Homer's Odyssey - 13/03/09

[willie reynolds]

The 59th Annual General Meeting was held in the Lagan Valley Leisure Plex, Lisburn Leisure Park, Governor Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, on Saturday 7th March 2009, a very good attendance was present and the start was slightly delayed due to the room not being open. We were soon underway and Chairman Syd Collins took a number of apologies and then asked the members to stand and observe a moments silence in respect of those members deceased in the previous year. The Secretary Trevor Topping was invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed, the Convoyer’s Race Reports for 2008 were on the table and available for the members. A request was made that they read the report concerning the Kings Cup race. Following a bit of discussion covering this race, the weather problems, transporter, air conditioning, and race crates the meeting moved on. The Secretary then read his report for the season.

Secretary's Report

The 2008 season membership was 2,014 with 613 members in the south and 1,401 in the north. Members who left totaled 266 this is 12.5%. New members joining were 141.

I wish to thank the following sponsors for the 2008 season Bamfords Top Flight, Samuel McCausland Ltd, Bucktons Premium Pigeon Feeds, Versele-Laga, Natural Granen, Harkers Hormoform, and Veterinary Service for Birds, Gem Supplements Ltd and Sawyers Estate Agents. Each race had sponsors prizes which were greatly appreciated by the members and thanks to those members who obtained the sponsorship. Also the BHW with a discount on publishing rates for race results.

Electronic Timing Systems were presented as free nominations by the following companies Tauris, Unikon 2 systems, Bricon and Tipes. Again this generous gesture is appreciated by the members of the INFC.

The 2008 season will go down in history as possibly the worst in living memory. Holdover after holdover members not competing due to poor weather forecasts resulting in low birdage. Concerns have been raised by members on the wisdom of race marking when the prospects for racing for several days were nil. The committee have received written complaints and myself numerous phone calls raising concerns. The biggest disappointment and controversy of the year was the return of the Kings Cup pigeons made all the more disappointing by the fact the 2007 was also cancelled. The facts were the pigeons welfare came first and the convoyer had the wisdom due to his experience of many years on Sunday to advise the pigeons be returned home after considering all health and safety issues and incoming weather. I hope I never have to attend a meeting of the committee like that held on Sunday 6th July which was unacceptable and a disgrace to get permission to bring the pigeons home.

The convoyer's policy is pigeons welfare first which is correct and I endorse it, and if the club members or any committee members want it any different please let me know and I will step down as I would not be a party to such decisions. It is long overdue that race management for all races is put in place and whilst it is not going to be 100% accurate every time it will help convoyer’s, secretaries, members and the pigeons. A replacement for the King's Cup was arranged but the weather was not in our favour once again.The last few weeks have been spent putting in place arrangements for this years Kings Cup with the help of the site agent in France, and I hope it all falls into place.

Congratulations to all national winners and prize winners during 2008 season. It was good to see Donnelly Bros, Newry City receive nationwide recognition for their performance from Quimper. It was a big lift to the club to have Gloria Hunniford and Steven Way present the trophies at the annual dinner which included John Patterson receiving the new Charles Hunniford Memorial Trophy. The prize distribution will be remembered for years to come for the presence of Gloria and Stephen and the time they spent with those present.

I wish to thank the committees of the East Down Combine and Ulster Federation for assistance with the transport during the 2008 season. Also thanks to the INFC Charity committee and fanciers who donated pigeons and purchasers at the Kings Hall Show for the INFC transport fund.

On behalf of the members I wish to thank all of those committee members and members who helped at the race markings, clock settings, and checking's, also the race controllers, convoyers and drivers.

This season ETS may be introduced, if so it has to work smoothly and the members using will have to give the club, every assistance.

I wish to thank the officials, the committee members, press officer and any members who helped me during the past difficult season.

The 2009 season is fast approaching and I appeal for help at the marking centre if only for a few hours and hope we have a successful season.

No questions had been asked prior to the meeting on the Annual Accounts and former Secretary Allan McDonald from Portadown gave the yearly report before they were adopted.

Auditors Report

The financial aim of the club each year is too break even. The club set membership fees, race entry fees and provide guarantied prize money. However, the number of members can change and the number of birds entered can go up or down and this will affect our income.

