AGM 2016 - 16/03/16
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7472
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
AGM 2016 - 16/03/16
Mid Antrim Combine AGM – The meeting for this season will take place as usual in the Harryville HPS Clubrooms at 8.00pm on Wednesday 16th March 2016. As was agreed at the AGM last season the fees would increase by £1, each loft must now pay £3.00. Two Delegates should attend from each member club to conduct the business.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7472
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM 2016 - 16/03/16
Mid Antrim Combine AGM – The meeting for this season will take place as usual in the Harryville HPS Clubrooms at 8.00pm on Wednesday 16th March 2016. As was agreed at the AGM last season the fees would increase by £1, each loft must now pay £3.00. Two Delegates should attend from each member club to conduct the business.
Ballymena & District HPS members, those with ETS should fill Race Sheets in ASAP and let us know by text message when ready. We will then set a night for the clock to be updated and rings allocated. A bit of time to go before racing but we are starting early to have the ETS Clocks set up and ready to go. The T3 Clocks will be set up towards the end of March, members will be informed as we go along. Due to a change in circumstances Tom McAlonan will not be training birds this year.
NIPA Race Season Update -
The NIPA Race Programme for 2016 was the one passed with a big vote at the AGM, that’s the official programme. What the NIPA Committee did at a later meeting was add additional optional training races to fill out spaces and make some revenue which will help in the long run to keep down costs. Remember as well if the NIPA don’t fill available spaces these will be filled with rivals who are expanding business every single year.
The last increase for race crates was 2006 and before that costs were different for Inland and Cross Channel racing. In 2016 the Membership Fee at £22 and Club Fee at £24, remain unchanged from the season previous. Overall running costs are being kept down for the membership.
From Portadown & Drumcree HPS and supported by majority of Sect E Clubs – 9th April Tullamore, 16th April Tullamore, 23td April Roscrea, 30th April Fermoy, 7th May Corrin, 14th May Rosscarbery Inl Nat, 21st May Talbenny, 21st May Rosscarbery Yearling Cock & Hen Nat, 28th May Talbenny, 28th May Fermoy 5 Bird, 4th June Bude, 4th June Roscrea, 11th June Penzance, 18th June Sennen Cove Classic, 24th June St Malo Nat (France).
The optional training races added by the NIPA Committee were 14th May Fermoy, 11th June Fermoy, 18th June Fermoy and no decision made yet about 25th June the St Malo weekend.
Race Programme available to be flown in 2016 -
Old Birds: 9th April Tullamore (1), 16th April Tullamore (2), 23rd April Roscrea, 30th April Fermoy, 7th May Corrin, 14th May Rosscarbery Inl Nat, 14th May Fermoy Comeback, 21st May Talbenny (1), 21st May Rosscarbery Yearling Cock & Hen Nat, 28th May Talbenny (2), 28th May Fermoy 5 Bird, 4th June Bude, 4th June Roscrea , 11th June Penzance, 11th June Fermoy Comeback, 18th June Sennen Cove Classic, 18th June Fermoy Comeback, 24th June St Malo Nat (France), 25th June Comeback??
Let’s look back at the interest the membership had in the Comeback events of 2015.
23rd May Roscrea 572 members/13,157 birds. (Weekend of Rosscarbery Nat). 7th June Rosscarbery 671 members/11,234 birds. (Weekend 2nd Cross Channel Race). 27th June Roscrea 244 members/3,187 birds. (Weekend of St Malo).
If we do not fill gaps of available races, rivals will and when extra charges have to be made in the future who will get the blame of bad management? The official race programme is the one adopted at the AGM, the additional races are optional for the membership. There appears to be a bit of confusion on the new arrangements and I would think the NIPA Committee at the next meeting on 14th March will sort out the queries regarding Sect Points etc. Finally we might experience some problems with travel regarding France during June with the football going on, this will be dealt with at the time. It has always been said the NIPA have a good record in getting to the race over all the years, can’t remember any being missed. Drivers are required to cover the race season, either full time or temporary, those interested should contact Secretary Fred Russell.
