Farming Life - Wednesday 30/04/11
Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 9:11 am
City of Derry News Update -
A sale to raise funds for the Derry City Fed will take place at the Rocking Chair Bar, Waterloo Street Derry on Wed 13th of April viewing will be from 7.00pm till 8.15pm on offer will be a selection of young birds from top lofts around northern Ireland. A good selection of young birds locally and from Donegal, the following list as follows. Davy Black, Ron Williamson, Ian Gill, Dave Mawhinney, Jimmy Hanson, Leslie Madden, Ronnie Nevin, Terence McCrudden, Danny Dixon, Peter Martin, Tom Marshall, Alan Hall, David Booth, Ronnie Witherow, Henderson Crawford, Kevin Carolan, Tony Conway and Sean Diamond. Local Fed members donating as follows: Coyle Bros, W & D Hamilton, Tommy White, P & P Breslin, Brian Maguire, Paddy McLaughlin, Noel McGrotty Pat McLaughlin, Micheal Moran, Fox & Hegarty. Steve O’Dea, R & N Concannon, Anthony McCrudden, Micky McCloskey, Sean Duffy, Colom McConomy, Martin Healy, Paul Maxwell, Noel Murray, Eamon Quigley, Steven Barker, Pat Cregan,and Jim Ramsey. A sale not to be missed the following week Ballymena and District will present a selection of young birds donated by club members to raise club funds and on previous sales by this club young birds purchased raced very well into the town for fanciers that purchased two sale not to be missed The Fed is putting forward a seven race programme for old bird racing 17th April Mullingar right through to Mallow. All clubs should have received the Federation plans for 2011, remember with support this is possible to have seven races. Please note that fees for the year are £10.00, payable to your club secretary ASAP.
Joe & Mark Brown Training –
Joe & Mark Brown Training - The local transporter will start operations on Monday 28th March every day prior to racing, weather permitting of course. After that each week, Monday to Thursday to Newry and Ardee. Collection points and times etc as before with usual stops at Bleary 9.45am and Gilford 10.ooam. Birdage will be a nominal 10p, very good value and Joe can be contacted at any time Tel: 07709 077266.
Tom Cairns (Glengormley) intends to train birds to Skerries (Dublin) each Saturday morning between 14th May and 25th June especially with the long distance races in mind. Pick-up points will include Corr’s Corner Roundabout 7.00am until 7.30am, Park Centre 8.00am until 8.30am. Tel: 07973 113710.
Homer Training Services -
With the better weather lots of lofts have taken advantage and a number have a few tosses under their belts in preparation for the new race season starting as far as the NIPA are concerned at Tullamore on Saturday 9th April. Bird’s race marked as usual on the Friday evening. Homer training has started and depending on the weather going every day prior to the opening race. Birds can be left with Danny Dixon (Dunloy) for collection at 8.20am then Ballymoney HPS Clubrooms at 9.00am (Ballybracks Business Park), calling on way back at Rasharkin (Main St), Cullybackey, and Ahoghill HPS Clubrooms, approx 10.00am. I have also arranged to lift at Crumlin & Dist Clubrooms on the Main St, en route to Oxford Island. In Crumlin at approx 10.30/10.45am. Contact me on my Mobile. Tel: 07538 238364. Weather permitting during racing we will be going weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, for those using computers we update weekly on www.pigeonnetwork.com
Williamson & Calvin Transporter will be training old birds from Sat 2nd April then 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th before racing. Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.50am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.05am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.30am, and Newry 9.50am. Weekly tosses are from Slane Castle, Navan will be the venue on Sunday 3rd April.
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.
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.
Darragh Reigns Supreme in Cullybackey
I unfortunately missed the prize night due to being in Dublin on the same night, I have not missed that many going back my whole time in the sport starting when the late Ernie Leckey was Secretary. Michelin Athletic Club was again the venue for the annual dinner, attendance was reduced a little due to illness.
It was another record year, no surprise that Alan Darragh was again top prize-winner collecting the Russell Family Cup, for I don’t know how many times. Without doubt his is the loft to beat, topping Mid Antrim Combine six times and three of those racing in the INFC. That included the result of the Year, winning the Yearling Nat for the second time scoring a fantastic 1st, 2nd & 3rd Open INFC from Sennen Cove.
At present the Darragh loft holds the INFC race record winning 6 x 1st National and that includes the Blue Riband Kings Cup won with Independent Ranger on 4th July 1986. Over the years he has lifted many cups at the prize night, in November the 2010 list included the Nelson Corry Trophy for 1st Yearling Nat Sennen Cove, Sam Buckley Memorial Cup Best 2 Bird Ave Yearling Nat and Harkers Trophy Best Ave Yearling Nat & Penzance YB Nationals.
George Connolly tops in Broughshane & District
The venue for the annual dinner and prize distribution was once again the Michelin Athletic Club at the Woodside Road between Ballymena and Broughshane. Another good attendance was reported with around 70 members and friends made welcome by the Secretary Harry Smyth. The four course meal was first class as usual and Harry thanked the Chef Charlie and his staff for an excellent service and he also thanked the MAC for the use of the clubroom. He thanked the many sponsors for their support during the past season including Tom & Betty Service, George Connolly, Allister Purvis and also Hilltop Feeds for presenting cups to the club. The Secretary then highlighted some performances by members and their birds during the season, and congratulated all the prize-winners on their season’s achievements. George Connolly secured Highest Prize-winner taking over from the many times winners J & N Simpson. They were followed by A Purvis a new starter getting up near the top, H Smyth & Son, D Houston & Son, Mrs M Smyth, G & A Eagleson, R Wylie, J Getty and T & E Service.
Good prizes were won at all levels of competition including A Purvis winning 1st Mid Antrim Combine from Tullamore in the Young Birds and Davy Houston won a Bronze Diploma racing with the NIPA. Awarded for pigeons twice in the OB Nat France result D Houston & Son won 2009: 8th Sect B & 32nd Open NIPA St Malo, 2010: 35th Sect B & 196th Open NIPA St Malo.
As is always the tradition of the club that a members wife or family member present the awards each season, the secretary invited Andrea Neilly the daughter of John Getty to carry out the presentations. After a vote of thanks by the Treasurer Davy Houston Harry Smyth then presented Andrea with a lovely bouquet of flowers in appreciation for a job well done. The club raffle each year is always very successful and this year was no exception. Davy thanked all those who donated prizes, or helped in any way to make the night another great success. He then thanked the Secretary Harry Smyth and his wife Joan for having the cups and trophies looking so well. Also their dedicated work over the year doing Club Secretary and Ring Secretary and setting up another very successful dinner and prize night. It was then a night of chat and fun, not forgetting the dancing into the wee small hours music supplied by McQuade Entertainment. A good night was had by all, thanks to Harry for the info and photos.
A sale to raise funds for the Derry City Fed will take place at the Rocking Chair Bar, Waterloo Street Derry on Wed 13th of April viewing will be from 7.00pm till 8.15pm on offer will be a selection of young birds from top lofts around northern Ireland. A good selection of young birds locally and from Donegal, the following list as follows. Davy Black, Ron Williamson, Ian Gill, Dave Mawhinney, Jimmy Hanson, Leslie Madden, Ronnie Nevin, Terence McCrudden, Danny Dixon, Peter Martin, Tom Marshall, Alan Hall, David Booth, Ronnie Witherow, Henderson Crawford, Kevin Carolan, Tony Conway and Sean Diamond. Local Fed members donating as follows: Coyle Bros, W & D Hamilton, Tommy White, P & P Breslin, Brian Maguire, Paddy McLaughlin, Noel McGrotty Pat McLaughlin, Micheal Moran, Fox & Hegarty. Steve O’Dea, R & N Concannon, Anthony McCrudden, Micky McCloskey, Sean Duffy, Colom McConomy, Martin Healy, Paul Maxwell, Noel Murray, Eamon Quigley, Steven Barker, Pat Cregan,and Jim Ramsey. A sale not to be missed the following week Ballymena and District will present a selection of young birds donated by club members to raise club funds and on previous sales by this club young birds purchased raced very well into the town for fanciers that purchased two sale not to be missed The Fed is putting forward a seven race programme for old bird racing 17th April Mullingar right through to Mallow. All clubs should have received the Federation plans for 2011, remember with support this is possible to have seven races. Please note that fees for the year are £10.00, payable to your club secretary ASAP.
Joe & Mark Brown Training –
Joe & Mark Brown Training - The local transporter will start operations on Monday 28th March every day prior to racing, weather permitting of course. After that each week, Monday to Thursday to Newry and Ardee. Collection points and times etc as before with usual stops at Bleary 9.45am and Gilford 10.ooam. Birdage will be a nominal 10p, very good value and Joe can be contacted at any time Tel: 07709 077266.
Tom Cairns (Glengormley) intends to train birds to Skerries (Dublin) each Saturday morning between 14th May and 25th June especially with the long distance races in mind. Pick-up points will include Corr’s Corner Roundabout 7.00am until 7.30am, Park Centre 8.00am until 8.30am. Tel: 07973 113710.
Homer Training Services -
With the better weather lots of lofts have taken advantage and a number have a few tosses under their belts in preparation for the new race season starting as far as the NIPA are concerned at Tullamore on Saturday 9th April. Bird’s race marked as usual on the Friday evening. Homer training has started and depending on the weather going every day prior to the opening race. Birds can be left with Danny Dixon (Dunloy) for collection at 8.20am then Ballymoney HPS Clubrooms at 9.00am (Ballybracks Business Park), calling on way back at Rasharkin (Main St), Cullybackey, and Ahoghill HPS Clubrooms, approx 10.00am. I have also arranged to lift at Crumlin & Dist Clubrooms on the Main St, en route to Oxford Island. In Crumlin at approx 10.30/10.45am. Contact me on my Mobile. Tel: 07538 238364. Weather permitting during racing we will be going weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, for those using computers we update weekly on www.pigeonnetwork.com
Williamson & Calvin Transporter will be training old birds from Sat 2nd April then 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th before racing. Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.50am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.05am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.30am, and Newry 9.50am. Weekly tosses are from Slane Castle, Navan will be the venue on Sunday 3rd April.
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.
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.
Darragh Reigns Supreme in Cullybackey
I unfortunately missed the prize night due to being in Dublin on the same night, I have not missed that many going back my whole time in the sport starting when the late Ernie Leckey was Secretary. Michelin Athletic Club was again the venue for the annual dinner, attendance was reduced a little due to illness.
It was another record year, no surprise that Alan Darragh was again top prize-winner collecting the Russell Family Cup, for I don’t know how many times. Without doubt his is the loft to beat, topping Mid Antrim Combine six times and three of those racing in the INFC. That included the result of the Year, winning the Yearling Nat for the second time scoring a fantastic 1st, 2nd & 3rd Open INFC from Sennen Cove.
At present the Darragh loft holds the INFC race record winning 6 x 1st National and that includes the Blue Riband Kings Cup won with Independent Ranger on 4th July 1986. Over the years he has lifted many cups at the prize night, in November the 2010 list included the Nelson Corry Trophy for 1st Yearling Nat Sennen Cove, Sam Buckley Memorial Cup Best 2 Bird Ave Yearling Nat and Harkers Trophy Best Ave Yearling Nat & Penzance YB Nationals.
George Connolly tops in Broughshane & District
The venue for the annual dinner and prize distribution was once again the Michelin Athletic Club at the Woodside Road between Ballymena and Broughshane. Another good attendance was reported with around 70 members and friends made welcome by the Secretary Harry Smyth. The four course meal was first class as usual and Harry thanked the Chef Charlie and his staff for an excellent service and he also thanked the MAC for the use of the clubroom. He thanked the many sponsors for their support during the past season including Tom & Betty Service, George Connolly, Allister Purvis and also Hilltop Feeds for presenting cups to the club. The Secretary then highlighted some performances by members and their birds during the season, and congratulated all the prize-winners on their season’s achievements. George Connolly secured Highest Prize-winner taking over from the many times winners J & N Simpson. They were followed by A Purvis a new starter getting up near the top, H Smyth & Son, D Houston & Son, Mrs M Smyth, G & A Eagleson, R Wylie, J Getty and T & E Service.
Good prizes were won at all levels of competition including A Purvis winning 1st Mid Antrim Combine from Tullamore in the Young Birds and Davy Houston won a Bronze Diploma racing with the NIPA. Awarded for pigeons twice in the OB Nat France result D Houston & Son won 2009: 8th Sect B & 32nd Open NIPA St Malo, 2010: 35th Sect B & 196th Open NIPA St Malo.
As is always the tradition of the club that a members wife or family member present the awards each season, the secretary invited Andrea Neilly the daughter of John Getty to carry out the presentations. After a vote of thanks by the Treasurer Davy Houston Harry Smyth then presented Andrea with a lovely bouquet of flowers in appreciation for a job well done. The club raffle each year is always very successful and this year was no exception. Davy thanked all those who donated prizes, or helped in any way to make the night another great success. He then thanked the Secretary Harry Smyth and his wife Joan for having the cups and trophies looking so well. Also their dedicated work over the year doing Club Secretary and Ring Secretary and setting up another very successful dinner and prize night. It was then a night of chat and fun, not forgetting the dancing into the wee small hours music supplied by McQuade Entertainment. A good night was had by all, thanks to Harry for the info and photos.