In addition the extra costs due to holdovers and in the case of the King's cup a cancelled race can severely affect our expenses.

Last year we had a surplus of £8000 and this year we had a small loss of £358 which of course is close to break even and in that sense we achieved our financial objective.

Now what is the difference between the two seasons.

1. A big influence on costs was the 5 x Holdovers. 2 days in the Skibbereen Old Bird, 1 day in Yearling, 1 day in Friendship, 2 days in YB Sennen Cove and of course the cancelled Kings Cup with 8 days expenses incurred.

2. Membership also dropped by 120 and therefore £1,800 less income. In my opinion membership is the single most important factor as it has dropped from 2,700 in the year 2000 to 2,000 this year. Every effort should be made to attract new members.

3. Birdage was down from 16,387 to 15,051. However 838 of this were in the Friendship National due to changing from Portsmouth to Quimper.

4. The single biggest was the Friendship National where the difference between 2007 and 2008 was over £4000 from the surplus of £816, to a loss of £3,223. Part of this was of course was £2,886 due to an entry fee of £6 per bird which may have been set at £4 if the race had been originally proposed to be from Portsmouth. It is clear that with an entry of 605 we cannot afford to send a transporter to France and the committee has agreed that we will convoy with another organisation this year...

5. Now I will take a quick look at each race.

Skibbereen Old Bird Loss of £1,139. I would say this was due to the poor forecast before the race and this led to a reduced entry of 2,413 birds down from 3,600 the previous year and we had a 2 day holdover.

Yearling National

A brilliant entry of 4,173 compared with 3,298 in 2007. This again is our best supported race and with a surplus of £4,913 it was necessary to cover the deficits in the other races.

Kings Cup

Again the race cancelled. The expenses were higher than 2007 and a loss of £1,454. I am sure we all do not want any more cancelled races and In my opinion this should not happen again. The very poor weather this last 2 years was something we did not expect and the future plans will be set in place to have weather forecasts before race marking and surely within a possible 7 to 10 days we can get a race.

Friendship National - I have already covered.

Sennen Cove Young Bird and Old Hens.

This very difficult race is reflected in only 351 members sending although there was a bigger entry of 1,856 compared with 1,399 in 2007. The loss at £3,659 is very high and may need to be looked at. It is however reduced by £719 of a surplus on the Old Hens. If all costs were spread over the birds in both races it would reduce the loss in the young birds to about £2,800 and a loss of £100 in the old hens. If the committee feels this change is required I do not see any problem in doing this way.

Skibbereen YB

A small surplus of £823 due to reduced costs on transporters, although a smaller entry of 3,489 compared with 4,011 in 2007.

General Revenue Account

Surplus of £2,655 compared with £4,926 in 2007. Membership down 120. Expenses increased 5%. The Building Society interest of £1,942 is excellent and reflects on the hard work of the Treasurer. Unfortunately the rates as we all know are greatly reduced and there will be a big reduction this year.

Balance Sheet.

We still in a strong financial position and have £58,000 in the Bank and Building Society. £16,000 of this is set aside for a trailer if this is to proceed.

I thank the Secretary and Treasurer for all their hard work on behalf of the club and wish you all good racing this year and of course a Kings Cup race, with plenty of birds home.

All officers were then declared vacant and Ken McConaghie was invited to conduct the election, it was a case of same again for all the top places to serve their final term having been first elected in 2007 to serve 3 years. The posts of President, Sen Vice President and Jun Vice President rotate.

Office Bearers 2009

Patron – Mr Ronnie Johnston, President – Mr K en McConaghie (IHU), Senior Vice President Mr Syd Collins (RPRA), Junior Vice President – Mr Eugene Fitzgerald (IHU), Life Vice-Presidents – Mr L Boyle, Mr J Doheny, Mr J Hughes, Mr R Johnston, Mr S Thompson. Chairman – Mr S Collins.

Secretary Mr Trevor Topping, 74 Causeway End Road, Lisburn, BT28 2ED. Tel/Fax: (028) 9294 1265. ROI (048) 9264 1265. Treasurer – Mr Davy Mawhinney, Press Officer – Mr Willie Reynolds, Auditor – Mr Allan McDonald.

