the Limavady club was 1st and 3rd Ronnie Witherow 1190,987, 2nd and 5th Willie McIlmoyle, 4th D Johnston.

Next up, we have the Maiden City club, where Seamus Morrison gets a well deserved win at last and will also take second in the Section. This will keep Seamus happy, and will set him up for the rest of the channel races. Billy Page gets close again in second, with John McGroarty making a welcome return in third. The full result was 1st Seamus Morrison 1124, 2nd Billy Page 943, 3rd John Mc Groarty 886, 4th A Lyle 879, 5th Quigley + Dunne 875.

A short result this week for the Londonderry club, with only two birds in the result. A good fly from “Pigeon” Pat Mc Laughlin this week taking the honours ahead of Joe and Donal Kelly. Well done Pat let’s hope you can keep things going. The result then was, 1st Pat Mc Laughlin 846, 2nd Joe and Donal Kelly 665.

On the to the Foyle club, where again we see some new names doing the business this week. Top of the pile this week is Micky Jones, who everyone will know as a hard working centre man when it comes to the National races. Micky is another man who enjoys his channel racing and this will boost his confidence for the rest of the year. Micky also takes fourth spot just for good measure. James Gallagher, another hard worker at the centre takes second, with Paul Maxwell in the frame again in third and Raymond “Nanny” O Reilly, a channel ace in fifth. The full result was as follows, 1st and 4th Micky Jones 978,889, 2nd James Gallagher 972, 3rd Paul Maxwell 910, 5th R O Reilly 839.

In the Derry and District this week, Maxi Chism yet again shows the rest the way home. Maxi is having a really super season and is sure to carry on in this rich vein of form for the rest of the season. Maxi also takes third spot with Sean Duffy knocking at the door in second position and Danny Canning rounding off the top five in fourth and fifth. The result then looks like this, 1st and 3rd Maxi & Conor Chism 873,855, 2nd Sean Duffy 869, 4th and 5th Danny Canning 846,767.

As predicted in the Rock this week, Eamon Quigley shows the rest a clean pair of heels. Eamon is well known as a channel racer and this hopefully will be the start of another good channel season for Eamon. Micky McCloskey has a good race with a second and third, while veteran channel flyer Robert Cassidy makes a showing in fourth. In fifth spot this week, the ever present Tommy White is in the frame again. Full result this week is 1st Eamon Quigley 966, 2nd and 3rd Micky McCloskey 922,877, 4th Robert Cassidy 871, 5th Tommy White 847.

On then to the Stabane club, where the outstanding flyer of the season so far, Glenn Quinn, takes yet another win. There doesn’t seem to be any stopping Glenn, and it doesn’t seem to matter what the distance either. And just to show how it’s done, he takes third and fourth as well. The top five in Strabane looks like this then, 1st, 3rd and 4th Glenn Quinn 1031,983,983, 2nd H Mc Nulty 986, 5th T Mc Bride 888.

Finally this week, we have the Omagh & Dist club where the same names dominate the result again this week. Troy Booth has a super fly to take first and second. Alan Kelly is there again in third spot. And the ever present Alan Hall makes up the top five, taking fourth and fifth positions. The result looks like this then, 1st and 2nd Troy Booth 1049,980, 3rd Alan Kelly 974, 4th and 5th Alan Hall.

Let’s hope we get a few good Open positions this week with some of the velocities we have. Well done again to all our club winners and all those who took positions. And well done to our Section winner Ronnie Witherow. billyknox@btinternet.com

City of Derry Federation Talbenny (1) – Mickey Jones Foyle 978, James Gallagher 972, Eamon Quigley 966, Michael McCloskey 922, Paul Maxwell 910, Mickey Jones 889, John McGroarty 886, Ardian Lyle 879, Michael McCloskey 877, Dunne & Quigley 875, Maxi Chism & Son 873, Robert Cassidy 871, Sean Duffy 869, P & M Healy 862, Pat McLaughlin 862, Maxi Chism & Son 855, Tommy White 847, P & M Healy 847, Danny Canning 846, Sean Campbell 842.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Derry & District 10/44 – M & C Chism 873, S Duffy 869, M & C Chism 855, D Canning 846, 767, A McCrudden 679, M Harkin 668.

Foyle RPS – M Jones 978, J Gallagher 972, M/M P Maxwell 910, M Jones 889, R O’Reilly 839.

