Farming Life - Wednesday 27/04/11
Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 1:52 pm
For the third race of the old bird season the NIPA moved on to Roscrea in County Tipperary, with overnight rain clearing most of the mist and for that had been around for most of the week Saturday 23rd April turned out a fantastic day with excellent visibility at the home end. Best reported on Saturday evening which of course will be subject to change when more results are available is Malachy Maguire & Son timing their Open winner from Tullamore the week previous to possibly top the NIPA two weeks on the trot with the same bird, now named "Sheer Class".
NIPA Roscrea Open - 1-1G M. Maguire & Son Newry 1577, 2-1C Wilson & Sons & Smith Doagh 1560, 3-2G JF McCabe 1560, 4-2C Wilson & Sons & Smith 1559, 5-3G Hutchinson Bros Ashfield 1559, 6-1D McKinstry Bros Dromara 1559, 7-3G Donnelly Bros Newry City 1557.5, 8-4G J. Murtagh 1555.6, 9-2D Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, 10-3D Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, 11-4D Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, 12-3C S Rodney & Son Ballyclare 1553, 13-5G Donnelly Bros 1553.2, 14-5D J Greenaway Universal Lofts Dromore 1552.9, 15-1F Telford Bros 1552.7, 16-6G J Smyth & Sons Drumnavaddy 1551.2, 17-7G J Smyth & Sons 1551.0, 18-2F P Lue & Son Downpatrick 1549.8, 19-8G E McAlinden & Sons 1549.4, 20-3F P Lue & Son 1549.2.
Best in each NIPA Sect (Prov) -
Section A: J Devlin 1519.4, J Devlin 1591.1, Glen & Stanley Smith 1517.
Section B: Young & McManus 1527, A Darragh 1524, A Darragh 1523.
Section C: Wilson Sons & Smyth 1560, Wilson Sons & Smyth 1559, S Rodney & Son 1553.
Section D: McKinstry Bros 1559, Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, Cromie & Magee & Son 1554.
Section E: J Douglas & Son 1549, G Buckley & Son 1544, E McKnight 1542.
Section F: Telford Bros 1552, P Lue & Son 1549.8, P Lue & Son 1549.2.
Section G: M Maguire & Son 1577, J F McCabe 1560, Hutchinson Bros 1559.
Section H: A Hall 1427, B & K Reid 1426, J & G Ramsey 1426.
Joe Devlin from Coalisland has the best reported birds in the NIPA Sect A, two arrivals together recording velocity 1519 followed by Glen & Stanley Smith who had 1st Cookstown Social.
NIPA Sect A Clubs
Coalisland 16/456 – J Devlin 1519, 1519, K Murphy 1492, S & L Drain 1492, W Bleeks & Son 1490, 1489. Two birds together and a good 1st & 2nd for Joe Devlin on velocity 1519.
Coleraine Premier 17/535 – Nevin Bros 1436, Hanson & Harpur 1435, Diamond Bros 1434, A McDonnell 1428, Diamond Bros 1426, A McDonnell 1423, R McAlary 1423, Hanson & Harpur 1421, P O’Connor 1420, J L Madden 1420. Ronnie Nevin wins with one of his special breed getting ahead of Hanson & Harpur who won the opening two races.
Coleraine & County Derry 19/317 – K McAuley 1426, T McCrudden 1423, R Montgomery 1403, J McCormick 1398, W & W Murdock 1398, O McAuley 1397. Congratulations to Kenny timing the winner ahead of Terence McCrudden, the winner was from Paddy McManus. Rab wins the pools.
Cookstown Social – Glen & Stanley Smith 1517, 1502, J McCormick1498, 1485, 1481, G & S Smith 1477.
Castledawson 7/170 – M McErlean 1465.7, S K Watson 1465, T Leacock & Son 1449, M Lynn 1437, T Leacock & Son 1424, 1423.
Dungannon – G & H Boyd 1454, S Shannon 1445, W Leckey & Son 1440.
Windsor Social 14/280 – G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1414, E & J McGarry 1412, R McCook 1405, C Morrow & Son 1399, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1394, E Christie 1386, A & M Glass 1385, Horner & Scott 1383, R McCook 1381, K Glass 1379. The club would like to thank the following fanciers (outside the club) who kindly donated youngsters to our recent Breeder Buyer sale - W Henry, M Howard, W & W Murdock, D Dixon, G Connolly, W & L McCaw, L Madden and J McCandless.
In the far flying Sect A West Alan Hall of Omagh the local ace who has been Fancier of the Year on several occasions is best reported on velocity 1427, followed by the best two birds in Derry City a very close finish between B & K Reid and J & G Ramsey, both doing velocity 1426 and both members of the Derry & District HPS.
NIPA Sect H Clubs
Derry & District 13/154 – B & K Reid 1426, J & G Ramsey 1426, M & C Chism 1421, J Ebbs 1408, A McCrudden 1405, J & G Ramsey 1405.
Foyle RPS 16/186 – Mr & Mrs Maxwell 1402, R O’Reilly 1395, J McDaid 1392, J Diamond 1386, J Gallagher 1386, 1382.
Limavady 8/187 – H Crawford 1377, R Witherow 1357, 1356, 1353, 1347, 1343.
Londonderry PRS 15/213 – N Murray 1402, 1401, D & P Wick 1401, P Breslin & Son 1397, J & D Kelly 1396, N Murray 1386. Noel takes the top spot in the Waterside this week with four birds on the result sheet, his winner being a yearling widowhood cock. Congratulations to Noel on an excellent result.
Maiden City 22/280 – B Page 1417, R Lyle 1405, B Ogilvie 1404, Coyle Bros 1402, B Page 1402, S McGrotty 1397.
Omagh & District – Alan Hall 1427, K Armstrong 1422, T Booth 1393.
Strabane 14/255 – G Quinn 1413, T Conway 1395.8, 1395.7, T McBride 1380, D Farrell 1378, T Conway 1373. Glen wins with a Staf Van Reet.
Rock Flying Club 15/116 – W & D Hamilton 1381, Fox & Hegarty 1355, W & D Hamilton 1341, Cassidy Bros & Son 1300, McCloskey Bros 1297.
Pride of place at the top of the NIPA Sect B goes to top racer from Ahoghill Paddy McManus who has won all three races to date and is indeed the loft to beat recording velocity 1527. He is followed by Alan Darragh winning for the second time in Cullybackey and having his best race to date with four very good birds the best of which recorded velocity 1524.
NIPA Sect B Clubs
Ahoghill Flying Club 13/445 – Young McManus & Sons 1527, 1509, 1505, J Smyth & Son 1487, C Young 1486, J Smyth & Son 1480, Young McManus & Sons 1475, G & G Jackson 1458, Young McManus & Sons 1458, 1457.
Ballymena & Dist 13/311 – M Graham 1498, W & J Smyth 1483, 1463, Blair & Rankin 1456, B O’Rawe 1446, G & A Eagleson 1442, B O’Rawe 1438, M Graham 1435, McAlonan Bros 1431, G & A Eagleson 1428. Martin Graham wins two in a row, he timed his good yearling Blue Pied cock a winner twice as a young bird at 2.52pm recording velocity 1498 for the 146 miles. Jacobs bloodlines supplied by M/M Gerald Delaney of Dromore, the special training is working.
Ballymoney HPS 27/1033 – L Neill 1473, D Dixon 1467, A & M Boyle 1465, J Hutchinson & Son 1465, G Holmes 1411, D & H Stuart 1460, G Holmes 1459, J Connolly 1458, J Hutchinson & Son 1457, L Neill 1453. Lynn Neill goes six yards clear to win the big Ballymoney club with well over one thousand birds entered, his winner is a Blue Van Reet/Dennis Sapin, yearling hen.
Ballymoney West Combine 9/386 – L Neill 1473, J Hutchinson & Son 1465, J McDowell & Sons 1445, W Blair 1443, C Henry 1433, R J Elliott 1422, D Gage 1382, Curry & Gilmore 1379, D Laverty 1371. Lynn Neill wins his first race of the season with a yearling Van Reet/Dennis Sapin hen through friends Bertie Brown and Brian Stewart.
Dervock IPS 9/333 - A & M Boyle 1465, J Hutchinson & Son 1465, D & H Stuart 1460, J Hutchinson & Son 1457, A & M Boyle 1450, D & H Stuart 1439, S Laverty 1412, 1404, R McIntyre 1399, D Devenney 1388.
Broughshane 12/252 – J & N Simpson 1476, A Purvis 1459, J & N Simpson 1453, A Purvis 1449, H Smyth & Son 1445, T & E Service 1427, 1422, H Smyth & Son 1416. The J & N Simpson partnership are back on top this week with a yearling
Jan-Aarden Roundabout Cock. This bird was 2nd Club Roscrea as a young bird and won the £100 Breeder Buyer Race that day. One to watch for on the channel boys. The club have rings left unsold, these are the un-chipped ones and anyone requiring some can contact Harry Smyth.