INFC Management Committee 2009:

RPRA Representatives - P Smith (Ind RPRA), W Knowles (Kingsmoss), A Darragh (Cullybackey), D Black (Dromara), P Gault (Kingsmoss), R Duddy (Ballyclare), C O’Hare (Ballyholland), D Suitters (Doagh), W Reynolds (Ballymena), C Lyons (Hills & Maze), M Wray (Harryville), L Woodside (Ballyclare), G Shaw (Colin), G McDowell (Kells & Dist) and R Stevenson (Dromara). Reserve G Delaney (Dromore). INFC Appeals Committee: S Cairns (Gilford), J Burrows (Eastway) and R McCracken (Banbridge).

IHU Representatives – L McCavery (Annalong), S Rea (Dundonald), G Gaw (East End), T Marshall (Newtownbreda), A McFarland (East End), B Marshall (Newtownbreda), M Mullan (Alexandra), W Sawyers (Ind IHU), M Irvine (Tyrella), J Erwin (Fortfield), H Muckle (Millisle), S Duffy (Donaghadee), C Browne (Bangor), R Taylor (Shankill), R Trimble (Ballynahinch HPS). IHU Appeals Committee: J McCavanagh (Balbriggan), N Grant (Balbriggan) and J Albert (Ballylesson).

Race Advisors: W Hore (Wexford), D Black (Dromara) and T Marshall (Newtownbreda).

Item 6 Notices of Motion.

Submitted by Wray & McFadden, Membership Number 1158.

6.1 A 20 bird limit will apply in all national races. For 46 votes, against 26.

Submitted by committee, New Race Rule.

6.2 (1) A code of conduct for convoyer’s and official liberators.

(2) Before commencing his convoying duty he shall obtain from the INFC secretary:

A The exact race point at his charges are to be liberated, that is to say the name and address of the race point.

B The name and telephone number of any race advisor appointed by the INFC.

C Any special conditions which have to be observed at the racepoint.

D An animal transport certificate for all journeys.

3 He will ensure that all stowage of pigeons confirms to the requirements of the law. That is to say that all containers will be properly secured within racking of the transporter.

4 He will inspect their charges at each stop, but will not be less than once every eight hours.

5 He will ensure that adequate food and water is available for the race, or alternatively has instructions as to how and where they are to be obtained. He will be solely responsible for the welfare of the pigeons in their charge and will ensure that they are adequately fed and watered as deemed appropriate for their well being.

6 He will position the vehicle in order to ensure a perfect liberation, bearing in mind the wind conditions. The convoyer/liberator is fully responsible for checking that all crates remaining in the transporter at the racepoint and on return to its depot are individually inspected in order to ensure that no live pigeons have been left therein.

7 He will obtain weather forecasts and in conjunction with the race advisors, will agree liberation time.

8 The convoyer/liberator will be entirely responsible for liberation, whether he has a race advisor or not.

9 In the event of pigeons escaping he must contact the INFC secretary regarding emergency action to be taken.

10 The correct time of the liberation should be known to the INFC secretary and race advisors. A full report on the race and liberation should be handed to the secretary on return along with a certificate indicating that all crates have been inspected after liberation.

11 The race point should be left clean and tidy and all loose materials disposed of.

12 He will conduct himself at all times as to avoid any complaint.

13 Only with the full permission of the INFC secretary will pigeons be liberated at any point other than that which they are scheduled to be liberated.

14 He will report the the secretary whilst at the race point and subsequently in his report any item which places at risk, either the safety of the vehicle, the welfare of the pigeons or the fairness of the release.

15 He will comply with the liberation site conditions and regulations.

16 For overseas races he will ensure that he is in possession of the full documentation necessary which will be provided to the INFC secretary.

17 Juniors or others (excluding drivers) are not permitted to travel on transporters.

This passed unanimously.

Submitted by J Beck, Membership Number 360.

6.3 That in all INFC races there are three race advisors, one from the south and two from the north to work with the convoyer in keeping him informed of weather conditions on line of flight. The convoyer to have an input in the decision to liberate. For 74 votes, against 3.

Submitted by the Committee.

6.4 Inland old and young bird nationals have open and section pools and prize money. For 55 votes, against 7.

Submitted by the Committee.