Limavady 10/49 – R Witherow 1190, W McIlmoyle 1020, R Witherow 987, D Johnston 935, W McIlmoyle 862, H Crawford 862, 845.

Londonderry PRS 8/30 – P McLaughlin 846, J & D Kelly 665.

Maiden City – S Morrison 1124, B Page 943, J McGroarty 886, A Lyle 879, D Dunne 875, P & M Healy 862.

Omagh & District – Troy Booth 1049, T Booth 980, A Kelly 974, A Hall 958, 957, T Booth 952.

Strabane 11/76 – G Quinn 1031, H McNulty 986, G Quinn 983, 983, T McBride 888, T Conway 874.

Rock Flying Club – E Quigley 966, M McCloskey 922, 877, Cassidy Bros & Sons 871, T White 847, S Campbell 842. Eamon Quigley has a third win of the season, a hard day for the birds and a lot of empty perches.

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 10/166 – J Smyth & Son 1112, J Balmer 1064, J Orr & Son 1064, Young McManus & Sons 1060, M/M Robinson 1055, 1055, J Balmer 1047, J Orr & Son 1030, A & N Young 1012, D Lowry 1012.

Ballymena & Dist 14/167 – T R Alexander & Son 1120, W & J Smyth 1090, Blair & Rankin 1075, 1065, G & A Eagleson 1063, G Barr 1061, G Gilmour 1056, G & A Eagleson 1054, W & J Smyth 1040, McAlonan Bros 1035.

Ballykeel Invitation - K & K Kernohan 1030.

Ballymoney 23/328 – J McDowell & Sons 1181, D Dixon 1141, A & M Boyle 1128, J Connolly 1124, R J Elliott 1092, W & L McCaw 1090, D Dixon 1088, D & G McMullan 1087, A & M Boyle 1083, J Connolly 1073. Jack McDowell & sons yearling Cheq hen goes forty ypm clear to win Talbenny and chalk up another success. The dam is Lindelauf and the sire is their good double section winning Soontjen cock.

Ballymoney West Combine 9/117 – J McDowell & Sons 1181, R J Elliott 1092, D Laverty 1037, W Blair 1010, Curry & Gilmore 1001, Brown & Stewart 962, L Neill 926, D Gage 921.

Dervock RPS 8/122 – A & M Boyle 1128, W & L McCaw 1090, D & G McMullan 1087, A & M Boyle 1083, 1070, D & H Stuart 1070, D & G McMullan 1067, A & M Boyle 1027, S Laverty 1025, D & H Stuart 1008.

Broughshane 6/130 – D Houston & Son 1081, J & N Simpson 1079, 1074, G Connolly 1070, 1061, D Houston & Son 998, H Smyth & Son 995, T & E Service 982.

Cullybackey 16/268 – A Darragh 1171, Reid Bros & McCloy 1164, A Darragh 1164, B Herbison 1111, Russell Bros 1104, B Herbison 1089, D Robinson 1083, A Darragh 1081, B Herbison 1080, S Steele 1080.

Crumlin & District 14/256 – Thompson Bros 1097, P McClarence 1054, Fleming Bros 1051, 1048, G Grant 1048, K Carson & Son 1018.

Harryville 15/230 – J Millar & Son 1124, J Ramsey 1059, A McBride 1043, G Price 1040, A McBride 1039, K & K Kernohan 1030, J Rock 1023, R Service & Son 1019, A McBride 1015, J Millar & Son 1012.

Kells & District 12/118 - H Boyd 1086, Scott & Clements 1061, A Barkley & Son 1058, H Boyd 1054, B Swann & Son 1029, McFarlane & Agnew 977, H Boyd 968, 959, Surgenor Bros 947, Scott & Clements 925. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – H Boyd 968, Scott & Clements 832.

Muckamore 15/226 – A & E Bell 1122, F Todd 1089, A & E Bell 1082, E Thom & Son 1077, J Courtney 1064, G Magill 1058, A & E Bell 1057, S & G Bones 1054, A & E Bell 1054, T Patterson & Son 1047.

New Antrim Amal – R McFall & Son 1135, McFall & McManus 1068.

Randalstown 12/175 – S Millar 1108, J Millar 1090, S Millar 1065, D Logan & Son 1065, Smylie Bros 1064, Stewart Bros 1060, 1033, J McNeill 1029.