Ballymena & District HPS members, those with ETS should fill Race Sheets in ASAP and let us know by text message when ready. We will then set a night for the clock to be updated and rings allocated. A bit of time to go before racing but we are starting early to have the ETS Clocks set up and ready to go. The T3 Clocks will be set up towards the end of March, members will be informed as we go along. Due to a change in circumstances Tom McAlonan will not be training birds this year.
NIPA Race Season Update -
The NIPA Race Programme for 2016 was the one passed with a big vote at the AGM, that’s the official programme. What the NIPA Committee did at a later meeting was add additional optional training races to fill out spaces and make some revenue which will help in the long run to keep down costs. Remember as well if the NIPA don’t fill available spaces these will be filled with rivals who are expanding business every single year.
The last increase for race crates was 2006 and before that costs were different for Inland and Cross Channel racing. In 2016 the Membership Fee at £22 and Club Fee at £24, remain unchanged from the season previous. Overall running costs are being kept down for the membership.
From Portadown & Drumcree HPS and supported by majority of Sect E Clubs – 9th April Tullamore, 16th April Tullamore, 23td April Roscrea, 30th April Fermoy, 7th May Corrin, 14th May Rosscarbery Inl Nat, 21st May Talbenny, 21st May Rosscarbery Yearling Cock & Hen Nat, 28th May Talbenny, 28th May Fermoy 5 Bird, 4th June Bude, 4th June Roscrea, 11th June Penzance, 18th June Sennen Cove Classic, 24th June St Malo Nat (France).
The optional training races added by the NIPA Committee were 14th May Fermoy, 11th June Fermoy, 18th June Fermoy and no decision made yet about 25th June the St Malo weekend.
Race Programme available to be flown in 2016 -
Old Birds: 9th April Tullamore (1), 16th April Tullamore (2), 23rd April Roscrea, 30th April Fermoy, 7th May Corrin, 14th May Rosscarbery Inl Nat, 14th May Fermoy Comeback, 21st May Talbenny (1), 21st May Rosscarbery Yearling Cock & Hen Nat, 28th May Talbenny (2), 28th May Fermoy 5 Bird, 4th June Bude, 4th June Roscrea , 11th June Penzance, 11th June Fermoy Comeback, 18th June Sennen Cove Classic, 18th June Fermoy Comeback, 24th June St Malo Nat (France), 25th June Comeback??
Let’s look back at the interest the membership had in the Comeback events of 2015.
23rd May Roscrea 572 members/13,157 birds. (Weekend of Rosscarbery Nat). 7th June Rosscarbery 671 members/11,234 birds. (Weekend 2nd Cross Channel Race). 27th June Roscrea 244 members/3,187 birds. (Weekend of St Malo).
If we do not fill gaps of available races, rivals will and when extra charges have to be made in the future who will get the blame of bad management? The official race programme is the one adopted at the AGM, the additional races are optional for the membership. There appears to be a bit of confusion on the new arrangements and I would think the NIPA Committee at the next meeting on 14th March will sort out the queries regarding Sect Points etc. Finally we might experience some problems with travel regarding France during June with the football going on, this will be dealt with at the time. It has always been said the NIPA have a good record in getting to the race over all the years, can’t remember any being missed. Drivers are required to cover the race season, either full time or temporary, those interested should contact Secretary Fred Russell.
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 7472
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM 2016 - 16/03/16
Mid Antrim Combine AGM – The meeting for this season will take place as usual in the Harryville HPS Clubrooms at 8.00pm this Wednesday 16th March 2016. As was agreed at the AGM last season the fees would increase by £1, each loft must now pay £3.00. This will be the opportunity to discuss the NIPA Race Programme and maybe think about arranging a training race from say Navan on Saturday 9th July and then decide venue for the next two weeks Area Liberations. Two Delegates should attend from each member club to conduct the business.
