Homer's Odyssey - 17/04/09

[willie reynolds]

Many in Northern Ireland awoke to a typical summers morning on Saturday with glorious Blue Skies and strong sunshine, better weather for the start off the O/Bird season you couldn’t have wished for, not to warm but yet not to cold with the wind a fresh South/South Westerly. The strings were cut on the large convoy of 20,000+ pigeons, and at 9.00am the birds were liberated in Tullamore for what many already new was going to be a quick affair. Best reported velocity as we go to press is the 2008 Orchard Combine Fancier of the Year Nelson Weir of Loughgall. Last year Nelson topped the NIPA Open Twice and the Orchard Combine on no less than 8 occasions, he has started 2009 with a fantastic team result.

NIPA Section A Club Results Tullamore

Coalisland & District HPS
1st Karl Murphy 1938, 2nd M & R Hamilton 1936, 3rd M McPhillips 1917, 4th W Bleeks & Son 1911, 5th W Bleeks & Son 1908, 6th G Quinn 1907, 7th G Stringer 1906, 8th S Drain 1905, 9th H McLaughlin 1899, 10th Karl Murphy. Well done to Karl on topping the Club in the first O/Bird race of 2009 a couple of yards in front of Micky Hamilton who was also second in this same race last year by the same margin. With three red cards to his name last year Karl has started an early push this year to bettering that in what is a very hard club to win.

Windsor Social 5/102
1st Horner & Scott 1910, 2nd K Glass 1865, 3rd K Glass 1844, 4th Horner & Scott 1832, 5th Horner & Scott 1817, 6th R & J Parke 1804, 7th R & J Parke 1789, 8th Brennan & Christie 1716, 9th Brennan & Christie 1639. The partnership of Horner & Scott finished last year with 13 x 1st Club’s and one of them was the 1st race of the O/Bird season, so are we going to see yet another wonderful season from the inform partnership.

Coleraine Premier
1st Diamond Bros 1870, 2nd Hanson & Harper 1865, 3rd Diamond Bros 1863, 4th T & J McDonald 1846, 5th T & J McDonald 1833, 6th Nevin Bros 1831, 7th Hanson & Harper 1820, 8th T & J McDonald 1816, 9th T & J McDonald 1803, 10th J L Madden 1801. Well done to Diamond Bros who start the season in fine form and looking to improve on their collection of 5 x 1st’s from 2008. The Partnership of T & J McDonald win the pools with A McDonnell taking the 2nd cut.

Coleraine & Co.Derry
1st D Platt & Son 1755, 2nd G Mitchell 1749, 3rd A McCorriston 1739, 4th R Stewart 1713, 5th R McAuley 1704, 6th S Thompson 1699. Well done to the Platt loft on a great start to 2009.

NIPA Section H Club Results Tullamore

Omagh & District HPS
1st A Kelly 1862, 2nd R Adams 1699, 3rd Alan Hall 1655, 4th Alan Hall 1615. The Kelly loft has got the season of to a flyer with an awesome looking winner into that area, having topped the Club on four occasions last year, he has certainly got off to a good start in 2009

Foyle RPS 19/302
1st Mr & Mrs Paul Maxwell 1830, 2nd Mr Sean Duffy, 3rd Mr Sean Duffy, 4th Mr Jim Diamond, 5th Mr Paul Hegarty & Son, 6th Mr & Mrs Paul Maxwell, 7th Mr & Mrs Paul Maxwell, 8th Mr Anthony McCrudden, 9th Mr & Mrs Paul Maxwell, 10th Mr Jim Diamond 1771. Mr & Mrs Maxwell continue in the blistering form that they had in 2008 with a very good winner into Derry on the day.

Strabane RPC 15/117
1st G McGavigan 1818, 2nd C Ellis 1784, 3rd G McGavigan 1733, 4th N McGavigan 1710, 5th T McBride 1697, 6th T Conway 1678. Excellent start to the 2009 season by the loft of G McGavigan finishing 1st and 3rd with the winner coming down from his excellent Soontjen lines.

Londonderry RPS
1st T & M Gallagher 1707, 2nd Noel Murray 1704, 3rd J & D Kelly 1677, 4th B Houston 1676, 5th J & D Kelly 1673, 6th Noel Murray 1670, 7th B Houston 1620, 8th J & D Kelly 1529, 9th T & M Gallagher 1415, 10th T & M Gallagher 1391. Well done to the Gallagher team on a very impressive result in the first O/Bird race of 2009.

Coleraine Triangle Tullamore – Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1910, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1874, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1870, K Glass Windsor Soc 1865, Hansen & Harper Coleraine Prem 1865, Diamond Bros 1863, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1846, K Glass 1844, T & J McDonald 1833, Horner & Scott 1832, Nevin Bros Coleraine Prem 1831, Hansen & Harper 1820, Horner & Scott 1817, T & J McDonald 1816, A & R McAuley 1815.

