Chairman Syd Collins welcomed a large number of members and friends from all parts of Ireland to the annual Dinner Dance & Presentation of Prizes for the Irish Nat Flying Club held on Friday 27th November in the famous Stormont Hotel in Belfast. He invited Cilfford Browne to come forward and say grace and the five course dinner was served to perfection. The Kings Cup race was flown for the first time in three seasons and the full array of cups and trophies were available for the presentation along with a number of new awards and various other diplomas etc. Presented for the first time we had the new Triple Crown Framed Diploma plus £100, a single bird award full of merit, bird must be in the prizes over three seasons in the major races, Young Bird Channel Nat, Yearling Nat and Kings Cup. Earlier Maurice Alexander and Sammy Thompson past Secretary and President handed over the New North Cup to the INFC for competition, Best Ave Yearling Nat, Kings Cup, Friendship Nat and YB Nat Penzance won for the first time by Malachy Maguire & Son from Millvale HPS in Newry. The Robin Duddy Trophy plus £1,000 was the Best Ave (3 Bird Nom) covering Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance YB Nat and won for the first time by Geoffrey Douglas of Wilton Cross in Lurgan, he being one of the youngest winners of the Kings Cup. The year was 1980 and Geoffrey won with a yearling taking 1st Open INFC Les Sables doing velocity 954.
With the Chairman, Syd will move up to President next year and be replaced as Chairman by Eugene Fitzgerald, the top table included President Ken McConaghie, Secretary Trevor Topping and wife Florence and long serving Treasurer Davy Mawhinney and wife Pamela. Ken has served the pigeon sport with distinction holding positions at the highest level in the Irish Homing Union, East Down Combine, a long time Secretary in his local club Ballylesson and the current Show Chairman has been involved for a long time with the Charity Show. Over the years they have raised over £250,000 most of which has been presented to local groups. Monies raised at the Charity Show this year will be presented to Children’s Cancer Care & Research to be held at Kings Hall, Belfast on Saturday 12th December.
Ken said what an honour and achievement it was to win a major cup, as far as he was concerned if he could not win one for himself the next best thing was to present the awards. Syd in closing congratulated the many winners, he thanked everyone involved over the past season, especially those involved at the race marking, that included the ETS Companies who were involved for the first time and who were present at the function, and a special thanks again to the many sponsors. All in all a big team effort which is greatly appreciated and he then handed over to MC for the presentation Patron of the INFC Mr Ronnie Johnston who again had all details and a massive bit of history at his fingertips. This is a major highlight of every INFC Presentation, and we must also remember the work involved with the rest of his family included wife Alice in the care and presentation of the every growing list of cups and trophies. My few words for the press are only a small contribution.
The full list of awards for 2009 season were as follows. Twice winner and Life Vice President Joe Doheny from Dublin presented the Blue Riband Kings Cup to Tommy Moorehouse from Rathnew in Dublin. INFC President Ken McConaghie a fantastic servant of the sport in Ireland who completes a final season in this office, presented the remainder of the awards.
King George V Challenge Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – T & T Moorehouse Rathnew. Vel 1416.
Gilliland Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 1st IHU member after winner in Kings Cup race – G O’Reilly & Son Malahide & Dist. Vel 1382.
Nelson Vase – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 1st RPRA member after winner in Kings Cup race – G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore. Vel 1390.
East Down Combine Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 1st EDC member in the Kings Cup race – T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda. Vel 1325.
Ulster Federation Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 1st Ulster Fed member in Kings Cup race – J Ramsey & Son Grosvenor. Vel 1276.
NIPA Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 1st NIPA member in Kings Cup race – G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore. Vel 1390.
Joe Cullan Memorial Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 1st East Coast Fed member in Kings Cup race – T & T Moorehouse Rathnew. Vel 1416.
Harkness Rose Bowl – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – Best 2 Bird Ave – G O’Reilly & Son Malahide & Dist. Vel 1363.
Joe Doheny Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – Single Bird Challenge Kings Cup – J Robinson Edgarstown. Vel 1365.
Robinson Trophy – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 14th Open position in Kings Cup – R Bell & Son Edgarstown. Vel 1359.
McCloud Cup – Plaudren/Vannes OB Nat – 1st Yearling in Kings Cup – T Moorehouse & Partners Rathnew. Vel 1416.
Ronnie Johnston Challenge Cup - Skibbereen OB Inland National – Cromie & Magee & Son Ballynahinch. Vel 1650.
Friendship Cup – Picauville OB Friendship Nat – Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale. Vel 911.5.
British Barcelona Club Trophy - Runner-up in the Friendship National – Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale. Vel 911.4.
Henry Beattie & Son Trophy - Best 2 Bird Average Friendship National – Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale. Vel 911.
Nelson Corry Trophy - Sennen Cove Yearling National – L Donnelly & Son Finglas. Vel 1265.
