Pigeon Network

Nevin Bros of Coleraine win erratic Fermoy (1)

NIPA Fermoy (1) 07/05/11 – Provisional positions, can change when more results are available. Clubs should Fax (028) 92 693913 with the official NIPA Result as early as possible over Saturday & Sunday. The race turned out the most difficult to date, firstly the birds were slow to clear and then parts of the route were blocked out with poor weather conditions. Former OB Derby winners Nevin Bros from the Coleraine Premier have the best reported bird doing velocity 1422, closely followed by Pat McLaughlin Maiden City and Danny Laverty Ballymoney - Sect winners took 1st, 2nd & 3rd Open NIPA. Many fanciers were concerned about the liberation and it will no doubt spoil the entries over the next few weeks.

I had this message via e-mail, it sort of sets out the general feeling around.

Hi Willie - Having spoken to a lot of fanciers since Saturday, returns are very poor with half an hour between birds. It was very evident from earlier in the week that Sundays forecast was better, this in fact happened with bright and prolonged spells of sunshine early morning with visibility ten miles plus, unlike Saturday which was below a mile with fanciers in the Newry area saying it was down to hundreds of yards. Perhaps this is the reason why birds did not leave the race point and when approaching the border did not home through low cloud. It would be interesting to hear who made the decision to release, perhaps through your reports in the local press and British Homing World you could explain to a lot of bewildered fanciers the reasons why.

NIPA Fermoy Open (Prov): 1-1A Nevin Bros Coleraine Prem 1422, 2-1H P McLaughlin Maiden City 1420.8, 3-1B D Laverty Ballymoney 1420.5, 4-2A Curry & Gilmore Ballymoney 1416, 5-1E P Grew Charlemont 1411.5, 6-3A Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1411.4, 7-1G G Hughes & Son Newry & Dist 1410, 8-2H B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1408, 9-2E P Grew 1407, 10-4A K Carolan Coalisland 1401, 11-5A K Carolan 1400.9, 12-6A K Carolan 1400.0, 13-3E G Buckley & Son Annaghmore 1398.7, 14-7A M McPhillips Coalisland 1398.1, 15-4E G & A Campbell Armagh 1396, 16-2G T & K Mawhinney Donacloney 1395.8, 17-2B A McBride Harryville 1393.6, 18-3B A McBride 1393.2, 19-3G J Brush Banbridge Social 1392, 20-8A A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1390.6.

The leading positions in each NIPA Section:

Section A - Nevin Bros 1422, Curry & Gilmore 1416, Diamond Bros 1411.

Section B - D Laverty 1420, A McBride 1393.6, A McBride1393.2.

Section C - Mr & Mrs B McNeilly 1386, Mr & Mrs B. McNeilly 1385, J Scott 1383.

Section D – J Gregory & Son 1385, G McMullan 1374, M/M Stevenson1368.

Section E - P Grew 1411, P Grew 1407, G Buckley & Son 1398.

Section F - J & P Rice 1310, C Hutchinson 1300, P Lue & Son 1295.

Section G – G Hughes & Son 1410, T & K Mawhinney 1395, J Brush 1392.

Section H - P McLaughlin 1420, B & K Reid 1381, L Flanagan & Son 1381.

After four very successful races with 30,000 birds competing the NIPA hit a lot of problems racing last weekend from Fermoy in Co Cork, one of the best liberation sites in Ireland. The weather conditions were difficult all week and that was to run through the weekend, in the circumstances it’s hard to know just what to do. As it turned out the race was far from satisfactory and that will effect the rest of the season. Reports from the liberation site said the birds were slow to clear, only around half had returned by tea-time when clocks were struck off. The longer flying lofts have been doing well, last week with over 1,000 birds competing J Hutchinson & Son (Ballymoney) topped Sect B from Clonmel and was well placed in the NIPA. This weekend with just under 1,000 birds the Ballymoney winner was Danny Laverty and again the club take 1st Sect B on velocity 1420. Up the road in Coleraine Premier the Nevin Bros are expected to top the NIPA doing velocity 1422, and 1st Sect A.

Coleraine Triangle Fermoy (1) - Nevin Bros Coleraine Prem 1422, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1411, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1390, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1390, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1388, T & J McDonald 1384, Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1374, A & R McAuley 1373, Hanson & Harpur 1355, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 1350, D Tosh County Derry 1349, Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1347, Hanson & Harpur 1343, J L Madden 1342.

