Homer's Odyssey/BHW Plus - 20/11/09

[willie reynolds]

The 32nd Annual INFC Charity Show will take place on Saturday 12th December 2009 in the Balmoral Hall which is cited within the Kings Hall Complex. There will be 6 classes in the show as follows. Old Cocks, Old Hens, and an Old Bird Eye-sign, all birds entered in the Old Cocks & Hens classes will be judged for Eye-sign. There will also be Young Cocks, Young Hens, and again all birds entered in these classes will be judged for YB Eye-sign. The judges this year will be from England & Scotland thanks to the assistance of Lisburn fanciers Herbie Phillips and David Coburn in this respect. There will be monetary prizes plus a rosette with every card. Pens for the Show will be erected on Thursday 10th from 6.00pm and help would be very welcome.

There will 30 trade stands in attendance with some appearing for the first time. As usual Ronnie Johnston will be organising the Charity Sale, Ronnie is excited with the sale list and the Charities that will benefit this year will all be Cancer Related, unfortunately many fanciers and their families have suffered at the hands of this disease, and if we can help in any way with equipment it will be greatly appreciated.

Helen Marshall will again be promoting the Raffle and our thanks to Donnelly Bros, Newry for very kindly donating six 2010 Young Birds, Helen very much appreciates the support in the past and she is hoping that this continues on for this year, can you imagine that if every fancier bought one ticket how much the Charity would benefit.

Helen & Rosemary Mulholland will again be organising the Children’s Quiz with excellent prizes and you can be assured every child will go home with something, I wonder how many other shows cater for the children in this way?

Since its inception this Show has donated over £250.000 to Charities North & South and we no longer hand over cheques to a fundraiser for them to take a percentage for taking the time to come and receive the cheque, we buy equipment where needed. You as Pigeon Fanciers are the fundraisers and can be proud of your achievement. We as a Committee wish to thank the many people that have donated birds for the Charity Auction over the years, also the large numbers that have attended the Show in all weathers. We hope for your continued support this year on Saturday 12th December. Thanks to Show Chairman Ken McConaghie for this news update.

Open Show News

Hillfoot HPS - Will present a 3 in 1 Open Show in the Hillfoot Clubrooms on Saturday 21st November penning 11.00am until 1.00pm. Three Classes for the price of one, entry £1 per Bird. Young Hen or Young Cock T/W, Handled and Eye-sign, Old Hen or Old Cock T/W, Handled and Eye-sign. Six Classes in total paying out £50 Prize Money plus small prizes. Specials to include Best in Show and Best Opposite Sex. Judging to start promptly at 1.00pm. Young Bird Sale to follow Open Show, to start Approx 3.00pm. Donation of birds from Top Lofts around Northern Ireland, all 2009 birds will be in the pen before purchase. All prize money donated by Hillfoot HPS members. Come along and support the club - Free Buffett, refreshments available and Super Ballot.

Ards HPS – The Annual Open Show will be held at Portavogie HPS Clubrooms on Saturday 21st November penning 12 noon until 2.00pm Classes are A.A.Cock, A.A.Hen, and Eye-sign. Prizes for all card winners, and a sale of 10 x 2010 y/birds from top lofts after show.

Lisburn & District – The opening show will be held on Saturday 14th November Any Age Cock/Hen with penning from 7.00pm until 7.30pm. Members must show a minimum of 6 birds per show to compete for Specials in 2010. Further shows will be held on 21st Nov, 5th Dec with the big New Year Special Show to be held on 2nd January. Special thanks to Sammy Briggs who is going to supply the prize for the ballot each week. Will members please note AGM is on 08/12/09 (Part 1).

Downpatrick HPS will have a YB Gold Ring Race to be flown from Mallow on 25th August 2010, the event only open to lofts competing in the NIPA Sect F and the East Down Combine Sect East. Rings must be purchased at £10 per ring with a 500 Bird limit, 70% of the fund will be paid in prizes. For all the details and ring orders Tel: 07809 746628 or Tel: 07596 042961.

The INFC Dinner & Prize Distribution will be held in the Stormont Hotel Belfast on Friday 27th November, a full house is expected and please pay the ticket orders prior to the night.

