Benamore OB - Sat 25/04/26

[willie reynolds]

Report by Homer on Elimar Pigeons click here!
https://www.elimarpigeons.com/articles/ ... r-30-04-26

Early birds into City of Derry

The second race for the NIPA was from the new site at Benamore, early morning release was delayed due to rain and low cloud in Southern Ireland. Conditions at the home end were excellent and the top winners were resorded for the long flying members in Derry and the North West.

NIPA Race/Date
Benamore Sat 25th April 2026 – Liberated at 11.15am in a Lt South-East wind

NIPA Open Benamore 534/17.031 – 1-1H D Canning Derry & District 1842, 2-2H D Canning 1841, 3-3H D Canning 1818, 4-4H J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1729, 5-5H D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1705, 6-1A D Carolan Coalisland & District 1700, 7-1E Richard Mulligan Monaghan 1699, 8-6H J & G Ramsey 1696, 9-7H D Mullen 1693, 10-2A B McClernon Coalisland & District 1692, 11-8H Davy Booth Mourne & District 1689, 12-2E D C & P McArdle Loughgall 1687, 13-9H J White Strabane & District 1687, 14-3E R Adamson Lurgan Social 1686, 15-4E D C & P McArdle 1684, 15-1B G Gibson Cullybackey 1682, 17-3A G & S Smith Cookstown Soc 1679, 18-4A H & J Devlin Coalisland & District 1676, 19-5A K Morton & Son Cookstown Soc 1670, 20-6A K Morton & Sons 1669.

NIPA Section A Benamore 53/1662 – D Carolan Coalisland & District 1700, B McClernon Coalisland & District 1692, G & S Smith Cookstown Soc 1679, H & J Devlin Coalisland & Dist 1656, K Morton & Son Cookstown Soc 1670, 1669, 1662, 1662, G & S Smith 1659, 1658.

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland & District 17/589 – D Carolan 1700, B McLernon 1692, H & J Devlin 1676, B Isbaner 1650, B McLernon 1644, M McPhillips 1644. Coalisland & District HPS - Well done Danny Carolan. 1st today from Benamore, 1st section A NIPA, 6th Open 17,031 birds. Velocity 1700.435

Coleraine Premier HPS 16/662 – T & J McDonald 1646, Sean Diamond 1645, Howard & Edgar 1639, T McCrudden 1637, J Hanson 1636, T McCrudden 1636.

Cookstown Social 10/289 –G & S Smith 1679, K Morton & Son 1670, 1669, 1662, 1662, G & S Smith 1659.

Dungannon & District 4/20 – J J Sampson 1561, 1410, 1390.

Windsor Social 7/220 –R & J Parke 1658, 1649, N Simpson 1614, T Scott & Son 1512, R & J Parke 1592, 1591.

NIPA Section B Benamore 86/2957 – G Gibson Cullybackey 1682, D Devenney Ballymoney 1666, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1658, F Barkley Rasharkin & Dist 1657, G Gibson 1655, 1654, R & J Parke 1649, G Gibson 1647, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1647, 1646.

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 8/222 – Young McManus & Sons 1647, 1646, J Smyth & Son 1645, Young McManus & Sons 1643, 1635, 1629.

Ballymoney HPS 21/880 – D Devenney 1666, A & M Boyle 1644, D & H Stuart 1635, 1635m J Connolly 1635, 1634.

Broughshane & District 4/109 –T & M Morrow 1562, M Neilly 1555, T & M Morrow 1543, M Neilly 1531, 1513, A Purvis 1505.

Ballymena & District HPS 6/238 – S Jihnston & Son 1625, J Eagleson & Sons 1616, R Service & Son 1604, J Eagleson & Sons 1603, Blair & Rankin 1581, 1581.

Cullybackey HPS 11/497 – Gary Gibson 1682, 1655, 1654, 1647, 1628, J & J Grer 1624.

Crumlin & District 10/251 – Ryan Hope 1627, S Thompson 1616, Fleming Bros 1602, S Thompson 1589, McConville Bros 1586, S Thompson 1582. This hen for Ryan Hope has previously been 2nd Club, 3rd Section and last week she was 2nd Club,2nd Section, she’s currently sitting on eggs paired to two other hens. She’s a Sticker Doncker from Geoffrey Dickey.