Best in the NIPA Sect A are in the Coleraine & Ballymoney area with the Coleraine Premier winners best reported doing velocity 1422 to take 1st Sect A and probably 1st Open NIPA. Have we a distance loft moved over to sprint? Next best were Curry & Gilmore who were runner-up in Ballymoney HPS who had almost 1,000 birds competing and 3rd the ever present Diamond Bros of the Coleraine Premier. Some competition in this area, changed almost every week. What a result in Coalisland for another OB Nat winner Kevin Carolan timed three early arrivals and will be well placed.

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland 16/417 – K Carolan 1401, 1400, 1400, M McPhillips 1398, K Carolan 1387, W Bleeks & Son 1347.

Coleraine Premier 16/432 – Nevin Bros 1422, Diamond Bros 1411, J L Madden 1390, T & J McDonald 1388, 1384, Hanson & Harpur 1374, 1355, A McDonnell 1350, Hanson & Harpur 1343, J L Madden 1342.

Coleraine & County Derry – D Tosh 1349, J McCormick 1321, T McCrudden 1315, W & W Murdock. John McCandless Pools, Darren Tosh Ring Nom.

Cookstown Social 10/318 – J McCormick 1384, B & S McConnell 1346, G S Smith 1344, 1327, 1317, K Morton & Sons 1295. Joe completes the double with a gift pigeon from good mate Joe Devlin from Coalisland.

Castledawson 7/103 – T Leacock & Son 1382, Gilmore & Watson 1315, M Lynn 1288, T & S Dawson 1287, Gilmore & Watson 1263, 1256.

Dungannon – S McConnell 1384, J & J Sampson 1342, G & H Boyd 1226.

Windsor Social 13/266 – Horner & Scott 1347, C Morrow & Son 1332, K Glass 1331, 1321, 1294, R McCook 1292, 1272, R & J Parke 1267.

City of Derry Federation Fermoy -

In what can only be described as one of the most erratic inland races for some years, with pigeons flying into bad weather somewhere on line and many pigeons missing in race time. There always is a winner and a fancier who has done a lot over the years for the sport Pat Mclaughlin from the Maiden City RPS takes the honours with a excellent result, and will figure well up in the NIPA listings. Another loft doing extremely well was the Derry & District HPS partnership of B & K Reid and they have been top flyers in the Derry Fed so far this year with a 2nd,11th and16th. Londonderry RPS winner Leo Flannagan & Son also times three in the Top 20 taking 3rd, 13th, and17th. Other fanciers to make the Top 20 positions where as follows: Quigley & Dunn Maiden City 4th, Fox & Hegarty Rock Flying Club 5th and 8th, J & G Ramsey Derry & District are 6th and 9th with M & C Chism Derry & District 7th and 20th. James McLaughlin Foyle RPS 10th, Sean Duffy Derry & District 12th, Anthony McCrudden Derry & District 14th, Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle RPS 15th, James Gallagher Foyle RPS 18th and Billy Ogilvie Maiden City RPS 19th. Racing this week is from Rosscarbery and also from Roscrea, both Saturday releases.

Derry & District Fermoy –

Recording their third win of the current old bird racing programme is the Dunree loft of Bonny and Kieran Reid with his pigeons in peak condition at this time also taking 5th and 6th places to make it a top day all round. 2nd and 4th spots go to the Jim and Gary Ramsey who have recorded there third runner up spot in the last three weeks and will push this week for a Red Card. Also knocking at the door is father and son partnership Maxi and Connor Chism taking 3rd, 9th and 10th with Sean Duffy 7th and Anthony McCrudden 8th.