Cullybackey 22/689 – A Darragh 1524, 1523, Russell Bros 1515, Reid Bros & McCloy 1500, S Steele 1489, Reid Bros & McCloy 1481, Russell Bros 1473, W Scott 1468, E Davidson 1462, W Scott 1457, H & R McCloy 1453, Des Robinson 1448.
Crumlin & District 14/375 – Fleming Bros 1513, 1512, J & N Lamb 1488, J Lowry 1482, M & B McConville 1481, P McClarence 1479, J & N Lamb 1474, M McGrandles 1472, G Grant 1462, J Lowry 1461. Fleming Bros were back to winning ways, two birds together and the winner recording velocity 1513.
Harryville 17/550 – A McBride 1516, Wray & McFadden 1500, R H Clements 1498, A McBride 1498, G Price 1483, Wray & McFadden 1479, L Mullan 1479, J Millar & Son 1473, J Rock 1473, L Mullan 1472. Allan wins two in a row this time with a Louella Van der Rhee, the nest-mate won 1st Combine & 1st Secton Fermoy 2010.
Kells & District 14/367 – G McDowell 1503, T & M Morrow 1479, B Swann & Son 1472, Scott & Clements 1471, Surgenor Bros 1469, 1467, T & M Morrow 1466, 1462, Surgenor Bros 1462, McFarlane & Agnew 1461. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – McFarlane & Agnew 1461, H Boyd 1452. George McDowell tops Kells & Dist for the second time this season. His yearling Blue Pied hen the best Jacobs from Gerald Delaney was timed at 2.49pm to record velocity 1503 for the 144 miles.
Muckamore 18/543 – J Courtney 1548, 1517, J White 1512, D J Thompson 1509, J Courtney 1509, 1494, 1493, J White 1493, J Courtney 1487, A & E Bell 1485.
The race was dominated by Sect C lofts, Jimmy Courtney takes the Red Card for the first time this season doing velocity 1548. Well clear of his second arrival followed by the previous weeks winner John White. Dessie Thompson was best in Sect B finishing 4th on velocity 1509.
New Antrim Amal – No race due to the funeral of Secretary Frank Clarke.
Randalstown 12/297 – S Millar 1504, 1480, 1480, S Murphy 1468, Stewart Bros 1463, 1460, S Millar 1453, 1452. Simon Millar takes 1st, 2nd and 3rd winning three races on the trot.
Rasharkin & District 12/332 – Milliken & Barkley 1459, J Robinson & Son 1446, Steele & McNeill 1442, 1431, A C & T Tweed 1430, H Cubitt 1430.
First win of the season for last years highest prize winners Milliken & Barkley from Jimmy Robinson second. Nom: Steele & McNeill. Race kindly sponsored by Noel Twaddle Contracts (Ballymoney).
J Douglas & Son of the Lurgan Soc have the best reported bird in the big Sect E recording velocity 1549 followed by G Buckley & Son Annaghmore (1544) and E McKnight (1542). Best in Armagh was D & C McArdle doing velocity 1533, Roy Parkes & Son had 1st 2 Bird Club.
NIPA Sect E Clubs
Annaghmore – G Buckley & Son 1544, F McNeice 1530, W G Neill 1528.
Armagh 18/425 – D & C McArdle 1533, G & A Campbell 1527, S Fields & Son 1516, G & A Campbell 1507, S Fields & Sons 1502, J McLaughlin 1496.
Armagh 2 Bird Club – R Parkes & son 1491, G & A Campbell 1481, S Fields & Sons 1431, D & C McArdle 1431.
Beechpark Social 14/495 – D Mawhinney & Son 1528, G McEvoy 1522, R Russell 1513, R Bothwell 1512, D Mawhinney & Son 1506, H Lynch & Son 1500.
Bondhill – Ron Williamson 1530, 1529, 1520.
Charlemont – M McGlinchey 1486, A Grew 1485, P Grew 1481, A Grew 1475, 1468, 1466.
Drumcree Social – R Matchett 1482, B Creaney 1477, 1476.
Edgarstown 18/522 – David Love 1525, G & C Simmons 1517, D Parr 1515, W Cannaway 1500, G & C Simmons 1486, W Cannaway 1478.
Gilford & District – Hanratty & Mulvenna 1520, Cairns Bros 1516, S S Cairns 1495, T Wilson 1493, 1492, 1492.
Laurelvale 17/343 – R K Abraham 1525, A Gittins 1500, J Dowey & Sons 1495, W Gillis & Sons 1495, J Serplus 1493, W Gillis & Sons 1477.
Lurgan Amat 8/192 – G Gillespie & Son 1527, D McBride 1501, 1493, 1485, G & F Hall 1482, Higginson & Johnston 1478.
Lurgan Social – J Douglas & Son 1549, 1522, J Curran 1505, J Douglas & Son 1505, 1500, Furphy Bros 1499.
Markethill – D Linden 1509, 1508, M McDowell 1494, W Brown 1494, M McDowell 1488, Hewitt & Trotter 1488.
Monaghan 9/278 – W Walker & Son 1473, S O’Brien 1465, P Tierney 1459, B Corley 1456, W Walker & Son 1450, H Gormley 1450. The winner was timed at 1.54pm flying 95 miles.
Portadown Inv – Allan McDonald 1511, 1435, D J Gordon 1469, A McDonald 1457, W Cooke 1455, A McDonald 1452. Allan makes it two wins from two and takes four of the first six positions. Top flying from the man we tend to look out for in the longer races.
Tandragee 6/218 – Alan Craig 1555, Dillon & Morrow 1540, Alan Craig 1520, 1513, J Dowey & Son 1505, A Craig 1504.
Wilton Cross 14/349 – D Carville & Son 1531, C & J Ferris 1502, M Wilkinson 1488, Toman & Hamill 1470, 1469, G Douglas 1467.
Over 1,200 birds again for the East Antrim Loughview Combine, G & M Atcheson top the Combine doing velocity 1543. Their widowhood cock is a Soontjen and was 2nd Club, 4th Section C, and 18th Open last week from Tullamore with almost 25,000 birds competing. A great result, well done!
Loughview Combine Roscrea 58/1,294 – G & M Atcheson 1543, D Brown 1540, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1537, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1536, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1524, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1524, Foster & Larkin 1523, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1522, E Gracey 1521, Bingham & Seaton 1519.
In the Newry based Northsouth Federation pride of place for the second week is Malachy Maguire & Son who have one of the top racing lofts in Northern Ireland, they have another Champion added to the CV list the same bird has topped not only the local Federation for two races on the trot but topped the Mighty NIPA as well. Not too many birds in the long history of the NIPA have done that! From Tullamore they won 1st Open NIPA 1053/24,873 on velocity 1607, and this week doing velocity 1577 are expected to win 1st Open NIPA getting up near 30,000 birds which were released from 7 Transporters.
Northsouth Federation Roscrea 67/1,732 – M Maguire & Son 1577, J F McCabe 1560, Donnelly Bros 1557, J Murtagh 1555, Donnelly Bros 1553, Donnelly Bros 1552, A McAteer & Sons 1547, Donnelly Bros 1540, H Walsh & Son 1540, W Jones 1533.
Joe Smyth & Sons have the best bird in the Banbridge based Ban Fed, two birds together doing velocity 1551 and the winner lifting the £1 Pool. Eddie McAlinden on 1549 is next best.
Ban Federation Roscrea 20/571 – J Smyth & Sons 1551 £1 Pool, J Smyth & Sons 1551, E McAlinden 1549, J Smyth & Sons 1547, E Mallon & Son 1542, C McArdle & Son 1524, L F & B McGrath 1523, J Smyth & Sons 1520, J Smyth & Sons 1519, J Smyth & Sons 1519.
Williamson & Calvin Transporter –
Please note that from Monday 2nd May to Thursday 5th birds will be training from Laytown, Sunday 1st May the venue will be Balbriggan. Usual collections - 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.
Tauris ETS For Sale – In new condition and including 4 x Pads 22”, Extension Leads, and approx 70/80 Rings, cost £900 new, will accept £650. Tel Joe: 07709 077266.
East Down Combine Mount Charles (1) -
For the 3rd race of the old bird season the East Down birds were released in Mount Charles near Nenagh at 12.30pm, the race was again dominated by lofts in the East Sect. The Annsborough loft of N Maguire had 1st & 2nd Open with birds together doing velocity 1601, former Kings Cup winner Jackie Crossan from Downpatrick was 3rd. The West Sect was won by D Walsh of Crossgar doing velocity 1593 followed by G Morrison & Daughter Ballynahinch and M & A Johnston Newtownbreda.
