Homer's Odyssey/NIPA - 15/05/09

[willie reynolds]

Moving into the fifth week of the O/Bird season we had a bit of a mixed bag, with the NIPA destined for Clonmel for the second week deciding late on Thursday evening after much discussion that they would put race marking back one night and race mark at the usual time on Saturday evening for a possible liberation on Sunday with Monday looking the best day out of the three. The other two Northern Ireland based organizations namely the East Down Combine and the Ulster Federation went on a head with their ring markings as normal with convoys destined for Mallow and Thurles respectively. With this week nearing the end of the Inland programme and with exceptional racing and returns to date, the NIPA are organizing an additional inland official race to be flown next Saturday, the race point will be Clonmel and the pigeons will be picked up at NIPA Centre’s on Friday evening for a planned liberation also on Saturday. This race is an extra one and will be flown the same day as the Rosscarbery Inland National of course weather permitting. Please remember it is a 20 Bird Limit for Rosscarbery.

The NIPA race marked as announced on Saturday evening and with some transporters arriving at Clubs slightly earlier than usual some might consider that birdage would be down, I would think it was more due to the fact that Tea Time traffic is less on a Saturday than a Friday, thus the fleet getting through the country more swiftly. Sunday morning dawned to a typical summer’s morning, solid Blue sky and blinding Sunshine, a little cold but what a morning and when news filtered through that these conditions were mirrored just not at the race point in Clonmel but all over the route, the strings were cut and the large convoy liberated at 9.00am in a Lt South Westerly wind with a very good race expected by the Secretary Fred Russell and a good race they had with the leading pigeons just over the 1400 yards per minute, just what the majority wanted after a few easy racing days recently.

Coleraine Triangle Clonmel (2) – T McCrudden Coleraine & County Derry 1375, T McCrudden 1374, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1367, Hanson & Harper Coleraine Prem 1357, T McCrudden 1357, J L Madden 1354, J L Madden 1353, J L Madden 1351, G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Soc 1348, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1347, Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1347, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1346, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1346, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1345, Diamond Bros 1344.

NIPA Section A Club Results Clonmel (2)

Cookstown Social 11/334 – 1st S Marshall 1411, 2nd G & S Smith 1403, 3rd G & S Smith 1402, 4th S Marshall 1385, 5th G Marshall 1382, 6th J Campbell 1372, 7th B & S McConnell 1367, 8th S Marshall 1365, 9th G & S Smith 1361, 10th Speirs & Campbell 1361. The Marshall loft has a super pigeon into that area of the country and one that is sure to figure highly in the over-all NIPA Open this is the lofts fourth Red Card of the season in five races and a truly consistent performance by a loft in fine form. The pigeon timed into the Steeple lofts owned by S Marshall finished 1st Club 2nd Section last week and I would think the winning hen is looking good to go one better this week in the Section.

Coalisland & District HPS 16/457 – 1st J Devlin 1396, 2nd M McPhillips 1362, 3rd Karl Murphy 1356, 4th Karl Murphy 1353, 5th J Devlin 1353, 6th M McPhillips 1350, 7th M & R Hamilton 1350, 8th K Carolan 1348, 9th K Carolan 1348, 10th M & R Hamilton 1348. The Devlin loft completes his second success of 2009 with an excellent victory in the very strong and hard to win Coalisland & District HPS, he collects his second Red Card following up from his success from Tullamore (2). Mickey McPhillips is racing well this season also with the ever consistent Karl Murphy who also has 2 x 1st Club’s in 2009 taking the 3rd and 4th Club this week.

Coleraine & Co.Derry – 1st T McCrudden 1375, 2nd Terence McCrudden 1374, 3rd Terence McCrudden 1357, 4th J McCandless 1320. Terence scores to record his third success in the O/Bird campaign so far and times a half sister to the Champion ‘Oisins First” winning the pools and the nom.

Coleraine Premier HPS – 1st J L Madden 1367, 2nd Hanson & Harper 1357, 3rd J L Madden 1354, 4th J L Madden 1353, 5th J L Madden 1351, 6th T & J McDonald 1346, 7th Diamond Bros 1345, 8th Diamond Bros 1344, 9th J L Madden 1342, 10th P O’Connor 1341. Leslie tops the Coleraine Premier for the first time in 2009 ahead of the inform Hanson & Harper partnership with Leslie taking the next three positions in the Club to crown off a very enjoyable weekends racing.

Dungannon & District HPS 6/110 – 1st J & J Sampson 1360, 2nd A Donaghy 1333, 3rd J & J Sampson 1322, 4th J & J Sampson 1305, 5th C Reid 1296, 6th J & J Sampson. Excellent race for the Sampson team with four in the first six of the result.

Windsor Social HPS 9/150 – 1st G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1348, 2nd G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1347, 3rd Horner & Scott 1347, 4th G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1346, 5th Horner & Scott, 6th R McAlary 1297, 7th Horner & Scott 1297, 8th R McAlary 1284, 9th R McAlary 1284, 10th R & J Parke 1278. Tough competition in this Club with the Donaghy boys coming out on top this week making it their second success of the season ahead of the Horner & Scott partnership in third who have recorded three 1st Club’s to date.

Castledawson HPS 6/128 – 1st S K Watson 1339, 2nd T Leacock & Son 1339, 3rd M Lynn 1313, 4th T Leacock & Son 1309, 5th Savage Bros 1304, 6th T Leacock & Son 1296. The Watson loft records its first success of 2009 after a few credible efforts and just gets in front of the triple Club winning Leacock loft on .3 of a yard.

The NIPA Rosscarbery OB Inland National will be flown this weekend, the first of the season’s major OB Classic events. Arrangements for the Cullybackey Centre are similar to previous seasons, two members from each club are expected to assist with the race marking and clock setting and checking. Entry forms and cheques will be collected at Cullybackey between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday and the bird’s race marked in Cullybackey HPS on Thursday 14th May between 4.00pm and 6.30pm. Do remember the OB Inl Nat has a 20 bird limit. The NIPA have decided to run an alternative event at the weekend, an official race from Clonmel will be added to the programme. Birds will be race marked Friday and collected at the Derby Centre, an excellent idea which should be well supported.