Foyle Valley Combine Fermoy (1) –

With competition at its strongest between the six clubs and seconds dividing the leading birds most weeks, probably one of the stiffest to date with pigeons flying into bad weather somewhere on line and many pigeons missing in race time. Their always is a winner and a fancier who has done a lot over the years for the sport Pat Mclaughlin from the Maiden City takes the honours with a excellent result and will find himself well up the positions in the NIPA. Another loft doing extremely well was the Derry & District hps partnership of B & K Reid and they have been top flyers in the Foyle Valley Combine so far this year with a 2nd,13th and19th. Londonderry rps winner Leo Flannagan & son also times three in the top twenty 3rd, 15th, and 20th. Other fanciers to make the Top 20 positions where as follows: Quigley & Dunne Maiden City rps 4th, Fox & Hegarty Rock fc 5th and 8th, J & G Ramsey Derry & District are 6th and 10th with M & C Chism Derry & District 7th. Tommy McBride winner in Strabane rps 9th and 11th, James McLaughlin Foyle rps 12th, Sean Duffy Derry & district 14th, Anthony McCrudden Derry & district 16th, T Ferguson and son 17th M/M P Maxwell Foyle rps 18th. Racing this week is from Rosscarbery and also from Roscrea both Saturday releases. All pigeons must be sent through the Nat Centre at the Foyle 3.00pm till 4.30pm on Thursday.

Foyle Valley Combine Fermoy (1) 90/909 – P McLaughlin Maiden City 1420, B & K Reid Derry & Dist 1408, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1381, Quigley & Dunne Maiden City 1360, Fox & Hegarty Rock 1359, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1337, M & C Chism Derry & Dist 1336, Fox & Hegarty 1333, T McBride Strabane 1320, J & G Ramsey 1310.

Competition is mighty in Derry/Londonderry City this week the best reported are individual club winners. Long serving NIPA Committee member Pat McLaughlin had 1st Maiden City doing 1420 and almost topped the NIPA. He was followed by the in-form loft of Bonny & Kieran Reid 1st Derry & Dist and Leo Flanagan & Son 1st Londonderry RPC.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Derry & District 10/120 – B & K Reid 1408, J & G Ramsey 1337, M & C Chism 1336, J & G Ramsey 1310, B & K Reid 1282, S Duffy 1279.

Foyle RPS 12/129 – J McLaughlin 1294, R O’Reilly 1290, M/M Maxwell 1270, J Gallagher 1260, M/M Maxwell 1235, J Gallagher 1228. Wind south east at race point, was north east at this end, plenty of birds still missing at strike off. Well done to James McLaughlin who also taking prize money, pool money, and a bag of feeding.

Limavady 10/196 – R Witherow 1297, 1270, H Crawford 1268, W McIlmoyle 1258, R Witherow 1255, H Crawford 1253.

Londonderry PRS 15/167 – L Flanagan & Son 1381, 1278, 1268, D Simpson 1214, N Murray 1197, 1180. Leo & Son Barry make it back to back wins in the Waterside this week taking the top three positions. An excellent result considering a lot of birds failed to time in what turned out a difficult day with the birds having to contend with heavy showers and thunder on route.

Maiden City 20/180 – P McLaughlin 1420, Quigley & Dunne 1360, B Ogilvie 1254, 1125, P McLaughlin 1099, Concannon Bros 1049. Pat romps home this week taking top spot as well as four birds in the Top 10 positions. Donegal flyer Damien Dunne sneaks in for 2nd while consistent flyer Billy Ogilvie takes 3rd. The race turned out a bit of a disaster for some with the birds encountering heavy rain and thunder-storms on their way home.

Omagh & District 11/190 – T Booth 1334, A J Kelly 1313, K Armstrong 1293, A J Kelly 1263, 1262, K Armstrong 1252.

Strabane 13/194 – T McBride 1320, 1304, T Ferguson & Son 1273, T Conway 1265, G Quinn 1247, H McNulty 1244. Tom's bird this week is a Van Reet. Amendment to last week’s winner for Glen Quinn off bird from Bob McMeekin Ballyclare Van Rhin and Jimmy Hanson's old winning lines. Photo of winner to follow.

Rock Flying Club – Fox & Hegarty 1359, 1333, W & D Hamilton 1216, 1216, M McCloskey 1204, 1192.

Top Birdage in Mid Antrim Combine -

Mid Antrim Combine have had an excellent season to date and report that the birdage in all five races so far have exceeded the previous season. At the weekend Allen McBride had The Card of the Day with five birds in the Harryville Top 6. Liberation was at 10.05am in a SE wind and the winner was timed at 16.18hrs recording velocity 1393 for the 200 miles into Lettercreve on the Antrim Road. His yearling Blue hen racing Roundabout was 4th Club the week previous from Roscrea. It contains all the lofts top bloodlines, the sire Hartog of the old Blue Diamond lines and the dam a Soontjen, daughter of the famous Spartacus cock. Danny Dixon and Alan Darragh are well placed again and new winners include Jimmy Smyth & Son 1st Ahoghill (1383) and Allister Purvis 1st Broughshane & Dist (1378).