East Down Combine Open Mount Charles (1) - 1 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 2 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 3 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1597, 4 D Walsh Crossgar HPS 1593, 5 Mr & Mrs Irvine Downpatrick HPS 1584, 6 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 7 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 8 G Morrison & Dtr Ballynahinch HPS 1573, 9 P.Lue & Son Downpatrick HPS 1571, 10 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1567, 11 M.McClure Newtownbreda HPS 1564, 12 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1564, 13 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 14 A Murray & Son Dundrum HPS 1564, 15 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 16 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1562, 17 J Newell Annalong HPS 1561, 18 D.Croskery & Son Annsborough HPS 1561, 19 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1561, 20 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1560, 21 M.Croskery Annsborough HPS 1560, 22 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1559, 23 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1558, 24 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1558, 25 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1557, 26 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1557, 27 B C T Foulis & Gill Dundonald HPS 1557, 28 R McKibben Annalong HPS 1557, 29 J.Abernethy Ballynahinch HPS 1556, 30 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1556, 31 G.Maginn Annalong HPS 1556, 32 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1556, 33 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1555, 34 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1555, 35 James. Cleland Annsborough HPS 1555, 36 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1555, 37 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1554, 38 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1554, 39 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1554, 40 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1553.
EDC West Sect - 1 D Walsh Crossgar HPS 1593, 2 G Morrison & Dtr Ballynahinch HPS 1573, 3 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1567, 4 M.McClure Newtownbreda HPS 1564, 5 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1562, 6 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1560, 7 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1558, 8 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1557, 9 B C T Foulis & Gill Dundonald HPS 1557, 10 J.Abernethy Ballynahinch HPS 1556, 11 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1556, 12 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1555, 13 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1555, 14 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1555, 15 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1554, 16 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1553, 17 M.McClure Newtownbreda HPS 1552, 18 R.Irwin Dundonald HPS 1551, 19 C & G Adair Crossgar HPS 1551, 20 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1548.
EDC East Sect - 1 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 2 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 3 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1597, 4 Mr & Mrs Irvine Downpatrick HPS 1584, 5 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 6 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 7 P.Lue & Son Downpatrick HPS 1571, 8 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1564, 9 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 10 A Murray & Son Dundrum HPS 1564, 11 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 12 J Newell Annalong HPS 1561, 13 D.Croskery & Son Annsborough HPS 1561, 14 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1561, 15 M.Croskery Annsborough HPS 1560, 16 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1559, 17 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1558, 18 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1557, 19 R McKibben Annalong HPS 1557, 20 G.Maginn Annalong HPS 1556.
East Down Clubs Mount Charles (1)
Annalong 18/538 – J Newell 1561, B McConnell 1561, 1559, R McKibben 1557, G Maginn 1556, McLoughlin Bros 1552.
Annsborough – N Maguire 1601, 1601, G & P Brown 1564, 1564, D Croskery & Son 1561, M Croskery 1560.
Ballylesson 16/456 – Massey Bros 1558, 1557, A Crawford 1555, C & D Smyth & Sons 1555, A Crawford 1554, C & D Smyth & Sons 1553. The third old bird race was flown from Mount Charles some 154+ miles to the lofts. The winners this week where the lofts of Massey Bros with 2 quick birds to take first and second club with two blue hens on 1558, 1557. Alex Crawford was third with a blue cock on 1555.
Ballynahinch 10/412 – G Morrison & Daughter 1573, J Abernethy 1556, G Morrison & Daughter 1545, 1545, J Abernethy 1540, J Gillespie 1537.
Cloughey 9/281 – Gordon Bros & Sons 1545, 1545, 1542, H & A Keenan & Partners 1540, H Gordon & Partners 1504, H & A Keenan & Partners 1501.
Crossgar 13/541 D Walsh 1593, S & K Duke 1562, G & C Adair 1551, McCartan & Woodsides 1547, S & K Duke 1543, 1543.
Downpatrick 12/346 – J Crossan 1597, T Smyth 1579, 1579, P Lue & Son 1571, J Crossan 1564, 1558.
Drumaness Mills – Burns & O’Neill 1531, G Hillen & Partners 1525, Burns & O’Neill 1516, J Kirk & Sons 1507, Burns & O’Neill 1487, 1483.
Dundonald 8/243 – B C & T Foulis & Gill 1557, R Irwin 1551, 1545, 1544, 1543, 1542.
Dundrum – A Murray & Son 1564, 1545, 1526, A McNamara & Partner 1520, A Murray & Son 1515, 1515.
Killyleagh Central 17/380 – Gordan Bros 1544, 1542, McComb Bros 1535, 1535, Gordan Bros 1532, Irvine Bros 1526.
Newtowbreda 13/320 – M & A Johnston 1567, M McClure 1564, W White & Son 1560, R & R Lambe 1556, M & A Johnston 1555, M McClure 1552.
Tyrella – M/M Irvine 1584, 1549, S Milliken & Daughter 1547, S & E McGaw 1547, S Milliken & Daughter 1547, 1546.
Coleraine Triangle -
In the Coleraine Area the local Triangle has been topped by A & R McAuley who race in the Ballymoney HPS and have their lofts close to Portrush on the North Coast. Andrew timed one of his yearling hens racing to the perch and they have been lightly trained recording velocity 1449. The Blue w/f was in the clock at 15.16hrs flying 162 miles, a half Van de Brande a line that has been doing very well for the loft. Nevin Bros topped the Coleraine Premier doing velocity 1436 ahead of the high flying Hanson & Harpur club winners in the two previous races. Kenny McAuley has 1st Coleraine & Co Derry (1426) and G Donaghy Sons & grandson have 1st Windsor Social in Coleraine (1414).
Coleraine Triangle Roscrea – A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1449, Nevin Bros Coleraine Prem 1436, Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1435, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1434, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 1428, K McAuley Coleraine & Co Derry 1426, Diamond Bros 1426, T McCrudden Coleraine & Co Derry 1423, A McDonnell 1423, R McAlary Coleraine Prem 1423.
CITY OF DERRY FEDERATION -
With the Dery Fed going into there third race of 2011 with the NIPA from Roscrea in Co Tipperary B & K Reid of the Derry and District hps are the leading loft with a top class performance with a two year old Houben and Coorman cross. This pigeon also won 1st City of Derry Fed last week from Tullamore, a fete very rarely achieved in pigeon racing. The 2nd and 6th goes to the Oakland Loft of Jim & Gary Ramsey Derry and District hps who have been knocking on the door lately. Also flying very consistently newcomers to racing Maxi & Connor Chism Derry and District hps are 3rd and 9th and will be only a matter of time before this loft clicks, with fellow members Joe Ebbs 4th, and Anthony McCrudden 5th. In 7th Robert Lyle Maiden City, 8th Billy Ogilvie, 10th and 20th Sean Duffy Derry and District, 11th Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle 12th, Coyle Bros Maiden City 13th and 14th Londonderry member Noel Murray. Other club members Davy Wick 15th, and P & P Breslin 16th, Sean McGrotty Maiden City 17th and 19th, with Concannon Bros Maiden City 18th.
City of Derry Federation Roscrea – B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1426, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1426, M & C Chism Derry & Dist 1421, J Ebbs Derry & Dist 1408, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1405, J & G Ramsey 1405, A McCrudden 1405, R Lyle Maiden City 1405, B Ogilvie Maiden City 1404, M & C Chism 1403.
FOYLE VALLEY COMBINE –
Racing from Roscrea in Tipperary topping the Foyle Valley Combine 2 weeks running is the in form loft of Bonnie and Keiran Reid Derry and District hps with a two yr old Coorman x Houben bred pigeon. This is top class racing with 2 x 1st Combines under its belt, 2nd and 8th was Jim and Gary Ramsey Derry and District hps, and another loft going well Maxi & Connor Chism Derry and District 3rd and 11th. Maiden City winner Billy Page takes 4th and 18th, and Glenn Quinn Strabane club 5th, Joe Ebbs 6th Derry and District and Anthony McCrudden 7th. Maiden City members in again with Robert Lyle in 9th and Billy Ogilvie 10th, Sean Duffy Derry and District 12th, M/M Maxwell Foyle13th, with Coyle Bros Maiden City 15th. In 16th was Noel Murray and 17th Davy Wick both the Londonderry club, 19th Sean McGrotty and 20th Concannon Bros, both the Maiden City.
Foyle Valley Combine Roscrea 95/1204 – B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1426, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1426, M & C Chism Derry & Dist 1421, B Page Maiden City 1417, G Quinn Strabane 1413, J Ebbs Derry & Dist 1408, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1405, J & G Ramsey 1405, R Lyle Maiden City 1405, B Ogilvie Maiden City 1404.
DERRY AND DISTRICT HPS -
The dominant figure in racing so far B & K Reid securing a 2nd winner, the runner up spot goes to J & G Ramsey with seconds dividing the top two and also taking 6th place. M & C Chism have a good race with two in the top ten 3rd and 7th, Joe Ebbs 4th, Anthony McCrudden 5th, Sean Duffy 8th and 9th with Colm McConomy 10th.
