Farming Life - Wednesday 12/05/10

[willie reynolds]

On a different day it was another super race for the NIPA birds back at Clonmel for the fifth race of the old bird programme. Liberation was at 10.15am in a NE wind which was fairly strong in Southern Ireland. Although not as fast as the week previous the birds still made very good time and the best bird locally was timed again by Danny Dixon who has made a fantastic start to the season. He had 1st Club in Ballymoney doing velocity 1215 and tops the Mid Antrim Combine for the third time this year. He had already won 1st, 3rd & 5th MAC in the Tullamore (1) race on the opening day and followed that up a fortnight later with 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th MAC Roscrea. His winner this week, a Blue Ch yearling cock racing widowhood was timed at 2.50pm flying 190 miles. Bloodlines are his latest introduction of Jean Willams he had four of those in the first five to the loft. The winner was one of the Magnificent Eight, the day he had the top eight in the Mid Antrim Combine. Other big local winners include Harry Smyth & Son 1st Broughshane (1214), Harry Boyd 1st Kells & Dist (1207), young Lucas McNeill 1st Rasharkin & Dist (1206) an all pooler, and W & J Smyth 1st Ballymena & Dist (1203). Young McManus & Sons have won all five races in Ahoghill, that might be a record, Allen McBride has four in a row in Harryville, John Millar has 1st Randalstown, Raymond McFall & Son are 1st New Antrim and H & R McCloy are 1st Cullybackey.

The race marking arrangements for Cullybackey Centre regarding Rosscarbery OB Inland Nat are as follows. The entry fees etc will be collected between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday 19th May and race marked next day Thursday 20th May between 4.00pm and 6.30pm. All clocks will be set on Thursday 20th May, the big race will be flown on Saturday 22nd May. The next two races are Fermoy on 15th May to be followed by Rosscarbery then cross channel to Talbenny, South Wales.

Would members using Lurgan Marking station be aware that the centre will be open from 5.00pm. A handling charge of £1 per member plus 15 pence per bird. Thank you. Lost: GB08B 09891, in Ballymena contact Homer. The sale of Glenavy Gold Rings has been extended two weeks, order now.

Mid Antrim Combine Clonmel (2) 125/2,834 – D Dixon Rasharkin 1215, H Smyth & Son Broughshane 1214, H Boyd Kells 1207, L McNeill Rasharkin 1206, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1204, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1203, Scott & Clements Kells 1202, Scott & Clements 1202, Scott & Clements 1201, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1201, H Boyd Kells 1198, T & M Morrow Kells 1195, J & N Simpson 1194, G Connolly Broughshane 1194, Young McManus & Sons 1194, A McBride Harryville 1193, R McFall & Son New Antrim 1192, J Millar Randalstown 1192, H Boyd Kells 1191, K & K Kernohan & Sons Harryville 1190, D Dixon 1190, H & R McCloy Cullybackey 1190, T & M Morrow 1190, Milliken & Barkley 1190, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1189, McFall & McManus New Antrim 1188, C Magill New Antrim 1188, G Connolly 1187, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1187, S Millar Randalstown 1187.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs Clonmel (2)

Broughshane & Dist HPS 13/303 – H Smyth & Son 1214, J & N Simpson 1204, 1194, G Connolly 1194, 1187, A Purvis 1180, 1177, H Smyth & Son 1173. The winner this time 2yr old Blue cock on roundabout winning again this week, that’s two 1st and a 2nd so far this year. Bred from the pair of Foxwood Loft birds on loan from an old friend in Edgarstown club. The breeding is Lindelauf.

Rasharkin & District 14/254 – L McNeill 1206, Milliken & Barkley 1190, Steele & McNeill 1173, Milliken & Barkley 1172, H Cubitt 1151, Steele & McNeill 1149, L McNeill 1145, W McFetridge 1140, A C & T Tweed 1128, J Robinson & Son 1126. D Dixon – 1215, 1190, 1181, 1169, 1165, 1165. Young Lucas timed his Clonmel winner flown on widowhood, and wins for the second time. This hen won him the Irish Region Young Fancier 251-500 mile award last year, and has won many other positions .

Kells & District 15/305 – H Boyd 1207, Scott & Clements 1202, 1202, 1201, H Boyd 1198, T & M Morrow 1195, H Boyd 1191, T & M Morrow 1190. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Scott & Clements 1202, 1202. Golden Minute (36) won by G Surgenor.

Ballymena & District HPS 12/270 – W & J Smyth 1203, Blair & Rankin 1189, J Devlin 1187, W & J Smyth 1182, Blair & Rankin 1168, J Devlin 1165, J Harris 1159, M Graham 1159, 1158, McAlonan Bros 1152.

Ahoghill FC 14/369 – Young McManus & Sons 1201, 1194, J Orr & Son 1179, Young McManus & Sons 1175, J Smyth & Son 1174, C Young 1172, Young McManus & Sons 1172, J Smyth & Son 1169, C Young 1168, A & N Young 1168. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – Young McManus & Sons 1194, 1179.

Harryville HPS 17/372 – A McBride 1193, K & K Kernohan & Sons 1190, J Millar & Son 1181, A McBride 1175, J Millar & Son 1172, 1170, A McBride 1168, Wray & McFadden 1162, R H Clements 1161, J Millar & Son 1161. Allen has four wins on the trot, his Blue cock already won 1st Tullamore (2) all four races have been won by two brothers. Soontjen x Hartog and the super stock pair have now produced 12 x 1sts.