Mid Antrim Combine Fermoy (1) 117/3,036 – A McBride Harryville 1393, A McBride 1393, A McBride 1390, D Dixon Rasharkin 1388, A Darragh Cullybackey 1385, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1383, J Orr & Son Ahoghill 1379, A Purvis Broughshane 1378, D Lowry & Sons Ahoghill 1377, J Rock Harryville 1376, J Devlin Ballymena 1375, A Darragh 1372, A McBride 1370, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1369, A McBride 1369, McFall & McManus New Antrim 1369, A Darragh 1368, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1365, W Scott Cullybackey 1365, B Swann & Son Kells 1362, N Percy & Son Randalstown 1362, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1359, A Purvis 1358, R Alexander & Son Harryville 1356, J Smyth & Son 1356, C Magill New Antrim 1352, Young McManus & Sons 1351, J & J Greer Cullybackey 1348, T Johnston & Son Harryville 1348, A Darragh 1347.

Race marking for Rosscarbery Inl Nat will take place in Cullybackey on Thursday 12th May between 4.00pm and 6.30pm and clocks ready same night. The entry sheets and fees will be collected at Cullybackey on Wednesday 11th May between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

The Champions League continued with race four at the weekend from Fermoy, 10 lofts get points and Danny Dixon and Allen McBride move to the top of Sects A & D with the big competition going on in Sect C.

The League leaders after week 4 are Allen McBride Harryville 73 Points, Alan Darragh Cullybackey 71 Points, Danny Dixon Rasharkin 66 Points and Russell Bros Cullybackey 23 Points. The latest positions are as follows. Sect (1) A – D Dixon 66 Points, S Millar 58 Points, M Graham 25 Points, Reid Bros & McCloy 16 Points, Surgenor Bros 14 Points, R H Clements 14 Points, C Magill 2 Points. Sect (2) B – Russell Bros 23 Points, A Purvis 20 Points, Stewart Bros 16 Points, McFall & McManus 12 Points, W & J Smyth 8 Points, L Mullan 1 Point. Sect (3) C – A Darragh 71 Points, Milliken & Barkley 58 Points, Scott & Clements 39 Points, J Smyth & Son 32 Points, J & N Simpson 23 Points, J Devlin 17 Points, C Moore 4 Points. Sect (4) D – A McBride 73 Points, Young McManus & Sons 64 Points, G McDowell 28 Points, Steele & McNeill 16 Points, R McFall & Son 13 Points, Houston Bros 7 Points.

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

Danny Laverty of Ballymoney is the best reported in the NIPA Section B timing a yearling Blue cock doing velocity 1420 which will be up near the top of the NIPA. He is followed by Allen McBride of Harryville who had three early birds and filled the top positions in the Mid Antrim Combine, the McBride loft has been best in Ballymena for the last three races.

The best bird in the Antrim area from Fermoy was in Muckamore HPS where A & E Bell were 1st & 2nd with their yearling Grizzle hen doing velocity 1377. They were followed by Jimmy Courtney with two birds and John White, all birds competing in the East Antrim Sect C. Glen Magill had the best two birds in Sect B, Noel Percy & Son had a good first win of the season in Randalstown doing 1362, all the previous races had been won by Simon Millar. George Grant who races in Sect E had the winner in Crumlin & Dist followed by J & N Lamb, McFarlane & Agnew had the winner in Kells & District recording velocity 1365 followed by Brian Swann.

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 13/379 – J Smyth & Son 1383, J Orr & Son 1379, D Lowry & Sons 1377, Young McManus & Sons 1359, J Smyth & Son 1356, Young McManus & Sons 1351, A & N Young 1340, Young McManus & Sons 1334, J Balmer 1327, T & G Balmer 1307.

Ballymena & Dist 13/255 – J Devlin 1375, Richmond Bros 1341, B O’Rawe 1321, Richmond Bros 1320, J Devlin 1296, McAlonan Bros 1294, B O’Rawe 1287, W & J Smyth 1276, J Harris 1270, G & A Eagleson 1246. Club Chairman Joe Devlin wins for the second week, his Mealy cock bred by club-mate George Barr and sent sitting eggs was timed at 16.21hrs flying 200 miles to the Toome Road. Richmond Bros, Brian O’Rawe and McAlonan Bros are all getting close.

