Pigeon Network

MUIR Ronnie - It was sad news during the last week when we learned that Ronnie Muir had passed away peacefully at his home after a period of illness, although not involved with the birds for a number of years he previously had been a dedicated long serving member in the Ballymena & District HPS. When I joined the club and later took over as Secretary I could always depend on Ronnie to give valuable assistance during the big race nights, he was a master at filling out the entry forms. He was never shy about helping at the club and carried out many duties, he also won a number of races. Originally from Scotland he was a Painter by trade, another handy business around the clubrooms. At one stage many years back he covered the pigeon column with a local newspaper, I remember calling him many times with the results and in those days all the work was done by hand, how times have changed. Ronnie was laid to rest at St Patricks Cemetery Crebilly after Requiem Mass in All Saint’s Church Ballymena. On behalf of the local fancy, sincere condolences to his wife Aine and entire family circle. HOMER.

MARSHALL Ned – It is with regret I report the passing of Ned Marshall from Killyleagh who raced his birds with great success in both the NIPA and East Down Combine. He was Chairman of the local Killyleagh Central HPS for many years, a true sportsman, and was a past President in the NIPA. He was a dedicated worker for the local area and was involved with the local Centre during the major races. Due to severe illness over the last year he was forced to get rid of his birds, this saddened him deeply. I did not know Ned very well but no doubt he was from the old school, no work for his local members was too much bother. He will be sadly missed by all his friends in Killyleagh and across Northern Ireland, on behalf of the local fancy sincere condolences to the family circle at this very sad time. Willie Reynolds NIPA Press Officer.

McILROY William (Billy) – It is with regret I report the passing of Billy McIlroy an ace flyer over many seasons in the Ballymena & Dist HPS. In his time racing Billy was ever present and won numerous races, he was often placed in the big events and in 1980 won the Blue Riband YB National from Penzance when the winner recorded velocity 1126 for the 330 approx miles arriving in heavy rain. He had a great belief in the Eye-sign theory debating the subject many times and he was often invited to carry out judging duties. A very highly respected fancier he competed in the Ballymena & Dist with the famous fanciers of the time, the elite of the pigeon fancy in Northern Ireland. His Clearance Sale a number of years back was a big event in Chimney Corner clubroom’s, some birds sold then are still making their mark. Billy had been in ailing health for the last number of years and he passed away peacefully at hospital. The funeral service will be held in Ballymena Methodist Church on Sunday 10th April at 2.30pm, interment afterwards in Ballymena Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired may be sent to James Henry Funeral Services, 100 Broughshane Street, Ballymena BT43 6EE, for Macmillan Cancer Care or Cancer Research. On behalf of the pigeon fancy sincere condolences to the family circle at this very sad time. HOMER.

CLARKE Francis Joseph (Frank) – It was a shock to learn that Frank Clarke of Ballymena had passed away suddenly at his home in Parkmore Drive. He was a retired post-man and I first met him when he lived in Chorley, Lancs. We used to stay in Chorley at the weekend of Blackpool Show and on one occasion we stayed with Frank and his family. He moved across to Ballymena and raced his birds with great success topping the Combine & Sect on a number of occasions and winning many 1sts at Club level. For a few years he acted as Secretary of the club but later left and became involved with the New Antrim Amalgamated when he again carried out the duties of Secretary. As a mark of respect the club did not race on Easter Saturday, the day of the funeral. He was buried in the Crebilly Burying Ground following the early morning service in All Saints Parish Church in Ballymena. A large number of local fanciers including many from his local club attended the funeral. Frank will be sadly missed and can I offer sincere condolences on behalf of the local fancy to his wife Marie and the entire family circle. Willie Reynolds.

Frank CLARKE - It is with great sadness that I inform the fancy of the passing of Frank Clarke aged 69 Years. Frank was a fantastic secretary and club official who will be very much missed, on behalf of all the members we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife Marie and Family. Members of New Antrim Amalgamated.