New Antrim Amal 8/197 – R McFall & Son 1192, McFall & McManus 1188, C Magill 1188, McFall & McManus 1173, 1164, R McFall & Son 1157, 1146.

Randalstown HPS 12/264 – J Millar 1192, S Millar 1187, Houston Bros 1184, S Millar 1180, 1174, Stewart Bros 1173, J Millar 1170, S Millar 1169.

Cullybackey HPS 20/500 – H & R McCloy 1190, Russell Bros 1187, A Darragh 1183, 1183, Russell Bros 1180, Cochrane Bros 1150, Reid Bros & McCloy 1150, J & J Greer 1149, 1141, L Davidson 1140.

The Champions League competition has been running for four races.

Positions after Week 4: Group (1) Scott & Clements 50, Stewart Bros 48, M Graham 39, L McNeill 38, C Magill 34. Group (2) A McBride 75, H Smyth & Son 71, D Dixon 71, Surgenor Bros 15, J Devlin 14, H & R McCloy 6. Group (3) Young McManus & Sons 89, G McDowell 46, Milliken & Barkley 30, A Purvis 24, W & J Smyth 22, McFall & McManus 6, S Millar 5. Group (4) Harry Boyd 50, J & N Simpson 40, A & N Young 18, A Darragh 18, Blair & Rankin 10.

In the second race from Clonmel the birds were released at 10.15am in a North West wind which was reported as fairly strong in Southern Ireland. A harder than usual race was expected but winning birds still made very good time. Around Coleraine the Hanson & Harper team are the loft to beat and record the best bird in the Coleraine Triangle doing velocity 1210. Next best in the Coleraine Premier the Diamond Bros had a super card, 6 birds in the club Top 10. Terence McCrudden was back at the top in the County Derry (1195) and Ernie Christie had the all pool winner in the Windsor Social (1148) flying in Sect B.

Coleraine Triangle Clonmel (2) – Hanson & Harper Coleraine Prem 1210, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1203, T McCrudden Coleraine & Co Derry 1195, Diamond Bros 1191, Diamond Bros 1190, W & W Murdock Coleraine & Co Derry 1189, Hanson & Harper 1189, Diamond Bros 1181, Diamond Bros 1180, Diamond Bros 1177, T McCrudden 1175, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 1166, Hanson & Harper 1165, W & W Murdock 1163.

Monaghan lofts take the top places in the Orchard Combine for the second race out of Clonmel, race five of the old bird programme. Richard Mulligan timed his winner at 1.33pm the bird flying 137 miles, followed by Peter Tierney and Brendan Corley who topped the NIPA in the first race from Tullamore. Armagh lofts were well placed, A Geraghty followed by E & M Curran and G & A Campbell, Eamon Grew had two good birds in Charlemont.

What a week for Tommy Ford of Edgarstown, 1st Open NIPA last week from Clonmel with Rock on Tommy he times another Soontjen on widowhood for 1st Club and best in the NIPA Sect E. See the loft feature by Adie. Glen Buckley & Son from Annaghmore are nest best.

Orchard Combine Clonmel (2) – R Mulligan Monaghan 1218, P Tierney Monaghan 1204, B Corley Monaghan 1203, A Geraghty Armagh 1201, E & M Curran Armagh 1200, P Coughlan Monaghan 1199, G & A Campbell Armagh 1198, N Johnston Monaghan 1197, N Weir Loughgall 1197, Cooney Bros Monaghan 1197, N Weir Loughgall 1192, E Grew Charlemont 1191, S O’Brien Monaghan 1190, N Johnston Monaghan 1189, N Weir 1188, N Weir 1186, E Grew 1186, N Weir 1185, N Weir 1185, I Parkes & Son Armagh 1185.

Donnelly Bros make the weekend news from Clonmel (2) having the top velocity in the NIPA and more birds well placed for a big team result. The former NI Fancier of the Year winner the loft have already topped the NIPA from Clonmel and have now recorded close to 30 x 1sts. J F McCabe had 1st Newry & Dist (1239) and W Jones was 1st Millvale (1232).

Northsouth Federation Clonmel (2) 56/1505 - Donnelly Bros Newry City 1259, 1257, 1252, 1247, 1244, J F McCabe Newry & Dist 1239, Donnelly Bros 1237, 1231, W Jones Millvale 1232, M Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1219. A super result for the Donnelly Bros. Many congratulations to you both.

City of Derry Federation Clonmel (2) 77/647 – M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1155, N Murray Londonderry 1153, M/M P Maxwell 1152, N McClay Londonderry 1151, H McGowan Foyle 1149, E Quigley Rock 1146, M Jones Foyle 1145, J McLaughlin Foyle 1133, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1125, P McLaughlin 1118, Cooley Bros Foyle 1118, E Quigley 1114, R Hegarty Maiden City 1110, J McLaughlin 1109, M/M P Maxwell 1107, G McLaughlin Maiden City 1107, R Hegarty 1106, N McClay 1101, N McClay 1098, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 1096.

Williamson & Calvin Transporter will be training each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from Slane. Every Sunday from Balbriggan, same lifting times. Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.45am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Yard (028) 38 339320 or Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.00am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.30am, Newry Playing Fields 9.50am. Special training on Sunday after Rosscarbery 23rd May with a liberation in Kildare at 20p per bird and same collection times.