The Mid Antrim birds were collected on Saturday evening and released in Clonmel at 9.00am Sunday in a Light SW wind, winning birds took under four hours for the approx 180 miles. The Card of the Day locally was in Ahoghill Flying Club for Young McManus & Sons, almost a clean sweep having nine of the Top 10 arrivals for a fantastic result. This is racing of the very highest order, the winner a yearling Blue cock was timed at 12.45hrs to record velocity 1407 for the 180 miles into The Croft. Surgenor Bros have the early bird into Kells & District (1396) just ahead of Harry Boyd with two arrivals almost together. Stewart Bros had 1st Randalstown (1385) clear of Tommy McMillan who had another super card. Milliken & Barkley are the loft in form five wins on the trot into Rasharkin & District doing velocity 1392, hard to get in front of this partnership. Billy & Joe Smyth are best in town, the top three into Ballymena & Dist with the winner recording velocity 1378. Allen McBride had 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Harryville where just over 500 birds were competing, the winner was doing velocity 1376 having been timed his yearling blue cock at 12.52hrs. Sire was a son of Spartacus purchased at the Sheader Sale a top Soontjen, and the dam was a Hartog from Diamonte. She had two wins including 2nd Sect from Clonmel, the top three birds were all bred the same way.

Mid Antrim Combine Clonmel (2) 117/3,006 – Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1407, Young McManus & Sons 1403, Surgenor Bros Kells 1396, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1392, H Boyd Kells 1391, A Purvis Broughshane 1389, Young McManus & Sons 1387, Young McManus & Sons 1387, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1385, H Boyd Kells 1383, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1382, Scott & Clements Kells 1381, Surgenor Bros 1379, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1378, A McBride Harryville 1376, G McDowell Kells 1376, A McBride 1375, W & J Smyth 1374, A McBride 1369, M/M F Clarke New Antrim 1367, W & J Smyth 1366, B Swann & Son Kells 1366, Surgenor Bros 1366, D Dixon Rasharkin 1364, D Dixon 1363, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1363, A Barkley & Son Kells 1362, G Gibson Cullybackey 1360, Scott & Clements 1360, G McDowell 1360.

The MAC Points Total after the forth week Clonmel (2) on 10/05/09 are as follows. Sect (1): Milliken & Barkley 62, Stewart Bros 49, G McDowell 47, W & J Smyth 36, J Millar & Son 20, A & N Young 18, and D Houston & Son 4. Sect (2): Surgenor Bros 56, A Darragh 49, T McMillan 30, D Mairs 26, and J & N Simpson 18. Sect (3): Young McManus & Sons 63, Harry Boyd 56, A McBride 46, H & R McCloy 38, D Dixon 22, and Houston Bros 7. Sect (4): G Gibson 38, G Dickey 14, R H Clements 8 and McFarlane & Agnew 2.

Best in the Antrim area was again in Crumlin & Dist, the high flying Fleming Bros won 1st Club with a yearling cock racing Widowhood, a Louis Cooremans bred by Jackie Scates timed at 12.32hrs flying 167 miles. Kells & Dist had a lot of early birds with 1st Club won by Surgenor Bros doing velocity 1396. Stewart Bros had 1st Club Randalstown (1385) well clear from Tommy McMillan who had another good card. John White at Nutts Corner had 1st Muckamore (1377), a yard ahead of Tommy Patterson & Son.

NIPA Sect B Clubs Clonmel (2)

Ahoghill Flying Club 13/345 – Young McManus & Sons 1407, 1403, 1387, 1387, 1359, 1358, 1357, 1355, J Balmer 1355, Young McManus & Sons 1354. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – T & G Cotter 1354, Young McManus & Sons 1336.

Kells & District HPS 15/339 – Surgenor Bros 1396, H Boyd 1391, 1383, Scott & Clements 1381, Surgenor Bros 1379, G McDowell 1376, B Swann & Son 1366, Surgenor Bros 1366. Kells 2 Bird Club – 1st Surgenor Bros 1379, 2nd G McDowell 1376. Gold Minute (49) won by George McDowell.

Rasharkin & District 13/262 – Milliken & Barkley 1392, H Cubitt 1382, Steele & McNeill 1355, 1353, Milliken & Barkley 1341, J & D Surgenor 1335, J & M Milliken 1325, A C & T Tweed 1313. H Cubitt wins Nom. D Dixon 1364, 1363. Race was sponsored by BG’s Chippy (Garvagh).

Broughshane & District 11/236 – A Purvis 1389, 1356, H Smyth & Son 1341, 1340, D Houston & Son 1336, J & N Simpson 1335, 1333, D Houston & Son 1332. Allister has really broke his novice tag this week by taking the first two in club. The winner is the same bird which won last week a yearling Cheq hen Wildemeersch/Louis Coormans cross out on her own this week, flying 188 miles

Crumlin & District 12/338 – Fleming Bros 1388, J & N Lamb 1378, Fleming Bros 1372, 1371, K Galloway 1362, M & B McConville 1356. The winner was a yearling cock racing Widowhood, a Louis Cooremans bred by Jackie Scates timed at 12.32hrs flying 167 miles.

Randalstown HPS 10/319 – Stewart Bros 1385, T McMillan 1350, 1347, 1344, 1335, 1329, 1325, D Logan 1318. Stewart Bros Blue cock racing widowhood was winning for the third time, Busschaert x Willy Thas bloodlines.

Ballymena & Dist 10/307 – W & J Smyth 1378, 1374, J Devlin 1350, Blair & Rankin 1350, G Barr 1345, M Graham 1341, Richmond Bros 1339, J Devlin 1337, Richmond Bros 1337, B O’Rawe 1335. Ballymena 2 Bird Club – 1st W & J Smyth 1366, 2nd McAlonan Bros 1300. Winning Minute (53). Back to back wins from Clonmel for Billy & Joe Smyth, also 1st 2 Bird both races.

Muckamore HPS 12/347 – J White 1377, T Patterson & Son 1376, J White 1371, 1369, A & E Bell 1359, D J Thompson 1345, F Todd 1343, A & E Bell 1342, T Patterson & Son 1332, F Todd 1327.