Doagh & District HPS will be having their annual Moot in McConnells of Doagh on the 8th January, a date for the diary. The panel will be Brian & Ricky Hogg of Newtownbreda, East Down Combine Fancier of the Year 2004 and 2005, J & J Hollinger (Millisle) one of Irelands top long distance fliers, and Davy Campbell (Campbell & Bigger, Glengormley), NIPA Section C Fancier of the Year 2008 and 2009. UK rep for Benzing will also be there giving a ETS demonstration and anyone wishing to purchase the Benzing ETS will be able to at the price of £198. There will also be a light supper and ballot, £5 per head to pay at door.

Ulster Federation Shows

Fortfield HPS – The first Show of the Year sponsored by Brook Taxis and Rose Petal Florists was for Young Cocks judged Through the Wires and Handled. The Red Card winners were D & S Russell and P Morgan & Son. The next show on 15th November is for young hens, penning from 1.30pm until 2.30pm with the judging at 3.00pm. Young Cocks T/W – 1st, 3rd, VHC & Commended D & S Russell, 2nd & HC B McKeown & Sons, 4th D Ferran & Son, Reserve P Morgan & Son. Judge R Benson. Young Cocks Handled – 1st, 3rd & HC P Morgan & Son, 2nd & Commended D Ferran & Son, 4th D & S Russell, Reserve & VHC B McKeown & Son. Judge D Irvine.

North Antrim Show Dates & Results

Ballymoney HPS – First show held on Friday 13th November had classes for Young Cock & Young Hen T/W and Old Bird Eye-sign to be followed on Friday 20th Nov with classes for Old Cock & Old Hen T/W and Young Bird Eye-sign. The Annual Dinner & Prize Distribution was held in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine on Saturday 14th November, full prize details later. Young Cocks T/W – 1st & Special D Gage, 2nd S Laverty, 3rd L Neill, 4th & Reserve W & L McCaw, VHC M/M A Tweed & Son, HC D Dixon, Commended A Wilson. Young Hens T/W – 1st & HC G Holmes, 2nd & Commended A Wilson, 3rd S Laverty, 4th M/M A Tweed & Sons, Reserve L Neill, VHC W & L McCaw. Old Bird Eye-sign – 1st, 3rd & Commended C Henry, 2nd G Holmes, 4th A Wilson, Reserve, VHC & HC M/M A Tweed & Sons. Judges – Messrs McNaughten, McAllister & McCalmont.

Rasharkin & District – Old Hens T/W (90 Birds) – 1st & VHC Milliken & Barkley, 2nd & HC Steele & McNeill, 3rd A C & T Tweed, 4th H Cubitt, Reserve J & M Milliken, Commended P McDonald. Judges – J Hanson & L Madden (Coleraine). Friday – Young Cocks T/W.

Mid Antrim Show Results

Ballymena & District HPS – Old Cock T/W – 1st & Special J Letters, 2nd, 3rd & VHC B Herbinson, 4th J Harris, Reserve J Devlin, HC Richmond Bros, Commended J & B Balmer. Old Hens T/W – 1st & Reserve J Devlin, 2nd & VHC B Herbinson, 3rd J Letters, 4th & Commended J & B Balmer, HC W & J Smyth. Judges J Steele & T Simpson (Rasharkin).

Broughshane & District – The latest classes Old Hens and Young Hens were judged through the wires by the Kells & Dist duo of Maurice Agnew and Davy Scott. The Red Card winners were G & A Eagleson and J & N Simpson. Classes for Tuesday 17th November are OB & YB Eye-sign and Young Bird Mated Pairs to be followed on Tuesday 24th November with OB Mated Pairs and Fancy Handled. Old Hens T/W – 1st G & A Eagleson, 2nd, 4th & Reserve H Smyth & Son, 3rd, HC & Commended J & N Simpson, VHC J McNaghten & Son. Young Hens T/W – 1st, 4th, Reserve & VHC J & N Simpson, 2nd & 3rd D Houston & Son, HC R Wylie, Commended H Smyth & Son.