Mid Antrim Combine -
Fantastic start for the Young McManus & Sons team in Ahoghill Flying Club, the top four in the first two races they have the top three this week and top Mid Antrim Combine doing velocity 1527 having timed their bird at 2.46pm. They were under strong pressure from Alan Darragh the Cullybackey winner doing velocity 1524 and three other birds well placed. Allen McBride was the winner in Harryville having timed his 2yo Cheq cock at 2.49pm recording velocity 1516 for the 145 miles from Roscrea in Co Tipperary, and best bird in Ballymena. With one club less this week the race entry was almost 300 birds up on the same race last season when Danny Dixon was 1st, 2nd & 3rd. With mostly full returns another big entry is expected next week.
Mid Antrim Combine Roscrea 115/3,243 – Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1527, A Darragh Cullybackey 1524, A Darragh 1523, A McBride Harryville 1516, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1515, A Darragh 1515, A Darragh 1510, Young McManus & Sons 1509, Young McManus & Sons 1505, S Millar Randalstown 1504, G McDowell Kells 1503, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1500, Wray & McFadden 1500, R H Clements Harryville 1498, M Graham Ballymena 1498, A McBride 1498, S Steele Cullybackey 1489, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1487, C Young Ahoghill 1486, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1483, G Price Harryville 1483, Reid Bros & McCloy 1481, J Smyth & Son 1480, S Millar 1480, S Millar 1480, Wray & McFadden 1479, L Mullan Harryville 1479, T & M Morrow Kells 1479, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1476, Young McManus & Sons 1475.
The Champions League started at the second old bird race flown from Tullamore and continued at Roscrea. The League leaders after the second week are Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 50 Points, Allen McBride Harryville 46 Points, and Simon Millar Randalstown 42 Points. The state of play after week two is: Sect (1) A – S Millar 42 Points, M Graham 25 Points, D Dixon 17 Points, Reid Bros & McCloy 16 Points, Surgenor Bros 14 Points, R H Clements 14 Points. Sect (2) B – Russell Bros 23 Points, Stewart Bros 16 Points, W & J Smyth 8 Points, L Mullan 1 Point. Sect (3) C – Scott & Clements 27 Points, A Darragh 26 Points, Milliken & Barkley 18 Points, C Moore 4 Points, J & N Simpson 3 Points. Sect (4) D – Young McManus & Sons 50 Points, A McBride 46 Points, G McDowell 28 Points, R McFall & Son 13 Points, G McDowell 11 Points, Houston Bros 7 Points, Steele & McNeill 1 Point.
Clubs interested in getting a copy of the Champions League each week should kindly supply an e-mail address to Admin James Harris max.harris@talktalk.net
Around Antrim the best birds from Roscrea were timed in Muckamore, Jimmy Courtney had a flyer his yearling Cheq hen doing velocity 1548 and will be very well placed in the East Antrim Sect C and the NIPA Open. Jimmy had a second arrival doing velocity 1517 followed by the previous weeks winner John White. Fleming Bros had 1st & 2nd in Crumlin & Dist with the winner doing velocity 1513. Simon Millar had the top three places in Randalstown with his winner doing 1504, this loft has won all three races to date. George McDowell has the top place in Kells & Dist doing 1503, he was winning for the second time.
The local birds were in Roscrea County Tipperary at the weekend and had the best day of the weekend with good weather conditions and good visibility. Release was at 12 Noon in a Lt Westerly wind and the race was good with excellent returns. Best in the Ballymoney HPS where over 1,000 birds were competing was Lynn Neill a yearling hen bred from a Van Reet hen and Dennis Sapin cock courtesy of good friends Bertie Brown of Doagh and club mate Brian Stewart. Lynn also had top spot in the Ballymoney West Combine, the winner was timed at 15.02hrs flying 153 miles. Last seasons Fancier of the Year Danny Dixon was next best on 1467 followed by the husband and wife team of A & M Boyle who had 1st Dervock IPS (1465). The high flying Milliken & Barkley had 1st Rasharkin & Dist on 1459 followed by Jimmy Robinson & Son.
OBITUARY
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.
THANK YOU
On behalf of the members and friends of Ballymena & Dist many thanks for help and support of the Derry City fancy at our recent Squeaker Sale held in the local Rocking Chair Bar. The lads could not do enough, erecting the pens, and sorting out all the birds prior to the sale. Also all the help during and after the sale, it was much appreciated. Not wishing to mention any names for fear of leaving someone out, we do thank everyone who supported the venture, those who gave birds and those who made a purchase on the night. Also not forgetting Adie, who rushed away from work and travelled up from Lisburn, and gave the members a flavour of Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions in action. The sale was a good success and we now look forward to the Talbenny YB Nat when the £100 Special will be up for competition in both Sect B & H. Willie Reynolds, Secretary Ballymena & District HPS.
Jennings win gets season under way
The 2011 pigeon-racing season began on Saturday 9 April when the pigeons were released in Mullingar. The weather in the weeks preceding the first race was for the most part dry and bright which afforded ample opportunities for preparing the birds for the first race.
The birds were in the air at 10.30am in a light south southeasterly wind. Now while this isn’t the most favourable wind for South Down members we were still able to get good returns on the day. It was a day when we were never going to count for Open positions with the first Open win of the season going to Dundonald’s Roy Irwin.
In the South Down Fed the result was dominated by the Annsborough club who had all ten positions, in what was a very tight race, with only 9 yards separating the top ten. The winning pigeon had a velocity of 1317 while the next four birds were all on 1314 yards per minute and the pigeons from seventh to tenth were all on 1308.
The winner of the Fed this week is Michael Jennings who has learned a lot on his travels with the Croskerys. Since joining the club a few years ago Michael has put up some great performances and he will be pleased to have got off to such a good start.
The winning pigeon is a yearling hen and is a nest mate of the pigeon that was 3rd Club, 3rd Fed, 5th section and 19th Open in the young bird Talbenny last year and 9th club, 9th Fed the following week from Tyone Mills. It is out of a G Delaney Jacobs cock when paired to a De Klak from John Jobey.
J McNally & Son are off to a good start too with two birds in the result at second and fourth Fed with both birds on the same yard. This could well be a loft to come well into the reckoning this year.
Their first bird is out of the hen that bred the section winner from Bude two years ago. The breeding is Janssen from Taylor Bros, Newbiggin, in the Up North Combine.
Their second pigeon is from similar lines with a touch of Busschaert added, also from Taylor Bros.
Noel Maguire with one of the smallest teams of pigeons around has four birds in the result this week. Noel had nine hens in the race, four of which are latebreds and he has five racing cocks to start yet. In that context this is another great result for Noel.
Noel’s first bird is the two-year-old hen that was Old Bird of the Year in the Fed last year and was runner up in the East Down Combine for Old Bird of the Year. This bird was 2nd Fed, 5th Open Mount Charles, 1st Fed 5th Open Fermoy and 1st Fed, 8th section, 15th Open Skibbereen Classic in three consecutive weeks. The breeding is Van Rijn from Bob McMeekin.
Noel’s second and fourth pigeon are both Van Rijn yearling hens from Bob McMeekin and were both having their first race.
The pigeon at 7th Fed for Noel is a two-year-old Pros Roosen hen from James Cleland Annsborough. This bird was 4th club, 6th Fed, 7th section, 18th Open young bird Talbenny in 2009.
G & P Brown are 6th Fed this week, and its good to see that Patrick has brought Geraldine into the partnership to acknowledge all her hard work. The pigeon timed here is a two-year-old hen that was 1st club, 3rd Fed Mullingar last year in the corresponding race and then took 8th Fed Fermoy and 1st club, 5th Fed, 9th Open in the Derek Wishart race from Fermoy. The parents are from K Rooney & Son and are Busschaert x Staf Van Reet.
Mickey Croskery is 9th Fed this week to get his season off to a steady start. Mickey tells me that he is only racing half a dozen birds for the first couple of weeks. The pigeon timed here is the four-year-old ash hen that was 1st Open from Thurles two years ago when the birds were brought back from Talbenny. The dam is a Janus & Fox through John Jobey, from the Up North Combine while the sire is the pigeon known as the ‘Pool’ cock.
The result is completed by D Croskery & Son in tenth position. The pigeon timed here is a daughter of the ‘01’ hen, their top stock hen when paired to the Kees Bosua cock from John Gerard. This bird’s nestmate was 2nd North section Skibbereen Young Bird National last year.
Full result: (All Annsborough) 1, M Jennings 1317; 2, J McNally & Son 1314.6; 3, N Maguire 1314.5; 4, J McNally & Son 1314.17; 5, N Maguire 1314.11; 6, G & P Brown 1312; 7, 8, N Maguire 1308.8, 1308.25; 9, M Croskery 1308.22; 10, D Croskery & Son 1308.0:
· May Day race will take place on Monday 2 May from Mullingar. Birds will be hampered on Monday morning in Annsborough from 8.30 to 10.00. Cost will be £2.50 for first 5 birds or less and 50p per bird for more than 5. This race is open to Federation members only.