In the Antrim area the early birds were recorded in Crumlin with M & B McConville timing an all pool winner on 1220, ahead of the previous weeks Sect B winner Peter McClarence. His winner was a Cheq cock on widowhood Soontjen x Van De Weil bloodlines. Nutts Corner lofts are at the top for the second week, John White has 1st & 2nd Club with the winner doing velocity 1222 ahead of Jimmy Courtney who won 1st Sect C last week. This Blue hen a yearling on roundabout won 2nd Club earlier from Tullamore beat by one yard. Bloodlines of this one were the Soontjen of G Buckley & Son, Annaghmore. Congratulations to Jimmy who topped the East Antrim Sect C for the first time, after getting close on several occasions. Harry Boyd was on top at Kells & Dist ahead of the previous weeks winners Scott & Clements.

The NIPA birds were back to Clonmel in Co Tipperary for race five of the old bird programme and best reported is in Glengormley where Bingham & Seaton are doing velocity 1238, next best will be M & T Griffith of Eastway who were winning for the second week and will be well placed again in the East Antrim Sect C. Bingham & Seaton also take 1st Ligoniel & Dist and are having a top class season. The Moxman team are dominating in Larne winning 1st Club for the third week and D & J Armstrong return to top place in Carrickfergus the top three in both clubs and pools. Mr & Mrs McNeilly have won all five races in Doagh & Dist truly outstanding, and Sammy Rodney & Son have 1st Ballyclare & Dist. Owen O’Neill & Son win three on the trot into Glenarm & Dist super racing again with birds from Allen McBride of Harryville. Need to watch out for Muckamore with John White 1st Club doing velocity 1222, last week Jimmy Courtney was 1st Club & 1st Sect C.

From the second Clonmel when 41 Larne & District members sent 816 G,K&I Moxham make it a fabulous three wins in a trot on 1220, the winner being the same dark hen that won two weeks ago from Roscrea. The sire being the dark cock that won the national from Barley Cove when paired to the mother of their other national winner, you could say bred in the purple! The Moxham also take third on 1189 from another of their Ron Williamson pigeons. Second was ever consistent Marshall & Wilson with a Van Loon cock on 1196 which won as a yearling. These Van Loons of Wilberts are always there or there abouts. Fourth to Beggs & Hall on 1188 with a double grand daughter of the lofts number one stock pair from pigeons bred by Andrew McAuley of Coleraine. Fifth to J& D McWhirter with a slatey hen on 1185 with R Mills & son sixth on 1185 with the same pigeon that was second club last week.

It is with deep sadness that I inform the pigeon fancy of the death of Tommy Binding, he was a pigeon fancier for 65 years. I understand he was one of the originals who started up the NIPA in 1945, he was also past secretary, treasure and chairman and in his latter years he was president of Carrick & District HPS. On behalf of past and present members of the club, and all fanciers across East Antrim and the NIPA our sincere condolences. Out thoughts and sympathy go out to his family circle, he will be sadly missed.

N.I.P.A. Clonmel (2) 08/05/2010

N.I.P.A. Section A Clubs:

Coalisland & Dist 16/409 – J Devlin 1238, G Stringer 1228, W Bleeks&Son 1215, K Carolan 1214, K Murphy 1213, 1211.

Coleraine Premier - Hanson & Harper 1210, Diamond Bros 1203, 1191, 1190, Hanson & Harper 1189, Diamond Bros 1181.

Coleraine & Co Derry RPS - T McCrudden 1195, W & W Murdock 1189, T McCrudden 1175, W & W Murdock 1163.

Cookstown Soc 9/224 - S Marshall 1191, 1186, 1170, 1164, G Marshall 1162, S & G Smith 1161.

Castledawson HPS 5/115 - T Leacock & Son 1178, 1137, Gilmour & Watson 1137, 1137.

Windsor Soc 10/157 - E Christie 1148, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1141, Horner & Scott 1138, C Morrow & Son 1138, 5th G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1138, R & J Parke 1115.

N.I.P.A. Section B Clubs:

Muckamore HPS - J White 1222, 1217, J Courtney 1206, 1200, A & E Bell 1173, G Magill 1173.

Crumlin & Dist HPS 12/344 - M & B McConville 1220, P McClarence 1214, N Uprichard 1210, Fleming Bros 1206, P McClarence 1195, G Grant 1193.

Ballymoney HPS 29/854 - D Dixon 1215, 1190, A & M Boyle 1179, 1179, G Holmes 1162, B & I Stewart 1161.

Chimney Corner – McDonald & Wilkinson 1201, 1131, 1122.

Dervock RPS 10/349 - A & M Boyle 1179, 1179, D & H Stuart 1159, 1158, D & G McMullan 1138, J Hutchinson & Son 1135.

Ballymoney West Combine 9/301 - B & I Stewart 1161, C Henry 1160, W Blair 1150, R J Elliott 1144, D Laverty 1138, D Gage 1137.

Bushmills Invitation – T & J McDonald 1161, Horner & Scott 1140, T & J McDonald 1128, 1121, R J Parke 1115.

Springvale Soc 9/126 - J Scott 1181, R Scott 1170, J Scott 1164, 1160, Turkington Bros 1158, A C McGrugan 1148. Race kindly sponsored by Victor Montgomery.

N.I.P.A. Section C Clubs:

Glengormley HPS 14/301 - Bingham & Seaton 1238, 1213, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1206, 1202, A Kerry 1184, G & M Atcheson 1184.