Kells & District HPS - The Annual 3 in 1 Open Show will be held on Saturday 26th December, the usual big event for Boxing Day. The latest show class was for Young Hens judged through the wires by B Herbinson (Cullybackey) and J Balmer (Ballymena). Young Hens T/W (126 Birds) – 1st & VHC A Barkley & Son, 2nd Scott & Clements, 3rd McFarlane & Agnew, 4th Gregg Bros, Reserve & HC Surgenor Bros, Commended T Shanks & Son. Wednesday – Old Cocks T/W.

Harryville HPS – Old Cocks T/W – 1st & 4th G Price, 2nd & Reserve J Millar & Son, 3rd A McBride, VHC R & P Alexander, HC R Service & Son, Commended K & K Kernohan & Sons. Young Cock T/W – 1st A McBride, 2nd & Reserve B Herbinson, 3rd K & K Kernohan & Sons, 4th G Connolly, VHC J Letters, HC R H Clements, Commended R Service & Son. Judges – N O’Boyle, J Murphy & P O’Neill & Son (Glenarm & District). Old Hens T/W – 1st A McBride, 2nd G Connolly, 3rd R H Clements, 4th G Price, Reserve & Commended B Herbinson, VHC J Letters, HC J Millar & Son. Young Hens T/W – 1st G Price, 2nd G Connolly, 3rd J Millar & Son, 4th J Letters, Reserve, HC & Commended R H Clements, VHC A McBride. Judges G & A Eagleson (Broughshane & Dist). Thursday – OC & YC Handled.

Randalstown HPS – Old Cocks T/W – 1st, 2nd & 4th S Millar, 3rd W & W Gilbert, Reserve & Commended S Murphy, VHC Houston Bros, HC H Boyd. Old Hens T/W – 1st, HC & Commended W & W Gilbert, 2nd H Boyd, 3rd S Murphy, 4th C Shaw, Reserve & VHC S Millar. Judges - D Lowry & T Balmer (Ahoghill). Thursday – YC & YH Handled.

Ahoghill Flying Club – Young Cocks T/W (50 Birds) – 1st, 2nd, VHC, HC & Special J & B Balmer, 3rd Balmer Young & Sons, 4th J Smyth & Son, Reserve D Lowry & Sons, Commended Young McManus & Sons. Young Hens T/W (50 Birds) – 1st, 4th & Special Young McManus & Sons, 2nd J & B Balmer, 3rd J Balmer, Reserve & Commended T & G Balmer, VHC A & N Young, HC J Orr & Son. Judges – M Wray & L Mullan (Harryville). Old Cocks T/W (45 Birds) – 1st & Special J Balmer, 2nd, Reserve & HC J & B Balmer, 3rd Balmer Young & Sons, 4th & VHC T & G Balmer, Commended Young McManus & Sons. Old Hens T/W (45 Birds) – 1st & Special Balmer Young & Sons, 2nd J Orr & Son, 3rd & 4th J Balmer, Reserve T & G Balmer, VHC A & N Young, HC & Commended J & B Balmer. Judges R Balmer & Daughter (Cullybackey). Friday – YC & YH Handled.

Cullybackey HPS – The Annual 3 in 1 Open Show will be held on Saturday 19th December with penning from 10.00am until 1.00pm, more details later. Young Cocks Handled (64 Birds) – 1st, 2nd , 3rd & HC J & J Greer, 4th & Reserve Cochrane Bros, VHC Russell Bros, Commended N & S Anderson. Young Hens Handled (65 Birds) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Reserve & VHC J & J Greer, 4th Reid Bros & McCloy, HC Cochrane Bros, Commended H & R McCloy. Judges – S Millar (Randalstown) & T Mawhinney (Donacloney). Old Pairs (62 Birds) – 1st, VHC & Commended J & J Greer, 2nd & 3rd J & B Balmer, 4th Russell Bros, Reserve B Herbinson, HC Reid Bros & McCloy. Young Pairs (56 Birds) – 1st J & J Greer, 2nd Cochrane Bros, 3rd & Commended B Herbinson, 4th, Reserve & VHC J & B Balmer, HC Reid Bros & McCloy. Judges – W & J Smyth (Ballymena & District).