Ballymena & District HPS members, those with ETS should fill Race Sheets in ASAP and let us know by text message when ready. We will then set a night for the clock to be updated and rings allocated. A bit of time to go before racing but we are starting early to have the ETS Clocks set up and ready to go. The T3 Clocks will be set up towards the end of March, members will be informed as we go along. This week 17th March is the deadline for the INFC Single Bird Challenge, it’s a free entry, don’t miss out! Due to a change in circumstances Tom McAlonan will not be training birds this year, Homer will be collecting on the usual route. The opening race of the old bird season will be Tullamore on 9th April, weather permitting.
A sale in aid of the S.O.S. fund shall be held in Banbridge British Legion, on Thursday 17th March 2016 viewing from 7.00 pm, sale commencing @ 8.00pm A select number of fanciers from the IHU,EDC & the NIPA have supplied an excellent draft of youngsters for this sale. We would invite all fanciers to come along and enjoy the fellowship and participate in some light refreshment. Don’t miss this one!
A Spring Fayre is being held on Saturday 19th March 2016 with the event opening at 9am and closing 4.30 pm (approx) . Last season’s event was a tremendous success for all who had youngsters to sell with most SOLD OUT !!! At this event fanciers can purchase their last minute requirements prior to the racing season and avail themselves of youngsters for sale from various stalls. The venue for the event is the Six Mile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare. The response to the Fayre has been phenomenal with a number of stalls already confirmed including as follows ( please note this list can change at any time ) : Gem Supplements (R. Kirkwood); NCC One-Loft Race; Tom Cairns Wooden Products; Harmony Lofts (John & Viv Abernethy); Northern Ireland Middle Route; Cherryfield Lofts (Roy Kennedy); Blaris Lofts (H. Jennings & Son); H. McLaughlin (Pigeon Corn & Supplies); Benzing ETS; Fernlea Lofts; Andy Milliken Lofts – Birds (A. & R. Milliken & Brady); Blue Sky Products; Oroory Hill Stud (Mr & Mrs Delaney); The Office - Web Design; Telford Bros (Downpatrick); Kinallen View Lofts; Racing Pigeon Lab Testing; Anisan Loftcare , .Hire A Pen Stall , etc. Plus a star studded Charity Sale. A great day out for all the family. Bring the kids and they can enjoy the pool while you browse the Fayre . Please keep an eye on the Pigeon Craic website for any updates as and when anything happens. Interested in a stall ??? If so please feel free to contact New Kid on the Block. Tel: 07737 275820.
Ballymena & District HPS members, those with ETS should fill Race Sheets in ASAP and let us know by text message when ready. We will then set a night for the clock to be updated and rings allocated. A bit of time to go before racing but we are starting early to have the ETS Clocks set up and ready to go. The T3 Clocks will be set up towards the end of March, members will be informed as we go along. This week 17th March is the deadline for the INFC Single Bird Challenge, it’s a free entry, don’t miss out! Due to a change in circumstances Tom McAlonan will not be training birds this year, Homer will be collecting on the usual route. The opening race of the old bird season will be Tullamore on 9th April, weather permitting.
A sale in aid of the S.O.S. fund shall be held in Banbridge British Legion, on Thursday 17th March 2016 viewing from 7.00 pm, sale commencing @ 8.00pm A select number of fanciers from the IHU,EDC & the NIPA have supplied an excellent draft of youngsters for this sale. We would invite all fanciers to come along and enjoy the fellowship and participate in some light refreshment. Don’t miss this one!