The OB Champions League operated in the Mid Antrim Combine for the first time last year was an outstanding success, set up and managed by Jim Harris from Ballymena & District. Roy Clements from Harryville was the first time winner meeting Harry Boyd in the final at Sennen Cove when both lofts won 1st Club, how about that. In the initial stage we operate over 4 Sections in a Points basis, this will start at the NIPA Tullamore (2) to be flown on 18th April. The draw will be made at Ballymena Pigeon Supplies on the Sunday after the opening race. As last year we required 4 Loft Nominations from all nine member clubs, all have now arrived. Antrim Amalgamated: Conor Magill, D Jackson & Son, McFall & McManus and R McFall & Son. Ballymena & District: W & J Smyth, Richmond Bros, Martin Graham and Blair & Rankin. Cullybackey: Russell Bros, Alan Darragh, Gary Gibson and H & R McCloy. Randalstown: H Boyd, Stewart Bros, Houston Bros & Tom McMillan. Broughshane & District: H Smyth & Son, J & N Simpson, D Houston & Son and G & A Eagleson. Kells & Dist: Surgenor Bros, H Boyd, McFarlane & Agnew and G McDowell. Rasharkin & Dist: Milliken & Barkley, Danny Dixon, Davy Mairs and A C & T Tweed. Harryville: R H Clements, J Millar & Son, Alan McBride and Jimmy Rock. Ahoghill: Young McManus & Sons, A & N Young, D Lowry & Sons, and Geoff Dickey.

Roy Clements from Harryville had the early arrival in the seasons opening race from Tullamore in County Offaly, he won the club by a clear five minutes timing at 10.51am following the 9.00am release. The early liberation worked out well and the birds made light work in the helping conditions over the 125 miles. She is all the top Ron Williamson Busschaert bloodlines the dam was purchased at the NIPA Ladies Night a few years back. The Dark Cheq hen had won before, as a young bird in 2007 she had 1st Club 1st Combine & 3rd Sect in the Rosscarbery Nat winning over £200. Milliken & Barkley from Rasharkin had the Card of the Day and have three birds in the Combine top six, next best in Sect B was Andy & Mavis Boyle with 1st in both Ballymoney and Dervock. Around the Antrim area Tommy McMillan had the top six in Randalstown with a winner doing velocity 1872, Fleming Bros had 1st Crumlin & Dist (1862) and Frank Todd was 1st Muckamore (1808).

Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore (1) 96/1,773 – R H Clements Harryville 1977, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1917, Milliken & Barkley 1908, A McBride Harryville 1896, A Barkley & Son Kells 1878, Milliken & Barkley 1878, T & E Service Broughshane 1875, D Dixon Rasharkin 1872, T McMillan Randalstown 1872, T McMillan 1871, Milliken & Barkley 1863, G McDowell Kells 1858, H Smyth & Son Broughshane 1855, B Swann & Son Kells 1852, D Dixon 1851, D Robinson & Son Cullybackey 1848, A & N Young Ahoghill 1848, J Millar & Son Harryville 1844, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1840, Surgenor Bros Kells 1839, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1834, T McMillan 1832, T McMillan 1831, T McMillan 1831, T McMillan 1830, M Graham Ballymena 1830, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1829, K & K Kernohan & Sons Harryville 1829, G Dickey Ahoghill 1828, T McMillan 1823.

NIPA Sect B Clubs Tullamore (1)

Harryville HPS 14/250 – R H Clements 1977, A McBride 1896, J Millar & Son 1844, K & K Kernohan & Sons 1829, R H Clements 1819, A McBride 1817, J Millar & Son 1816, K & K Kernohan & Sons 1814, A McBride 1812, J Millar & Son 1810, R H Clements 1810, L Mullan 1809.

Ballymoney HPS 16/360 – A & M Boyle 1924, M Gamble 1903, A & R McAuley 1874, D Dixon 1872, J Hutchinson & Son 1861, M Gamble 1858, D Dixon 1851, J Connolly 1849, A & M Boyle 1844, B & I Stewart 1823, A & R McAuley 1815, J McDowell & Sons 1813.

Dervock IPS 4/76 - A & M Boyle 1924, J Hutchinson & Son 1861, A & M Boyle 1844, D & H Stuart 1803, J Hutchinson & Son 1768, D & G McMullan 1762, 1724, D & H Stuart 1709.

Rasharkin & District 12/222 – Milliken & Barkley 1917, 1908, J & D Surgenor 1815, Steele & McNeill 1803, H Cubitt 1787, J Robinson & Son 1786, W McFetridge 1783, L McNeill 1730. First and second goes to Milliken & Barkley from J & D Surgenor in third. Nom: Steele & McNeill. Danny Dixon:1872.88,1851.18.

Windsor Social HPS 5/102 – Horner & Scott 1910, K Glass 1865, 1844, Horner & Scott 1832, 1817, R & J Parke 1804, 1789, Brennan & Christie 1716, 1639.

Kells & District 12/200 – A Barkley & Son 1878, G McDowell 1858, B Swann & Son 1852, Surgenor Bros 1839, G McDowell 1808, Surgenor Bros 1789, H Turkington 1775, A Barkley & Son 1769, Gold Minute (58) won by Jeff Surgenor. Kells 2 Bird Club – G McDowell 1747, G McDowell 1726.

Broughshane & District 9/123 – T & E Service 1875, H Smyth & Son 1855, J & N Simpson 1840, D Houston & Son 1822, 1806, J & N Simpson 1805, J McNaghten & Son 1795, G & A Eagleson 1793. Broughshane & District annual Breeder & Buyer Sale will be held in the local clubrooms on Thursday 16th April at 8.00pm, all welcome.

Randalstown 6/147 – T McMillan 1872, 1871, 1832, 1831, 1831, 1830, Stewart Bros 1829, T McMillan 1823, S Millar 1774, Houston Bros 1773.