Kells & District HPS 6/137 – A Barkley & Son 1600, 1554, 1534, Surgenor Bros 1513, A Barkley & Son 1511, Surgenor Bros 1506. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club - 1. A Barkley & Son 1511, 2. B Swann & Son 1492. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club Kilbeggan 1. B Swann & Son 1416, 2. B Swann & Son 1347, 3. A Barkley & Son 1336, 4. Surgenor Bros 1325, 5. S Scott & Son 1315.

Muckamore HPS 10/313 – D J Thompson 1626, Knocker & Bill 1618, 1606, 1601, 1600, S McConnell 1587.

Randalstown HPS 6/133 -Stewart Bros 1621, 1547, 1542, J Millar 1532, 1531, J McNeill & Son 1528.

Rasharkin &District HPS 5/134 – F Barkley 1657, 1606, W McFetridge 1604, J Millar & Son 1596, F Barkley 1587, H Cubitt 1578.

NIPA Section C Benamore 91/2773 – A & T Agnew Ballyclare & Dist 1628, O O’Neill & Son Glenarm & Dist 1622, A & T Agnew 1621, 1621, Knocker & Bill Muckamore 1618, A & N Lewis Doagh & Disr 1617, A & T Agnew 1614, C McManus Ligoniel & Dist 1612, G McKenna Doagh & Dist 1608, D McElhone & DaughterWest End 1607.

NIPA Section D Benamore 55/198 - Gregory McEvoy Beechpark Soc 1639, 1626. 1626, G & S Owens Glenavy & Dist 1625, J & L Smyth Trinity RPC 1621, John Turner Harmony 1621, Gregory McEvoy 1620, P & J Boal Dromore 1620, I Rollins & Son Hills & Maze 1618, K Johnston Derriaghy 1617.

NIPA Section E Benamore 93/2933 – Richard Mulligan Mongham 1699, D C & P McArdle Loughgall 1687, Rodney Adamson Lurgan Soc 1686, D C & P McArdle 1684, G & A Campbell Armagh 1668, R Parkes & Son Armagh 1666, Richard Mulligan 1663, R D Calvin Annaghmore 1662G Stevenson & Son Armagh 1661, Richard Mulligan 1660.

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Annaghmore 6/172 – R D Calvin 1662, J & E Calvin 1653, 1653, R D Calvin 1652, F & D McNeice 1649, J & E Calvin 1648.

Armagh HPS 11/246 – G & A Campbell 1668, R Parkes & Son 1665, G Stevenson & Son 1661, P Duffy 1645, G & A Campbell 1638, 1634.

1st Kilbeggan
Taking the Red card are the lofts of G & A Campbell , just beating G Stevenson & Son into 2nd spot , 4th & 5th spot were filled by R.Parkes & Son.

1st Benamore .
Top spot goes to G & A Campbell , who backed it up with a great card to finish 5th 6th & 7th aswell . The loft of R.Parkes & Son Taking 2nd spot not to far behind .
Mid Ulster Fed winner today goes to the Lofts of Ivan & Stephen Parkes , who look like they may also be the overall winners in the Fed today. 2nd spot goes to the loft of Gerard & Keith Stevenson , who may also have finished 2nd Fed for the 2nd week running. Well done to all who sent this weekend.

Beechpark Social 6/146 – G McEvoy 1639, D Mawhinney & Son 1630, M Duggan & Son 1629, G McEvoy 1626, 1626, 1620.

Bondhill Social 1/62 – Ron Williamson 1625, 1577, 1561, 1555, 1548, 1507.

Edgarstown 9/262 – D Love 1649, G & C Simmons 1648, McClean & Craig 1639, R G & G Donaldson 1635, McClean & Craig 1628, G & C Simmons 1624.

Gilford & District 6/186 – A Feeney & Son 1640, 1607, 1606, 1603, Gregory O’Dowd 1601, A Feeney & Son 1598. Last week - Great result for Alan Feeney of Gilford & Dist with the top four positions in Sect E. The winner is a vandenbrane pigeon that he got from Pat Shields of Newry. He is a grandson of Rowley’s Taffy responsible for over 60 plus Federation wins ,he is a brother to the Alfebet hen that Pat raced, a fantastic hen winning over £2,000 pounds in two weeks for Pat, - he’s a fantastic pigeon.