Ballymoney 30/991 – D Laverty 1420, Curry & Gilmore 1416, A & R McAuley 1390, D Dixon 1388, A & R McAuley 1373, A & M Boyle 1367, J Hutchinson & Son 1365, D Dixon 1337, D & G McMullan 1334, D & H Stuart 1333, A & M Boyle 1332, J Connolly 1331. Danny Laverty shows them the way home from Fermoy with almost a thousand birds competing, his Blue yearling cock is looking good to win Section B and get a high NIPA Open position.

Ballymoney West Combine 10/285 – D Laverty 1420, Curry & Gilmore 1416, J Hutchinson & Son 1365, C Henry 1310, W Blair 1287, J McDowell & Sons 1273, R J Elliott 1255, B & I Stewart 1246, D Gage 1245, L Neill 1197.

Dervock IPS 11/408 – A & M Boyle 1367, J Hutchinson & Son 1365, D & G McMullan 1334, D & H Stuart 1333, A & M Boyle 1332, S Laverty 1329, D & H Stuart 1319, S Laverty 1319, W & L McCaw 1295, J Hutchinson & Son 1290.

Broughshane 10/213 – A Purvis 1378, 1358, J & N Simpson 1323, D Houston & son 1320, J & N Simpson 1311, G Martin 1297, R Wylie 1295, J Smyth & Sons 1286. Allister gets his first win of the season and also the runner-up spot as well. The winner was a yearling Wildemeersch/Janssen cross timed at 14.30hrs to the lofts on the Carnlough Road, not bad in an East wind out there. Congratulations.

Chimney Corner – McDonald & Wilkinson 1285.

Cullybackey 21/678 – A Darragh 1385, 1372, W Scott 1365, J & J Greer 1348, H & R McCloy 1338, Taylor & Wilkinson 1337, L Davidson 1324, S Steele 1317, W Scott 1315, S McKendry 1309.

Crumlin & District 14/352 – G Grant 1336, J & N Lamb 1330, M & B McConville 1318, Fleming Bros 1312, 1294, 1293.

Harryville 16/392 – A McBride 1393, 1393, 1390, J Rock 1376, A McBride 1370, 1369, R Alexander & Son 1356, T Johnston & Son 1348, J Millar & Son 1308, R Alexander & Son 1308.

Kells & District 13/280 – McFarlane & Agnew 1365, B Swann & Son 1362, McFarlane & Agnew 1294, H Boyd 1289, Scott & Clements 1278, Surgenor Bros 1253, 1238, G McDowell 1224. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – McFarlane & Agnew 1294, Surgenor Bros 1253. McFarlane & Agnew timed their yearling Blue Ch cock Verheye bloodlines at 2.21pm flying 198 miles for velocity 1365. They topped the 2 Bird Club with their second arrival.

Muckamore 12/322 – A & E Bell 1377, 1364, J Courtney 1355, 1345, J White 1335, J Courtney 1327, G Magill 1322, A & E Bell 1303.

New Antrim Amal 8/250 – McFall & McManus 1369, C Magill 1352, McFall & McManus 1343, C Magill 1286, T Picken & Son 1274, McFall & McManus 1273, C Magill 1270, C Moore 1261, 1226, D Jackson & Son 1225. Very well done Charlie McManus on winning the club on your Birthday weekend, not bad for an young pup of 85. 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.

Randalstown 11/274 – N Percy & Son 1362, Stewart Bros 1339, S Millar 1321, H Boyd 1317, S Millar 1312, Stewart Bros 1296, G McAllister 1237, C Shaw 1193.

Rasharkin & District 12/315 – Milliken & Barkley 1369, H Cubitt 1324, D Mairs 1320, Steele & McNeill 1311, Milliken & Barkley 1302, A C & T Tweed 1275, 1274, J & D Surgenor 1272, J Robinson & Son 1264, J & D Surgenor 1262. Davy Mairs Nomination. D Dixon – 1388, 1337, 1337, 1336. Milliken & Barkley win for the second week in a row from Harold Cubitt in second. Race kindly sponsored by LECK N.I (Ballymoney).