Rasharkin & District 10/146 – Steele & McNeill 1109, J & D Surgenor 1091, 1083, Milliken & Barkley 1080, W & J McLean 1079, H Cubitt 1079, 1056, A C & T Tweed 1039. Four wins in a row for Steele & McNeill who are having a super season, this week’s winner a yearling Kevin Van Gaskel widowhood cock was bred by Danny Dixon. Nom: J & D Surgenor. D Dixon: 1141.996, 1088.272, 1050.493. Race sponsored by Noel Twaddle Contracts (Ballymoney).

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Annaghmore – T McClean 1111, G Buckley & Son 1100, W Neill 1092.

Armagh 18/265 – P Tennyson 1129, D C & P McArdle 1101, P Campbell & Sons 1060, G & A Campbell 1057, P Duffy 1053, A Whitcroft 1044, G & A Campbell 1038, E & M Curran 1033, A Whitcroft 1030, F McLaughlin 1027. Armagh 2 Bird Club – P Campbell & Sons 1060, O Toal & Sons 991, G & A Campbell 969, S Fields & Sons 961.

Beechpark Social 13/283 – K Downey 1069, R Russell 1042, S Gardiner 1042, D Mawhinney & Son 1021, H Lynch & Son 1017, D Percy & Son 998. Beechpark 2 Bird Club – D Mawhinney & Son 1021, K Downey 1017, D Percy & Son 998.

Blackwatertown 3/42 – RG & G Donaldson 1096, 1083, 1072, 997, 986, 970. The United Lofts boys put in a convincing performance from their favourite race point. The winner was a Blue cock that they clocked in the 2011 Yearling National and from Tullamore finishing 1st Club & 40th Section earlier in the season.

Bondhill – R Williamson 1184, 1184, 1129.

Charlemont – P Grew 1140, 1082.

Drumcree Social – Sloan Reid & Sons 1082, R K Hutchinson 1043, Sloan Reid & Sons 1032.

Edgarstown 15/269 – T & A Ford 1103, R Cassells 1101, T & A Ford 1062, G & C Simmons 1058, Baird, Baird & Craig 1058, G & T Ritchie 1046.

Gilford & District 20/306 – Hanratty & Mulvenna 1103, 1088, S Fiddes 1075, G O’Dowd 1071, E & P Cairns Bros 1058, G O’Dowd 1053.

Laurelvale 16/294 – C Duke & Son 1141, R K Abraham 1088, J Dowey & Sons 1073, S & N Lester 1056, A Gittins 1054, G & C Topley 1046.

Loughgall – N Weir 1158, 1127, 1120.

Lurgan Amat 7/132 – D McBride 1084, Higginson & Johnston 1051, 1036, G Gillespie & S0n 976, Higginson & Johnston 976, Metcalf & Donaldson 952.

Lurgan Social – J Douglas & Son 1081, B McNeice & Son 1043, J McCabe 1026, B McNeice & Son 1014, E Wright & Son 1005, B McNeice & Son 1001.

Markethill – B & P Baird 1128, K & R Black 1112, P McCall, B & P Baird, W Brown & Sons 1071, J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1002.

Monaghan – Cooney Bros 1118, R Mulligan 1090, Cooney Bros 1080, P McFadden 1077, 1072, P Tierney 1059.

Portadown Inv 7/101 – F Wright 1076, D J Gordon 1053, A Fearon 1050, 1049, A McDonald 1044, M Livingstone 1022. New member Frank Wright has his first win in the Invitation, John Gordon is the runner-up for the third successive race.

Tandragee 7/161 – A Craig 1201, 1120, Dillon & Morrow 1054, 1051, T McKinstry 1049, J Dowey & Sons 1037. Alan Craig wins 1st Open NIPA for the second time this season.

Wilton Cross – T Furphy 1074, M Rice 1072, 1067, Cooper & McGrath 1021, D Carville & Son 1019, S Loughran & Son 1010.

The Fanciers Combine – The £50 Nomination winner from Clonmel was J Whitten & Son of Edgarstown, GB11D 01179 was doing velocity 1297.