Crumlin & District 6/140 – Fleming Bros 1862, K Galloway 1855, M & B McConville 1849, Fleming Bros 1848, M & B McConville 1843, Fleming Bros 1832.

Ballymoney West Combine 7/140 – J Hutchinson & Son 1861, B & I Stewart 1823, J McDowell & Sons 1813, D Laverty 1799, R J Elliott 1782, W Blair 1775, C Henry 1591.

Cullybackey 14/365 – D Robinson & Son 1848, Russell Bros 1817, 1814, H & R McCloy 1803, A Darragh 1799, 1796, Reid Bros & McCloy 1793, S Steele 1788, 1788, Reid Bros & McCloy 1779, G Gibson 1680, H & R McCloy 1767.

Ahoghill FC 15/251 – A & N Young 1848, Young McManus & Sons 1834, G Dickey 1828, C Young 1804, J Smyth & Son 1799, W Livingstone 1783, J Orr & Son 1776, J Balmer 1768, J Smyth & Son 1766, C Young 1765. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – Young McManus & Sons 1834, J Smyth & Son 1799, C Young 1765, G Dickey 1738, Balmer Young & Son 1719, T & G Balmer 1718.

Ballymena & District 9/140 – M Graham 1830, W & J Smyth 1814, M Graham 1810, J Devlin 1797, Richmond Bros 1768, W & J Smyth 1764, Richmond Bros 1761, Blair & Rankin 1758, 1737, Smyth Bros 1726.

New Antrim Amalgamated 5/75 – C Magill 1812, McFall & McManus 1804, C Magill 1796, McFall & McManus 1775.

Muckamore HPS 7/105 – F Todd 1808, G Magill 1792, 1790, F Todd 1785, 1767, J Sinton 1746, 1736, E Thom & Son 1731, C Close & Son 1692, Thompson Bros 1650.

The East Antrim Sect C birds were in Tullamore released at 9.00am in a helping fresh South SW wind, not all results were available but best in Larne was Jimmy Bell who records velocity 1949, just ahead of the trainer R Fenton and S & W Gray. The J Bell loft topped Horseshoe with the same bird followed by C Campbell & Son and Marshall & Wilson. In Carrick & District T Creighton & Son record velocity 1919 timing at 10.58am just ahead of Jeff McMaw with two birds. Nigel Arthurs had 1st & 2nd in Ballycarry & Dist and collects the Nom with the winner. Rea & Magill have the top five places in Ballynure and Sammy Rodney & Son have 1st & 2nd in Ballyclare. Congratulations to Rodney Irvine who takes his first win in Eastway since his return to racing with young birds last summer. The winner was a Blue w/f yearling cock.

NIPA Sect C Clubs Tullamore (1)

Glengormley HPS – 1st Campbell & Bigger 1953, 2nd Campbell & Bigger. Well done to David and Hugh on a very impressive velocity into Glengormley flying within Section C of the NIPA and as we go to press they are the best velocity we have at hand. They timed one of their Janssen Yearling widowhood Cocks at 10.50 am flying 123 miles.

Larne & District HPS 22/435 – J Bell 1949, R Fenton 1942, S & W Gray 1927, Marshall & Wilson 1915, R Fenton 1913, Beggs & Hall 1913, R Glass 1900, Beggs & Hall 1891, A S McNaghten 1890, Beggs & Hall 1889. Larne & District used the first race for training and 22 members sent 435 birds. Showing the way home were two old hands. In first place was head of the town fancier Jimmy Bell and in second place was local trainer Roy Fenton, third place was S & W Gray, with forth going to the ever present Marshall & Wilson, well done to everyone.

Horseshoe HPS 14/252 – J Bell 1949, C Campbell & Son 1924, Marshall & Wilson 1915, C Campbell & Son 1910, T Mullen & Sons 1905, C Campbell & Son 1904, 1903, H & I Agnew 1902, 1898, Marshall & Wilson 1879.

Carrick & District 14/251 – T Creighton & Son 1919, J McMaw 1902, 1901, J & A Rankin 1895, D & J Armstrong 1880, M/M R Reid 1872, T Creighton & Son 1866, M/M G Robinson 1865, T Thomas 1865, M/M G Robinson 1865, Degan & McKee 1855, T Creighton & Son 1841.

Ballynure & District – Rea & Magill 1907, 1888, 1865, 1860, 1858, B Rowney 1858, 1853, 1852.

Eastway 12/293 – R Irvine 1901, M & A Pearson 1893, J Dawson & Son 1883, J Burrows 1881, 1881, Whiteside Bros 1867. Congratulations to Rodney Irvine who takes his first win in Eastway since his return to racing with young birds last summer. The winner was a Blue w/f yearling cock.

Springvale Social 8/108 – R Davidson & Sons 1893, J Scott 1857, R Scott 1824, A C McGrugan 1810, R Scott 1791, R Davidson & Sons 1790, G Andrew 1752, I Horner 1736.

Ballyclare & District 8/140 – S Rodney & Son 1890, 1880, M/M C Hayes 1849, G & R Lawrie 1822, C Cameron 1821, Turkington & Robinson 1801, Horner Bros & Son 1797, P R Wilson 1786, 1783, R Duddy 1758.