· The loft KO will start from 2nd Mount Charles with the final from Bude.
NIPA Roscrea Open - 1-1G M. Maguire & Son Newry 1577, 2-1C Wilson & Sons & Smith Doagh 1560, 3-2G JF McCabe 1560, 4-2C Wilson & Sons & Smith 1559, 5-3G Hutchinson Bros Ashfield 1559, 6-1D McKinstry Bros Dromara 1559, 7-3G Donnelly Bros Newry City 1557.5, 8-4G J. Murtagh 1555.6, 9-2D Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, 10-3D Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, 11-4D Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, 12-3C S Rodney & Son Ballyclare 1553, 13-5G Donnelly Bros 1553.2, 14-5D J Greenaway Universal Lofts Dromore 1552.9, 15-1F Telford Bros 1552.7, 16-6G J Smyth & Sons Drumnavaddy 1551.2, 17-7G J Smyth & Sons 1551.0, 18-2F P Lue & Son Downpatrick 1549.8, 19-8G E McAlinden & Sons 1549.4, 20-3F P Lue & Son 1549.2.
Best in each NIPA Sect (Prov) -
Section A: J Devlin 1519.4, J Devlin 1591.1, Glen & Stanley Smith 1517.
Section B: Young & McManus 1527, A Darragh 1524, A Darragh 1523.
Section C: Wilson Sons & Smyth 1560, Wilson Sons & Smyth 1559, S Rodney & Son 1553.
Section D: McKinstry Bros 1559, Cromie & Magee & Son 1554, Cromie & Magee & Son 1554.
Section E: J Douglas & Son 1549, G Buckley & Son 1544, E McKnight 1542.
Section F: Telford Bros 1552, P Lue & Son 1549.8, P Lue & Son 1549.2.
Section G: M Maguire & Son 1577, J F McCabe 1560, Hutchinson Bros 1559.
Section H: A Hall 1427, B & K Reid 1426, J & G Ramsey 1426.
Joe Devlin from Coalisland has the best reported birds in the NIPA Sect A, two arrivals together recording velocity 1519 followed by Glen & Stanley Smith who had 1st Cookstown Social.
NIPA Sect A Clubs
Coalisland 16/456 – J Devlin 1519, 1519, K Murphy 1492, S & L Drain 1492, W Bleeks & Son 1490, 1489. Two birds together and a good 1st & 2nd for Joe Devlin on velocity 1519.
Coleraine Premier 17/535 – Nevin Bros 1436, Hanson & Harpur 1435, Diamond Bros 1434, A McDonnell 1428, Diamond Bros 1426, A McDonnell 1423, R McAlary 1423, Hanson & Harpur 1421, P O’Connor 1420, J L Madden 1420. Ronnie Nevin wins with one of his special breed getting ahead of Hanson & Harpur who won the opening two races.
Coleraine & County Derry 19/317 – K McAuley 1426, T McCrudden 1423, R Montgomery 1403, J McCormick 1398, W & W Murdock 1398, O McAuley 1397. Congratulations to Kenny timing the winner ahead of Terence McCrudden, the winner was from Paddy McManus. Rab wins the pools.
Cookstown Social – Glen & Stanley Smith 1517, 1502, J McCormick1498, 1485, 1481, G & S Smith 1477.
Castledawson 7/170 – M McErlean 1465.7, S K Watson 1465, T Leacock & Son 1449, M Lynn 1437, T Leacock & Son 1424, 1423.
Dungannon – G & H Boyd 1454, S Shannon 1445, W Leckey & Son 1440.
Windsor Social 14/280 – G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1414, E & J McGarry 1412, R McCook 1405, C Morrow & Son 1399, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1394, E Christie 1386, A & M Glass 1385, Horner & Scott 1383, R McCook 1381, K Glass 1379. The club would like to thank the following fanciers (outside the club) who kindly donated youngsters to our recent Breeder Buyer sale - W Henry, M Howard, W & W Murdock, D Dixon, G Connolly, W & L McCaw, L Madden and J McCandless.
In the far flying Sect A West Alan Hall of Omagh the local ace who has been Fancier of the Year on several occasions is best reported on velocity 1427, followed by the best two birds in Derry City a very close finish between B & K Reid and J & G Ramsey, both doing velocity 1426 and both members of the Derry & District HPS.
NIPA Sect H Clubs
Derry & District 13/154 – B & K Reid 1426, J & G Ramsey 1426, M & C Chism 1421, J Ebbs 1408, A McCrudden 1405, J & G Ramsey 1405.
Foyle RPS 16/186 – Mr & Mrs Maxwell 1402, R O’Reilly 1395, J McDaid 1392, J Diamond 1386, J Gallagher 1386, 1382.
Limavady 8/187 – H Crawford 1377, R Witherow 1357, 1356, 1353, 1347, 1343.
Londonderry PRS 15/213 – N Murray 1402, 1401, D & P Wick 1401, P Breslin & Son 1397, J & D Kelly 1396, N Murray 1386. Noel takes the top spot in the Waterside this week with four birds on the result sheet, his winner being a yearling widowhood cock. Congratulations to Noel on an excellent result.
Maiden City 22/280 – B Page 1417, R Lyle 1405, B Ogilvie 1404, Coyle Bros 1402, B Page 1402, S McGrotty 1397.
Omagh & District – Alan Hall 1427, K Armstrong 1422, T Booth 1393.
Strabane 14/255 – G Quinn 1413, T Conway 1395.8, 1395.7, T McBride 1380, D Farrell 1378, T Conway 1373. Glen wins with a Staf Van Reet.
Rock Flying Club 15/116 – W & D Hamilton 1381, Fox & Hegarty 1355, W & D Hamilton 1341, Cassidy Bros & Son 1300, McCloskey Bros 1297.
Pride of place at the top of the NIPA Sect B goes to top racer from Ahoghill Paddy McManus who has won all three races to date and is indeed the loft to beat recording velocity 1527. He is followed by Alan Darragh winning for the second time in Cullybackey and having his best race to date with four very good birds the best of which recorded velocity 1524.
NIPA Sect B Clubs
Ahoghill Flying Club 13/445 – Young McManus & Sons 1527, 1509, 1505, J Smyth & Son 1487, C Young 1486, J Smyth & Son 1480, Young McManus & Sons 1475, G & G Jackson 1458, Young McManus & Sons 1458, 1457.
Ballymena & Dist 13/311 – M Graham 1498, W & J Smyth 1483, 1463, Blair & Rankin 1456, B O’Rawe 1446, G & A Eagleson 1442, B O’Rawe 1438, M Graham 1435, McAlonan Bros 1431, G & A Eagleson 1428. Martin Graham wins two in a row, he timed his good yearling Blue Pied cock a winner twice as a young bird at 2.52pm recording velocity 1498 for the 146 miles. Jacobs bloodlines supplied by M/M Gerald Delaney of Dromore, the special training is working.
Ballymoney HPS 27/1033 – L Neill 1473, D Dixon 1467, A & M Boyle 1465, J Hutchinson & Son 1465, G Holmes 1411, D & H Stuart 1460, G Holmes 1459, J Connolly 1458, J Hutchinson & Son 1457, L Neill 1453. Lynn Neill goes six yards clear to win the big Ballymoney club with well over one thousand birds entered, his winner is a Blue Van Reet/Dennis Sapin, yearling hen.
Ballymoney West Combine 9/386 – L Neill 1473, J Hutchinson & Son 1465, J McDowell & Sons 1445, W Blair 1443, C Henry 1433, R J Elliott 1422, D Gage 1382, Curry & Gilmore 1379, D Laverty 1371. Lynn Neill wins his first race of the season with a yearling Van Reet/Dennis Sapin hen through friends Bertie Brown and Brian Stewart.
Dervock IPS 9/333 - A & M Boyle 1465, J Hutchinson & Son 1465, D & H Stuart 1460, J Hutchinson & Son 1457, A & M Boyle 1450, D & H Stuart 1439, S Laverty 1412, 1404, R McIntyre 1399, D Devenney 1388.
Broughshane 12/252 – J & N Simpson 1476, A Purvis 1459, J & N Simpson 1453, A Purvis 1449, H Smyth & Son 1445, T & E Service 1427, 1422, H Smyth & Son 1416. The J & N Simpson partnership are back on top this week with a yearling
Jan-Aarden Roundabout Cock. This bird was 2nd Club Roscrea as a young bird and won the £100 Breeder Buyer Race that day. One to watch for on the channel boys. The club have rings left unsold, these are the un-chipped ones and anyone requiring some can contact Harry Smyth.
Cullybackey 22/689 – A Darragh 1524, 1523, Russell Bros 1515, Reid Bros & McCloy 1500, S Steele 1489, Reid Bros & McCloy 1481, Russell Bros 1473, W Scott 1468, E Davidson 1462, W Scott 1457, H & R McCloy 1453, Des Robinson 1448.