A Spring Fayre is being held on Saturday 19th March 2016 with the event opening at 9am and closing 4.30 pm (approx) . Last season’s event was a tremendous success for all who had youngsters to sell with most SOLD OUT !!! At this event fanciers can purchase their last minute requirements prior to the racing season and avail themselves of youngsters for sale from various stalls. The venue for the event is the Six Mile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare. The response to the Fayre has been phenomenal with a number of stalls already confirmed including as follows ( please note this list can change at any time ) : Gem Supplements (R. Kirkwood); NCC One-Loft Race; Tom Cairns Wooden Products; Harmony Lofts (John & Viv Abernethy); Northern Ireland Middle Route; Cherryfield Lofts (Roy Kennedy); Blaris Lofts (H. Jennings & Son); H. McLaughlin (Pigeon Corn & Supplies); Benzing ETS; Fernlea Lofts; Andy Milliken Lofts – Birds (A. & R. Milliken & Brady); Blue Sky Products; Oroory Hill Stud (Mr & Mrs Delaney); The Office - Web Design; Telford Bros (Downpatrick); Kinallen View Lofts; Racing Pigeon Lab Testing; Anisan Loftcare , .Hire A Pen Stall , etc. Plus a star studded Charity Sale. A great day out for all the family. Bring the kids and they can enjoy the pool while you browse the Fayre . Please keep an eye on the Pigeon Craic website for any updates as and when anything happens. Interested in a stall ??? If so please feel free to contact New Kid on the Block. Tel: 07737 275820.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7472
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM 2016 - 16/03/16
Mid Antrim Combine – AGM 2016
The AGM of the Mid Antrim Combine was held recently in the Harryville HPS Clubrooms, all member clubs were represented with an apology from Ahoghill Flying Club. Chairman Robert Service opened the meeting and welcomed the Delegates and then invited Secretary George McDowell to read the minutes of the previous AGM. These were adopted on a show of hands as were the Accounts. After expenses the MAC have a balance of £180, and remember the membership fees for 2016 are raised by £1 per loft to £3.
Under correspondence a letter was read from Harryville HPS that a rule change made in 2010 regarding the status of members must be implemented for 2016 season. There was a lot of discussion about this subject and the matter was left for further investigation through the RPRA. No decision was going to be possible and the Chairman ruled there would be no further discussion and the meeting would move on.
He declared all offices vacant and said before leaving the chair he did not intend to seek re-election, Secretary George McDowell said he had served 13 years in the post and he intended to stand down as well. Willie Reynolds from Ballymena was invited to conduct the Election of Officials for the new season. After some discussion it was not possible to fill any positions and it was decided we should reconvene in a fortnight to see if matters could be resolved.
A full attendance of all member clubs will be expected to attend the resumed meeting at Ballymena & District HPS on Wednesday 30th March at 8.00pm. After many long years we have reached a crisis for the local fancy and I feel the MAC is in great danger of closing. I looked back to see what was passed in 2010 AGM, Chairman Robert Service from Harryville was absent through illness and Alan Darragh from Cullybackey was in the Chair.
Two resolutions were on the agenda, both submitted by Harryville HPS. The first one failed on the vote and the second was carried on the casting vote of the Chairman.
Resolution No 1 – Submitted by Harryville HPS
The Mid Antrim Combine remains as it is now with no more clubs being accepted.
Resolution No 2 – Submitted by Harryville HPS
All birds competing in the Mid Antrim Combine must be race marked through which clubs the owner’s fees are paid to the Mid Antrim Combine. NIPA Classic & National races where the birds are marked in Centres. Birds competing in Mid Antrim Combine must be paid through clubs where the owner’s fees are paid.
Following the AGM Harryville called a special meeting and I understand they decided by a large majority to withdraw from the Mid Antrim Combine, they could be followed by others.
The AGM of the Mid Antrim Combine was held recently in the Harryville HPS Clubrooms, all member clubs were represented with an apology from Ahoghill Flying Club. Chairman Robert Service opened the meeting and welcomed the Delegates and then invited Secretary George McDowell to read the minutes of the previous AGM. These were adopted on a show of hands as were the Accounts. After expenses the MAC have a balance of £180, and remember the membership fees for 2016 are raised by £1 per loft to £3.
Under correspondence a letter was read from Harryville HPS that a rule change made in 2010 regarding the status of members must be implemented for 2016 season. There was a lot of discussion about this subject and the matter was left for further investigation through the RPRA. No decision was going to be possible and the Chairman ruled there would be no further discussion and the meeting would move on.