Ballycarry & District 8/160 – N J Arthurs 1882 Nom, N J Arthurs 1881, B McCammon 1877, Arthurs & George 1868, J C Reid 1866, B McCammon 1863, J C Reid 1861, M Delaney 1852, N J Arthurs 1851, A Cooke 1841, J C Reid 1827, B Hastings & Grandson 1825.

Kingsmoss 9/125 – Connor Bros 1873, W Gault & Son 1852, D J Connor 1829, R Lillie & Son 1797, Knowles & Hill 1789, P R Wilson 1786, J & S Graham 1785, P R Wilson 1783, J & S Graham 1782, D J Connor 1777.

Cushendall – L McKeegan 1874 NOM & DTW, M & S McDonald 1734, A McNaughten 1725, D McAllister 1707, M McLaughlin 1694, M & S McDonald 1685, A McNaughten 1681, 1674, L McKeegan 1662, A McNaughten 1641.

Glenarm & District 10/171 – G McWhirter 1869, R Robinson & Son 1867, 1863, N O’Boyle 1843, W & D O’Neill 1837, McKillop & McKinley 1836, G McWhirter 1830, 1826, O O’Neill & Son 1824, R Robinson & Son 1797.

NIPA Section D Club Results Tullamore

Glenavy & District HPS 15/188
1st James Courtney 1933, 2nd S McLaughlin & Sons 1903, 3rd F Denver 1899, 4th F Denver 1899, 5th G Parker & Son 1894, 6th G Parker & Son 1888, 7th G Parker & Son 1860, 8th G Parker & Son 1849, 9th G & S Owens 1835, 10th G & S Owens 1832. Well done to James Courtney who has a flyer into his loft just of the Moira round-about, Jimmy can race a pigeon and this is the start to the 2009 season that I am sure he was hoping for, well done.

Lisburn & District HPS
1st Mark Laffin 1927, 2nd L Magee & son 1924, 3rd S Mc Allister & Son 1918, 4th Spence Bros 1916, 5th S Mc Allister & Son 1912, 6th Spence Bros 1906. Mark Laffin had a very impressive season last year collecting four Red Cards and has started 2009 in just the same level of form, he timed a good winner yesterday a head of Jack and Len Magee in 2nd place and as we go to press is the best velocity we have in Section D of the NIPA.

Colin HPS
1st J Fusco 1922, 2nd A & A Ferran 1920, 3rd A & A Ferran 1919, 4th J Gregory & Sons 1896, 5th D McParland 1893, 6th A & A Ferran 1883. Very Well Done to Johny Fusco who timed a very good arrival just ahead of Big Tony who finishes 2nd and 3rd Club ahead of the Gregory boys.

South Belfast HPS 9/133
1st Audley & Dougan 1920, 2nd R Kenna 1875, 3rd R Kenna 1852, 4th Audley & Dougan 1839, 5th T G Casement 1839, 6th R Fear 1821, 7th R Fear 1818. Congratulations to the partnership of Audley & Dougan on topping the South Belfast on what is the Club’s first race competing in Section D within the NIPA They timed a Staf Van Reet which was feeding two big youngsters and looking at the Hen once again. The club would like to thank Fred Russell for all his help and support he afforded to them.

Dromore HPS 10/233
1st B & M McCorriston 1911, 2nd B & M McCorriston 1910, 3rd B & M McCorriston 1895, 4th B & M McCorriston 1883, 5th B & M McCorriston 1881, 6th D & I Edgar 1878, 7th B & M McCorrrsiton 1877, 8th D & I Edgar 1875, 9th D & I Edgar 1875, 10th P & J Boal 1874. What a result for Mo McCorriston in this race last year she also topped the Club and finished the season with 4 x 1st’s. This result is somewhat different to take the first five in any Club is an awesome achievement and the McCorriston loft has truly set the Bar for the rest of her fellow club mates to catch next week, an excellent team effort.

Derriaghy HPS
1st R McCullough 1889, 2nd R McCullough 1888, 3rd R McCullough 1886, 4th D Irvine 1885, 5th D Irvine 1843, 6th I Gibb & Sons 1842, 7th R McCullough 1838, 8th Moulds Bros 1823, 9th W Ringland 1795, 10th Belshaw & Anderson 1795. Very Well Done to Ricky McCullough who only joined Derriaghy this year, what a way to break your Novice Status. Ricky timed two pigeons at 10.44m the first one a Cheq Hen purchased as a youngster last year from Premier Stud. His second pigeon was a Staf Van Reet Cheq Cock, both pigeon were raced on the round-about. Ricky would like to thank Micky McConville of Crumlin for all his help over the last couple of seasons. Just to mention another new member in the Club Dennis Irvine finished 4th and 5th Club in the race also. Great day for the new members.

Largymore Inv HPS 6/101
1st Milliken & McCartney 1893, 2nd S & A Hanna 1849, 3rd S Shields 1843, 4th S Shields 1820, 5th S & A Hanna 1813, 6th Milliken & McCartney 1810, 7th S & A Hanna 1810, 8th Milliken & McCartney 1808, 9th S & A Hanna 1788, 10th Milliken & McCartney. The first two are reversed from last years corresponding race with last years Top Prize Winners the partnership of Milliken & McCartney coming out on top in the 1st O/Bird race of 2009 with a very good winner into the Hillhall area of Lisburn ahead of close neighbour and competitor Sammy Hanna.