Laurelvale 8/215 – A Craig 1574, 1561, 1555, K & R Black 1549, J & HJ Muldrew & NcMurray 1544, S Fiddes 1528.

Loughgall 4/261 – D C & P McArdle 1687, 1684, 1654, 1654, Sam Corrigan 1643, D C & P McArdle 1642.

Lurgan Social 21/660 – R Adamson 1685, D Carville & Son 1650, R Adamson 1634, J Douglas & Son 1632, 1628, C J & B Ferris 1624.

Monaghan HPS 9/354 – R Mulligan 1699, 1663, 1560, B Corley 1655, K Allister 1650, 1644.

Portadown & Drumcree 6/182 – J Sterritt 1647, J Whitten & Son 1638, J Strritt 1634, C Reid 1619, J Sterritt 1611, J Whitten & Son 1599.

Meadows7/185 – Siobhan McLaughlin 1653, 1653, 1632, 1631, 1621, A Larkin & Sons 1592.

NIPA Section F Benamore 62/1815 – Burgess & Brennan Bangor 1570, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1565, Burgess & Brennan 1564, McCartan & Woodsides 1564, Phillips Bros Bangor 1544, McCartan & Woodsides 1541, Burgess & Brennan 1540, George McIntosh Downpatrick 1538, R Moore & Son Bangor 1537, 1537.

NIPA Section G Benamore 37/1743 – S Ogle Drumnavaddy 1629, J F McCabe & Son Newry & Dist 1522, William Cgahbers Newry & Dist 1611, John F McCabe Newry & Dist 1610, 1609, Mark Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1608, 1607, John F McCabe 1600, D & K Mallen Drumnavaddy 1599, Donnelly Bros Newry City 1591.

NIPA Section H Benamore 80/1859 – D Canning Derry & District 1842, 1841, 1818, J & G Ramsey Derry & District 1729, D Mullen Strabane & District 1705, J & G Ransey 1696, D Mullen 1693, Davy Booth Mourne & District 1689, J White Strabane & District 1687, D Mullen 1669.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Derry & District 16/365 – D Canning 1842, 1641, 1818, J & G Ramsey 1729, 1696, A McCrudden 1647.

Foyle RPS 5/124 –B Hart 1621, 1600, S Malone 1561, P Ward 1556, S Malone 1539.

Limavady 11/245 – R Witherow 1603, G Duddy 1574, P Cassidy 1552, R Witherow 1531, A Boyd1527, R McIlmoyle 1526.

Londonderry RPS 7/154 –L Flanagan 1645, N Murray 1592, 1589, 1572, H McNulty 1561, N Murray 1524.

Maiden City10/253 – P McLaughlin 1612, R Martin 1609, P McLaughlin 1596, 1587, D Hamilton 1578, Concannon Bros 1578.

Mourne & District HPS 2/161 – Davy Booth 1689, 1648, 1645, 1644, 1644, 1643.

Omagh & District5/153 – K Armstrong 1662, McCord & Turpie 1645, 1535, 1620, 1620, K Armstrong 1625.

Strabane & District Inv RPC 17/307 –D Mullen 1705, 1693, J White 1697, D Mullen 1669, 1667, D Devine 1664.

Mid Antrim Combine - NIPA Benamore 25/04/26
Gary Gibson Of Cullybackey Best From Benamore

The second race of the 2026 pigeon racing season was flown on Saturday 25th April from Benamore in County Tipperary. The NIPA liberated at 11.15am in south easterly winds and a fast race followed. Gary Gibson of Cullybackey had this week's Combine winner on 1682 after timing at 13.45pm flying 144 miles to his lofts. Gary timed a 2yo dark cheq widowhood cock to win 1st Mid Antrim Combine, 1st Section B and 16th Open NIPA with 17,728 birds competing. The cock won the club from Dunmanway Yearling National last season finishing 4th Mid Antrim Combine. He's a son of Gary's No1 pair of Willy Van Hercks and is also full brother to his Nipa Section B Champion YB of the year in 2024. Both the sire and dam are from his good friend Rab Rea of Larne, the sire is a son of his Talbenny YB National winner 'Pole Dancer' and dam is a daughter of 'Apollo' Rab's No1 breeding cock. Gary took the top five positions in the Cullybackey club and 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 12th Combine.
Runner up in the Combine was the Rasharkin winner Freddy Barkley on 1657. Freddy's winner was a Sticker Donckers racing on the roundabout system. Next best were Paddy & William McManus of Ahoghill on 1647 Their latest winner is off their old Karel Laenen cock which is one of their best ever stock cocks when he was paired to an Inbred Pitbull hen. The McManus team had a great card with 10 birds in the top 30 of the Combine result.