Eastway HPS 17/450 - M & T Griffith 1227, Whiteside Bros 1196, Foster & Larkham 1195, M & A Pearson 1194, Whiteside Bros 1194, 1193.

Larne & Dist 41/816 - G K & I Moxham 1220, Marshall & Wilson 1196, G K & I Moxham 1189, Beggs & Hall 1188, J & D McWhirter 1185, R Mills & Son 1185.

Carrick Soc RPC 22/435 - D & J Armstrong & Son 1212, 1207, 1193, B & L Dodds 1172, W R McClean 1171, Mr & Mrs G Robinson 1166.

Carrick & Dist 18/347 - D & J Armstrong 1212, 1207, 1180, Mr & Mrs Reid 1187, D & J Armstrong & Son 1187, 1187.

Doagh & Dist HPS 17/396 – Mr & Mrs B McNeilly 1211, A & N Lewis 1202, W Cowan 1198, Wilson Sons & Smyth 1198, S & A Leitch 1195, Mr & Mrs B McNeilly 1186.

Ballyclare & Dist 20/592 - S Rodney & Son 1203, 1200, B & M Gilmore 1199, Mr & Mrs Hayes 1190, B & M Gilmore 1187, G & R Lawrie 1172.

Ballynure & Dist - Rea & Magill 1200, 1195, 1194, 1189.

Kingsmoss HPS 11/275 - 1st&2nd R McMeekin 1200,1184, 3rd Connor Bros 1175, 4th Knowles&Hill 1171, 5th DJ Connor 1169, 6th PR Wilson 1162.

Ballycarry & Dist HPS 7/108 - Arthurs & George 1186, Lynch Bros & Thompson 1185, J C Reid 1179, Arthurs & George 1172, M Delaney 1163, 1161.

Glenarm & Dist 9/136 - O O'Neill & Son 1182, 1181, G McWhirter 1159, N O'Boyle 1159, 1155, G McWhirter 1143.

Horseshoe HPS 20/364 - Marshall & Wilson 1196, C Campbell & Son 1190, 1190, 1186, 1186, J Morrison 1183.

Cushendall HPS 10/151 – A McNaughton 1137, M & S McDonald 1135, A McNaughton 1091, F O’Boyle 1087, A McNaughton 1084, M & S McDonald 1074.

N.I.P.A. Section D Clubs:

Dromore HPS 13/462 - Mr & Mrs G Delaney 1212, 1212, Doonan & McGuiness 1211, 1211, P & J Boal 1211, Doonan & McGuiness 1211.

Dromara HPS - McKinstry Bros 1212, 1212, D McCandless 1171, N Black & Son 1154, Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1148, 1147.

Hills & Maze 10/274 - C Lyons 1212, C & E Mallon 1197, A & R Milliken 1197, H Jennings & Sons 1191, 1190, C Lyons 1183.

Colin HPS 11/226 - J Gregory & Sons 1207, 1204, 1197, 1196, S Rice 1196, J & J Neeson 1192.

Glenavy & Dist 25/530 - P McGarrity 1202, I Gibb & Sons 1201, 1199, P McGarrity 1197, 1194, G Parker & Son 1192.

Derriaghy HPS 8/216 - I Gibb & Sons 1199, 1189, 1186, I Kennedy 1183, I Gibb & Sons 1180, R McCullough 1173.

Lisburn & Dist HPS 32/714 - S Briggs 1197, L Magee & Son 1195, Spence Bros 1194, 1190, H Browne 1189, A T & J Houston 1189.

Dunedin Flying Club 13/328 - Myles & McBride 1196, G McCartney & Son 1184, C Coates & Son 1181, Myles & McBride 1171, G McCartney & Son 1160, Myles & McBride 1156.

South Belfast 9/158 - R Fear 1181, 1180, 1171, 1147, T G Casement 1147.

Kingswood HPS 15/350 - C & J Long & Son 1180, E Burton 1162, C & J Long & Son 1158, 1154, E Burton 1153, C & J Long & Son 1152. Kingswood 2 Bird Club 15/350 - C & J Long & Son 1180, E Burton 1152.

N.I.P.A. Section E Clubs:

Edgarstown HPS 17/469 - T & A Ford 1240, G & C Simmons 1237, P Dunlop 1209, G & C Simmons 1201, 1195, T & A Ford 1193.

Annaghmore HPS 13/404 - G Buckley & Son 1236, T McClean 1235, 1223, W G Neill 1211, M Buckley 1210, T McClean 1207.

Gilford & Dist 23/507 - S S Cairns 1236, T McKinstry 1233, Rafferty & Toman 1220, T Wilson 1210, Rafferty & Toman 1198, C & H Beattie 1193.

Bondhill Social - R Williamson 1235, D Calvin 1234, 1233, R Williamson 1233, J Greenaway 1224, D Calvin 1222.

Portadown Inv - M Livingstone 1233, Donaldson, Hagan & Rowney 1233, M Livingstone 1224, E McKnight 1221, W Cannaway 1217, 6th Donaldson, Hagan & Rowney 1209.

Tandragee - A Craig 1225, 1216, Dillon & Morrow 1214, A Craig 1212, 1211, 1211.

Markethill HPS - D Linden 1224, M McDowell 1191, W Brown & Son 1185, M McDowell 1181, D Linden 1173, W Brown & Son 1164.