Kingswood HPS
1st D Jackson & Son 1854, 2nd R & J Conlane 1828, 3rd R & J Conlane 1827, 4th T Plant & Son 1817, 5th Frank Mudd 1817, 6th R & J Conlane 1815, 7th R & J Conlane 1813, 8th R & J Conlane 1812, 9th E Burton 1811, 10th J Galbriath & Sons (Jnr) 1809. Well done to Davy on topping the Club which is now a NIPA Centre on this the first race of 2009, he collected four 1st’s last year and has started 2009 in commanding form.

Dunedin Flying Club 8/112
1st Ian Hawthorne 1822, 2nd Ian Hawthorne 1821, 3rd A & J Brown 1819, 4th Gregg, Kemp and McBride 1819, 5th Ian Hawthorne 1817, 6th John Myles 1809, 7th A & J Brown 1808, 8th Gregg, Kemp & McBride 1800, 9th John Myles 1785, 10th Sammy McCreary 1783. Well done to Ian Hawthorne who takes the top two in the 1st race of the season.

NIPA Section E Club Results Tullamore

Loughgall HPS
1st N Weir 1986, 2nd Nelson Weir 1974, 3rd Nelson Weir 1950, 4th Nelson Weir 1943, 5th Nelson Weir 1936, 6th Nelson Weir 1922. What a performance from one of the leading performers in the country currently. Nelson completed an awesome season last year, and the way he has started in 2009 doesn’t bode well for the competitors. Excellent flying Nelson those Busschaerts and FVW are continuing to score on the big occasions.

The Orchard Combine
1st Nelson Weir 1986.26, 2nd Nelson Weir 1974.50, 3rd Nelson Weir 1950.62, 4th G & A Campbell 1949.03, 5th Nelson Weir 1943.57, 6th Nelson Weir 1936.57, 7th Nelson Weir 1922.33, 8th G & A Campbell 1922.14, 9th Nelson Weir 1920.78, 10th Darren Beattie 1920.33, 11th Michael McGlinchey 1896.60, 12th Eamon Grew 1896.01, 13th G & A Campbell 1882.01, 14th Anthony Geraghty 1874.52, 15th E. Murtagh & Sons 1872.67, 16th Gerry Swift 1868.94, 17th G & A Campbell 1867.10, 18th G & A Campbell 1866.72, 19th Gerry Swift 1860.68, 20th Eamon Grew 1858.01. Well its hard keeping a good one down he topped the Combine last year in this event, Nelson Weir just keeps on electrifying the races that his pigeons compete in, last seasons Orchard Combine Fancier Of The Year, he has started 2009 in style and as we go to press he is the best velocity we have in hand from Tullamore. Lost Pigeons:- If any fancier gets the following pigeons into their lofts please report to the Orchard Combine 028 38 337048 the ring numbers are as follows NL08 1943575, NL08 2136877, GB 06 N 33181.

Annaghmore HPS 11/306
1st W G Neill 1981, 2nd B & K Douglas 1907, 3rd T McClean 1886, 4th R D Calvin 1885, 5th G Buckley & Son 1881, 6th T McClean 1881, 7th R Telford 1870, 8th G Buckley & Son 1863, 9th R D Calvin 1852, 10th T McClean 1867. After finishing 2nd club last year in the first race of the O/Bird programme the Willie Neill concern went one better this year and what a pigeon it is for the Neill loft out on its own, I hear this gallant pigeon is the Open winner of last year from Talbenny, a class performance winning the Club by a clear 74 yards this one will feature well up the Section and Open result.

Bondhill Social
1st Ronnie Williamson 1977, 2nd J Greenaway 1948, 3rd J Greenaway 1947, 4th J Greenaway 1945, 5th Ronnie Williamson 1913, 6th Ronnie Williamson 1913. The Ace loft and world renowned fancier Ronnie Williamson tops the Club for the first time in 2009 after winning the RPRA Sprint Champion Award for all the UK in 2008. Ronnie’s pigeons are also responsible this week for Roy Clements Section B winner flying with the Harryville HPS, and as coincidences will go same velocity of 1977ypm.

Beach Park RPS
1st C Reynolds 1960, 2nd I Mawhinney& Son 1930, 3rd C Reynolds 1860, 4th S & J McCullough 1842, 5th S & J McCullough 1835, 6th R Russell 1823. Well done to Carl Reynolds on topping the Beach Park Club on their first race as a new Club within the NIPA.

Edgarstown HPS 17/286
1st Herbie Parr 1959, 2nd T & A Ford 1921, 3rd T & A Ford 1919, 4th F Wright 1894, 5th O Forde 1880, 6th Herbie Parr 1855, 7th Herbie Parr 1854, 8th John Parr 1853, 9th G & C Simmons 1849, 10th O Forde 1844. Well done to Herbie Parr who timed a very credible winner into the Edgarstown Club, ahead of the T & A Ford loft who won this corresponding race last year in the Club.

Armagh HPS 10/188
G & A Campbell 1949, 2nd G & A Campbell 1922, 3rd G & A Campbell 1882, 4th A Geraghty 1874, 5th E Murtagh & Sons 1872, 6th G & A Campbell 1867, 7th G & A Campbell 1866, 8th E Murtagh & Sons 1845, 9th E Murtagh & Sons 1836, 10th R Parkes & Son 1798. NIPA Committee man Gerard Campbell and daughter Amy produce a stunning result into the Armagh Club on the first O/Bird race of 2009, their leading pigeon 75 yards ahead of the next loft in the Club a truly magnificent result from the loft that finished 2nd Open Glenavy Gold Ring last year. In the 2/Bird Club they also win it on 1949, in 2nd was E Murtagh & Sons on 1872, 3rd went to R Parkes & Son on 1798 with G & A Campbell in again to finish 4th on 1749ypm.