He declared all offices vacant and said before leaving the chair he did not intend to seek re-election, Secretary George McDowell said he had served 13 years in the post and he intended to stand down as well. Willie Reynolds from Ballymena was invited to conduct the Election of Officials for the new season. After some discussion it was not possible to fill any positions and it was decided we should reconvene in a fortnight to see if matters could be resolved.
A full attendance of all member clubs will be expected to attend the resumed meeting at Ballymena & District HPS on Wednesday 30th March at 8.00pm. After many long years we have reached a crisis for the local fancy and I feel the MAC is in great danger of closing. I looked back to see what was passed in 2010 AGM, Chairman Robert Service from Harryville was absent through illness and Alan Darragh from Cullybackey was in the Chair.
Two resolutions were on the agenda, both submitted by Harryville HPS. The first one failed on the vote and the second was carried on the casting vote of the Chairman.
Resolution No 1 – Submitted by Harryville HPS
The Mid Antrim Combine remains as it is now with no more clubs being accepted.
Resolution No 2 – Submitted by Harryville HPS
All birds competing in the Mid Antrim Combine must be race marked through which clubs the owner’s fees are paid to the Mid Antrim Combine. NIPA Classic & National races where the birds are marked in Centres. Birds competing in Mid Antrim Combine must be paid through clubs where the owner’s fees are paid.
Following the AGM Harryville called a special meeting and I understand they decided by a large majority to withdraw from the Mid Antrim Combine, they could be followed by others.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7472
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM 2016 - 16/03/16
Mid Antrim Combine AGM Continued –
A full attendance of all member clubs will be expected to attend the resumed meeting at Ballymena & District HPS on Wednesday 30th March at 8.00pm. After many long years we have reached a crisis for the local fancy and I feel the MAC is in great danger of closing.
Following the AGM Harryville called a special meeting and I understand they decided by a large majority to withdraw from the Mid Antrim Combine, they could very well be followed by others.
When the MAC first got going, it just was the result of the local clubs that made up a Top 20 of the best birds each weekend. Davy Campbell produced the weekly result and these were widely published. At that time the founding clubs were Harryville, Ballymena & Dist, Kells, Ahoghill, Cullybackey, Broughshane and Ballymena Championship which later closed. Years later they joined the RPRA to make things official, and additional clubs joined, Rasharkin which included a lot of Cullybackey members, Randalstown and then finally New Antrim Amal when this club moved down from Antrim.
Over time many cups and trophies were added for competition and that included a Champions League among member clubs, four lofts from each club competing. Points awarded in the early part of the League and then the top lofts going through to knock-out in the cross channel races with the final from Penzance.
No club has ever left in the past, if a few do it may well be Mid Antrim Combine is All Over! Remember the meeting on Wednesday is in Ballymena & District HPS Clubrooms at 8.00pm. Also remember the deadline date for INFC Membership this year is earlier at 12th April, make sure your Secretary has the Form away.
Mid Antrim Training -
Homer starts the season training on Easter Tuesday 29th March covering the same route as last season going to Oxford Island. Probably each Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday when racing starts weather permitting of course, and before racing training on good days. Calling with Danny Dixon in Dunloy around 8.00am, Cullybackey 8.45am, and at Ahoghill Clubrooms 9.30am. Tel or Text Homer: 07538 238364.
Robert Alexander Training – New local service of training with Robert now retired putting the Harry Richmond Trailer back on the road. Birds can be loaded at his home 27 Upper Princess Street between 8.00am and 9.00am, then Herbison Feeds 9.15am to 9.45am and Harryville Clubrooms 10.00am until 10.15am. Tel: 07873 816832.
Frank Dickey Tel: 07596 912221 pigeon training starts Monday 28th March at McCosh’s Garage Ballymena at 7.00am -7.20am then Dunsilly Roundabout 7.30am -7.45am and all usual drops after that, ring Frank for any more info. The opening race of the old bird season will be Tullamore on 9th April, weather permitting.