Darragh best in Mid Antrim -

Cullybackey HPS lofts dominated the top places in the race from Talbenny in South Wales, liberation was at 7.30am in an Easterly wind. Alan Darragh was best again recording velocity 1171 followed by Reid Bros & McCloy on 1164, the lofts take 1st & 2nd in Mid Antrim Combine. Danny Dixon was well placed on 1141, and other big club winners included Jack Millar & Son 1st Harryville HPS (1124), T R Alexander & Son 1st Ballymena & Dist (1120) winning the club for the first time, and Simon Millar winning 1st Randalstown HPS (1108) for the second successive race.

Subject to correction. Mid Antrim Combine Talbenny (1) – A Darragh Cullybackey 1171, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1164, A Darragh 1164, D Dixon Rasharkin 1141, R McFall & Son New Antrim 1135, J Millar & Son Harryville 1124, T R Alexander & Son Ballymena 1120, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1112, B Herbison Cullybackey 1111, Steele & McNeill Rasharkin 1109, S Millar Randalstown 1108, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1104, J & D Surgenor Rasharkin 1091, J Millar Randalstown 1090, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1090, B Herbison 1089, D Dixon 1088, H Boyd Kells 1086, J & D Surgenor 1083, D Robinson Cullybackey 1083, A Darragh 1081, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1081, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1080, B Herbison 1080, S Steele Cullybackey 1080, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1079, W & J McLean Rasharkin 1079, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1079, A Darragh 1077, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1075.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs –

Cullybackey 16/268 – A Darragh 1171, Reid Bros & McCloy 1164, A Darragh 1164, B Herbison 1111, Russell Bros 1104, B Herbison 1089, D Robinson 1083, A Darragh 1081, B Herbison 1080, S Steele 1080, Darragh 1077, 1071.

New Antrim Amal – R McFall & Son 1135, McFall & McManus 1068.

Harryville 15/230 – J Millar & Son 1124, J Ramsey 1059, A McBride 1043, G Price 1040, A McBride 1039, K & K Kernohan 1030, J Rock 1023, R Service & Son 1019, A McBride 1015, J Millar & Son 1012.

Ballymena & Dist 14/167 – T R Alexander & Son 1120, W & J Smyth 1090, Blair & Rankin 1075, 1065, G & A Eagleson 1063, G Barr 1061, G Gilmour 1056, G & A Eagleson 1054, W & J Smyth 1040, McAlonan Bros 1035.

Ahoghill Flying Club 10/166 – J Smyth & Son 1112, J Balmer 1064, J Orr & Son 1064, Young McManus & Sons 1060, M/M Robinson 1055, 1055, J Balmer 1047, J Orr & Son 1030, A & N Young 1012, D Lowry 1012.

Rasharkin & District 10/146 – Steele & McNeill 1109, J & D Surgenor 1091, 1083, Milliken & Barkley 1080, W & J McLean 1079, H Cubitt 1079, 1056, A C & T Tweed 1039. Four wins in a row for Steele & McNeill who are having a super season, this week’s winner a yearling Kevin Van Gaskel widowhood cock was bred by Danny Dixon. Nom: J & D Surgenor. D Dixon: 1141.996, 1088.272, 1050.493. Race sponsored by Noel Twaddle Contracts (Ballymoney).

Randalstown 12/175 – S Millar 1108, J Millar 1090, S Millar 1065, D Logan & Son 1065, Smylie Bros 1064, Stewart Bros 1060, 1033, J McNeill 1029.

Kells & District 12/118 - H Boyd 1086, Scott & Clements 1061, A Barkley & Son 1058, H Boyd 1054, B Swann & Son 1029, McFarlane & Agnew 977, H Boyd 968, 959, Surgenor Bros 947, Scott & Clements 925. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – H Boyd 968, Scott & Clements 832.

Broughshane 6/130 – D Houston & Son 1081, J & N Simpson 1079, 1074, G Connolly 1070, 1061, D Houston & Son 998, H Smyth & Son 995, T & E Service 982.

Jim Young wins 1st East Down Combine -

East Down Combine birds were released in Talbenny with the NIPA and Ulster Federation at 7.30am, the race was errati9c and returns similar to the rest. The 1st Open was won by Jim Young & Partners from Dundonald, this loft had four birds in the Top 12, the winner recorded velocity 1050. Next best Burgess & Brennan from Bangor won the East Section and other lofts well placed included John Patterson 1st Ballylesson (1030) and Tom Marshall & Son 1st Newtownbreda (1021).