Sam Buckley Memorial Cup – Best 2 Bird Ave Yearling Nat – L Donnelly & Son Finglas. Vel 1220.
Alan Darragh Challenge Cup – Penzance Old Hens National – Gregg Bros & McCandless Ligoniel. Vel 986.
J.M.K. McGugan Perpetual Cup – Penzance YB Channel National – Donnelly Bros Newry City. Vel 1023.
William Erwin Memorial Cup - 1st South Section in Penzance YB National – P Tierney Monaghan. Vel 947.
De-Scheemaecker Trophy - Best 2 Bird Average in Penzance YB National – Donnelly Bros Newry City. Vel 962.
Tom Marshall Trophy - Skibbereen North YB Inland National – Hutchinson Bros Ashfield. Vel 1556.
J Gilmour Memorial Cup – Best Ave Plaudren/Vannes and Sennen Cove Yearling Nat. – Capper Bros Bondhill. Vel 1316.
Irvine Trophy – Best Ave OB Nats Plaudren/Vannes and Picauville – Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale. Vel 1110.
Jarvis Cup - Best Average 2 YB Nationals Penzance & Skibbereen – Donnelly Bros Newry City. Vel 1202.
Rhead Trophy – Best Ave Plaudren/Vannes & Penzance YB Nats – R Williamson Bondhill. Vel 1141.
Diamond Cup – Best Ave Plaudren/Vannes, Sennen Cove Yearling & Penzance YB Nats – Capper Bros Bondhill. Vel 1140.
Harkers Trophy—Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance YB Nationals – T McKinstry Banbridge Soc. Vel 1001.4.
Robin Duddy Trophy – Best Ave Sennen Cove Yearling & Penzance YB (3 Bird Nom) – G Douglas Wilton Cross. Vel 994.
Charles Hunniford Memorial Trophy – Best Ave (North Sect) Skibbereen OB & YB Nationals – A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist. Vel 1577.
New North Cup – Best Ave Sennen Cove Yearling, Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup, Picauville Friendship & Penzance YB Nats – Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale. Vel 1045.
Presidents Cup – Best Ave Plaudren/Vannes, Sennen Cove Ylr, Penzance YB & Skibbereen YB Nats – G Douglas Wiltoin Cross. Vel 1180.
Erwin Trophy - Best Average All Nat Races – Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale. Vel 1070.
Hall of Fame Diplomas won by - P Rock & son Skerries, “Little PJ” 2005 35th, 2006 33rd, 2009 103rd, Stewart Bros Randalstown, “Grange Lady” 2004 54th, 2006 64th, 2009 246th.
Triple Crown Award Framed Diploma & 100 pounds - J McLoughlin & Sons Blanchardstown Check pied hen IHU07S 102557 - 2007 Sennen Cove Young Bird 49th Open, 2008 Sennen Cove Yearling 223rd Open, 2009 Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup 55th Open. T McClean Annaghmore Blue hen GB07L 23049 - 2007 Sennen Cove Young Bird 5th Open, 2008 Sennen Cove Yearling 138th Open, 2009 Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup 30th Open.
Ladies Prizes Won By - T & T Moorehouse, Malachy Maguire & son, L Donnelly & son, Cromie & Magee & son, Hutchinson Bros, Donnelly Bros and Gregg Bros & McCandless.
DVD Player Sponsored by the INFC Donnelly Bros Newry City.
Framed Diplomas Sponsored By Sawyers & Co. Estate Agents Banbridge & Dromore
Plaudren/Vannes Single Bird Challenge - 1st J Robinson Edgarstown, 2nd A Darragh Cullybackey, 3rd T McClean Annaghmore.
Penzance Old Hens - 1st Gregg Bros & McCandless Ligoniel Frames Diploma presented by Gem Supplements Ltd. 2nd K Henderson & Son Lurgan Social 50 pounds Gem Supplement Voucher. 3rd R Fox Ballybrack 50 pounds Gem Supplement Voucher.
Electronic Timing System Sennen Cove Yearling National - B McCann & Son Bray, Sponsored by Unikon.
Framed Diploma - Single pigeon in the OB National Prizes Twice - S Corrigan Loughgall, Blue cock GB03L 19924 - Vannes 2006 199th Open, Vannes 2009 43rd Open. McCartan & Woodside, Crossgar Blue Pied Hen IHU02N - 2076 Vannes 2006 75th Open, Vannes 2009 72nd Open. P McCullough & Daughter Downpatrick Black Cheq Cock GB04D 32829 - Vannes 2006 71st Open, Vannes 2009 58th Open. (These Diplomas will be presented at the INFC Belfast Show in the Kings Hall).