Crumlin & District 14/375 – Fleming Bros 1513, 1512, J & N Lamb 1488, J Lowry 1482, M & B McConville 1481, P McClarence 1479, J & N Lamb 1474, M McGrandles 1472, G Grant 1462, J Lowry 1461. Fleming Bros were back to winning ways, two birds together and the winner recording velocity 1513.
Harryville 17/550 – A McBride 1516, Wray & McFadden 1500, R H Clements 1498, A McBride 1498, G Price 1483, Wray & McFadden 1479, L Mullan 1479, J Millar & Son 1473, J Rock 1473, L Mullan 1472. Allan wins two in a row this time with a Louella Van der Rhee, the nest-mate won 1st Combine & 1st Secton Fermoy 2010.
Kells & District 14/367 – G McDowell 1503, T & M Morrow 1479, B Swann & Son 1472, Scott & Clements 1471, Surgenor Bros 1469, 1467, T & M Morrow 1466, 1462, Surgenor Bros 1462, McFarlane & Agnew 1461. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – McFarlane & Agnew 1461, H Boyd 1452. George McDowell tops Kells & Dist for the second time this season. His yearling Blue Pied hen the best Jacobs from Gerald Delaney was timed at 2.49pm to record velocity 1503 for the 144 miles.
Muckamore 18/543 – J Courtney 1548, 1517, J White 1512, D J Thompson 1509, J Courtney 1509, 1494, 1493, J White 1493, J Courtney 1487, A & E Bell 1485.
The race was dominated by Sect C lofts, Jimmy Courtney takes the Red Card for the first time this season doing velocity 1548. Well clear of his second arrival followed by the previous weeks winner John White. Dessie Thompson was best in Sect B finishing 4th on velocity 1509.
New Antrim Amal – No race due to the funeral of Secretary Frank Clarke.
Randalstown 12/297 – S Millar 1504, 1480, 1480, S Murphy 1468, Stewart Bros 1463, 1460, S Millar 1453, 1452. Simon Millar takes 1st, 2nd and 3rd winning three races on the trot.
Rasharkin & District 12/332 – Milliken & Barkley 1459, J Robinson & Son 1446, Steele & McNeill 1442, 1431, A C & T Tweed 1430, H Cubitt 1430.
First win of the season for last years highest prize winners Milliken & Barkley from Jimmy Robinson second. Nom: Steele & McNeill. Race kindly sponsored by Noel Twaddle Contracts (Ballymoney).
J Douglas & Son of the Lurgan Soc have the best reported bird in the big Sect E recording velocity 1549 followed by G Buckley & Son Annaghmore (1544) and E McKnight (1542). Best in Armagh was D & C McArdle doing velocity 1533, Roy Parkes & Son had 1st 2 Bird Club.
NIPA Sect E Clubs
Annaghmore – G Buckley & Son 1544, F McNeice 1530, W G Neill 1528.
Armagh 18/425 – D & C McArdle 1533, G & A Campbell 1527, S Fields & Son 1516, G & A Campbell 1507, S Fields & Sons 1502, J McLaughlin 1496.
Armagh 2 Bird Club – R Parkes & son 1491, G & A Campbell 1481, S Fields & Sons 1431, D & C McArdle 1431.
Beechpark Social 14/495 – D Mawhinney & Son 1528, G McEvoy 1522, R Russell 1513, R Bothwell 1512, D Mawhinney & Son 1506, H Lynch & Son 1500.
Bondhill – Ron Williamson 1530, 1529, 1520.
Charlemont – M McGlinchey 1486, A Grew 1485, P Grew 1481, A Grew 1475, 1468, 1466.
Drumcree Social – R Matchett 1482, B Creaney 1477, 1476.
Edgarstown 18/522 – David Love 1525, G & C Simmons 1517, D Parr 1515, W Cannaway 1500, G & C Simmons 1486, W Cannaway 1478.
Gilford & District – Hanratty & Mulvenna 1520, Cairns Bros 1516, S S Cairns 1495, T Wilson 1493, 1492, 1492.
Laurelvale 17/343 – R K Abraham 1525, A Gittins 1500, J Dowey & Sons 1495, W Gillis & Sons 1495, J Serplus 1493, W Gillis & Sons 1477.
Lurgan Amat 8/192 – G Gillespie & Son 1527, D McBride 1501, 1493, 1485, G & F Hall 1482, Higginson & Johnston 1478.
Lurgan Social – J Douglas & Son 1549, 1522, J Curran 1505, J Douglas & Son 1505, 1500, Furphy Bros 1499.
Markethill – D Linden 1509, 1508, M McDowell 1494, W Brown 1494, M McDowell 1488, Hewitt & Trotter 1488.
Monaghan 9/278 – W Walker & Son 1473, S O’Brien 1465, P Tierney 1459, B Corley 1456, W Walker & Son 1450, H Gormley 1450. The winner was timed at 1.54pm flying 95 miles.
Portadown Inv – Allan McDonald 1511, 1435, D J Gordon 1469, A McDonald 1457, W Cooke 1455, A McDonald 1452. Allan makes it two wins from two and takes four of the first six positions. Top flying from the man we tend to look out for in the longer races.
Tandragee 6/218 – Alan Craig 1555, Dillon & Morrow 1540, Alan Craig 1520, 1513, J Dowey & Son 1505, A Craig 1504.
Wilton Cross 14/349 – D Carville & Son 1531, C & J Ferris 1502, M Wilkinson 1488, Toman & Hamill 1470, 1469, G Douglas 1467.
Over 1,200 birds again for the East Antrim Loughview Combine, G & M Atcheson top the Combine doing velocity 1543. Their widowhood cock is a Soontjen and was 2nd Club, 4th Section C, and 18th Open last week from Tullamore with almost 25,000 birds competing. A great result, well done!
Loughview Combine Roscrea 58/1,294 – G & M Atcheson 1543, D Brown 1540, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1537, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1536, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1524, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1524, Foster & Larkin 1523, Gregg Bros & McCandless 1522, E Gracey 1521, Bingham & Seaton 1519.
In the Newry based Northsouth Federation pride of place for the second week is Malachy Maguire & Son who have one of the top racing lofts in Northern Ireland, they have another Champion added to the CV list the same bird has topped not only the local Federation for two races on the trot but topped the Mighty NIPA as well. Not too many birds in the long history of the NIPA have done that! From Tullamore they won 1st Open NIPA 1053/24,873 on velocity 1607, and this week doing velocity 1577 are expected to win 1st Open NIPA getting up near 30,000 birds which were released from 7 Transporters.
Northsouth Federation Roscrea 67/1,732 – M Maguire & Son 1577, J F McCabe 1560, Donnelly Bros 1557, J Murtagh 1555, Donnelly Bros 1553, Donnelly Bros 1552, A McAteer & Sons 1547, Donnelly Bros 1540, H Walsh & Son 1540, W Jones 1533.
Joe Smyth & Sons have the best bird in the Banbridge based Ban Fed, two birds together doing velocity 1551 and the winner lifting the £1 Pool. Eddie McAlinden on 1549 is next best.
Ban Federation Roscrea 20/571 – J Smyth & Sons 1551 £1 Pool, J Smyth & Sons 1551, E McAlinden 1549, J Smyth & Sons 1547, E Mallon & Son 1542, C McArdle & Son 1524, L F & B McGrath 1523, J Smyth & Sons 1520, J Smyth & Sons 1519, J Smyth & Sons 1519.
Williamson & Calvin Transporter –
Please note that from Monday 2nd May to Thursday 5th birds will be training from Laytown, Sunday 1st May the venue will be Balbriggan. Usual collections - 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.
Tauris ETS For Sale – In new condition and including 4 x Pads 22”, Extension Leads, and approx 70/80 Rings, cost £900 new, will accept £650. Tel Joe: 07709 077266.
East Down Combine Mount Charles (1) -
For the 3rd race of the old bird season the East Down birds were released in Mount Charles near Nenagh at 12.30pm, the race was again dominated by lofts in the East Sect. The Annsborough loft of N Maguire had 1st & 2nd Open with birds together doing velocity 1601, former Kings Cup winner Jackie Crossan from Downpatrick was 3rd. The West Sect was won by D Walsh of Crossgar doing velocity 1593 followed by G Morrison & Daughter Ballynahinch and M & A Johnston Newtownbreda.