East Down Combine Talbenny (1) Open 183/2611
J Young & Partners Dundonald 1050, Burgess & Brennan Bangor 1033, J Patterson Ballylesson 1030, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1021, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1018, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1018, R Moore & Son Bangor 1010, J Young & Partners 1004, Baillie & Smyth Ballylesson 1001, A Crawford Ballylesson 995, J Young & Partners 994, J Young & Partners 991, H Wallace Ballynahinch 989, A Crawford 987, T Marshall & Son 986, Pritchard Bros Annsborough 983, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 980, S & K Duke Crossgar 979, T Horner & Sons Crossgar 978, B McConnell Annalong 978, S Brown & Sons 978, J Tumelty Newtownbreda 977, J Young & Partners 976, T Marshall & Son 976, H Ballantyne & Son Ballylesson 972, Massey Bros Ballylesson 972, R J Keown Annsborough 971, D & K McCutcheon Donaghadee 969, Burgess & Brennan 968, J Young & Partners 968, McIntosh & Ward Downpatrick 964, S & K Duke 964, P & C Johnston Ballylesson 964, K Rooney & Son Annalong 961, A Edgar & Son Comber Social 960, B Cowan Annsborough 959, D Brennan Hillfoot958, A Crawford 955, J Davis Ballylesson 951, T Marshall & Son 951.

EDC West Sect 67/1059 - J Young & Partners Dundonald 1050, J Patterson Ballylesson 1030, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1021, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1018, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1018, J Young & Partners 1004, Baillie & Smyth Ballylesson 1001, A Crawford Ballylesson 995, J Young & Partners 994, J Young & Partners 991, H Wallace Ballynahinch 989, A Crawford 987, T Marshall & Son 986, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 980, S & K Duke Crossgar 979, T Horner & Sons Crossgar 978, S Brown & Sons 978, J Tumelty Newtownbreda 977, J Young & Partners 976, T Marshall & Son 976.

EDC East Sect 116/1552 - Burgess & Brennan Bangor 1033, R Moore & Son Bangor 1010, Pritchard Bros Annsborough 983, B McConnell Annalong 978, R J Keown Annsborough 971, D & K McCutcheon Donaghadee 969, Burgess & Brennan 968, McIntosh & Ward Downpatrick 964, K Rooney & Son Annalong 961, B Cowan Annsborough 959, R McDowell & Son Annsborough 948, Burgess & Brennan 947, G & P Brown Annsborough 946, P Brown & Son Annsborough 946, B Knight Annsborough 945, A & P Trimble & Son Donaghadee 944, R McVeigh & Son Newcastle 939, R J Keown 937, A & P Trimble & Son 936, Benson Bros Annsborough 935.

East Down Combine Clubs Talbenny (1) –

Dundonald – J Young 1058, S Brown & Sons 1018, J Young 1004, 994, 991, S Brown & Sons 978.

Ballylesson HPS 16/290 – J Patterson 1030, A Cousins & Sons 1018, Smyth & Baillie 1001, A Crawford 995, 987, H Ballantyne & Sons 972.

Newtownbreda 8/101 – T Marshall & Son 1021, 986, J Tumelty 977, T Marshall & Son 976, 951, W White & Son 948.

Ballynahinch – H Wallace 989, R Hunter 948, J Gillespie & Sons 925, R Trimble 924, R Hunter 920, 920.

Annsborough – Pritchard Bros 983, R J Keown 971, B Cowan 959, R McDowell & Son 948, G & P Brown 946, P Brown & Son 946.

Crossgar 11/209 – A & A Cheevers 980, S & K Duke 979, T Horner & Sons 978, S & K Duke 964, McCartan & Woodsides 937, 905.

Annalong 15/218 – B McConnell 978, K Rooney & Son 961, 908, P Trimble 897, J Trimble & Son 879, 866.

Downpatrick 10/87 – Ward & McIntosh 964, P Lue & Son 919, P Byrne & Son 887, T Smyth 885, R Connolly 884, T Smyth 882.

Drumaness Mills – Burns & O’Neill 945, E McLaughlin 934, Burns & O’Neill 926, J Kirk & Sons 911, R & K O’Neill 898, G Hillen & Partners 887.

Millisle 6/68 – R Strain & Son 934, J Rankin 933, R Strain & Son 921, J & J Hollinger 906, R Strain & Son 886, J & J Hollinger 869.