East Antrim Club Shows & Results

The Annual Monster Show staged by the Larne & District HPS will take place on Saturday 28th November with penning 10.00am until 1.00pm at £1.00 per bird. Classes are Old Cock, Old Hen, Young Cock, Young Hen and the OB & YB Eye-sign may be duplicated. Judges from top lofts, prizes for all cards and the Best in Show is £100, Best Opposite Sex £50. Further information contact Owen Donnelly Tel: (028) 28 260425 or 07816 910993.

Larne & District HPS – The Winter Show series commenced on Thursday 12th November with classes for Old Birds Through the Wires (Cocks & Hens), to be followed 19th Nov Old Bird Handled (Cocks & Hens), 26th Nov Young Birds Through the Wires (Cocks & Hens), 3rd December Young Birds Handled (Cocks & Hens). Old Cocks T/W (110 Birds) – 1st & 2nd W McWhirter, 3rd & Commended S & W Gray, 4th & VHC S Burns, HC J & D McWhirter. Judge D Suitters (Doagh & Dist). Old Hens T/W (94 Birds) – 1st S & W Gray, 2nd & VHC A S McNaghten, 3rd L & S O’Neill & Sons, 4th S Burns, HC R Mills & Son, Commended D Donnelly & Partners. Judge D Smyth (Doagh & Dist).

Horseshoe HPS – The latest results for Horseshoe were YC & OC judged Through the wires by G Davidson & H Weir from Ballynure & District. Young Cocks T/W – 1st, Reserve & HC S Burns, 2nd & 3rd C Campbell & Son, 4th D & P Harvey, VHC & Commended J Morrison. Old Cocks T/W – 1st D & P Harvey, 2nd J Parke, 3rd & VHC C Campbell & Son, 4th & Commended S Burns, Reserve & HC J Morrison.

Carrick & District HPS – Old Hens T/W – 1st, 2nd, HC & Commended M/M R Reid, 3rd, 4th & Nom, & VHC R & H Hamilton. Old Cocks T/W – 1st, 3rd, 4th & HC M/M R Reid, 2nd & VHC R & H Hamilton, Commended & Nom S Beattie & Daughter. Tuesday 17th Nov – YH & YC.

Millisle & District – A record number of competitors, over 30 from far and wide attended the annual Xmas Show held in the Portavogie Clubrooms on Saturday 14th November. The club extend their thanks to everyone who supported the show and the judges who travelled down from Doagh & Dist in East Antrim. They included Secretary John Wilson, Davy Suitters, Sammy Leitch and Fred Simpson. Hot from their success at Dublin when the loft won 5 x Classes the T & K Mawhinney team had the Red Card in both AAC & AAH, 16 cards all told and Best in Show. Any Age Cock – 1st, 2nd, 4th, Reserve, VHC & Commended T & K Mawhinney, 3rd C Shaw, HC B Foulis. Any Age Hen – 1st, 2nd, 4th, Reserve, VHC, HC & Commended T & K Mawhinney, 3rd C Shaw. Eye-sign – Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson, 2nd & 4th B & G Cochrane, 3rd C Shaw, Reserve, HC & Commended T & K Mawhinney, VHC J Orr & Son. Many thanks to the fanciers who donated y birds which were auctioned after the show which will go towards the expense for the relocation of the Millisle clubrooms.

The annual dinner and prize distribution of Cullybackey HPS was held last weekend in the Michelin Athletic Club in Ballymena, President Brian Herbinson welcomed a good turn-out of the members and introduced the guests who included Homer & Rosie and Mrs Spence and son Wilner who have attended this function for many years. Other officials present included Chairman Harry McCloy, Secretary Edrick Davidson and Treasurer Tommy Taylor all with the good ladies. Also good to see Rosie McCloy who has had a spell in hospital also present for a short time, currently she is under doctors orders at home and we all wish her well.

Alan Darragh was the Top Prize-winner followed by Russell Bros, Gary Gibson, Sammy Steele, H & R McCloy, Scott & Spratt, Des Robinson, J & J Greer, Reid Bros & McCloy and D Robinson & Son.

