Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions had a series of sales in Blackpool Football Club, Cliffs Hotel and the Claremont Hotel, each venue has been booked again for 2011. From what I understand the Sales Season was just as good as any other year, it appears the recession has not arrived yet for the fancy. On Sunday we had a bit of time at the show meeting many old friends, you do need a bit of time to get out and about. To fill up the news page this week I have listed a few of the photos, and yes I was at the BHW Stand and met the happy band of workers. They are always pleased to see the visitors from Ireland. Our stay was short and we were back in Liverpool on time to catch the live TV Football, back home first thing Monday morning. Always an experience is Blackpool and 2010 was no different.
Springvale Social intend to once again promote a Gold Ring Race in 2010, rings at £20 each are available now. Open to lofts competing in the NIPA Sections B & C the race will be as last year flown in conjunction with the NIPA Rosscarbery National. Prizes will be 1st £750, 2nd £150 and 3rd £100 and the contact numbers are as follows. Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 and Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.
Ahoghill Flying Club raised funds recently with a Fireside Quiz and Name the Doll. The club wish to thank everyone who supported the ventures and giving a good help to the running costs. Result: 1st plus £15 won by M/M Galloway, Royal Court, Galgorm. 2nd plus £10 won by Tony Hamill, Carnburn Park, Ballymena. 3rd plus £5 won by Aimie McMullan, 2 Portrush Road. The name of the doll was Louise, and it was won by Gloria Lester, Sandmount Park, Galgorm.
Millisle HPS are holding a Pigeon Moot at Ards Sailing Club, Portaferry Road, Newtownards on Friday 12th February. The Quiz Panel will include Alan Darragh (Cullybackey), Davy Hutchinson (Ashfield), Gerald Delaney (Dromore) and George Rankin a SNFC winner. Supper will be provided and John said the heat will be on. Admission is £5. Any further details contact John Hollinger Tel: (028) 91 863536.
We have meetings coming up for the NIPA and INFC, detailed reports will follow. The Royal Pigeon Racing Association (Irish Region) AGM will be held in the Clarion Hotel, 75 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus on Saturday 6th February starting at 1.30pm. Will no meeting held in the Autumn, there will be a full agenda. Any member wishing to be elected to the Committee of the Irish Nat Flying Club should attend this meeting. If my memory serves me right the RPRA must nominate the future President of the INFC.
Homer.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07939 684876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
Big winners from Northern Ireland at Blackpool 2010, Simon Millar from Randalstown (l)
with the ace show and racing man Timmy Mawhinney from Donacloney.
Homer (l) with the one and only Gerry Daly from Dublin, the St Malo winner in 2009.
From Ballymoney in County Antrim to Blackpool, Mr & Mrs Leonard McCaw in the Winter Gardens.
The North Coast Classic One Loft Race team from Coleraine County Derry at Blackpool Show,
Trevor Steele (l) and Russell McAlary. I hear Sean never got liberated.
John and Jean Hollinger are arranging the Pigeon Moot to be held on behalf of Millisle HPS.
See text.
Adie (r) with Bert and Marco Braspenning, regular visitors to Blackpool Show.
What's This? Helen from the BHW with long time scribe Homer.
All the way from Newry in County Down Messrs McKelvey, Black and Markey.
Homer with Herman Beverdam and Johnny Birch from Birmingham.
Homer with Malachy Maguire and his good friend Joe Kavanagh from Balbriggan.
The Ireland's Own Pigeon Auction team on duty in Blackpool, John, Adie and Alan.