Due to pressure of work and re-structure Homer (Willie Reynolds) in the future will manage both the Pigeonnetwork website and the Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions which will take place at various sites across Ireland, some of the old spots and a number of new ones. We are pleased to announce that Auctioneers are to include Henry Byrne for the South and Wesley Sawyers for the North, as I have said Homer will be dealing with all future queries. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683, Mobile: 07939 684876. E-Mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
Willie Reynolds
INFC Press Officer.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07939 684876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
Twice Kings Cup winner Joe Doheny (l) from Dublin presents the
Blue Riband Trophy to T & T Moorehouse from Rathnew (Dublin).
Gerry O'Reilly & Sons had a super race from Vannes, The Malahide & Dist loft
won the famous Gilliland Cup for 1st IHU member after the winner and collecting here
the Harkness Rose Bowl for Best 2B Ave Kings Cup.
G Buckley & Sons from Annaghmore finished 2nd in the Kings Cup and collect
the Nelson Vase for 1st RPRA Member after the winner and collecting here the NIPA Cup.
John Ramsey & Son from the Grosvenor HPS won the Ulster Fed Cup
best bird in the Kings Cup for a record 4th time.
The Joe Doheny Cup for the Single Bird Challenge in the Blue Riband
Kings Cup was won by Jim Robinson of Edgarstown HPS in Portadown.
A night to remember for the Maguire Family from Newry,
four cups including INFC Nat Champions.
The Hutchinson Bros, Davy & Family won the T Marshall Cup for 1st Skibbereen YB Nat,
its a third 1st Nat for the top loft from Ashfield.
Geoffrey Douglas (l) from Wilton Cross won the new Robin Duddy Trophy.
Maurice Alexander and Sammy Thompson presented the New North Cup
to the INFC won for the first time by M Maguire & Son.
The Cromie & Magee team from Ballynahinch won the Ronnie Johnston
Challenge Cup for 1st Skibbereen OB Inland National.
Liam Donnelly & Son from Finglas won the Nelson Corry for 1st Yearling Nat
and the Sam Buckly Mem Cup for Best 2B Ave in the same race.
Nat winners for the second year Donnelly Bros from Newry City won the famous
J M K McGugan Cup for YB National Penzance and collecting here the
Jarvis Cup best Ave YB Penzance & Skibbereen.
Capper Bros from Bondhill had a fantastic season won Jack Gilmour Mem Cup
Best Ave Kings Cup & Yearling Nat Sennen Cove and collecting here the Diamond Cup.
Ron Williamson from Bondhill won the Rhead Trophy the Blue Riband Ave
Kings Cup Vannes and YB Nat Penzance.
Tom McKinstry from Banbridge Social won the Harkers Trophy,
Best Ave Yearling & Penzance YB Nat.
Anthony & Norman Lewis from Doagh & District won the Charles Hunniford
Memorial Trophy for Best Ave (North Sect) Skibbereen OB & YB Nationals.
Paddy Rock & Son from the Skerries in Dublin have already won the Kings Cup
and now collect a highly prized Hall of Fame Diploma with "Little PJ".
Stewart Bros Eric & Ian win the Hall of Fame Diploma for the second time,
"Grange Lady" was the same way bred as their previous winner.
The first time presentation for the Triple Crown award won by Tom McClean of Annaghmore.
The INFC National Champions, Malachy Maguire & son Mark from the Millvale HPS
in Newry collect the awards for the Friendship Nat flown from Picauville.
Just 22 birds home and M Maguire & Son take 1st & 2nd Open.
Twice Kings Cup winner Joe Doheny (l) from Dublin presents the
Blue Riband Trophy to T & T Moorehouse from Rathnew (Dublin).
Gerry O'Reilly & Sons had a super race from Vannes, The Malahide & Dist loft won the
famous Gilliland Cup for 1st IHU member after the winner.
G Buckley & Sons from Annaghmore finished 2nd in the Kings Cup
and collect the Nelson Vase for 1st RPRA Member after the winner.
A Night to remember for the Maguire Family from Newry,
four cups including INFC Nat Champions.
The Hutchinson Bros, Davy & Family won the T Marshall Cup for 1st Skibbereen YB Nat,
its a third 1st Nat for the top loft from Ashfield.
Geoffrey Douglas (l) from Wilton Cross won the new Robin Duddy Trophy.
Nat winners for the second year Donnelly Bros from Newry City
collect the famous J M K McGugan Cup for YB National Penzance.
Capper Bros from Bondhill had a fantastic season collecting Jack Gilmour
Mem Cup Best Ave Kings Cup & Yearling Nat Sennen Cove.
Anthony & Norman Lewis from Doagh & District won the Charles Hunniford
Memorial Trophy for Best Ave (North Sect) Skibbereen OB & YB Nationals.
Stewart Bros Eric & Ian win the Hall of Fame Diploma for the second time,
"Grange Lady" was the same way bred as their previous winner.
PHOTO DISPLAY TO FOLLOW