Wilton Cross HPS - B Ferris 1221, 1214, Toman & Hamill 1204, M Rice 1203, Toman & Hamill 1199, G Douglas 1196.

Lurgan Soc 13/389 - K Henderson & Son 1218, S Curran 1215, K Henderson 1213, J Douglas & Son 1212, Higginson & Johnston 1210, E Wright & Son 1208.

Monaghan HPS 12/282 - R Mulligan 1218, P Tierney 1204, B Corley 1203, P Coughlan 1199, N Johnston 1197, Cooney Bros 1197.

Beech Park Soc - D Mawhinney & Son 1218, 1198, 1186, S & J McCullough 1185, I Mawhinney & Son 1183, 1181.

Lurgan Amateur 9/211 – R Bothwell 1214, 1209, 1205, D McBride 1201.

Laurelvale HPS 15/315 - S Fiddes 1214, J Dowey & Sons 1208, 1205, 1198, A Gittins 1194, F McCann 1188.

Charlemont HPS - K Shannon 1212, 1207, E Grew 1191, 1186, P Grew 1174, K Shannon 1172.

Loughgall HPS – J Capper 1210, 1202, N Weir 1197, 1196, 1192, 1188.

Armagh HPS 17/347 - A Geraghty 1201, E & M Curran 1200, G & A Campbell 1198, I Parkes & Son 1185, G & A Campbell 1184, 1184. 2 Bird Club - E & M Curran 1200, P Duffy 1179, I Parkes & Son 1179, E & M Curran 1174.

Moira HPS - E Russell 1198, 1197, Turner Bros 1194, E Russell 1185, Turner Bros 1184, E Russell 1184.

N.I.P.A. Section F Clubs:

Ards HPS 15/299 - B Griffiths 1184, McGimpsey Bros 1169, 1168, 1165, B Griffiths 1165, 1164.

Comber Cent – A Crawford 1175, 1175, W & L Robinson 1141, 1130, 1127, W Gabbey 1124.

Killyleagh & Dist - P Murray 1165, 1153, J & P Rice 1152, T & C Kilpatrick 1137.

Corrigs & Dist 11/389 - R Shaw 1164, 1158, Benson Bros 1146, Pritchard Bros 1144, R Shaw 1143, A Murray & Son 1141.

Millisle & Dist 15/334 – M & T Ferris 1165, R Strain & Son 1157, J Rankin 1147, R Strain & Son 1171, J & J Hollinger 1137, J Rankin 1126.

Kircubbin HPS - J Hall & Son 1145, Arthurs & Smyth 1141, J Hall & Son 1133, Arthurs & Smyth 1132, 1132, C Gilmore & Sons 1130.

Killyleagh Cent 8/120 - McComb Bros 1137, 1134, C Healy 1124, H McVeigh 1110, G & R Connor 1102, C Healy 1100.

Portavogie HPS 24/477 - J & R Young & Sons 1132, 1132, 1131, B & J Donnan 1129, Thompson Bros & Bailie 1129, 1129.

N.I.P.A. Section G Clubs:

Newry & Dist HPS 21/473 - J F McCabe 1239, M Maguire & Son 1219, R McKelvey 1218, J F McCabe 1212, Mark Maguire & Son 1201, R McKelvey 1201.

Drumnavady Inv 13/295 - J Smyth & Sons 1233, L F & B McGrath 1216, 3rd, J Smyth & Sons 1206, 1200, 1199, L F & B McGrath 1198.

Banbridge Social 8/187 - C McArdle & Son 1217, 1206, M/M G Mallen 1204, T Lennon & Son 1202, C McArdle & Son 1193, T Lennon & Son.

Millvale Inv - B Jones 1231, T Mooney & Son 1205, A Curran 1199, P Doran 1199, A Curran 1195,1194.

Ballyholland - O Markey 1203, 1191, 1189, T Gordon 1185, O Markey 1183, J Murtagh 1183.

Bessbrook PC 8/157 - Cowan Bros 1187, E Niblock 1178, M Fegan & Son 1150, Cowan Bros 1148, Hamilton & Hanna 1147, R McMinn & Dtr 1136.

N.I.P.A. Section H Clubs:

Strabane RPC 13/163 - T Conway 1173, G Quinn 1130, T Conway 1119, 1118, 1118, A McGranaghan & Son 1092.

Foyle RPS 27/255 - Mr & Mrs P Maxwell 1155, 1152, Hugh McGowan, Mickey Jones, John McLaughlin, Cooley Bros.

Londonderry RPS 17/126 - N Murray 1153, N McClay 1151, 1101, 1098, B Houston 1059, S Gallagher & Son 1053.

Omagh & Dist HPS 8/124 - A Hall 1130, J Whiteside 1111, A Hall 1108, A Kelly 1101, R Adams 1098, A Hall 1096.

Limavady RPS 10/123 - R Witherow 1130, 1106, 1097, B Mailey 1093, R Witherow 1092, B Mailey 1091.

Maiden City 19/158 - P McLaughlin 1125, 1118, R Hegarty 1110, G McLaughlin 1107, R Hegarty 1106, Dunne & Quigley 1096.

The Mid Ulster based Fanciers Combine arranged the annual Open Race from Kildare on Bank Holiday Monday. Birds were liberated at 2.00pm into a light NW wind which turned strong on the route home. The winning bird was timed by C & H Beattie at 16.06hrs for the 89 miles flight home, just ahead of close neighbour Tom Wilson who had 3 birds in the top six. Many congratulations to all prize-winners, and thanks to all those fanciers who supported the race. Particular thanks to the Belfast and Newry fanciers who travelled many miles to support the event.