Harryville HPS 19/509 – A McBride 1376, 1375, 1369, J Millar & Son 1356, 1352, 1351, 1348, R H Clements 1347, 1345, J Rock 1344, L Mullan 1335, J Rock 1331.

New Antrim Amal 8/184 – M/M F Clarke 1367, D Jackson & son 1337, 1326, McFall & McManus 1311, M/M F Clarke 1301, 1300, C McDowell 1291, T Picken & Son 1289.

Ballymoney HPS 27/801 – J Hutchinson & Son 1365, D Dixon 1364, 1363, D & H Stuart 1361, J McDowell & sons 1359, D & H Stuart 1350, D & G McMullan 1346, D Devenney 1345, J Connolly 1343, A & M Boyle 1342, J Connolly 1341, J Hutchinson & Son 1338.

Dervock IPS 9/290 - J Hutchinson & Son 1365, D & H Stuart 1361, D & H Stuart 1350, D & G McMullan 1346, D Devenney 1345, A & M Boyle 1342, J Hutchinson & Son 1338, A & M Boyle 1337, D Devenney 1333, S Thompson 1317.

Ballymoney West Combine 9/265 – J Hutchinson & Son 1365, J McDowell & Sons 1359, D Gage 1331, B & I Stewart 1319, R J Elliott 1306, W Blair 1305, L Neill 1294, D Laverty 1291. The Hutchinson team also took 1st in both Ballymoney HPS and Dervock.

Cullybackey HPS 18/505 – G Gibson 1360, H & R McCloy 1349, L Davidson 1347, G Gibson 1342, Russell Bros 1335, B Herbinson 1333, 1328, H & R McCloy 1321, Russell Bros 1218, D Robinson & Son 1307, Des Robinson 1305, J & J Greer 1301.

Best reported bird in the East Antrim Sect C, in fact the best three arrivals were timed in Eastway by Michael and Anne Pearson recording velocity 1415. All birds will be up at the top of the NIPA Open result. M & T Griffith were on the same yard and also close the Glengormley winners G & M Atcheson doing velocity 1414 followed by Bingham & Seaton who won 1st Ligoniel (1413). Mr & Mrs Geordie Robinson continue to dominate in Carrickfergus, another fantastic Race Card and winner in both local clubs doing velocity 1378. Best in Larne was Jim Agnew and wife Rae doing 1399 with just under 800 birds competing.

NIPA Sect C Clubs Clonmel (2)

Eastway HPS 13/366 – M & A Pearson 1415, 1415, 1415, M & T Griffith 1415, Whiteside Bros 1411, Grattan Bros 1410, J Burrows 1409, Whiteside Bros 1405. Michael and Ann Pearson get three birds with a light to take the top three positions. The winner and third prize winner are both Flor Engels brothers to the Pearson’s 2nd Sect C winner in the Yearling National for cocks last year. The second prize winner was one of their Janssen family. Congratulations to the Pearson Family, rarely does one loft take the top three in Eastway.

Glengormley HPS 12/236 – G & M Atcheson 1414, Bingham & Seaton 1413, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1411, 1409, Bingham & Seaton 1407, G & M Atcheson 1394, A Keery 1387, G & C Lawrie 1329. The winner was timed at 12.35hrs flying 173 miles, next best Bingham & Seaton have 1st Ligoniel & Dist followed by D & J Campbell & Bigger not far away again.

Carrick Social 27/510 – M/M G Robinson 1411, 1411, 1386, T Peel 1377, D & J Armstrong & Son 1374, W R McClean 1372, T peel 1366 ABCD & Nom, W R McClean 1358 ABCD, T Peel 1357, W R McClean 1352, B & L Dodds 1348, E Gilliland 1335. Special R S Jackson & Son. Yearling challenge won by M/M G Robinson. Winning Minute (44).

Carrick & District 21/402 – M/M G Robinson 1411, 1411, 1386, 1379, D & J Armstrong & Son 1374, M/M G Robinson 1359, 1354, 1352, 1351, 1350, T Creighton & Son 1349 Special, M/M G Robinson 1349. J McMaw 1319 ABCDEF & Nom, W Creighton & Son 1317 ABCDEF. Winning Minute (44) won by J & A Rankin. What a Race Card for Mr & Mrs Robinson!

Kingsmoss HPS 11/245 – R McMeekin 1403, 1396, R Lillie & Son 1379, 1364, W Gault & Son 1362, J & S Graham 1356, P R Wilson 1354, Knowles & Hill 1348, T Lillie 1343, R Gray 1341. This pigeon won the club last week and is a 3 year old Leo Van Rijn, racing on roundabout.

Larne & District HPS 38/784 – W J Agnew 1399, Beggs & Hall 1398, 1398, Marshall & Wilson 1391, Crawford & Robinson 1390, Beggs & Hall 1390, G K & I Moxham 1389, Marshall & Wilson 1387, 1387, Beggs & Hall 1386, 1386, 1385. Larne 2 Bird Club – 1st Beggs & Hall, 2nd Marshall & Wilson. This week’s race was won by one of the longest serving members and ex President Jim Agnew & wife Rae. The pigeon was a Cooremans cock on roundabout, 2nd and 3rd were Beggs & Hall, 4th was Marshall & Wilson. The latter two lofts cleaned up the 2 Bird Club.

Ballynure & District – Rea & Magill 1401, 1385, 1383, 1378, 1376.

Ballyclare & District 18/537 – S Rodney & Son 1393, 1392, G McNeilly 1384, B & M Gilmore 1383, 1376, G McNeilly 1374, R Duddy 1360, Horner Bros & Son 1356, P R Wilson 1354, Horner Bros & Son 1354.

Horseshoe HPS 18/413 – Marshall & Wilson 1391, C Campbell & Son 1390, Marshall & Wilson 1387, 1387, C Campbell & Son 1384, Marshall & Wilson 1379, Adams & McCambridge 1378, C Campbell & Son 1376, 1373, D & P Harvey 1368.

Glenarm & District – G McWhirter 1383, 1371, O O’Neill & Son 1364, G McWhirter 1363, R Robinson & Son 1361, 1350. The winner is a 2 year old Blue Cheq cock flown on Widowhood. This cock has won many prizes racing. In the last 3 weeks he has been 2nd Club Roscrea, 2nd Club Clonmel (1) and 1st Club Clonmel (2). His sire is George;s RPRA award winner. Dam is a direct Vandenabeele (M & D Evans).

Doagh & District HPS 16/359 – J & A Wilson & Sons 1381, D & N Smyth 1380, M/M B McNeilly 1377, R Wilson 1377, M/M B McNeilly 1377, D & N Smyth 1372, J & A Wilson & Sons 1370, J Blair 1370, 1363, J McGrugan & Son 1361. Race sponsored by Fred C Robinson & Cornerstone Café.

Ballycarry & Dist 5/111 – B McCammon 1378, J C Reid 1368, B McCammon 1362, J C Reid 1350, B McCammon 1348, N J Arthurs 1347, M Delaney 1339, B McCammon 1339, 1339, 1337. B McCammon wins Nom.

Springvale Social 9/151 – R Scott 1370, R Davidson & Sons 1365, R Scott 1360, 1358, Turkington Bros 1347, R Davidson & Sons 1341, Turkington Bros 1337, J Scott 1334, M Fasciolo 1311, A C McGrugan 1307. Race was sponsored by Harry Irvine (Plant Hire).

Cushendall HPS – M & S McDonald 1307, 1307, M McLoughlin 1282, F O’Boyle 1267, M & S McDonald 1267, L McKeegan 1257, 1246, A McNaughten 1234, F O’Boyle 1233, G McLaughlin 1232. G McClafferty wins Nom. Half Pot (29) winner D McAllister.

NIPA Section D Club Results Clonmel (2)

Glenavy & District HPS 17/363 – Paddy McGarrity 1409, 2nd Paddy McGarrity 1409, 3rd Paddy McGarrity 1402, 4th G & S Owens 1392, 5th P McGarrity 1377, 6th Paddy McGarrity 1370, 7th D & M Lilly & Withers 1370, 8th S McLaughlin & Sons 1366, 9th Paddy McGarrity 1365, 10th Paddy McGarrity 1365. What a season for Paddy this is now the fourth Red Card of the Season and four on the trot with only 5 races completed of the programme. Paddy is racing a class team of Soontjens from Rab Mills of Larne when mated to Van Der Rhee’s from Sparks & Hurst. They are doing business Paddy very well done and keep it up.

South Belfast 8/115 – 1st Rab Fear 1409, 2nd Rab Fear 1380, 3rd A Cousins & Sons 1366, 4th Audley & Dougan 1356, 5th J Pollins 1355. Rab Fear is the man yet again today that’s four in a row for him as his ‘Busby Babes’. The winner this week was Blue Vandenbelle Hen sent to the race sitting on eggs 6 days. His second arrival which also finishes 2nd Club was a Vandenbelle Cock sent sitting one day longer on eggs. Excellent consistency by Rab on what is the Club’s first year racing with the Mighty NIPA.

Dromore HPS 14/417 – 1st Jeff Greenaway 1401, 2nd B & M McCorriston 1400, 3rd P & J Boal 1396, 4th Jeff Greenaway 1396, 5th B & M McCorriston 1393, 6th P & J Boal 1392, 7th Jeff Greenaway 1390, 8th Jeff Greenaway 1390, 9th P & J Boal 1390, 10th P & J Boal 1390. Jeff Greenaway continues his good form over the last couple of weeks with a good winner from Clonmel into Dromore ahead of Mo McCorrsiton 1 yard behind in runner-up spot with Philip and Joe Boal close by in 3rd and Jeff timing another to complete the top four. With over 400 pigeons away the top ten in the Club was made up of three fanciers namely Jeff Greenaway and Philip and Joe Boal with four each and Mo McCorriston completing the top ten with 2 arrivals.

Colin HPS 8/159 – 1st John Gregory & Sons 1396, 2nd J Gregory & Sons 1394, 3rd J & J Neeson 1394, 4th J & J Neeson 1392, 5th J Fusco & Sons 1389, 6th J Gregory & sons 1389, 7th J Gregory & Sons 1376, 8th J Fusco & Sons 1376, 9th J Gregory & Sons 1375, 10th J Gregory & Sons 1373. The Gregory family lift yet another Club 1st in the O/Birds bring their total to three so far this season, a truly wonderful card with six in the first ten of the result, with J & J Neeson and Johny Fusco making up the remaining four positions between themselves.

Hills & Maze HPS 9/256 – 1st Carson Lyons 1394, 2nd Carson Lyons 1378, 3rd A & R Milliken 1371, 4th H Jennings & Sons 1363, 5th C & E Mallon 1361, 6th C Lyons 1360, 7th C Lyons 1358, 8th C & E Mallon 1357, 9th H Jennings & Son 1354, 10th A & R Milliken 1352. Carson records his second success of the O/Bird season with a very commanding result in the Hills & Maze Club finishing 1st and 2nd and also putting a couple more in the top ten of the result. Andy & Ryan Milliken finish 3rd with Henry and Gary Jennings completing the top four.

Dunedin FC 10/237 – 1st B C & T Foulis & Gill 1393, 2nd Mark Foulis 1387, 3rd Mark Foulis 1384, 4th A & J Brown. Very well done to Brian & Ian on topping the Club for the first time in 2009, the first three pigeons in the result where competing yesterday with the East Down Combine from Mallow and where sent back last night to the NIPA Clonmel event.

Kingswood 16/300 – E Burton 1393, C & J Long 1363, E Burton 1354, R & J Conlane 1353, E Burton 1352, T Plant & Son 1351, J Galbraith & Sons Jnr 1346, Evans & Leahy 1346, T Plant & Son 1344, C & J Long 1342. Winning minute (36) Bill Cameron.

Derriaghy HPS 10/314 – 1st Ian Gibb & Sons 1381, 2nd Ian Gibb & Sons 1381, 3rd Ian Gibb & Sons 1374, 4th D Irvine 1374, 5th R McCullough 1368, 6th D Irvine 1367. Well took the Gibb boys a couple of weeks to get started but they are finally putting the results together, two in a row taking the first three in the Club this week, with over 300 competing. The first pigeon timed was a Blue Soontjen Cock who is a G/Son of their Belg Rung Stock Cock named “Prince” their second arrival both timed at 12.30pm was a Blue Cock also and a direct son of “Champion Dawn” this being the best of the Keith Morgan bloodlines (Morgan & Elton). Already with a 1st Club this season Denis Irvine completes the top four.

Largymore Inv HPS 9/208 – 1st E & B Luke 1373, 2nd A T & J Houston 1367, 3rd J McCleary 1363, 4th J McCleary 1347, 5th S & A Hanna 1343, 6th A T & J Houston 1343, 7th A T & J Houston 1338, 8th S & A Hanna 1335, 9th D Clements 1334, 10th A Hughes & Son 1330. Eddie & Brian Luke lift their first Red Card of the 2009 O/Bird Season following a very successful 2008. Alan Houston is having a very good O/Bird season having topped the Club twice already he finishes runner-up this week.

Dromara HPS - 1st McKinstry Bros 1349, 2nd Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1342, 3rd McKinstry Bros 1342, 4th McKinstry Bros 1341, 5th N Black & Son 1339, 6th N Black & Son 1333. The McKinstry Bros continue in fine form this season with yet another Club success ahead of the Bobby & Fiona Stevenson in runner-up spot with the McKinstry boys taking the next three positions.

NIPA Section E Club Results Clonmel (2)

Charlemont HPC 8/232 – 1st Eamon Grew 1405, 2nd Patrick Grew 1383, 3rd Patrick Grew 1375, 4th Patrick Grew 1370, 5th Eamon Grew 1365, 6th Eamon Grew 1363, 7th Kieran Shannon 1363, 8th Patrick Grew 1362, 9th Patrick Grew 1361, 10th Eamon Grew 1356. Well done to Eamon who records his third success of 2009 with a very good arrival into the part of the country from Clonmel, this one will be hard to beat in he Section and will feature well up the NIPA Open result.

Orchard Combine – 1st Eamon Grew 1405, 2nd Eamon Grew 1384, 3rd Eamon Grew 1383, 4th Patrick Grew 1383, 5th Nelson Weir 1383, 6th Nelson Weir 1382, 7th Nelson Weir 1382, 8th G & A Campbell 1370, 9th Anthony Geraghty 1378, 10th Patrick Grew 1375. Eamon tops the Combine for the first time in 2009 after many credible efforts.

Portadown Inv FC 10/250 – 1st Malcolm Livingstone 1398, 2nd R & G & G Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney 1396, 3rd M Ebbitt 1382, 4th Allan McDonald 1380, 5th Allan McDonald 1379, 6th Eddie McKnight 1375. It’s the turn of the hard working Secretary Malcolm Livingstone to lift the Red Card this week and what a year in 2008 this man had. The Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney boys finish 2 yards behind away in 2nd ahead of Maurice Ebbitt who improves into 3rd with Allan McDonald taking the next two positions.

Lurgan Social HPS 11/350 – 1st J Douglas & Son 1395, 2nd Furphy Bros 1389, 3rd D & B Lyness 1384, 4th Furphy Bros 1378, 5th K Henderson 1377, 6th J Curran 1375. Very well done to the Douglas loft, who record their fourth Club win on the trot in only five races gone in 2009. They are the loft in form and the one to catch. Martin timed a direct son of last weeks winner who himself is no stranger to success, he is a direct son of his good Braspenning cock from Louella when mated to a daughter of his Open Winner from a few years ago, they as a pair have bred numerous winners including a number of Section winners, a class pair they are.

Markethill HPS - 1st David Linden 1392, 2nd W Brown & Sons 1329, 3rd D Linden 1326, 4th M McDowell & Son 1325. Well done to David Linden on a good performance from Clonmel with the Club winner some 63 yards in front of the Brown loft with David in again in 3rd and the McDowell boys completing the top four this week.

Edgarstown HPS 22/511 – G & C Simmons 1391, 2nd M Hughes 1390, 3rd T & A ford 1389, 4th P & D Stewart 1389, 5th T & A Ford 1385, 6th T & A Ford 1378, 7th T & A Ford 1378, 8th F Wright 1377, 9th G & C Simmons 1374, 10th T Sinton 1369. Well done to the G & C Simmons partnership who record their first win flying in the Edgarstown Club the pigeon timed as from fellow Club Mate Derek Parr of Lakeside Lofts it being the best of his Louis Coorman strain. Mark Hughes finished 1 yard behind in runner-up spot with the very consistent Tommy Ford in third place and the P & D Stewart partnership completing the top four.

Beechpark Social RPS 9/294 - 1st Davy Mawhinney & Son 1391, 2nd D Mawhinney & Son 1386, 3rd I Mawhinney & Son 1377, 4th D Mawhinney & Son 1366, 5th S & J McCullough 1363, 6th C Reynolds 1339, 7th D Percy & Son 1325, 8th C Beattie 1321, 9th H Hanna & Son 1318. That’s four on the trot for Davy and he is easily settling in to the new Beechpark Club with awesome effect fantastic racing by any account.

Gilford & District HPS 18/315 – 1st Tom Wilson 1387, 2nd G O’Dowd 1382, 3rd S S Cairns 1365, 4th T Greenaway 1360, 5th T Greenaway 1360, 6th C & H Beattie 1355, 7th S S Cairns 1346, 8th G O’Dowd 1346, 9th T Wilson 1345, 10th T Wilson 1336. Five races by and Five different winners into the Guilford Club this week it’s the turn of the ever consistent Tom Wilson to take the top spot, nothing new for Tom of course and no doubt their will be more of them before the seasons out. Well done Tom.

Wilton Cross H.P.S. – 1st G Douglas 1389, 2nd G Douglas 1385, 3rd G Douglas 1376, 4th G Douglas 1366.8, 5th D Carville & Son 1366.5, 6th G Douglas 1361, 7th G Douglas 1358, 8th G Douglas 1358, 9th M Wilkinson 1355, 10th D Carville & Son 1351. Well done to Geoffry Douglas who wins with a Blue Bar Soontjen Hen bred by Gerald Adair, Crossgar. I wondered when this man was going to show during the season, this week I have got my answer, what a card.

Laurelvale HPS 18/380 – J Dowey & Sons 1386, 1384, H Beattie 1383, 1383, 1383, J Dowey & Sons 1370, A Neill 1369, C Duke & Sons 1361, A Gittins 1350, J & J Milligan 1345.

The Fanciers Combine – The Fancier’s Combine next race will take place on Wednesday 20th May 2009 and they will race from Kildare, ringing Tuesday Evening in Edgarstown Club Room, 7.00 - 9.00 pm. Racers - 50p and Trainers - 25p. The Combine is also running an Open race from Roscrea on Wednesday 3rd June with ringing in Edgarstown Club Room on the morning of race from 6.30 - 9.00 am. Racers - £1.50 and Trainers - 50p. The Race is open to all fanciers from any organisation.

The Fanciers Combine - Annual Open Race was flown from Roscrea on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May, top success for C & H Beattie of Tandragee who timed the only two birds exceeding 1500ypm, also winning the Nomination. Roscrea – C & H Beattie 1500.4, C & H Beattie 1500.2 Nom, E Russell 1499, E Russell 1495, D & B Lyness 1494, T Fitzpatrick 1487, C & H Beattie 1484, T & K Mawhinney 1466, G McMullan 1461, T & K Mawhinney 1454.

Mark & Joe Brown will commence training from Mullingar or Castlebellingham each Sunday starting 24th May. Collection points include Lurgan 8.30am, Edgarstown 9.00am, Laurelvale 9.15am, Gilford 9.30am and Banbridge 10.00am. Just 15p a bird, more info Tel: 07709 077266.

Williamson & Calvin Transporter will be training each Tuesday and Wednesday from Slane Castle and Balbriggan. Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.45am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Yard (028) 38 339320 or Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.00am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.30am, Newry Corner 10.00am. PLEASE NOTE – Special Training every Sunday from Balbriggan or Kildare, different collection times.

Williamson & Calvin will have special training every Sunday Balbriggan or Kildare. Birds can be hampered night before or up to 7.50am morning of toss at 23 Farra Road. Ronnie Tel: 07841 762399. Collection times will be different for a Sunday. Ballyoran Hill 8.00am, Edgarstown HPS 8.15am, Laurelvale HPS 8.30am, Markethill Corner 8.45am, Newry 9.20am. Training will continue each Tuesday & Wednesday from Slane Castle and Balbriggan. Usual collection arrangement.

Kenny Mallen (Banbridge) – Training with usual collection points including Coach Car Park from 7.30am – 8.30am and Newry 9.00am etc. Training every week Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 24th May, weather permitting, Tel: 07737 521355.

Loughgall – 1st N Weir 1383, 2nd Nelson Weir 1382, 3rd Nelson Weir 1382, 4th Nelson Weir 1374, 5th Nelson Weir 1371, 6th Nelson Weir 1369, 7th Nelson Weir 1366, 8th Nelson Weir 1366. Not for the first time Nelson runs away with the Loughgall result, awesome is the word. This is Nelson’s forth Red Card of 2009 within the Loughgall Club and I don’t think the Bookie would take bets on him doubling it.

Lurgan Amateurs – 1st D McBride 1382, 2nd R Bothwell 1371, 3rd G & F Hall 1365, 4th R Bothwell 1365, 5th G & F Hall 1361, 6th D McBride 1337. Well done to the McBride loft on topping the Lurgan Amateurs from Clonmel.

Tandragee HPS - 1st A Craig 1381, 2nd A Craig 1381, 3rd J Dowey & Sons 1378, 4th A Craig 1362, 5th Dillon & Morrow 1360, 6th A Craig 1358, 7th A Craig 1352, 8th A Craig 1346, 9th A Craig 1346, 10th A Craig 1345, 11th A Craig 1339, 12th Dillon & Morrow 1338. What a performance from the Craig loft as well as taking 1st and 2nd Club the loft also has anther 6 good arrivals within the top ten of the Club result.

Dollingstown – 1st Joe Brown 1380, 2nd Joe Brown 1379, 3rd Joe Brown 1374, 4th Joe Brown 1370, 5th Joe Brown 1370. Dollingstown 2 Bird – 1st Joe Brown 1379, 2nd Joe Brown 1374. What a result for Joe Brown clean sweep.

Bondhill Social HPS – 1st Ron Williamson 1380, 2nd Ron Williamson 1376, 3rd Ron Williamson 1376, 4th J Greenaway 1373, 5th W Neill 1364, 6th R Williamson 1364, 7th Ron Williamson 1364, 8th Capper Bros 1362. Ronnie Williamson is top of the pile this week within the Bondhill Club and takes the first three not for the first time this season.

Armagh HPS 16/410 – 1st G & A Campbell 1379, 2nd A Geraghty 1378, 3rd E Murtagh & Sons 1366, 4th I Parkes & Son 1366, 5th R Parkes & Son 1365, 6th E Murtagh & Sons 1363, 7th D & C McArdle 1361, 8th G & A Campbell 1351, 9th G & A Campbell 1351, 10th G Steenson 1349. Gerard and Amy Campbell are back at the top of the Club result this week from Clonmel to record their second success of 2009. The 2 Bird result within the Club was as follows 1st G & A Campbell 1379, 2nd R Parkes & Son 1365, 3rd E Murtagh & Sons 1294, 4th E Murtagh & Sons 1290.

Annaghmore HPS 14/449 – 1st R Telford 1379, 2nd H Cordner 1370, 3rd G Buckley & Son 1364, 4th G Buckley & Son 1362, 5th W G Neill 1361, 6th W G Neill 1357, 7th G Buckley & Son 1354, 8th G Buckley & Son 1353, 9th W G Neill 1352, 10th H Cordner 1349. The Telford loft lifts their first Red Card of 2009 following some credible efforts over the last few weeks, likewise the Cordner loft are improving nicely as the season progresses with last week’s Club winner Glen Buckley & Son in 3rd and 4th Club.

Monaghan HPS 9/180 – 1st R Mulligan 1361, 2nd B Corley 1360, 3rd P Caughlin 1346, 4th S O'Brien 1340, 5th B Corley 1339, 6th R Mulligan 1334. Well done to Richard Mulligan who tops the Club this week from Clonmel ahead of Brendan Corley who finished second 14 yards in front of Pat Caughlin who in turn is in front of Stephen O’Brien who completes the top four in the strong and competitive Monaghan HPS

NIPA Section F Club Results Clonmel (2)

Corrigs & District HPS 14/373 – 1st R Shaw 1377, 2nd R Shaw 1348, 3rd Pritchard Bros 1327, 4th P Brown 1323, 5th P Brown 1317, 6th Pritchard Bros 1307, 7th B Higgins 1293, 8th J & R Mills 1280, 9th C McManus 1271, 10th A Murray & Son 1270. The Shaw loft continues to lead the field and makes it three in a row racing with the Corrigs HPS fantastic flying with awesome consistency. Pritchard Bros have a good arrival taking 3rd spot ahead of the Brown loft who finish 4th and 5th Club having already collected a couple of 1st Club’s this season to date.

Ards HPS 12/277 – 1st Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1367, 2nd McGimpsey Bros 1354, 3rd McGimpsey Bros 1352, 4th Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1348, 5th J & I Moore 1346, 6th Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1339, 7th McGimpsey Bros 1337, 8th S & L Burns 1336, 9th W Cleland 1332, 10th Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1331. The Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson partnership win for the second week on the tort and are one club success in front of W Cleland, W Ennis and McGimpsey Bros who are all on one Club win for the season to date.

Millisle & District HPS 10/226 – 1st Alan Brown 1364, 2nd John & Jean Hollinger 1355, 3rd Alan Brown 1345, 4th Alan Brown 1332, 5th Alan Brown 1328, 6th John & Jean Hollinger 1327, 7th J Orr & Sons 1326, 8th J Rankin 1232, 9th M & T Ferris 1322, 10th R Strain & Son 1321. Alan Brown is setting the pace this season in the Millisle Club and this is now his 3rd success of 2009, fantastic racing from the man who owns the Glenview Stud in Newtownards. The French specialists John & Jean Hollinger finish in Runner-Up spot with Alan Brown completing the top four with 3rd and 4th Club.

Killyleagh Central - 1st S McLoughlin 1356, 2nd S McLoughlin 1356, 3rd S McLoughlin 1355, 4th S McLoughlin 1354, well done to the McLaughlin loft and thanks to Paddy for the result.

Downpatrick – J Crossan 1355, B Connolly 1353, P McCullough & Daughter 1347, 1346.

Killyleagh & District – 1st B Murray 1349, 2nd J & R Quinn 1343, 3rd J & R Quinn 1339, 4th D & C Morrison 1339. Barney Murray leads the Club this week and happily lifts the Red Card, the J & R Quinn team timed to good arrivals to finish 2nd and 3rd Club ahead of the consistent D & C Morrison partnership.

Portavogie HPS 21/457 – 1st L Young 1346, 2nd Thompson & Bailey & Sons 1338, 3rd W & N Cully 1337, 4th Thompson & Bailie & Sons 1335, 5th B & J Donnan 1328, 6th E & D Harper & Sons 1328, 7th E & D Harper & Sons 1327, 8th N Sharp & Son 1327, 9th Thompson & Bailie & Sons 1327, 10th J & R Young & Sons 1324. Leslie young wins not for the first time this year, in fact the pigeon timed this week has already topped the Club from Tullamore in the first race of the 2009 season. Breeding is from M & T Ferris of Donaghadee. The partnership of Thompson & Bailie & Sons have three in the first ten of the result including 2nd and 4th with the ever consistent W & N Cully taking the 3rd spot.

Comber Central – 1st B & G Cochrane 1343, 2nd B & G Cochrane 1341, 3rd B & G Cochrane 1334, 4th B & G Cochrane 1330, 5th B & G Cochrane 1328. Good result for Bernie has them coming in fine style.

Comber Central 12/202 – 1st P & C Johnston 1328, 2nd W & L Robinson 1327, 3rd W & L Robinson 1322, 4th W & L Robinson 1321, 5th David George 1314, 6th P & C Johnston 1309, 7th A & R Crawford 1309, 8th Norman Thompson 1296, 9th W Gabbey 1294, 10th G Marshell 1266. Paul and Carolyn record their 2nd Red Card of 2009 with success from Clonmel this week with the partnership of W & L Robinson taking 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club for he second week on the tort. Excellent racing by all well done.

North South Federation Clonmel (2) 45/1,130 – J F McCabe 1401, 1394, Mark Maguire & Son 1393, G Hughes 1390, O Markey 1389, G Hughes 1388, Mark Hughes & Son 1387, G Hughes 1383, R McKelvey 1383, M Maguire & Son 1383. J F McCabe times 2 roundabout hens this week of the Soontjen lines from Hutchinson of Ashfield.

NIPA Section G Club Results Clonmel (2)

Newry & District HPS 20/417 – 1st J F McCabe 1401, 2nd J F McCabe 1391, 3rd Mark Maguire & Son 1393, 4th G Hughes 1390, 5th G Hughes 1388, 6th G Hughes 1383, 7th R McKelvey 1383, 8th M Maguire & Son 1383, 9th Mark Maguire & Son 1378, 10th B Woods & Son 1378. J F McCabe continues to show excellent form in 2009 and collects the lofts 2nd Red Card of the O/Bird season and put another into the clock for good measure finishing 2nd with this one. Mark Maguire & Son finish 3rd ahead of Gary Hughes who lifted all the Club pools.

Banbridge Social – C McArdle & Son 1392, M/M G Mallen 1380, T Lyons & Son 1371, C McArdle & Son 1367, T McKinstry 1363, 1361. The winner was a daughter of the good Koopman cock from Colin Gibson, T Lyons wins the Nomination with the same bird for the second time.