6.5 Members may time their birds electronically by union approved systems. (see the enclosed rules for adoption). This passed unanimously.

Submitted by the Committee.

6.6 Members may use timing clocks which have been modified by the manufacturer and have union approval for use without thimbles. (see the enclosed rules for adoption). For 66 votes, against 4.

Submitted by the Committee

6.7 Race marking and liberation dates can be changed on advice or race advisors to avoid periods of unfavourable weather. For 71 votes, against 1.

Rule changes to facilitate members using ETS and thimble less clocks.

Racing Rule 2

All birds must carry at least one intact recognised union ring. All members must fill in all particulars required on a race sheer or entry form before marking and complete a verification envelope. The outside number of the race ring must be entered on same by officials of club. All duplicates must be carefully sealed in race envelopes immediately after marking.

Birds marked by ETS race entry report to be printed and all copies signed by marking officials and competitor or his authorised agent. The race entry report to contain members name, loft number, race, date, clock serial number, authorisation code and race entries. Copies of the race entry report retained by the club and competitor.

Racing Rule 5

No member shall be allowed to mark or race ring his/her own bird. Or assist in the ETS marking procedure of his/her own pigeons or any other competitors pigeons he presents for marking.

New Racing Rule

No electronic rings will be allowed at race marking.

Clock Rules 1

All members must time in their birds by means of a timing clock which has approval per current union list, or union approved Electronic Timing System (ETS) Members are not permitted to use two methods of recording arrivals in any one race.

Clock Rule 3

Should a clock have varied more than at the rate of 5 seconds per hour, a fast clock shall be regarded as correct, a slow clock shall have double the lost time added. Should a member's clock stop after timing in through not being properly set or wound up the competitor shall have his pool monies returned in full. Any ETS clock which carries more than 3 seconds in any race to be returned to manufacturer for investigation and report given for consideration before pigeon's race arrival times are included in race result.

Clock Rule 6

No member of the clock committee or clock setter shall be allowed to set or check his own clock or assist in obtaining a progress report or strike off under ETS.

Clock Rule 9

If a second bird arrives while a member is away with his clock it may be timed into the nearest available clock which which then becomes a station clock as per union rule. ETS loft base units may continue to record arrivals.

Clock Rule 10

The Irish National Flying Club shall not be held liable to any clock owner for damage or loss that may occur whilst the clocks is in their custody, Or failure of any ETS system to race mark, record bird arrival times or produce progress report or strike off. The committee reserve the right to race mark pigeons by rubber race rings.

Clock Rule 11

Where a member has more than one clock set he/she must clearly label them one (1) clock etc, before they will be accepted for setting. If the number one nominated clock is in transit to or from the clock station for or after checking, the clock nominated 2 may be used to time arrivals.

Clock Rule 12

Delete present rule Were required containers must be used in clocks no limit on rings contained. Where open containers are used these must be inserted open end down and failure to comply with this condition will entail disqualification. Rubber race rings can be directly inserted into all conventional timing clocks, no limit per chamber, provide they have been modified by manufacturer and such modifications must have union approval.

Clock Rule 17

Delete present rule, One rubber per thimble and one thimble per chamber.

New Clock Rule

The club officials, committee or their appointed agents may inspect ETS antenna pads at members lofts to establish that they are within the confines of the loft at any time, and may require a member to provide a copies of the electronic rings allocation list on request from the club or officials who carried out the allocation of the rings. Members must produce a certificate of worthiness if requested. Any ETS equipment showing visible damage to the casing or seal will be refused for marking or checking. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

New Clock Rule

Marking officials and clock centre managers to obtain time signal for ETS equipment before starting to race mark, obtaining progress report or strike off.

All electronic timers set with ETS radio clock shall be deemed correct.

New Clock Rule

All ETS clocks presented at race marking must be cleared of previously flown races.

ETS chip ring must correspond to the life ring of the pigeon.

New Rule

The committee reserve the right to implement any race rules deemed necessary for ETS.