Portadown Inv FC 7/118
1st Eddie McKnight 1933, 2nd Alan McDonald 1891, 3rd D Love 1888, 4th Eddie McKnight 1881, 5th R G & G Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney 1875, 6th R G & G Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney 1873. With four 1st’s in the Club under his belt in 2008 Eddie has started the 2009 season in fine form with a very good winner into the Portadown Club.

Charlemont HPC 7/138
1st Darren Beattie 1920, 2nd Kieran Shannon 1903, 3rd Michael McGlinchey 1896, 4th Eamon Grew 1896, 5th Eamon Grew 1858, 6th Eamon Grew 1857, 7th Eamon Grew 1854, 8th Eamon Grew 1854, 9th Kieran Shannon 1802, 10th Kieran Shannon 1760. Fantastic to see a young fancier at the top of such a competitive Club, young Darren Beattie couldn’t have started the 2009 O/Bird season any better.

Gilford & District HPS
1st J & D Breen 1899, 2nd J Rafferty & B Toman 1868, 3rd J Rafferty & B Toman 1866, 4th J Rafferty & B Toman 1853, 5th Anderson & Adamson 1811, 6th J & D Breen 1737, 7th D Campbell & Daughter 1731, 8th D Campbell & Daughter 1681, 9th S Fiddes 1654, 10th S Fiddes 1633. The places are reversed this year in the first race of the season, with last year it showing the other way round with the 1st and 2nd. J & D Breen have come out on top in the first race of 2009 after lifting 3 red cards last year, the Glenavy Gold Ring winning team of 2008 Rafferty and Toman take the next three in the Club.

Monaghan 10/170
1st G Swift 1868, 2nd G Swift 1860, 3rd P Coughlin 1830, 4th B Walker 1806, 5th P Coughlin 1794, 6th G Swift 1752.

Markethill HPS
1st David Linden 1855, 2nd J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1807, 3rd W Brown & Sons 1734, 4th David Linden 1732, 5th M. McDowell & Sons 1729. Well done to David Linden on an excellent win into Markethill, clear of the Muldrew & Cummings partnership in runner-up spot.

Lurgan Amateurs
1st R Bothwell 1827, 2nd B Carson & Son 1825, 3rd J P Nelson 1825, 4th R Bothwell 1824. Well done to the Bothwell loft good start to the 2009 O/Bird season.

NIPA Section F Club Results Tullamore

Ards HPS 8/151
1st Billy Cleland 1875, 2nd Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1858, 3rd Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1817, 4th Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1814, 5th W Cleland 1811, 6th W Cleland 1809, 7th W Cleland 1809, 8th Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1793, 9th W Ennis 1793, 10th S Wythe 1777. Billy Cleland finished 6th and 7th Club last year in this race with only 84 birds competing and finished the year with 6 x 1st’s. 2009 had heralded something better to date this week, for as well as finishing 6th and 7th Club he also timed 2 more early ones to finish this week with 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th Club.

Portavogie HPS 19/544
1st L Young 1831, 2nd L Young 1831, 3rd Kelly & Palmer 1829, 4th Thompson & Bailey & Sons 1824, 5th Thompson & Bailey & Sons 1824, 6th Thompson & Bailey & Sons 1823. Leslie Young wins his first race to a new loft.

Downpatrick HPS
1st P Lue & Son 1804, 2nd P Lue & Son 1793, 3rd P McCullough & Daughter 1772, 4th P McCullough & Daughter 1772. Well done to Paddy Lue on a good start to the 2009 O/Bird season.

Kircubbin HPS
1st Arthurs & Smyth 1800, 2nd C Gilmore & Sons 1755, 3rd Arthurs & Smyth 1709, 4th C Gilmore & Sons 1703, 5th C Gilmore & Sons 1695, 6th Arthurs and Smyth 1690. It’s the partnership of Arthurs and Smyth who are tops this weeks with a good winner into the Kircubbin Club, the loft finished the season with four red cards last year and have in the first week set about increasing that total in 2009.

Corrigs & District HPS 4/65
1st P Brown 1728, 2nd P Brown 1726, 3rd B Higgins 1720, 4th B Higgins 1587, 5th B Houston and 6th B Houston. Pools and Nom won by P Brown. Well done to the Brown loft on a good 1 and 2 in the first race of the season.

NIPA Section G Club Results Tullamore

Drumnavaddy HPS
1st J Beck 1948, 2nd E Mallon & Son 1916, 3rd S Ogle 1808, 4th J Beck. This looks to be a very good pigeon for Joe Beck and it is surely going to be placed highly in the NIPA Open result.