A full attendance of all member clubs will be expected to attend the resumed meeting at Ballymena & District HPS on Wednesday 30th March at 8.00pm. After many long years we have reached a crisis for the local fancy and I feel the MAC is in great danger of closing.
Following the AGM Harryville called a special meeting and I understand they decided by a large majority to withdraw from the Mid Antrim Combine, they could very well be followed by others.
When the MAC first got going, it just was the result of the local clubs that made up a Top 20 of the best birds each weekend. Davy Campbell produced the weekly result and these were widely published. At that time the founding clubs were Harryville, Ballymena & Dist, Kells, Ahoghill, Cullybackey, Broughshane and Ballymena Championship which later closed. Years later they joined the RPRA to make things official, and additional clubs joined, Rasharkin which included a lot of Cullybackey members, Randalstown and then finally New Antrim Amal when this club moved down from Antrim.
Over time many cups and trophies were added for competition and that included a Champions League among member clubs, four lofts from each club competing. Points awarded in the early part of the League and then the top lofts going through to knock-out in the cross channel races with the final from Penzance.
No club has ever left in the past, if a few do it may well be Mid Antrim Combine is All Over! Remember the meeting on Wednesday is in Ballymena & District HPS Clubrooms at 8.00pm. Also remember the deadline date for INFC Membership this year is earlier at 12th April, make sure your Secretary has the Form away.
Mid Antrim Training -
Homer starts the season training on Easter Tuesday 29th March covering the same route as last season going to Oxford Island. Probably each Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday when racing starts weather permitting of course, and before racing training on good days. Calling with Danny Dixon in Dunloy around 8.00am, Cullybackey 8.45am, and at Ahoghill Clubrooms 9.30am. Tel or Text Homer: 07538 238364.
Robert Alexander Training – New local service of training with Robert now retired putting the Harry Richmond Trailer back on the road. Birds can be loaded at his home 27 Upper Princess Street between 8.00am and 9.00am, then Herbison Feeds 9.15am to 9.45am and Harryville Clubrooms 10.00am until 10.15am. Tel: 07873 816832.
Frank Dickey Tel: 07596 912221 pigeon training starts Monday 28th March at McCosh’s Garage Ballymena at 7.00am -7.20am then Dunsilly Roundabout 7.30am -7.45am and all usual drops after that, ring Frank for any more info. The opening race of the old bird season will be Tullamore on 9th April, weather permitting.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7472
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM 2016 - 16/03/16
Mid Antrim Combine – The resumed AGM took place in the Ballymena & District HPS Clubrooms on Wednesday 30th March 2016. A full attendance had been requested, no delegates were present for either Harryville or Kells. New officials elected for 2016 are Chairman Jackie Steele (Rasharkin & District) and Secretary Willie Reynolds (Ballymena & District). Three clubs have resigned Harryville HPS, Kells & District and Cullybackey HPS.
Rule Book is to be published as per RPRA instruction re Rule 183. When ready copy to all member clubs. All competition will continue as before added this year a Gold Ring Scheme for two young bird races, NIPA Talbenny and INFC Skibbereen. Max four rings per loft at £10, nominations before young bird season starts. Prize List will be published when we have total birds competing. Framed photo of each winner sponsored by Ken Wilkinson, and further sponsorship has been obtained from Dixons Contractors, plus Frazer Feeds some (£675) and Homer will supply framed photo of OB & YB Bird of the Year. Winning Diplomas as usual and joining fees for 2016 are £3 per loft.