Ken McConaghie gave the INFC Charity Show report, another record attendance at the Kings Hall last December. He thanked everyone who assisted, the group he said was getting smaller and any additional help would be appreciated. It had been agreed earlier that the monies raised this year would be donated to the INFC Transporter Fund, Patron Ronnie Johnston who has been involved with the annual show from the start and the Hon Auctioneer presented a cheque for £10,000. Fancier who donated birds and those who made a purchase were thanked, the quality of birds every year is of the highest standard.

Discussions are going on to get back to Penzance and a decision on that is imminent, arrangements are being put in place to have the Friendship Nat birds transported to Picauville. This will be confirmed later, there was also a big discussion on the progress of purchasing a new transporter, a proposal from the floor was turned down as all implications need firstly to be addressed by the committee before going to the membership. A question was raised about members having some input to the race programme, this and other items of concern can be put forward for discussion and will if in order be put to the membership.

The next committee meeting will be held in the Lisburn & District HPS on Wednesday 18th March at 7.30pm. A full report will follow this.

The Galway One Loft, Bigger, Better and Ready to Roll

Situated on the West Coast of Ireland, Galway is a famous tourist destination, renowned for its tradition, scenery and its festivals, amongst which the Galway Races is the main event. This seven-day horse racing festival attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators over the past few decades. Last year another top race entered the sporting calendar, the Galway One Loft Pigeon Race, created by a local Galway flyer, Mike Flannery, under the banner of WestWings Lofts, in a place called Abbeyknockmoy, near the famous low-lying fields of Athenry. In its first year it aimed for, and received 500 entries and dared to run a new type of race, a cross-channel 245 mile east to west race from Chester to Galway, an ambitious plan for its first year. Sadly they suffered heavy losses throughout the season and come race-day the challenge was too great and they had no winner for the €40,000 prize money. It was a major disappointment considering all the hard work but they dusted themselves down and they rolled over the money and created a new race for their second year… a 250km race from The Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, to Galway, a more achievable race, yet still a good test for young birds against the wind and with tough terrain.

Half of last year’s intended prize money was put into discounts for last year’s entrants, with the other half added to this year’s intended top prize… This makes a Top Prize of €50,000 Euro, the biggest in Europe, with a further €30,000 in runner-up prizes, that’s €80,000 in total prizes! The Galway One Loft’s ethos has always been to put the majority of the prize money on the top prizes, as they believe fanciers want to compete to win, not just finish in the last 50, and although finishing is an achievement, in this race the winner (almost) takes all! In this race they’re keen to point out if you win as always you get paid in cash!

The race has a well organised and daily updated website, http://www.westwingslofts.com, featuring films, pictures, weather report, news, and the daily training results as they happen. They have also updated the site to increase the amount of information available with better plans to update the bird lists directly from the ETS as the birds arrive from racing. They also have an email address so that entrants can contact them whenever they wish.

Despite the high achievements of last year, this family-run race has learned many valuable lessons and admits it was a steep learning curve, but the lessons have been acted on and they’ve made vast improvements to the loft capacity, environmental systems, clocking and trapping systems, health controls, training facilities and website information delivery. No stone has been left unturned to improve upon last year’s work and they’d be the first to admit it has become a major part of family life and they take massive pride in their achievements and give every bird the care that they’d give their own.

They had a fantastic day on race day last year, with music, food and refreshments in their massive marquee; the only thing lacking was a winner. This year they intend to do it all again but with that winning bird! With live music, food and refreshments, ample free parking and a likely winner on the day. They also point out the beauty of the West of Ireland, and Galway in particular, as a major tourist destination, with fantastic scenery, festivals, towns and markets, a great place to spend the weekend whilst visiting the One Loft Race. In fact, the two hotspot races fall on either weekend of the main Galway Races meeting on the 26th of July and 2nd of August so that you can bet on the horses and wait for the birds in the same weekend! (The main race is scheduled for the 16th of August).

Having filled the 500 places last year, they are well on course to fill the 750 places they are aiming for this year, having passed last year’s figures in early January. It’s a great achievement considering the economic downturn, but it’s an indicator of the high esteem to which they are held by the pigeon community. There are still places available for new entrants to have a chance of winning the massive prize. This race has already gathered a loyal following and more and more top flyers are joining the party, and with its top prizes, great destination and well-run facilities, this race is destined to grow and grow. For further information check out their website, http://www.westwingslofts.com, or call +353 (0)93 43645.

The North Coast Classic

Well, yet another week passes with yet more wintry weather, think the seasons are somewhat mixed up. Things are progressing in the right direction at a very alarming rate with regards the North Coast Classic. Since last week Sean and Trevor have took delivery of yet many more competitors and the Sections are starting to fill nicely, the boys set about building their own ETS Traps and what a job they have done, TauRIS are sponsoring the ETS timing system with the assistance of local Northern Ireland Agent Cyril Beattie of Portadown. This sponsorship will see the official TauRis team at the loft next weekend fitting the loft out with 10 x four field pads spread out across the full length of the loft, the boys have decided to install the traps on the frontage of the aviaries which means on a race day, all the fanciers in attendance can see for themselves all pigeons entering the loft. The Beattie family have also very kindly sponsored the feeding for the loft with the assistance of Versa Laga and the feeding company have also indicated extra sponsorship for the Hot Spot Races. All subsequent sponsorship details will be announced over the coming weeks and will be covered in this column. I am already looking forward to and most certainly will be attending the official opening, this will take place on Saturday 14th of March at 12.30pm the Mayor of Coleraine will be in attendance along with other dignitaries from the surrounding area and a smashing afternoon is in store with light refreshments served, so if you have pigeons entered pop along for a snap and a chat and if you haven't entered and your still thinking about it, come along also and see for yourself what a smashing job the boys have done. Their is still plenty of room to get your entries in, the loft has been built to accommodate 1200 pigeons spread over 10 sections. Anyway that's you up to date this week next week we will have a spread of photos of the official opening. Well that’s it for this week anybody requiring an application form to enter this very well organised and run event can log onto www.pigeonnetwork.com where all is available to download from there.

The Northern Ireland Channel Federation had a very poor attendance at the previous meeting, a full attendance is requested at Laurelvale Cricket Club on Monday 16th March at 7.30pm sharp. Secretary John Reid is retiring due to ill health, members need to decide if the club keep going and if so they will require a Secretary.

The Fanciers Combine report a good membership for a new racing season, the race programme will be published just as soon as it is available. In 2009 the members will be using a new transporter and the old one will continue to be used for a number of Open Races.

Harryville HPS are having a Squeaker Sale in Larne & District clubrooms on Thursday 12th March 2009 at 8.00pm. Very good selection of birds, EVERYONE WELCOME! Anyone who can not make the trip too Larne please have your birds at Harryville clubrooms for 6pm SHARP for transportation to Larne. Secretary Nicola Gilbert Tel: 07724 507621.

TIPES ETS: Will have their latest demo in the Grosvenor HPS in Belfast on Thursday 12th March starting at 8.00pm.

Banbridge Social HPS annual Breeder/Buyer sale will take place in the local British Legion Hall at 8pm on Friday 13th March. Last season the club paid out between £1,400 and £1,500 and expect this season to be something similar. Race will be the INFC Skibbereen due to be flown on Saturday 19th September. All welcome, birds from top NIPA and East Down Combine lofts, Tel: T Lennon 07711 409205.

Coalisland & District will be moving to new clubrooms and to assist a fund raising Squeaker Sale will be held on Wednesday 18th March in Annaghmore. This sale has been cancelled, please lass the word around.

Corcreeney Breeder/Buyer: In its 5th season the race will once again be the INFC Skibbereen, fanciers should note that the club have paid out a 1st prize of £2,000 over the last four years making it one of the best around. Sale Dates are Newtownbreda on Thursday 19th March and Banbridge on Thursday 26th March. Always top stock in this one – don’t miss out!

The Young Bird Sale for the Renovation Fund at Glenavy Protestant Hall will be held on Wednesday 25th March starting at 7.30pm. Birds are donated by a number of top lofts including various Studs. Auctioneer is Ronnie Johnston and he is to sponsor a prize for the Best Performance of a young bird purchased. The list of donations and birds promised to date includes: R Keegan & Son (Holywood Lofts), Rob Hunter, John Patterson, R Williamson, Russell Bros, D Calvin, R Duddy, G Buckley & Son, Fleming Bros, C & L Woodside, G Douglas, G & F Lindsay, A Darragh, Ritchie Ryder, D Mawhinney & Son, E Wright & Son, B Hogg & Son, Robert McMeekin, James Courtney, G Benson, M/M G Delaney, John Millar, Donnelly Bros, Ian Gibb & Sons, J Crossan, N Black & Son, Spence Bros, F Scott, Joe & Mark Brown, W Sawyers, McDonald & Wilkinson, J Maguire & Partners, Ian Axe Stud, H Beattie & Son, R Johnston, Syd Collins, Louella Stud, G & J McCartney, V Thom, Joe Murphy (BHW Scribe), T Marshall & Son, W Greer, S S Cairns, D Harbinson, etc.

Laurelvale HPS: Proudly present a Young Bird Auction in aid of new clubrooms to be held on Friday 27th March at 7.30pm in the Banbridge British Legion. Auctioneer is Ronnie Johnston, birds on view from 6.30pm. A super draft of young pigeons kindly donated by the following fanciers, bidding will start at £30. Joe Adamson, T & G Kennedy, McFarland & Agnew, Mal Maguire & Son, D & J Armstrong & Son, Mark Maguire & Son, David Black & Son, D Mawhinney & Son, Joe Brown, J & J Milligan, S S Cairns, R Mills & Son, J Cleland, T Mooney & Son, M Conlon & Son, Eddie McAlinden, A Cousins & Son, Allan McDonald, Joe Cromie, Mansel McDowell, Alan Darragh, Ron McKelvey, M/M G Delaney, McKinstry Bros, Roy Donaldson, Eddie McKnight, Donnelly Bros, Willie Neill, Geoffrey Douglas, John Patterson, J Dowey & Sons, Davy Strain, T & A Ford, J Trotter, Colin Gibson, Nelson Weir, Jeff Greenaway, Ron Williamson, Alan Hall, Tom Wilson, G & F Hall, C & L Woodside, K Henderson & Son, E Wright & Son, Mark Hughes, and R Kennedy. Updated list at 23/02/2009, a sale not to be missed!

Ballycarry & District will hold its annual Breeder/Buyer sale to be held on Friday 27th March from 7.30 pm in the clubrooms, Fairhill, Ballycarry. The sale is open to NIPA Section C only and has a guaranteed payout of £500. The race will be the Rosscarbery Young Bird National. Race Licence number IR 11/09.

Glengormley are planning for this year an Open Breeder & Buyer Sale with £1,000 to Breeder and £1,000 to buyer and the race the final INFC Skibbereen. Sales are being arranged for Newtownbreda on Monday 23rd March, Ligoniel on Friday 27th March, Grosvenor on Friday 4th April and Glengormley on Saturday 11th April, more details later. In the meantime I have some contact numbers. Michael Mullan Tel: 07774 731652, Matt Murphy Tel: 07799 765327 and Hugh Bigger Tel: 07796 848484.

Doagh & District HPS: The annual Y/Bird Breeder/Buyer Sale will be held in the Linfield Club, Ballyclare on Thursday 2nd April kick off 8pm. Over £1,000 is paid out every year, and with youngsters promised from many of the top local lofts, plus top English lofts we are hoping that this year will be even better than before. Remember Cards only, Minimum bid £20 and open only to NIPA Section C lofts. 40% to Breeder, 40% to Buyer and 20% for Club. All ring numbers to be with the Doagh Secretary John Wilson by 30th May 2009, and the race will be the Rosscarbery NIPA Y/Bird National.

Banbridge British Legion will host a Super Sale of top quality Young Birds donated by some of Ireland’s top fanciers in aid of Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research. Date Friday 3rd April at 8.00pm sharp. Further details from Eddie McAlinden Tel: 07771 813198. Lofts who have donated birds so far include: E McAlinden & Sons (Banbridge), T Lennon (Banbridge), D Carson (Banbridge), P Byrne (Banbridge), T Greenaway (Gilford), G O’Dowd (Gilford), B McGrath (Drumnavaddy), S Curran (Lurgan Social), H Beattie (Laurelvale), M/M C G Gibson (Corcreeney), T & K Mawhinney (Donacloney), R McCracken (Banbridge), D Mawhinney & Son (Dollingstown), R McKelvey (Newry), M Conlon (Banbridge), J Nelson (Milltown), T Marshall & Son (Newtownbreda), G Buckley & Son (Annaghmore), W Neill (Annaghmore), M/M G Delaney (Dromore), Donnelly Bros (Newry City), A McAteer (Ballyholland), T Mooney & Son (Newry), A & S McKinstry (Rathfriland), J Crossan Downpatrick), P Murdock (Newry), J Murdock (Newry), C O’Hare (Ballyholland), Gregory Bros (Arklow), S Leonard (Arklow), H McLaughlin (Coalisland), McCartan & Woodside (Crossgar), I Gibb & Sons (Derriaghy), J Greenaway (Hills & Maze), M & F Russell Dromore), N Black & Son (Dromara), T McKinstry (Banbridge Soc), R Williamson (Bondhill).

Martin Graham (Ballymena & District) will have young birds for sale for the first time, his birds are the best of Norman Thompson (Walkingshaw), Jackie Waring (Lisburn) and his own Frans Van Wildemeersch (Fletcher & Son). These birds are tested through to France, his recent results include 1st Sect & 2nd Open NIPA Lamballe OB Nat 2003 and 2nd Sect & 4th Open NIPA St Malo OB Nat 2008. Young Birds £45 each or Kits of 6 for £250. First round available from the stock birds and race team. Tel: (028) 25 637929, Mobile: 07835 099155.

Glenavy & District HPS: Gold Wing Race sponsored by H Beattie & Son will go ahead as before in 2009, rings will be available from 4th January. Contact Gordon Parker Tel: 07734 235965, John Withers Tel: 07752 430972, or H Beattie & Son Tel: (028) 38 840486. Race details and prizes later.

The New North Flying Club: As the above club has not been in operation over the past seven years and even before that the membership was gradually decreasing every year, it has been decided to have a meeting of anyone with an interest. The Mid Antrim Combine have kindly let us have a short meeting before their Annual General Meeting at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 18th March 2009 in the Harryville HPS Clubroom, Antrim Road, Ballymena. With so many races now in the NIPA and INFC it appears there is no need for this organization so a decision will have to be made on it’s existence. Also, the Cups and whatever money is in the Bank Account. If anyone has an opinion on what should be done please attend this meeting.

Sales Season at Larne & District: The local clubrooms at the Old Glenarm Road will host a number of sales over the next few weeks, Owen Donnelly as usual will be the local auctioneer. Harryville HPS from Ballymena will be first away with a Squeaker Sale on Thursday 12th March at 8.00pm, contact Secretary Nicola Gilbert Tel: 07724 507621. Larne Weekly Sale for Larne & Dist and all GB09L Rings will be Thursday 19th March, one night earlier on Wednesday a Breeder/Buyer Sale for Ballynure & District. The Larne Sale for the 5th YB Race will be Thursday 26th March open to members of Larne & Dist, Horseshoe and Glenarm & Dist. The Larne Social Club Breeder/Buyer Sale for Talbenny National will be held on Thursday 2nd April, again this is open to members of Larne & Dist, Horseshoe and Glenarm & Dist. Finally the Breeder/Buyer Sale for Glenarm & Dist will be held on Thursday 16th April, a fantastic selection of birds will be available. More info on the sales will be available later.

John Lowry from Crumlin will have a new transporter on the road for training intending to go every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Crates will be available for individual use if required. Pick Up times are Dunsilly Car Park 7.00 – 7.15am, Nutts Corner 8.00 – 8.15am, Crumlin & District clubrooms 8.30 – 8-45am, Glenavy & District clubrooms 9.00 – 9-15am, Moira Roundabout 9.30 – 9-45am. Tel: 07710 447262.

Ballymena & District HPS: Will run a Ring Nomination YB Race during 2009 open only to lofts who compete in the Mid Antrim Combine. Race Licence No IR 06/09, contact Jim Harris or Willie Reynolds.

Springvale Social: Watch out for the new season Gold Ring Race to be flown in the NIPA Inland YB Nat open to all lofts in the NIPA Sections B & C covering all the top lofts in the hot bed of Mid & East Antrim. Rings are £20 each, RPRA Licence No. IR 02/09. Contact any of the following – Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 or Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.

HOMER. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683 or
Mobile: 07939 684876.
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
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