Ballyholland HPS
1st Havern Bros 1858, 2nd T Gordon 1842, 3rd Havern Bros 1780, 4th A McAteer 1768, 5th T Gordon 1740, 6th A McAteer 1740, 7th J Murtagh 1731, 8th T Gordon 1723, 9th T Gordon 1722, 10th T Gordon 1721. Well done to Havern Bros who top the Club in the 1st race of 2009. We are very appreciative to all members of the Clubs who are supplying the results, it takes a level of loyalty and dedication to either phone with the result each week or better still enter it on the http://www.pigeonnetwork.com website. If you did well in your Club this week and your result isn’t in then we didn’t receive it as of mid-night on Sunday evening. We would encourage all Clubs to send their info in, and with an excellent results data base on the pigeonnetwork.com site if all clubs in all organisations in Ireland were putting their results on after the race, all fanciers would know who is wining what, the service is their to be used Ladies and Gents. Ballyholland are one of the new Clubs that are now putting their results on the website hence giving their members the due credit they deserve for their achievements.

Newry & District HPS 11/215
1st B Woods & Son 1855, 2nd L Falloon & Son 1831, 3rd M Maguire & Son 1811, 4th Mark Maguire & Son 1807, 5th M Maguire & Son 1781, 6th Mark Maguire & Son 1762, 7th R McKelvey 1756, 8th R McKelvey 1754, 9th J & O Keenan 1735, 10th M Maguire & Son 1717. Very well done to the Woods boys on topping the Club on the first race of 2009 having finished 3rd and 4th Club in the corresponding race last year.

ISRF Club Results Thurles

The Irish South Road Federation where in Thurles for their 1st O/Bird race of the season and early indications are that the ISRF Fancier of the Year in 2008 had the card of the day the electrifying Gerry O’Mara. I hopefully will have a bit more news next week reference the Federation.

Tallaght & District HPS 19/492
1st Alan Best & Son 1680, 2nd B Bradford 1657, 3rd R & R Coughlan 1652, 4th R & R Coughlan 1652, 5th Alan Best & Son 1638, 6th Alan Best & Son 1637. With 26 members sending 430 birds last year to this race from the Club, Alan Best was pipped to the 1st spot by Mr & Mrs Phelan but took the next five in the result. He has gone one better this year with a very good winner into Tallaght; will he better his tally of 7 x 1st’s last year??

Bray Inv RPC 21/479
1st Cowap & Cahill 1543, 2nd Cowap & Cahill 1542, 3rd Gerry Tyndall & Son 1520, 4th Gerry Tyndall & Son 1520, 5th Cowap & Cahill 1483, 6th Cowap & Cahill 1481, 7th Cowap & Cahill 1480, 8th Gerry Tyndall & Son 1479, 9th Gerry Tyndall & Son 1479, 10th Bill Davis & Family 1473. An excellent start to the season for the partnership of Cowap & Cahill with five in the first ten of the result.

East Down Combine Club Results Mullingar

Dundonald HPS 5/192
1st Mark Foulis 1871, 2nd Mark Foulis 1842, 3rd Mark Foulis 1839, 4th J Young & Partners 1801, 5th Mark Foulis 1794, 6th S Brown & Sons 1785, 7th Mark Foulis 1784, 8th Kincaid & McCann 1776, 9th Mark Foulis 1762, 10th S Brown & Sons. One of the hardest working fanciers around is Mark Foulis he puts plenty of work into them and feeds them the best that’s going. He has continued this year again in hot form and when I check back I see he finished 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th in this same race last year with 70 less pigeons competing, how’s that for consistency year in year out. Well Done Mark.

Ballylesson HPS 11/195
1st John Patterson 1838, 2nd F Keery 1794, 3rd John Patterson 1786, 4th K & B McConaghie 1774, 5th John Patterson 1772, 6th John Patterson 1769, 7th A Cousins & Sons 1755, 8th A Cousins & Sons 1734, 9th C & D Smyth 1726, 10th C & D Smyth 1723. Well, hard keeping the experienced war horse down, in the first race of the season last year the mighty JP took the first three in the Club, and with four in the first ten in the first race this year, he is the man in form. John timed his 3 year old good racing hen ‘715’ who covered the 92 miles in 1hour 28 minutes for a velocity of 1838ypm runner up Fleming Keery timed a 2 year old Black Cock.

Bangor RPC 13/214
1st R Moore & Son 1827, 2nd R Moore & Son 1847, 3rd R Moore & Son 1845, 4th C Browne 1818, 5th R Moore & Son 1804, 6th D M Carmichael 1789, 7th R Moore & Son 1783, 8th R Moore & Son 1783, 9th R Moore & Son 1783, 10th R Moore & Son 1782. The first signs of the ETS in operation when you check this impressive Bangor RPC card for Reggie Moore and son David a class performance with the 1st and 2nd arrivals on the same yard and then further down the result another three placed on the same yard. This loft is always one to watch and have cemented themselves as the formidable force in Bangor, last year they finished Runner-up in the East Section of the EDC in their challenge for East Section Fancier of the Year Claim but did win the O/Bird Inland Championship Award in the East Section.

Crossgar HPS 8/252
1st McCartan & Woodsides 1746, 2nd McCartan & Woodsides 1745, 3rd McCartan & Woodsides 1736, 4th McCartan & Woodsides 1735, 5th McCartan & Woodsides 1734, 6th McCartan & Woodsides 1733, 7th McCartan & Woodsides 1674, 8th J McGreevy 1658, 9th T Horner & Sons 1638, 10th T Horner & Sons 1635. One of the top lofts racing in the EDC is that of McCartan & Woodsides and are the loft to beat any week within the Crossgar Club, in this race last year the loft finished 5th, 8th and 10th. I think you could call this year’s performance in the 1st race an improvement, well done lads to take the first seven positions in any Club is an achievement worth remembering.