East Down Combine Open Mount Charles (1) - 1 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 2 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 3 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1597, 4 D Walsh Crossgar HPS 1593, 5 Mr & Mrs Irvine Downpatrick HPS 1584, 6 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 7 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 8 G Morrison & Dtr Ballynahinch HPS 1573, 9 P.Lue & Son Downpatrick HPS 1571, 10 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1567, 11 M.McClure Newtownbreda HPS 1564, 12 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1564, 13 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 14 A Murray & Son Dundrum HPS 1564, 15 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 16 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1562, 17 J Newell Annalong HPS 1561, 18 D.Croskery & Son Annsborough HPS 1561, 19 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1561, 20 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1560, 21 M.Croskery Annsborough HPS 1560, 22 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1559, 23 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1558, 24 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1558, 25 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1557, 26 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1557, 27 B C T Foulis & Gill Dundonald HPS 1557, 28 R McKibben Annalong HPS 1557, 29 J.Abernethy Ballynahinch HPS 1556, 30 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1556, 31 G.Maginn Annalong HPS 1556, 32 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1556, 33 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1555, 34 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1555, 35 James. Cleland Annsborough HPS 1555, 36 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1555, 37 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1554, 38 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1554, 39 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1554, 40 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1553.
EDC West Sect - 1 D Walsh Crossgar HPS 1593, 2 G Morrison & Dtr Ballynahinch HPS 1573, 3 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1567, 4 M.McClure Newtownbreda HPS 1564, 5 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1562, 6 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1560, 7 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1558, 8 Massey Bros Ballylesson HPS 1557, 9 B C T Foulis & Gill Dundonald HPS 1557, 10 J.Abernethy Ballynahinch HPS 1556, 11 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1556, 12 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1555, 13 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1555, 14 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1555, 15 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1554, 16 C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1553, 17 M.McClure Newtownbreda HPS 1552, 18 R.Irwin Dundonald HPS 1551, 19 C & G Adair Crossgar HPS 1551, 20 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1548.
EDC East Sect - 1 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 2 N Maguire Annsborough HPS 1601, 3 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1597, 4 Mr & Mrs Irvine Downpatrick HPS 1584, 5 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 6 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1579, 7 P.Lue & Son Downpatrick HPS 1571, 8 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1564, 9 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 10 A Murray & Son Dundrum HPS 1564, 11 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1564, 12 J Newell Annalong HPS 1561, 13 D.Croskery & Son Annsborough HPS 1561, 14 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1561, 15 M.Croskery Annsborough HPS 1560, 16 B.McConnell Annalong HPS 1559, 17 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1558, 18 J Crossan Downpatrick HPS 1557, 19 R McKibben Annalong HPS 1557, 20 G.Maginn Annalong HPS 1556.
East Down Clubs Mount Charles (1)
Annalong 18/538 – J Newell 1561, B McConnell 1561, 1559, R McKibben 1557, G Maginn 1556, McLoughlin Bros 1552.
Annsborough – N Maguire 1601, 1601, G & P Brown 1564, 1564, D Croskery & Son 1561, M Croskery 1560.
Ballylesson 16/456 – Massey Bros 1558, 1557, A Crawford 1555, C & D Smyth & Sons 1555, A Crawford 1554, C & D Smyth & Sons 1553. The third old bird race was flown from Mount Charles some 154+ miles to the lofts. The winners this week where the lofts of Massey Bros with 2 quick birds to take first and second club with two blue hens on 1558, 1557. Alex Crawford was third with a blue cock on 1555.
Ballynahinch 10/412 – G Morrison & Daughter 1573, J Abernethy 1556, G Morrison & Daughter 1545, 1545, J Abernethy 1540, J Gillespie 1537.
Cloughey 9/281 – Gordon Bros & Sons 1545, 1545, 1542, H & A Keenan & Partners 1540, H Gordon & Partners 1504, H & A Keenan & Partners 1501.
Crossgar 13/541 D Walsh 1593, S & K Duke 1562, G & C Adair 1551, McCartan & Woodsides 1547, S & K Duke 1543, 1543.
Downpatrick 12/346 – J Crossan 1597, T Smyth 1579, 1579, P Lue & Son 1571, J Crossan 1564, 1558.
Drumaness Mills – Burns & O’Neill 1531, G Hillen & Partners 1525, Burns & O’Neill 1516, J Kirk & Sons 1507, Burns & O’Neill 1487, 1483.
Dundonald 8/243 – B C & T Foulis & Gill 1557, R Irwin 1551, 1545, 1544, 1543, 1542.
Dundrum – A Murray & Son 1564, 1545, 1526, A McNamara & Partner 1520, A Murray & Son 1515, 1515.
Killyleagh Central 17/380 – Gordan Bros 1544, 1542, McComb Bros 1535, 1535, Gordan Bros 1532, Irvine Bros 1526.
Newtowbreda 13/320 – M & A Johnston 1567, M McClure 1564, W White & Son 1560, R & R Lambe 1556, M & A Johnston 1555, M McClure 1552.
Tyrella – M/M Irvine 1584, 1549, S Milliken & Daughter 1547, S & E McGaw 1547, S Milliken & Daughter 1547, 1546.
Coleraine Triangle -
In the Coleraine Area the local Triangle has been topped by A & R McAuley who race in the Ballymoney HPS and have their lofts close to Portrush on the North Coast. Andrew timed one of his yearling hens racing to the perch and they have been lightly trained recording velocity 1449. The Blue w/f was in the clock at 15.16hrs flying 162 miles, a half Van de Brande a line that has been doing very well for the loft. Nevin Bros topped the Coleraine Premier doing velocity 1436 ahead of the high flying Hanson & Harpur club winners in the two previous races. Kenny McAuley has 1st Coleraine & Co Derry (1426) and G Donaghy Sons & grandson have 1st Windsor Social in Coleraine (1414).
Coleraine Triangle Roscrea – A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1449, Nevin Bros Coleraine Prem 1436, Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1435, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1434, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 1428, K McAuley Coleraine & Co Derry 1426, Diamond Bros 1426, T McCrudden Coleraine & Co Derry 1423, A McDonnell 1423, R McAlary Coleraine Prem 1423.
CITY OF DERRY FEDERATION -
With the Dery Fed going into there third race of 2011 with the NIPA from Roscrea in Co Tipperary B & K Reid of the Derry and District hps are the leading loft with a top class performance with a two year old Houben and Coorman cross. This pigeon also won 1st City of Derry Fed last week from Tullamore, a fete very rarely achieved in pigeon racing. The 2nd and 6th goes to the Oakland Loft of Jim & Gary Ramsey Derry and District hps who have been knocking on the door lately. Also flying very consistently newcomers to racing Maxi & Connor Chism Derry and District hps are 3rd and 9th and will be only a matter of time before this loft clicks, with fellow members Joe Ebbs 4th, and Anthony McCrudden 5th. In 7th Robert Lyle Maiden City, 8th Billy Ogilvie, 10th and 20th Sean Duffy Derry and District, 11th Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle 12th, Coyle Bros Maiden City 13th and 14th Londonderry member Noel Murray. Other club members Davy Wick 15th, and P & P Breslin 16th, Sean McGrotty Maiden City 17th and 19th, with Concannon Bros Maiden City 18th.
City of Derry Federation Roscrea – B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1426, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1426, M & C Chism Derry & Dist 1421, J Ebbs Derry & Dist 1408, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1405, J & G Ramsey 1405, A McCrudden 1405, R Lyle Maiden City 1405, B Ogilvie Maiden City 1404, M & C Chism 1403.
FOYLE VALLEY COMBINE –
Racing from Roscrea in Tipperary topping the Foyle Valley Combine 2 weeks running is the in form loft of Bonnie and Keiran Reid Derry and District hps with a two yr old Coorman x Houben bred pigeon. This is top class racing with 2 x 1st Combines under its belt, 2nd and 8th was Jim and Gary Ramsey Derry and District hps, and another loft going well Maxi & Connor Chism Derry and District 3rd and 11th. Maiden City winner Billy Page takes 4th and 18th, and Glenn Quinn Strabane club 5th, Joe Ebbs 6th Derry and District and Anthony McCrudden 7th. Maiden City members in again with Robert Lyle in 9th and Billy Ogilvie 10th, Sean Duffy Derry and District 12th, M/M Maxwell Foyle13th, with Coyle Bros Maiden City 15th. In 16th was Noel Murray and 17th Davy Wick both the Londonderry club, 19th Sean McGrotty and 20th Concannon Bros, both the Maiden City.
Foyle Valley Combine Roscrea 95/1204 – B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1426, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1426, M & C Chism Derry & Dist 1421, B Page Maiden City 1417, G Quinn Strabane 1413, J Ebbs Derry & Dist 1408, A McCrudden Derry & Dist 1405, J & G Ramsey 1405, R Lyle Maiden City 1405, B Ogilvie Maiden City 1404.
DERRY AND DISTRICT HPS -
The dominant figure in racing so far B & K Reid securing a 2nd winner, the runner up spot goes to J & G Ramsey with seconds dividing the top two and also taking 6th place. M & C Chism have a good race with two in the top ten 3rd and 7th, Joe Ebbs 4th, Anthony McCrudden 5th, Sean Duffy 8th and 9th with Colm McConomy 10th.
Mid Antrim Combine -
Fantastic start for the Young McManus & Sons team in Ahoghill Flying Club, the top four in the first two races they have the top three this week and top Mid Antrim Combine doing velocity 1527 having timed their bird at 2.46pm. They were under strong pressure from Alan Darragh the Cullybackey winner doing velocity 1524 and three other birds well placed. Allen McBride was the winner in Harryville having timed his 2yo Cheq cock at 2.49pm recording velocity 1516 for the 145 miles from Roscrea in Co Tipperary, and best bird in Ballymena. With one club less this week the race entry was almost 300 birds up on the same race last season when Danny Dixon was 1st, 2nd & 3rd. With mostly full returns another big entry is expected next week.
Mid Antrim Combine Roscrea 115/3,243 – Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1527, A Darragh Cullybackey 1524, A Darragh 1523, A McBride Harryville 1516, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1515, A Darragh 1515, A Darragh 1510, Young McManus & Sons 1509, Young McManus & Sons 1505, S Millar Randalstown 1504, G McDowell Kells 1503, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1500, Wray & McFadden 1500, R H Clements Harryville 1498, M Graham Ballymena 1498, A McBride 1498, S Steele Cullybackey 1489, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1487, C Young Ahoghill 1486, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1483, G Price Harryville 1483, Reid Bros & McCloy 1481, J Smyth & Son 1480, S Millar 1480, S Millar 1480, Wray & McFadden 1479, L Mullan Harryville 1479, T & M Morrow Kells 1479, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1476, Young McManus & Sons 1475.
The Champions League started at the second old bird race flown from Tullamore and continued at Roscrea. The League leaders after the second week are Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 50 Points, Allen McBride Harryville 46 Points, and Simon Millar Randalstown 42 Points. The state of play after week two is: Sect (1) A – S Millar 42 Points, M Graham 25 Points, D Dixon 17 Points, Reid Bros & McCloy 16 Points, Surgenor Bros 14 Points, R H Clements 14 Points. Sect (2) B – Russell Bros 23 Points, Stewart Bros 16 Points, W & J Smyth 8 Points, L Mullan 1 Point. Sect (3) C – Scott & Clements 27 Points, A Darragh 26 Points, Milliken & Barkley 18 Points, C Moore 4 Points, J & N Simpson 3 Points. Sect (4) D – Young McManus & Sons 50 Points, A McBride 46 Points, G McDowell 28 Points, R McFall & Son 13 Points, G McDowell 11 Points, Houston Bros 7 Points, Steele & McNeill 1 Point.
Clubs interested in getting a copy of the Champions League each week should kindly supply an e-mail address to Admin James Harris max.harris@talktalk.net
Around Antrim the best birds from Roscrea were timed in Muckamore, Jimmy Courtney had a flyer his yearling Cheq hen doing velocity 1548 and will be very well placed in the East Antrim Sect C and the NIPA Open. Jimmy had a second arrival doing velocity 1517 followed by the previous weeks winner John White. Fleming Bros had 1st & 2nd in Crumlin & Dist with the winner doing velocity 1513. Simon Millar had the top three places in Randalstown with his winner doing 1504, this loft has won all three races to date. George McDowell has the top place in Kells & Dist doing 1503, he was winning for the second time.
The local birds were in Roscrea County Tipperary at the weekend and had the best day of the weekend with good weather conditions and good visibility. Release was at 12 Noon in a Lt Westerly wind and the race was good with excellent returns. Best in the Ballymoney HPS where over 1,000 birds were competing was Lynn Neill a yearling hen bred from a Van Reet hen and Dennis Sapin cock courtesy of good friends Bertie Brown of Doagh and club mate Brian Stewart. Lynn also had top spot in the Ballymoney West Combine, the winner was timed at 15.02hrs flying 153 miles. Last seasons Fancier of the Year Danny Dixon was next best on 1467 followed by the husband and wife team of A & M Boyle who had 1st Dervock IPS (1465). The high flying Milliken & Barkley had 1st Rasharkin & Dist on 1459 followed by Jimmy Robinson & Son.
OBITUARY
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.
THANK YOU
On behalf of the members and friends of Ballymena & Dist many thanks for help and support of the Derry City fancy at our recent Squeaker Sale held in the local Rocking Chair Bar. The lads could not do enough, erecting the pens, and sorting out all the birds prior to the sale. Also all the help during and after the sale, it was much appreciated. Not wishing to mention any names for fear of leaving someone out, we do thank everyone who supported the venture, those who gave birds and those who made a purchase on the night. Also not forgetting Adie, who rushed away from work and travelled up from Lisburn, and gave the members a flavour of Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions in action. The sale was a good success and we now look forward to the Talbenny YB Nat when the £100 Special will be up for competition in both Sect B & H. Willie Reynolds, Secretary Ballymena & District HPS.
Jennings win gets season under way
The 2011 pigeon-racing season began on Saturday 9 April when the pigeons were released in Mullingar. The weather in the weeks preceding the first race was for the most part dry and bright which afforded ample opportunities for preparing the birds for the first race.
The birds were in the air at 10.30am in a light south southeasterly wind. Now while this isn’t the most favourable wind for South Down members we were still able to get good returns on the day. It was a day when we were never going to count for Open positions with the first Open win of the season going to Dundonald’s Roy Irwin.
In the South Down Fed the result was dominated by the Annsborough club who had all ten positions, in what was a very tight race, with only 9 yards separating the top ten. The winning pigeon had a velocity of 1317 while the next four birds were all on 1314 yards per minute and the pigeons from seventh to tenth were all on 1308.
The winner of the Fed this week is Michael Jennings who has learned a lot on his travels with the Croskerys. Since joining the club a few years ago Michael has put up some great performances and he will be pleased to have got off to such a good start.
The winning pigeon is a yearling hen and is a nest mate of the pigeon that was 3rd Club, 3rd Fed, 5th section and 19th Open in the young bird Talbenny last year and 9th club, 9th Fed the following week from Tyone Mills. It is out of a G Delaney Jacobs cock when paired to a De Klak from John Jobey.
J McNally & Son are off to a good start too with two birds in the result at second and fourth Fed with both birds on the same yard. This could well be a loft to come well into the reckoning this year.
Their first bird is out of the hen that bred the section winner from Bude two years ago. The breeding is Janssen from Taylor Bros, Newbiggin, in the Up North Combine.
Their second pigeon is from similar lines with a touch of Busschaert added, also from Taylor Bros.
Noel Maguire with one of the smallest teams of pigeons around has four birds in the result this week. Noel had nine hens in the race, four of which are latebreds and he has five racing cocks to start yet. In that context this is another great result for Noel.
Noel’s first bird is the two-year-old hen that was Old Bird of the Year in the Fed last year and was runner up in the East Down Combine for Old Bird of the Year. This bird was 2nd Fed, 5th Open Mount Charles, 1st Fed 5th Open Fermoy and 1st Fed, 8th section, 15th Open Skibbereen Classic in three consecutive weeks. The breeding is Van Rijn from Bob McMeekin.
Noel’s second and fourth pigeon are both Van Rijn yearling hens from Bob McMeekin and were both having their first race.
The pigeon at 7th Fed for Noel is a two-year-old Pros Roosen hen from James Cleland Annsborough. This bird was 4th club, 6th Fed, 7th section, 18th Open young bird Talbenny in 2009.
G & P Brown are 6th Fed this week, and its good to see that Patrick has brought Geraldine into the partnership to acknowledge all her hard work. The pigeon timed here is a two-year-old hen that was 1st club, 3rd Fed Mullingar last year in the corresponding race and then took 8th Fed Fermoy and 1st club, 5th Fed, 9th Open in the Derek Wishart race from Fermoy. The parents are from K Rooney & Son and are Busschaert x Staf Van Reet.
Mickey Croskery is 9th Fed this week to get his season off to a steady start. Mickey tells me that he is only racing half a dozen birds for the first couple of weeks. The pigeon timed here is the four-year-old ash hen that was 1st Open from Thurles two years ago when the birds were brought back from Talbenny. The dam is a Janus & Fox through John Jobey, from the Up North Combine while the sire is the pigeon known as the ‘Pool’ cock.
The result is completed by D Croskery & Son in tenth position. The pigeon timed here is a daughter of the ‘01’ hen, their top stock hen when paired to the Kees Bosua cock from John Gerard. This bird’s nestmate was 2nd North section Skibbereen Young Bird National last year.
Full result: (All Annsborough) 1, M Jennings 1317; 2, J McNally & Son 1314.6; 3, N Maguire 1314.5; 4, J McNally & Son 1314.17; 5, N Maguire 1314.11; 6, G & P Brown 1312; 7, 8, N Maguire 1308.8, 1308.25; 9, M Croskery 1308.22; 10, D Croskery & Son 1308.0:
· May Day race will take place on Monday 2 May from Mullingar. Birds will be hampered on Monday morning in Annsborough from 8.30 to 10.00. Cost will be £2.50 for first 5 birds or less and 50p per bird for more than 5. This race is open to Federation members only.
· The loft KO will start from 2nd Mount Charles with the final from Bude.