Cloughey 10/175 – Harper & Young 913, Gordon Bros & Sons 904, 881, 858, Harper & Young 854, C Murray & Partners 853.

Killyleagh Central 11/132 – McComb Bros 910, C Healy 891, Morrow Bros 884, C Murray 856, McComb Bros 846, 841.

Dundrum – Foster Connor & Parry 907, J Maguire & Partners 852, Foster Connor & Parry 841, 759.

Ballywalter SPC 10/136 – S Regan 890, Palmer & McKay 874, J Robinson 864, W & W Albert 857, D & W Carlisle & Son 828, J Orr & Son 825.

Muckamore Centre well placed from Skibbereen -

I was at Muckamore as usual for the clock checking in the first INFC Nat of the season from Skibbereen, always an unusual sort of a race and one that does not often feature lofts at the top end of the country. The race cards were done early for the Belfast duo Campbell & Bigger and Grattan Bros of Eastway, the next door neighbours had timed around 16.23hrs well clear of anything else although we were hearing about a bird into Coleraine timed at 16.50hrs. The velocities were done for the Belfast pair and they were indeed out on their own with D & J Campbell & Bigger winning the Centre on velocity recording velocity 1718 for the 256 miles. Grattan Bros worked out at velocity 1711 and we then had to wait to see who would turn up from Coleraine. It turned out to be Leslie Madden who indeed had timed at 16.50hrs and flying 271 miles. When it was worked out the Coleraine bird was to be third best recording velocity 1647, a yard ahead of Jackie McErlean of the Alexandra who has a very good record in this race. Alan Darragh has a fantastic record in the INFC races and having won all the races he has sent to in the Cullybackey HPS he had a big team competing from Skibbereen and timed his first arrival at 16.45hrs to again win 1st in the Mid Antrim Combine, his season to date has been outstanding. A & N Lewis from Doagh have been early a few times in the Centre and had two birds well placed as had L & S O�Neill & Sons who had the best two birds into Larne. The Skibbereen Nat was flown on Wednesday 23rd May after a one day delay due to fog in the Cork Area, liberation was at 12.00 Noon in a South, SE wind. Skibbereen is now divided into 3 Separate Sections, North all of Northern Ireland, Middle around Dublin and South around Wexford. Cromie Magee & Sons who were overall winners in this race in 2009 were 1st Open again recording velocity 1723. They were 1st in the North Sect followed by the top two in Muckamore D & J Campbell & Bigger and Grattan Bros. Looking back at the result in 2009 I see A & N Lewis were 4th Open having been Best in the Muckamore Centre.

Muckamore Centre (Subject to correction) � D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1718, Grattan Bros Eastway 1711, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1647, J McErlean Alexandra 1646, A Darragh Cullybackey 1598, A & N Lewis Doagh 1598, L & S O�Neill & Sons Larne 1595, L & S O�Neill & Sons 1589, A & N Lewis 1586, J McErlean 1569, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 1559, S Steele Cullybackey 1559, Connor Bros Kingsmoss 1546, J McErlean 1536, G & R Lawrie Ballyclare 1532, J L Madden 1532, A & M Boyle Ballymoney 1530, J L Madden 1528, A Purvis Broughshane 1527, A Purvis 1527, Connor Bros 1521, G & S Smith Cookstown 1518, D Dixon Rasharkin 1512, J L Madden 1507, J Burrows Eastway 1500, A O�Hanlon Andersonstown 1499, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1496, Connor Bros 1494, M Johnston Fortfield 1493, Houston Bros Randalstown 1493, A Thompson Ballyclare 1491, D Dixon 1488, D Dixon 1487, K Galloway Crumlin 1485, Grattan Bros 1483, A Purvis 1479, McFarlane & Agnew 1477, J Burrows 1474, M Graham Ballymena 1469, Grattan Bros 1468, Reid Bros & McCloy 1465, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 1464, G K & I Moxham Larne 1461, G K & I Moxham 1461, G K & I Moxham 1459, A & N Lewis 1459, A & M Boyle 1454, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1452, A Darragh 1450, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1450, J Harkness Glenavy 1445.

East Antrim Combined Skibbereen North OB Nat - D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1718, Grattan Bros Eastway 1711, A & N Lewis Doagh 1598, L & S O�Neill & Sons Larne 1593, L & S O�Neill & Sons 1586, A & N Lewis 1586, Connor Bros Kingsmoss 1546, G & R Lawrie Ballyclare 1532, Connor Bros 1521, J Burrows Eastway 1498, Connor Bros 1494, A Thompson Ballyclare 1491, L Savage Eastway 1483, Grattan Bros 1483, J Burrows 1472, Grattan Bros 1468, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 1464, G K & I Moxham Larne 1462, G K & I Moxham 1462, G K & I Moxham 1460, A & N Lewis 1459, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1452, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1450, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1442, Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1440, J Burrows 1432, Bingham & Seaton 1430, Bingham & Seaton 1426, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 1421, Collins & Pursley Doagh 1421.

Mid Antrim Combine Skibbereen North OB Nat - A Darragh Cullybackey 1598, S Steele Cullybackey 1557, A Purvis Broughshane 1527, A Purvis 1527, D Dixon Rasharkin 1512, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1511, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1494, Houston Bros Randalstown 1491, D Dixon 1488, D Dixon 1487, A Purvis 1479, M Graham Ballymena 1469, Reid Bros & McCloy 1463, A Darragh 1450, D Dixon 1444, M/M M Sempey Ballymena 1424, G & A Eagleson Ballymena 1422, Houston Bros 1419, A Purvis 1408, B Ramsey Harryville 1402, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1401, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1395, M Graham 1390, Reid Bros & McCloy 1389, M Graham 1376, D Dixon 1368, G & A Eagleson 1367, B O�Rawe Ballymena 1365, S Steele 1360, S Steele 1350.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs Skibbereen �

Cullybackey HPS � A Darragh 1598, S Steele 1559, Reid Bros & McCloy 1494, 1463, A Darragh 1450, Reid Bros & McCloy 1389, S Steele 1360, 1350, 1333, A Darragh 1325, Russell Bros 1308, A Darragh 1295.

Broughshane 4/41 � A Purvis 1527, 1527, 1479, 1408, J & N Simpson 1395, 1303, A Purvis 1298, J & N Simpson 1283.

Rasharkin & Dist � D Dixon 1512, 1488, 1487, 1444, 1368, 1299.

Kells & District � McFarlane & Agnew 1511, 1297.

Randalstown HPS � Houston Bros 1491, 1419, Stewart Bros 1401, Houston Bros 1266, Stewart Bros 1086.

Ballymena & District 5/34 � M Graham 1469, M/M M Sempey 1424, G & A Eagleson 1422, M Graham 1390, 1376, G & A Eagleson 1367, B O�Rawe 1365, 1063, 1020.

Harryville HPS � B Ramsey 1402, 1276, 1275.

NI Clubs Skibbereen -

Wilton Cross � G Douglas 1596, C & J Ferris 1542, G Douglas 1533, S Loughran & Son 1428.

Gilford & Dist � Cairns Bros 1584, Fitzpatrick & Hyde 1573, S S Cairns 1551, T Greenaway 1526, Adamson & Anderson 1519, C & H Beattie 1513.

Armagh 7/72 � M Bruce & Sons 1572, S Fields & Sons 1546, 1535, P Campbell & Sons 1525, 1506, P Duffy 1504. Armagh 2 Bird Club � P Campbell & Sons 1460, J Campbell 1331, P Campbell & Sons 1140, S Fields & Sons 1097.

Ballymoney HPS 7/66 - D & H Stuart 1559, A & M Boyle 1530, D Dixon 1513, 1489, 1487, A & M Boyle 1454, D Dixon 1444, A & M Boyle 1443, D & H Stuart 1408, D Dixon 1368. D & H Stuart wins the first of the INFC races from Skibbereen with a three year old Blue hen flying on Roundabout. This good hen topped the Coleraine Centre last year from Rosscarbery winning 1st Club and 3rd Section B.

Dervock RPS 5/39 � D & H Stuart 1559, A & M Boyle 1530, 1454, 1443, D & H Stuart 1408, D & G McMullan 1407, D & H Stuart 1241, W & L McCaw 1043.

Corcreeney � S S Cairns 1551, T Wilson 1480, S S Cairns 1466, T Wilson 1464, M McDonald 1450, T Wilson 1447.

Newry & District 10/121 � M Maguire & Son 1537, K Byrne & Sons 1520, 1462, G Hughes & Son 1452, 1434, 1394.

Blackwatertown 1/20 � J Brown 1535, 1502, 1319, 1318. Joe takes the honours from the Skibbereen National.

Downpatrick � P Byrne & Son 1533, J Crossan 1457, 1426.

Beechpark Social � D Mawhinney & Son 1529, R Bothwell 1479, 1429, G McEvoy 1419.

Broughshane & Dist 4/41 � A Purvis 1527, 1527, 1479, 1408, J & N Simpson 1395, 1303, A Purvis 1298, J & N Simpson 1283.

Drumnavaddy 6/50 � LF & B McGrath 1506, 1500, 1366, 1366, 1355, E Mallon & Son 1351.

Edgarstown HPS � P Hope 1482.

Ballymena � M Graham 1469, M/M M Sempey 1424, G & A Eagleson 1422, M Graham 1390, 1376, G & A Eagleson 1367, B O�Rawe 1365, 1063, 1020.

Ballynahinch HPS � R Hunter 1435, D & R Topping 1434, W McVeigh 1418, W Catherwood 1382, R Hunter 1382, 1314.

EMERALD CLASSIC -

LOFT MANAGERS REPORT 27th May
“IRELANDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL ONE LOFT RACE”

It has been a very busy four months since the loft open at the beginning of February to except the entries for this year’s Emerald Classic which is now going into its 5th year and recognised by many as Europe’s Premier International One Loft Race and definitely the place to be if you want to test your pigeons against some of the world’s best.

Our percentage record for the past four years has been second to none and this is evident from the entries which have been arriving stead at the loft from some of the world’s top fanciers in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland North & South, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Hungry, Romania, Moldova Republic, Malta, Portugal, Canada and the Channel Islands.

Again we are deeply indebted to John Millar who circum navigates the UK and Ireland faithfully very week in all weather conditions to collect and deliver our entries.

Over 600 birds from 14 different countries have been delivered to the loft for this year’s event I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported the Emerald Classic this year again, with overseas Team entries from Team Germany, Team Belgium Masters, Team Romania, Team Moldova, and Team Malta.

We have also received tremendous support this year from Belgium and Holland with outstanding entries from Alex Allemeersch & Corry Van Parys winner’s of 1st Ace Pigeon 2011 Belgium Masters, Marc Pollin winner of 1st Open 2011 Belgium Masters, Dominique Velghe who owns one of the finest collections of direct Andre Verbesselt ( whose recent clearance sale on PIPA grossed 1.4 million euro) pigeons in Belgium, JL & N Houben who family of pigeons have excelled in the Million Dollar Pigeon Race, the world famous Herbot Brothers, Noel & Ivan Willockx, Jan Hermans, Harco Polman, Jos De Ritter, Belgica De Weerd Boscheind Flyers to name but a few. For the 60 plus Belgium entries I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Belgium agent Ivan Willockx of http://www.pitts.be for who will be conducting the auction of the top 20 prize winners and top 20 Ace pigeons in this year’s grand final.

Closer to home we have entries from Peter Fox Syndicate Lofts, Derek Parr Lakeside Lofts three past winners of the Emerald Classic W Gray & Son Ian, Hennie & Anette Kallmeyer, and Danny Dixon. RPRA One Loft Race winners Richard Owen & Ken Hogarth, two past Europa winners Mr & Mrs William Lewis, Ken Darlington, last year’s runners up Connor Whelan & Brendan Mc Cann, Philip & Mark Smith who has been the most successfully Irish compeditor in the MDPR for the past 4 years, Sheldon Leonard who not only owns one of the finest collections of direct Janssen pigeons but the actual nest mates of those recently sold on PIPA for an astonishing average of €21,400.00 each, yes each!, this is just a small selection with pure quality like this we are in for an exciting 2012 a full inventory of this year’s entries will be available on line shortly.

ATTENTION
Disappointedly a number of initial entries still remain unpaid (not reserves) if they have not been paid but the time the inventory list is compiled they will be listed as Bird of Sale there will be no more polite reminders.



THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) http://www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway http://www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.

Important information

May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year’s final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have again been allocated to the Emerald Classic. However these rooms must be booked directly with the Hotel please visit their web site via the links section of our web site and speak to Karen to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe

Thank You
JOHN H BOYD - RACE DIRECTOR