Kildare Open Race Bank Holiday Monday

Fanciers Combine Kildare - C & H Beattie 1248, T Wilson 1246, R G & G Donaldson, Hagan & Rowney 1235, T Wilson 1225, T Wilson 1225, G Hall 1223, B Ferris 1220, G Hall 1218, G Douglas 1213, T Wilson 1210, R G & G Donaldson, Hagan & Rowney 1209, R Williamson 1208, R G & G Donaldson, Hagan & Rowney 1207, R G & G Donaldson, Hagan & Rowney 1206, M Foulis 1205, G Douglas 1204.7, W Cowan 1204.2, R G & G Donaldson Hagan & Rowney 1200, R Williamson 1198, R Major 1192. Nom 60% W Cowan 1204, 40% M Foulis 1185.

East Down Combine birds were released in Fermoy Co Cork, it was cold earlier in the morning but strings were cut at 10.45am and the birds liberated into a NNE wind. It was a good steady race and the high flying McCartan & Woodsides team from Crossgar with birds together took 1st & 2nd Open with the winner doing velocity 1190. The East Sect was topped by T & C Kilpatrick from Killyleagh & Dist on 1183.

East Down Combine Fermoy (1) – McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1190, McCartan & Woodsides 1189, T & C Kilpatrick Killyleagh & Dist 1183, J Kirk & Son Drumaness 1182, N Maguire Annsborough 1179, Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee 1178, G Morrison & Daughter Ballynahinch 1171, R Moore & Son Bangor 1171, R Moore & Son 1171, M McClure Newtownbreda 1168, S & K Duke Crossgar 1165, K & B McConaghie Ballylesson 1164, J Patterson Ballylesson 1164, J Patterson 1163, R Irwin Dundonald 1163, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1162, J Cleland Annsborough 1162, A Crawford Ballylesson 1162, J Cleland 1162, J Patterson 1161, W White & Son Newtownbreda 1161, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1161, W White & Son 1159, J Patterson 1159, J Young & Partners 1158, M & A Johnston Newtownbreda 1158, J Patterson 1158, D Croskery & Son Annsborough 1157, P McCartan Annsborough 1156, B & H Marshall Newtownbreda 1155, M Foulis Dundonald 1155, M Jennings Annsborough 1154, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1154, R Moore & Son 1153, Ferguson & Wilkinson 1153, A Crawford 1152, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1151, Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey 1151, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1151, R Irwin Dundonald 1150.

EDC West Sect - McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1190, McCartan & Woodsides 1189, J Kirk & Son Drumaness 1182, G Morrison & Daughter Ballynahinch 1171, M McClure Newtownbreda 1168, S & K Duke Crossgar 1165, K & B McConaghie Ballylesson 1164, J Patterson Ballylesson 1164, J Patterson 1163, R Irwin Dundonald 1163, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1162, A Crawford Ballylesson 1162, J Patterson 1161, W White & Son Newtownbreda 1161, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1161, W White & Son 1159, J Patterson 1159, J Young & Partners 1158, M & A Johnston Newtownbreda 1158, J Patterson 1158.

EDC East Sect - T & C Kilpatrick Killyleagh & Dist 1183, N Maguire Annsborough 1179, Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee 1178, R Moore & Son Bangor 1171, R Moore & Son 1171, J Cleland Annsborough 1162, J Cleland 1162, D Croskery & Son Annsborough 1157, P McCartan Annsborough 1156, M Jennings Annsborough 1154, R Moore & Son 1153, Ferguson & Wilkinson 1153, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1151, Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey 1151, K Rooney & Son 1151, D & J Caskey Bangor 1150, R Moore & Son 1149, T & C Kilpatrick 1147, J & P Rice Killyleagh & Dist 1147, D Hillen Newcastle 1146.

EDC Clubs Fermoy

Crossgar HPS 10/392 – McCartan & Woodsides 1190, 1189, S & K Duke 1165, C & G Adair 1148, S & K Duke 1145, 1145.

Killyleagh & Dist - T & C Kilpatrick 1183, 1148, J & P Rice 1147, H McAllister 1131.

Drumaness Mills - J Kirk & Son 1182, Burns & O'Neill 1093, G Hillen & Ptrs 1092, J Kirk & Son 1092, C Laverty & Dtrs 1087, Burns & O'Neill 1086.

Annaborough HPS - N Maguire 1179, J Cleland 1162, 1162, D Croskery & Son 1157, P McCartan 1156, M Jennings 1154.

Ballynahinch HPS - G Morrison& Dtrs 1171, J Gillespie 1142, R Trimble 1135, G Morrison & Dtrs 1134, J Gillespie 1127, 1123.

Newtownbreda HPS 11/289 – M McClure 1168, W White & Son 1161, 1159, M & A Johnston 1158, B & H Marshall 1155, M & A Johnston 1150.

Ballylesson HPS 15/359 - K & B McConaghie 1164, J Patterson 1164, 1163, A Cousins & Sons 1162, A Crawford 1162, J Patterson 1161.

Dundonald HPS - R Irwin 1163, J Young & Ptrs 1161, 1158, M Foulis 1155, S Brown & Sons 1154, R Irwin 1150.

Annalong HPS 15/276 - K Rooney & Son 1151,1151, Donnelly Bros 1139, K Rooney & Son 1137, B McConnell 1136, 1134.

Killyleagh Cent 17/274 - G & R Connor 1144, McComb Bros 1140, 1140, 1120, C Healy 1117, McComb Bros 1114.

Tyrella HPS 11/249 - S Milligan & Dtr 1143, 1126, S Halpin & Sons 1125, 1125, D McNabb & Ptrs 1125, 1125.

Dundrum HPS - A Murray&Son 1137, 1135, 1126, 1104, 1102, 1097.

Hillfoot HPS 9/143 - D Brennan 1117, H Flynn 1105, D Flynn 1094, J Scates & Sons 1087, D Brennan 1080, T Farlow 1075.

Section D Success from Clonmel for McKinstry Bros

The NIPA Transporters for the second week on succession headed to Clonmel, with a tougher test on the cards in comparison to the previous week, with a Head Wind to contend with. In the corresponding race last year the NIPA with bad weather forecast opted to put basketing back by one night with liberation on the Sunday. With now the fifth race of the 2010 season now gone, it has been a fantastic start for the NIPA with weather on their side. Saturday in Clonmel seen winds reaching 25mph from the North Westerly direction and with excellent visibility at the race point the NIPA liberated at 10.15am in what was expected to be a very good but testing race for the 25,000 + hopefuls. As I send this report to press early indications are that the loft of McKinstry Brothers flying with the Dromara HPS look good just not to top Section D but will finish runner-up also. Arthur certainly has the pigeons in excellent form this, the lofts third red card of 2010.

Not for the first time this season the loft of Doonan & McGuinness of Dromore where pushing for top Section D honours but are just pipped by point of a yard. Having received last weeks NIPA Open & Section result from Clonmel (1), the Doonan & McGuinness loft finished 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 7th Section D finishing 8th, 13th, 16th & 53rd Open with 25,998 pigeons competing. The loft looks like finishing 3rd, 4th & 6th Section D in this weeks race. Super flying, the Dromore HPS result was one of the tightest I have seen to date this year, between the first eight prizes in the Club they are separated by 1 yard between three winning lofts, in all 22 seconds from 1st to 8th Club.

My congratulations to Tommy Ford on topping the NIPA Open last week from Clonmel with the NIPA, this is the second time the loft has enjoyed Open success having scored before from Talbenny, I was down with Tommy on Wednesday evening and compiled a loft profile as well as snapping the NIPA Open winner “Rock On Tommy”. Just for the record Tommy Ford topped the Edgarstown HPS this week once again, that’s 4 x 1st Club from 5 races.

Dromara HPS – 1st McKinstry Bros 1212, 2nd McKinstry Bros 1212; 3rd Don McCandless 1171; 4th N Black & Sons 1154; 5th Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1148, 6th Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1147. Very well done to Arthur on taking the first two in the Club. The loft looks very like mirroring that performance in the Section D result. The Loft also scored 1st & 2nd in this corresponding Club race last year.

Dromore HPS 13/462 – 1st Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1212.5, 2nd Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1212.3, 3rd Doonan & McGuinness 1211.9, 4th Doonan & McGuinness 1211.8; 5th P & J Boal 1211.7, 6th Doonan & McGuinness 1211.6, 7th P & J Boal 1211.5; 8th P & J Boal 1211.4, 9th Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1209, 10th Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1208. It is the turn of Mr Willy Jacobs Delaney to come out on tops this week competing with Section G of the Mighty NIPA a Section that he took the first four positions in a fortnight ago. The loft was also involved in the breeding of Tommy Ford’s NIPA Open winner, as well as a number of other prize winners around the country. Rowan & Wayne Doonan are next best with a couple of excellent arrivals once again, what a season the loft is having to date, followed by the ever consistent Philip & Joe Boal who finished 17th Open NIPA last week from Clonmel, they also put another couple in the prizes this week finishing 7th & 8th Club, all will feature highly in the NIPA Section D Result. More good news was to follow for Philip received an elated Billy Harris following topping the ISRF National on Saturday with a Willy Van Herck bred pigeon coming direct from a hen that Billy purchased at the Dublin Show from the Boal loft, this hen was paired to a Blue Cock that Philip gifted Billy while on a visit to his lofts. Very well done to all the prize winners in the Club, a very strong one that is proving to be hard to beat each week.

Hills & Maze 10/274 – 1st C Lyons 1212, 2nd C & E Mallon 1197, 3rd A & R Milliken 1197, 4th H Jennings & Sons 1191, 5th H Jennings & Sons 1190, 6th C Lyons 1183, 7th C Lyons 1182, 8th H Jennings & Sons 1177, 9th A & R Milliken 1172, 10th C Lyons 1172. After talking about Carson Lyons moving up the leader board he goes right to the top this week lifting the Red Card with a very good arrival clear in the Club from the loft of C & E Mallon with the weekend Lagan Valle RPC Winners Andy & Ryan Milliken completing the top three.

Colin HPS – 1st John Gregory & Sons 1207, 2nd John Gregory & Sons 1204, 3rd John Gregory & Sons 1197, 4th John Gregory & Sons 1196, 5th S Rice 1196, 6th J & J Neeson 1192, 7th J & J Neeson 1189, 8th John Gregory & Sons 1186, 9th J Gregory & Sons 1183, 10th S Rice 1178.