Shane Johnston & Son were best in Ballymena & District on 1625. Their winner was bred by good friend Gary Gibson and is Van Wildermeersch × Morris Matthews. Stewart Bros topped Randalstown on 1621 with a 2yo Walter Docx cock sitting eggs 10 days. Johnny Barkley was best in Kells on 1600 with a yearling hen bred from a Nigel Laycock cock when paired to a hen from clubmate Geoff Surgenor.
This pair has bred winners in the past. Marcus Morrow won Broughshane on1562 with a Vandenabeele bird bred down from stock acquired from Scott and Clements.

Mid Antrim Combine Benamore 47/1513- G Gibson Cullybackey 1682, F Barkley Rasharkin 1657, G Gibson Cullybackey 1655, G Gibson Cullybackey 1654, G Gibson Cullybackey 1647, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1647, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1646, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1645, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1643, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1635, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1629, G Gibson Cullybackey 1628, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1627, S Johnston & Son Ballymena 1625, J & J Greer Cullybackey 1624, D Dixon Rasharkin 1623, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1621, D Dixon Rasharkin 1620, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1619, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1616, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1611, A Darragh Cullybackey 1611, A Darragh Cullybackey 1611, A Darragh Cullybackey 1611, A Darragh Cullybackey 1611
Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1606, F Barkley Rasharkin 1606, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1604, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1604
G Gibson Cullybackey 1604, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1604, R Service & Son Ballymena 1604, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1603, Rock & Moore Cullybackey 1603, J McNaghten & Son Cullybackey 1601, A Barkley & Son Kells 1600, G Gibson Cullybackey 1600, J Millar & Son Rasharkin 1596, G Gibson Cullybackey 1595, J & J Greer Cullybackey 1588.

MID ANTRIM COMBINE 2 BIRD CLUB BENAMORE
1st D Dixon Rasharkin 1620 - 2 Points
2nd T Johnston & Son Ballymena 1561- 1 Point.
Danny Dixon won the Combine 2 bird with a 2yo cheq wf cock that has won many prizes including 2nd Section & 20th Open Nipa Dale young bird National in 2024. The cock is from a son of 'Champion Heartbreaker' when paired to a daughter of his good 'Aviary cock' a winner of 2nd Open Nipa Yearling Cock's National in 2012.

OLD BIRD CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE
The top two in each group go through to the last 16 along with the two fanciers with the most points in third place.
In the result of a points tie the highest velocity in the last group matches determines who goes through.
The last 16 knock out starts at 1st Dale
Group (1) G Gibson Cullybackey 153, R Service & Son Ballymena 0, H Cubitt Rasharkin 0, J Millar Randalstown 0
Group (2) J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 137, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 21, Rock & Moore Cullybackey 0, W McFetridge Rasharkin 0
Group (3) Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 77, Surgenor Bros Kells 0, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 0, A Purvis Broughshane 0
Group (4) D Dixon Rasharkin 10, T & M Morrow Broughshane 0, H Boyd Kells 0, J Whyte Ahoghill 0
Group (5) F Barkley Rasharkin 20, J & J Greer Cullybackey 7, M Neilly Broughshane 5, W & W Gilbert Randalstown 0,
Group (6) Stewart Bros Randalstown 5, A Darragh Cullybackey 0, T Whyte Ahoghill 0, H Turkington Kells 0
Group (7) K & K Kernohan & Sons Ballymena 3, A Barkley & Son Kells 0, N Percy & Son Randalstown 0, J Getty Broughshane 0.

LES MAIRS MEMORIAL CUP - OLD BIRD POINTS FANCIER OF THE YEAR
G Gibson Cullybackey 153
J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 137
Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 77
J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 21
F Barkley Rasharkin 20
G & G Jackson Ahoghill 16. Mervyn Eagleson Mid Antrim Comb Press Officer.