Alan topped the Mid Antrim Combine on two occasions both with INFC, his top results included 1st Comb, 9th North Sect & 11th Open INFC Kings Cup Plaudren/Vannes recording velocity 1362 at 513 miles. In the hard Old Hens Nat from Penzance the loft finished 10th Open INFC doing velocity 820. With the NIPA he collects yet another Bronze Diploma for dual single bird performance in the OB National, 7th Sect B & 43rd Open NIPA St Malo in 2008 and 26th Sect B & 150th Open NIPA St Malo 2009.

The two top lofts have previously won the Northern Ireland Fancier of the Year award, Russell Bros almost won the race from St Malo with a single entry to finish 1st Comb, 1st Sect B & 3rd Open NIPA doing velocity 1257 plus £1,185. In Mid Antrim they win the McIlhagga Memorial Cup and in the NIPA the Les Mairs Memorial Cup for 1st Sect B and also the Harper Cup for best Average in the two main races ie. St Malo Old Bird Nat and Talbenny Young Bird Nat.

The Chairman, young Harry McCloy is also getting better every year and with a new modern loft installed at The Rock, the famous location of the Reid Bros will be looking for results across the race programme. The top result last year was recording an arrival in the very hard Friendship Nat only 22 birds home. In the race from Picauville 437 miles the loft finished 1st Comb & 13th Open INFC on velocity 521.

The 2009 Cup Winning List included: Russell Family Cup (Highest Prize-winner) won by A Darragh, A & G McCullough Cup (Rosscarbery OB Nat) won by Reid Bros & McCloy, Patton Plant Sales Cup (1st Talbenny) won by H & R McCloy, G McCloy Cup (2nd Talbenny) won by G Gibson, B Herbinson Cup (Bude) won by D Robinson, S Moore Cup (Sennen Cove) won by D Robinson & Son, S Reid Cup (Sennen Cove 2 Bird Ave) won by S Steele, France Derby Cup (St Malo) won by Russell Bros, Ladies Cup (Yearling Nat) won by D Robinson, R Rock Memorial Cup (OB Nat) won by A Darragh, Robinson & Livingstone Cup (Rosascarbery YB Nat) won by G Gibson, J Blaney Cup (Talbenny YB Nat) won by Russell Bros, Herbinson Cup (YB Nat Skibbereen) won by G Gibson, B Law Cup (Penzance YB Nat) – Not won, A Darragh Cup (All Derbies) won by Russell Bros, J Rock Cup (O/B Knock-Out) won by D Robinson, G Erwin Cup (Y/B Knock-Out) won by S Steele, Spence Cup (Inland OB Ave) won by H & R McCloy, Coronation Cup (O/B Channel Ave) won by J & J Greer, O’Kane Cup (O/B Ave) won by Armstrong Cup (Y/B Ave) won by Scott & Spratt, G Glenholmes Mem Cup (Bude & Penzance Ave) won by A Darragh, N Blaney Cup (2nd Talbenny, Bude & Penzance) won by J & J Greer, R McIlwaine Cup (Best Ave St Malo, Talbenny & Rosscarbery) won by Russell Bros, J Harkness Cup (Best Ave Talbenny & Rosscarbery YB Nat) won by S Steele, J Anderson Cup (Best Ave St Malo & Rosscarbery YB Nat) won by Russell Bros, J Harkness Cup (Best Ave Rosscarbery & Fermoy) won by G Gibson, W Allen Cup (Most Points O/B) won by H & R McCloy, Club Shield (Most Points Y/B) won by Scott & Spratt, J Blaney Memorial Cup (Penzance & St Malo) won by A Darragh, J Wheatcroft Cup (Mallow 5B O/B) won by H & R McCloy, Reid Bros & McCloy Cup (Kings Cup, St Malo & YB Nat) won by A Darragh, Moore Cup (Bude & O/B Nat) won by A Darragh, S Herbinson Mem Cup (Fermoy 5B Y/B) won by S Steele, Community Cup (Sennen Cove & St Malo) won by A Darragh, E G Leckey Cup (St Malo 2B Ave) won by A Darragh, T Livingstone Cup (Penzance O/B Classic) won by A Darragh, H Jackson & Novice Cup won by J Spiers.

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