Ballyholland 12/294 – 1st Owen Markey 1389, 2nd A McAteer 1376, 3rd A McAteer 1376, 4th A McAteer 1361, 5th O Markey 1361, 6th O Markey 1361, 7th A McAteer 1353, 8th O Markey 1352, 9th P Murtagh 1348, 10th P Murtagh 1346. Owen Markey collects the Red Card this week with a veteran 2 year old Widowhood Cock that has now clocked up four 1st Clubs. He is in front yet again this week of Aiden McAteer who finishes runner-up for the third week in a row.

Millvale Inv – 1st Mark Maguire & Son 1387, 2nd R & M Mulholland 1366, 3rd Billy Jones 1362, 4th Aiden Curran 1357, 5th Aiden Curran 1356, 6th Noel Murtagh 1356, 7th Aiden Curran 1355, 8th R & M Mulholland 1354, 9th Noel Murtagh 1353, 10th Tommy Mooney & Son 1351. Millvale is a Club that when you win it you can be very proud as the club contains a membership of some very exceptional fanciers, this week collecting their first win in the Club for 2009 is Mark Maguire & Son with the R & M Mulholland partnership in runner up spot. This is the fifth different winner of the Club in the first five races of the O/Bird season.

Drumnavaddy Inv 11/237 – 1st J Smyth & Sons 1376, 2nd L F & B McGrath 1375, 3rd L F & B McGrath 1375, 4th L F & B McGrath 1375, 5th L F & B McGrath 1373, 6th J Smyth & Sons 1373, 7th J Smyth & Sons 1372, 8th S Ogle 1366, 9th J Smyth & Sons 1365, 10th J Smyth & Sons 1365. Joe Smyth makes it four wins on the trot followed by an excellent card from Brendan McGrath who takes the next four positions with Joe Smyth & Sons taking another four of the remaining five positions with Sammy Ogle finishing 8th Club.

Bessbrook Pigeon Club – Cowan Bros 1370, R Black & Son 1361, Cowan Bros 1356, Hamilton & Hanna 1336, E Niblock 1327, M Fegan 1294. Cowan bros makes it two in a row from Clonmel.

NIPA Section H Club Results Clonmel (2)

Maiden City 21/288 – 1st McGettigan Bros 1352, 2nd P & M Healy 1325, 3rd Dunne & Quigley 1315, 4th E Quigley 1308, 5th Pat McLaughlin 1289, 6th McGettigan Bros 1282

Foyle RPS 30/269 – 1st Brian & Iris Maguire McDevitt 1350, 2nd Anthony McCrudden 1338, 3rd Sean Duffy, 4th Tommy McDaid, 5th P & E Maxwell, 6th P & E Maxwell, 7th Tommy McDaid, 8th Jim and Gary Ramsey, 9th Sean Duffy, 10th P & E Maxwell.

Omagh & District HPS 11/190 – 1st Alan Hall 1346, 2nd A Kelly 1315, 3rd A Kelly 1302, 4th J McGlade 1249, 5th J McGlade 1230, 6th J McGlade 1225. Alan Hall is flying once again this season and already has a 1st Open NIPA to his name, this week he clocks a good Club winner that is some 30 yards in front of the Kelly Loft that finishes the day in 2nd and 3rd Club with the ever improving McGlade loft which takes the next three.

Strabane RPC 14/155 – 1st T Ferguson 1334, 2nd G McAuley 1277, 3rd Buddy Gamble 1272, 4th T Ferguson & Son 1269, 5th T Ferguson & Son 1268, 6th Buddy Gamble 1264. Well done to Tommy on topping the Club from Clonmel his winner being a full brother to the Club winner for him from Roscrea coming down from his excellent family of Janssen and Busschaerts.

Limavady RPS 10/144 – 1st R Witherow 1291, 2nd R Witherow 1288, 3rd R Witherow 1282, 4th B Mailey 1273, 5th R Witherow 1272, 6th W McIlmoyle 1271, 7th J Crawford 1263, 8th R McIlmoyle 1263, 9th G Kearney 1200, 10th H Crawford 1181. The Witherow loft collects the second Red Card of the 2009 O/Bird Season and was the loft to beat from Clonmel finishing 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club also, with Brian Mailey completing the top four.

Londonderry RPC 13/118 - 1st L Flanagan 1274, 2nd N Murray 1272, 3rd D Wick 1268, 4th L Flanagan 1246, 5th Leo Flanagan 1241, 6th N Murray 1237, 7th D Wick 1201, 8th P. Mc Laughlin 1196, 9th D Wick 1192, 10th N Murray 1182. Well done to Leo I make that three on the trot for the local Corn Man.

Rock FC 10/72 – L McCloskey 1249, J McLaughlin 1229, 1226, 1190, J Coyle & Son 1185, M McCloskey 1173.

Last weekend saw the NIPA delay race marking for Clonmel until Saturday evening with the convoy liberated early on Sunday morning. Locally 72 members had sent 747 birds and although the leading pigeons covered the 180 plus miles in under 4 hours there were a few empty perches come close of play. Top spot goes to the Maguire & McDevitt partnership who also take 15th position, proving that all the hard work eventually pays off. Runner up spot falls to Anthony McCrudden with Sean Duffy back in the frame for 3rd & 12th. Tommy McDaid has 3 in the result taking 4th, 10th & 16th. Dunne & Quigley complete the top 5.

Other results: 6th, 8th & 13th - Mr & Mrs P Maxwell; 7th - E Quigley; 9th - P Mc Laughlin; 11th - J & G Ramsey; 14th - l Flanagan & Son; 17th - N Murray; 18th & 20th - Coyle Bros; 19th - D Wick.

City of Derry Federation Clonmel (2) 72/747 - Maguire & McDevitt Foyle 1350, A McCrudden Foyle 1339, S Duffy Foyle 1338, T McDaid Foyle 1329, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 1315, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1312, E Quigley Maiden City 1308, M/M P Maxwell 1296, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1289, T McDaid 1280, J & G Ramsey Foyle 1277, S Duffy 1277, M/M P Maxwell 1276, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1274, Maguire & McDevitt 1273, T McDaid 1273, N Murray Londonderry 1272, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1269, D Wick Londonderry 1268, Coyle Bros 1266.

PS - Two races this weekend including the OB Inland Nat, make sure your result is included.

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