Hillfoot HPS 3/38
1st D & T Brennan 1735, 2nd D & T Brennan 1671, 3rd J Scates & Sons 1667, 4th D & T Brennan 1637, 5th J Scates & Sons 1598, 6th J Scates & Sons 1592, 7th Mr & Mrs E Spence 1462. Well done to Davy on an excellent start to the season, onwards and upwards from here.

Ballynahinch Social
1st S & P Logan 1681, 2nd J Gillespie & Sons 1672, 3rd R Hunter 1654, 4th R Hunter 1648, 5th J Gillespie & Sons 1639, 6th J Gillespie & Sons 1614, 7th R Hunter 1610, 8th R Hunter 1598, 9th J Gillespie & Sons 1584, 10th R Hunter 1576. The S & P Logan team finished 3rd last year in the first race of the season, but makes no mistake this year with a good winner on the day, ahead of the Gillespie loft who finished last year with 6 x 1st’s.

Annsborough HPS 12/213
1st Patrick Brown 1655, 2nd R McDowell & Son 1636, 3rd Patrick Brown 1635, 4th R J Keown 1631, 5th M Jennings 1630, 6th P Brown & Son 1628, 7th R McDowell & Son 1623, 8th Patrick Brown 1613, 9th D Croskery & Son 1611, 10th Patrick Brown 1606. Excellent start to the season for Paddy Brown, finishing 1st, 3rd, 8th and 10th.

Downpatrick
1st Kieran Shaw & Son 1634, 2nd P Lue & Son 1619, 3rd K Shaw & Son 1590, 4th K Shaw & Son 1584. Well done to Kieran Shaw and Son on a very impressive result with Paddy popping up to take 2nd spot with the Shaw loft following in finishing 3rd and 4th.

Drumaness Mills HPS
1st J Kirk & Son 1623, 2nd J Kirk & Son 1620, 3rd G Morrison & Daughters 1564, 4th P Burns 1445, 5th J Kirk & Son 1406, 6th J Kirk & Son 1404, 7th P Burns 1333. After finishing 7th Club last year in this corresponding race the Kirk loft have took charge of this race in 2009 with four in the first six of the result including 1st and 2nd, ahead of the 2008 top loft of G Morrison & Daughters who finish a close 3rd.

Annalong HPS 13/274
1st B Tremlett 1594, 2nd G Maginn 1574, 3rd Donnelly Bros 1563, 4th Donnelly Bros 1560, 5th G Maginn 1555, 6th B McConnell 1526, 7th B McConnell 1519, 8th G Maginn 1512, 9th B McConnell 1508, McLoughlin Bros 1506. An excellent start to the season for the Tremlett loft with a good winner into the Annalong Club.

Dundrum HPS 5/76
1st J Maguire & Partners 1588, 2nd A Murray & Son 1504, 3rd S Foster & Connor 1489, 4th J Maguire & Partners 1427, 5th J Maguire & Partners 1416, 6th A Murray & Son 1402, 7th J Maguire & Partners 1394, 8th J Ringland & Son 1335, 9th A McNamara & Partners 1327, 10th S Foster & Connor 1241. The Maguire and Partners loft finished second last year in this corresponding race and go one better this year with a very good arrival into the area winning the club by a clear 84 yards. The members of Dundrum HPS would like to thank all those who donated young birds, gave donations or helped in anyway to make their recent young bird sale on the 3rd of April a success. In particular the club would like to thank the Crossgar club for donating their clubrooms for the night, Paddy Murray, Killyleagh for auctioning the birds and Alfie Williamson, Downpatrick for donating his show pens for the evening A special word of thanks must also go to all those who attended the sale and purchased young birds, we wish you every success with your purchases. Best wishes for a successful 2009 racing season. Paddy Murray, Dundrum HPS.

The Fanciers Combine report a good membership for a new racing season, the race programme will be something different with Open Races from the old points on the coast. 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. The usual races will be flown on a Wednesday for NIPA Sect E members only, ring marking at Edgarstown HPS Clubrooms in Portadown on a Tuesday from 7.00pm until 9.00pm. The big Open Races are open to all the fancy across all organizations. Ring marking for these will also be in Edgarstown, early morning on race day. The programme will be Wednesday 22nd April Roscrea, Wednesday 29th April Roscrea, Bank Holiday Monday 4th May Arklow Open Race (ringing 6.30am until 9.30am), Wednesday 13th May Roscrea, Wednesday 20th May Arklow, Wednesday 3rd June Wexford Open Race (ringing 6.30am until 9.00am).

Lost Pigeons: If any fancier gets the following pigeons into their lofts please report to the Orchard Combine C.C. Tel: (028) 38 337048. NL08 1943575, NL08 2136877, GB06N 33181.

Just an update on the revised prize list for this year’s INFC/BHW Single Bird Challenge. As well as receiving the Joe Doheny Trophy the winner will now receive £500 prize money, 2nd £300, 3rd £200, 4th £150, 5th £100, 6th £75, 7th £75, 8th, 9th, 10th and also 11th will now receive £50 each. The top three birds also receive a framed diploma of their birds kindly sponsored by W. Sawyers and Co. I would like to thank everyone who entered and wish them all the best in the King’s Cup this year.

Willie Reynolds
NIPA - Press Officer
Tel/Fax (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 079396 84876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk