Mid Ulster Fed France 2026 -

[willie reynolds]

Mid Ulster Federation – Saint-Pol-de-Léon National
The curtain came down on another memorable Mid Ulster Federation old bird season with the final race from Saint-Pol-de-Léon, France. Birds were liberated at 6.00am on Thursday morning into an easterly wind for what proved to be one of the toughest races of the entire season.
The race tested both pigeons and fanciers to the limit, with only a 2 birds recorded on the first day. with Kieran Shannon taking 1st Open Mid Ulster Federation and Stevie Eglington claiming 2nd Open Federation.
1st Open Mid Ulster Federation – Kieran Shannon
Congratulations to Kieran Shannon of the Armagh Centre on winning the final race of the old bird programme with his outstanding yearling hen, now named “Annaghbeg Lady.”
The winner was raced sitting nine days on her first nest, while her partner had timed early from Penzance the previous week. She is a granddaughter of Kieran’s retired stock cock, a remarkable pigeon that won twelve 1st prizes, and is bred three-quarter Delbar and one-quarter old Soontjens, a cross Kieran has found to be particularly successful for Channel racing.
Timed at 8.55pm, “Annaghbeg Lady” had spent almost 15 hours on the wing, producing a tremendous performance to become the first pigeon recorded in the Mid Ulster Federation from France.
Following the race, Kieran thanked everyone for their kind comments and also paid tribute to the Mid Ulster Federation committee for all their hard work throughout the season in providing members with an excellent old bird programme. He also congratulated all the members for their continued support of the federation during 2026.
2nd Open Mid Ulster Federation – Stevie Eglington
Taking 2nd Open Mid Ulster Federation and winning the Hoggs Centre was Stevie Eglington with his outstanding blue cock GB24B19645, affectionately known as “747.”
The cock completed the full young bird programme in 2024 but was not raced as a yearling after having to settle into Stevie’s new loft. This season he completed the entire Mid Ulster Federation old bird programme, competing from both Dale races, Bude and Penzance before producing a superb performance from Saint-Pol-de-Léon.
Stevie sent “747” sitting day-old youngsters that had hatched just before basketing, and the cock rewarded that confidence by becoming the federation’s second pigeon home in one of the hardest Channel races for many years.
Both the sire and dam were bred by Stevie’s father from his proven Tuplin Barker bloodlines, originally purchased from Brian Tuplin, making the result a fitting reward for years of careful breeding.
Centre Winners
Armagh Centre
Congratulations to Kieran Shannon, who timed the federation’s first pigeon from Saint-Pol-de-Léon to win both the Armagh Centre and 1st Open Mid Ulster Federation.
Hoggs Centre
Stevie Eglington secured top honours in the Hoggs Centre with Ronnie Williamson taking second and Glen Buckley & Son claiming third Several more hard-earned arrivals followed during the day including Phillip Boyd William Robert capper and Davy Calvin and over the following day as birds continued to battle home.
Bleary Centre
Congratulations to N. Black & Sons, who headed the Bleary Centre in what proved to be a very difficult Channel race.
Meadows Centre
Congratulations to N. Black & Son, who won the Meadows Centre after timing the only bird recorded in the centre on the first day, with Alan Larkin & Son taking second.
The Saint-Pol-de-Léon National was a true test of endurance and determination, with every pigeon timed deserving great credit. It was a fitting finale to another successful Mid Ulster Federation old bird season.
The Mid Ulster Federation would also like to extend sincere thanks to Phillip Boyd, Stanley West and Ken for transporting the birds for the final race of the old bird programme. Their time, commitment and dedication throughout the season are greatly appreciated.
Finally, thank you to every member who supported the Mid Ulster Federation throughout the 2026 old bird season. Your continued support has helped make another enjoyable and successful season possible. Congratulations to everyone who timed from this demanding Channel National, and we now look forward to the young bird season.