An Ace card once again from the Gregory loft, they are the team to beat this season to date. The winning pigeon this week is a Blue Widowhood Cock bred from their excellent family of M & D Evans Vandenabeele’s, the second arrival was also a Blue Widowhood Cock who won the Colin Club the previous two weeks finishing 3rd Section D from Roscrea, he is a full to the lofts good Pencil Blue Cock who won the Section two weeks on the trot in 2007. Super flying by the Gregory boys.

Glenavy & District HPS 25/530 – 1st Paddy McGarrity 1202, 2nd Ian Gibb & Sons 1201, 3rd Ian Gibb & Sons 1199, 4th Paddy McGarrity 1197, 5th Paddy McGarrity 1194, 6th G Parker & Son 1192, 7th T & G Kennedy 1187, 8th Johnston & McCandless 1187.2, 9th A McAllister 1185, 10th G Parker & Son 1184. In this race last year Paddy had a card to remember, with the Club once again this week with over 500 pigeons away his task was much harder, but showing the true character of his team out on top he comes once again making it a Clonmel double for the loft. Ian Gibb & Sons take the next two with the first pigeon to be clocked a direct son of the “Hollywood Cock” not the first time this boy has been to the fore during his racing career, although I think his trapping was as difficult as normal with regards this one. Paddy is then in again with another couple with Gordie Parker completing the top six.

Glenavy & District 2 Bird – 1st A McAllister 1174, 2nd G Parker & Son 1160 & 3rd Johnston & McCandless 1144. The Glenavy & District HPS Gold Ring Race – Tickets are still on sale for one more week, this your last chance to buy tickets priced at £10 each.

Derriaghy HPS 8/216 – 1st Ian Gibb & Sons 1199, 2nd Ian Gibb & Sons 1189, 3rd Ian Gibb & Sons 1186, 4th Ian Kennedy 1183, 5th Ian Gibb & Sons 1180, 6th R McCullough 1173. Not for the first time this weekend a loft has mirrored their performance in this race to the corresponding one last year and the Gibb loft is yet another, repeating what they achieved last year, the difference this year is that this is five on the trot for the loft, are they going to be beat? Ian & Peter timed a G/Son of the world famous Tips, yes another Vink pigeon timed this week for the Gibb loft the 2nd arrival was one from one of their new families namely Frans Van Tilbourgh. It has been a great start to the season for the Gibb lofts, racing both in the Derriaghy HPS and Glenavy HPS. I see Ian Kennedy still knocking on the door with Ricky McCullough also making the frame.

Lisburn & District HPS 32/714 – 1st S Briggs 1197, 2nd L Magee & Son 1195, 3rd Spence Bros 1194, 4th Spence Bros 1190, 5th H Browne 1189, 6th A & T & J Houston 1189, 7th A & T & J Houston 1187, 8th S Briggs 1187, 9th H Browne 1186, 10th L Magee & Son 1184. Can’t say Sam hasn’t been knocking on the door over recent weeks, he has arrived this week collecting the Red Card a couple of yards clear of Len & Jack Magee with last weeks Section D winning loft of Spence Bros completing the top four in 3rd & 4th, looking over the result of last week I see that the Spence loft in fact finished a very credible 7th Open NIPA with their Section winner against 25,998 pigeons.

Dunedin HPS 13/328 – 1st Myles & McBride 1196, 2nd G McCartney & Son 1184, 3rd Colin Coates & Son 1181, 4th Myles & McBride 1171, 5th G McCartney & Son 1160; 6th Myles & McBride 1156; 7th A & J Brown 1152, 8th A & J Brown 1151, 9th G McCartney & Son 1149, 10th Tom McConnell & Son 1145. Well done to the partnership of Myles & McBride on securing their second success of 2010 to date, the boys in the Club have named their lofts ‘Locus Loft’s for word on the streat has it that their pigeons return like a swarm of Locus, very well done on a super win on a testing day, Geordie McCartney in close on the heels of the winner with last weeks winner Colin Coates & Son finishing in third spot.

South Belfast 9/158 – 1st Rab Fear 1181, 2nd Rab Fear 1180, 3rd Rab Fear 1171, 4th Rab Fear 1147, 5th Rab Fear 1147. Simply back with a bang is the loft of Rab Fear, superb racing from Clonmel in a head wind for the loft as an over-all team performance, in last years corresponding race the loft also took the red card, excellent consistency.

Kingswood HPS – 1st C & J Long & Son 1180, 2nd E Burton 1162, 3rd C & J Long & Son 1158, 4th C & J Long & Son 1154, 5th E Burton 1153, 6th C & J Long & Sons 1152, 7th E Burton 1146, 8th R & J Conlane 1144, 9th C & J Long & Son 1143, 10th C & J Long & Son 1139. Colin is having an electrifying season to date, he won 1st & 2nd Tullamore as well as a number of other prize winners, the loft also finished well in both Roscrea and Clonmel (1) last week, but the result this week is the best of them all to date. Eddie Burton is a good runner-up and between him and Colin complete the top six in the Club.

Kingswood 2 Bird Club – 1st C & J Long & Son 1180, 2nd Eddie Burton 1152. This was Colin’s fancied pigeon just not in the 2 Bird but the Club also, he takes the Nom, including the Dec, the pools and as mentioned the 2 Bird, rumour has it Group 4 turned up to take him home. Well done Colin on a super weekend.