Feds & Combines Benamoe –

City of Derry Federation Bebamore – D Canning Derry & District 1842, 1841, 1818, J & G Ramsey Derry & District 1729, J & G Ramsey 1696, A McCrudden Derry & District 1647, Leo Flanagan Londonderry 1645, P Maxwell Derry & District 1639, R Gallagher Derry & District 1636, J & G Ramsey 1629, P Maxwell 1620, P Maxwell 1612, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1612, R Martin Maiden City 1609.

Foyle Valley Combine – D Canning Derry & District 1842, 1841, 1818, J & G Ramsey Derry & District 1729, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1705, J & G Ramsey 1696, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1693, J White Strabane & Dist 1687, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1669, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1667, D Devine Strabane & Dist 1664, J White Strabane & Dist 1655, A McCrudden Derry & District 1647, Leo Flanagan Londonderry 1645, P Maxwell Derry & District 1639, R Gallagher Derry & District 1636, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1630, Ian Brown Strabane & Dist 1628, J & G Ramsey 1629, P Maxwell 1620, J White Strabane & Dist 1614, D McGranaghan Strabane & Dist 1613, P Maxwell 1612, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1612, R Martin Maiden City 1609, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1609, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1608, D Mullen Strabane & Dist 1607

Coleraine Triangle Benamore – R & J Parke Widsor Social 1658, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1649, T McDonald Coleraine Prem 1646, S Diamond Coleraine Prem 1645, Howard & Edgar Coleraine Prem 1639, T McCruddin Coleraine Prem 1637, Jimmy Hanson Coleraine Prem 1636, T McCrudden 1636, Jimmy Hanson 1636, T McCrudden 1636, Jimmy Hanson 1636, T McCrudden 1635, T McCrudden 1635, L Hanson Coleraine Prem 1632, S Diamond 1627, T & J McDonald 1626, T McCrudden 1625, L Hanson 1624, T McCrudden 1625, B & D Coyle Coleraine Prem 1618, D & D Coyle 1618, L Hanson 1618.


HOMER. Willie Reynolds

Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683

Mobile: 07538 238364

Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw

Email: homerbhw@gmail.com

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Photo Captions

NIPA Banner on top please

Danny Carolan of Coalisland & District HPS, 1st Sect A NIPA Benamore.

From Coalisland Brian McClernon 1st Sect A Kilbeggan and 2nd Sect A Benamore.

Gary Gibson top card in Cullybackey winning second race and 1st NIPA Section B Benamore.

R & J Parke wins 1st Club and also wins the Coleraine Triangle we are well chuffed today with our results Team R & J Parke of Windsor Social.

Team Parke bird - Wins us 1st and 2nd club and 1st and 2nd Triangle 3rd and 7 section B over the moon for my husband we are well chuffed

T & J McDonald Coleraine Premier take the spoils today. Congratulations Trevor and Jennifer. Trevor’s winner today won Fermoy as a yb last year. Dam was from our Club Secretary Russell McAlary, and the Sire was Trevor’s good red Cock who won two races for Trevor.

Alan Feeney top four last week and top four in the NIPA Sect E for Gilford.

Ryan Hope 1st Club in Crumlin & 1st Sect B Kilbeggan and 1st Club again this week at Benamore.

McArdle hen is dam of three birds this week including 2nd Sect E Benamore

Well done Davy Love taking the Red Card this week in Edgarstown, along with the first cut of the side bet for good measure

Congratulations to Jonathan Sterritt on winning today’s race from Benamore, 1st Club Portadown & Drumcree.

G & S Smith 1st Cookstown Social, no doubt more to come.

Presentation of cheque to value of £18,100 to Evora Hospice proceeds from the recent online charity auction. Once again, a big thank you to everyone for your support on making this another huge success. Photo shows Diamond Carson presenting cheque to hospice representatives included in photo Cormac O’Hare RPRA President, Wesley Sawyers, and Gary Donaldson. Diamond Carson.

Photo Captions Mid Antrim Combine


Gary Gibson best in Cullybackey and 1st Mid Antrim Combine from Benamore.

Rasharkin winner Freddy Barkley and 2nd Mid Antrim Combine Benamore.

1st club Ahoghill and 6th Mid Antrim Combine Benamore for Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill.

Shane Johnston with his Ballymena winner from Benamore.

Ian Stewart holding his Randalstown winner from Benamore.

Johnny Barkley with his Kells winner from Benamore.

Broughshane winner from Benamore Marcus Morrow.