Sponsorship from Dixons Contractors has now been confirmed as follows, total for 2016 will be £600. Firstly in the Old Bird Champions League, run as in the past, £100 to winning club and £50 to runner-up. In the NIPA major races the following to 1st Combine winners. Rosscarbery OB Inland National £25, Rosscarbery Yearling Hen National £25, Rosscarbery Yearling Cock National £25, Fermoy 5B Old Bird Championship £25, Sennen Cove OB Classic £25, St Malo Old Bird National £50, Talbenny YB National £25, Fermoy 5B Young Bird Championship £25, Rosscarbery YB National £25. In the INFC races the following for 1st Combine winners. Skibbereen Old Bird Nat £25, Sennen Cove Yearling Nat £25, St Allouestre Kings Cup £50, Quimper Friendship Nat £50, Penzance YB Grand Nat £25, Skibbereen YB Nat £25. Frazer Feed Specials will be added later.
A donation will be made to Macmillan Unit following the passing of Len Russell, a great supporter of the MAC and one of its founder members. The Balance Sheet which was passed stands at £180.01, a Licence will be obtained from the RPRA regarding the Gold Ring Races of 2016. Results and reports will be published over the racing season. I have included some photos of the top winners in 2015.
George McDowell presents the Mid Antrim Combine cups to W & J Smyth, Ballymena & Dist.
Mid Antrim Combine winners in Cullybackey from (l) Len Russell, Harry McCloy and Alan Darragh.
Randalstown members from (l) Ian Stewart New North Cup, Bobby Houston, Hugh Boyd McIlhagga Cup and Anthony McNeill.
At Rasharkin from (l) W McFetridge, J & M Milliken and Steele & McNeill.
Champion Old Bird for Steele & McNeill of Rasharkin & District.
Paddy McManus from Ahoghill won 1st MAC Roscrea.
Rule Book is to be published as per RPRA instruction re Rule 183. When ready copy to all member clubs. All competition will continue as before added this year a Gold Ring Scheme for two young bird races, NIPA Talbenny and INFC Skibbereen. Max four rings per loft at £10, nominations before young bird season starts. Prize List will be published when we have total birds competing. Framed photo of each winner sponsored by Ken Wilkinson, and further sponsorship has been obtained from Dixons Contractors, plus Frazer Feeds some (£675) and Homer will supply framed photo of OB & YB Bird of the Year. Winning Diplomas as usual and joining fees for 2016 are £3 per loft.
Sponsorship from Dixons Contractors has now been confirmed as follows, total for 2016 will be £600. Firstly in the Old Bird Champions League, run as in the past, £100 to winning club and £50 to runner-up. In the NIPA major races the following to 1st Combine winners. Rosscarbery OB Inland National £25, Rosscarbery Yearling Hen National £25, Rosscarbery Yearling Cock National £25, Fermoy 5B Old Bird Championship £25, Sennen Cove OB Classic £25, St Malo Old Bird National £50, Talbenny YB National £25, Fermoy 5B Young Bird Championship £25, Rosscarbery YB National £25. In the INFC races the following for 1st Combine winners. Skibbereen Old Bird Nat £25, Sennen Cove Yearling Nat £25, St Allouestre Kings Cup £50, Quimper Friendship Nat £50, Penzance YB Grand Nat £25, Skibbereen YB Nat £25. Frazer Feed Specials will be added later.
A donation will be made to Macmillan Unit following the passing of Len Russell, a great supporter of the MAC and one of its founder members. The Balance Sheet which was passed stands at £180.01, a Licence will be obtained from the RPRA regarding the Gold Ring Races of 2016. Results and reports will be published over the racing season. I have included some photos of the top winners in 2015.
George McDowell presents the Mid Antrim Combine cups to W & J Smyth, Ballymena & Dist.
Mid Antrim Combine winners in Cullybackey from (l) Len Russell, Harry McCloy and Alan Darragh.
Randalstown members from (l) Ian Stewart New North Cup, Bobby Houston, Hugh Boyd McIlhagga Cup and Anthony McNeill.
At Rasharkin from (l) W McFetridge, J & M Milliken and Steele & McNeill.
Champion Old Bird for Steele & McNeill of Rasharkin & District.
Paddy McManus from Ahoghill won 1st MAC Roscrea.