Paddy Grew from Charlemont has the best reported birds in the big Sect E followed by G Buckley & Son from Annaghmore getting set for the big Inland National.

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Annaghmore – G Buckley & Son 1398, 1381, G Calvin & Son 1367.

Armagh 19/437 – G & A Campbell 1396, A Whitcroft 1372, A Geraghty 1359, O Toal & Sons 1349, S Fields & Sons 1348, A Geraghty 1344. Armagh 2 Bird Club – A Whitcroft 1181, M Shaw 1148, I Parkes & Son 1124, G & A Campbell 1089.

Beechpark Social 14/483 – R Bothwell 1313, D Mawhinney & Son 1311, R Russell 1297, 1296, H Hanna & Son 1281, R Bothwell 1278. Congratulations to Roy winning his first race since joining Beechpark.

Bondhill 8/485 – J Greenaway 1381, D Calvin 1376, R Williamson 1359, 1356, 1354, 1352.

Charlemont – P Grew 1411, 1407, K Shannon 1371, McGeary Bros 1349, P Grew 1338, 1320.

Edgarstown 19/504 – G & C Simmons 1368, J Robinson 1359, G & C Simmons 1341, T & A Ford 1320, J Whitten 1315, G & C Simmons 1313.

Gilford & District – T McKinstry 1362, T Wilson 1358, 1357, S S Cairns 1350, Rafferty & Toman 1349, C & R Moffatt 1307.

Laurelvale 17/399 – G & C Topley 1364, J Dowey & Sons 1351, A Gittins 1351, J Funston 1314, M Milligan & Son 1297, A Neill 1295.

Loughgall – N Weir 1351, 1333, W Corrigan 1248.

Lurgan Amat 8/171 – G & F Hall 1338, Higginson & Johnston 1317, 1281, 1271, D McBride 1241, J P Nelson 1230.

Lurgan Social – J Douglas & So 1359, 1355, 1332, 1297, Higginson & Johnston 1286, 1285.

Markethill – B Baird 1332, W Brown & Son 1330, M McDowell 1275, D Linden 1273, P McCall 1268, A Humphries & Son 1250.

Monaghan 11/273 – P Tierney 1374, S O’Brien 1369, R Mulligan 1347, W Walker & son 1337, S O’Brien 1324, B Corley 1293. Peter Tierney timed his 2 year old Dark Cheq Busschaert cock sent sitting eggs at 13.19hrs flying 151 miles.

Portadown Inv – A McDonald 1312, A Fearon 1285, D J Gordon 1240, M Livingstone 1213, W Cooke 1201, M Livingstone 1160. An erratic race does not prevent that man Allan from scoring again, this time with a White John Abernethy yearling cock. May be good enough to take the hot-spot prize.

Tandragee – T McKinstry 1361, Dillon & Morrow 1322, T McKinstry 1320, Dillon & Morrow 1318, A Craig 1307, 1307.

Wilton Cross 14/278 – G Douglas 1332 Nom & DTW, McCarron Bros 1322, M Wilkinson 1321, C & J Ferris 1320, 1320, Copper & McGrath 1314.

On behalf of Donald Cooper & Family I would like to thank all those fanciers who contributed to the recent Young Bird Sale. Also, the Lurgan Social for the use of their clubrooms and Auctioneer Steve McGarry and his driver Tommy who travelled from Larne at no cost to conduct the sale. To all those who gave a donation, especially the INFC Show Committee, who kindly donated £500. The sale plus donations raised a tidy £1,600 approx and this will be presented at a future fund raising event for the Charity “Tiny Life” which provides funding for Medical Research into the causes of Premature Birth and provides support to the affected families.

Williamson & Calvin Transporter –
Please note that from Tuesday 17th May to Thursday 19th birds will be training from Laytown, Sunday 15th May the venue will be Balbriggan (No Monday Training). 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.

Loughview Combine in East Antrim had over 1,000 birds again, overall winners were Foster & Larkham doing velocity 1382 followed by Campbell & Bigger and G & M Atcheson.

Loughview Combine Fermoy (1) 53/1158 – Foster & Larkham 1382, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1352, G & M Atcheson 1352, G McKenna 1350, M & T Denvir 1349, N Armstrong 1343, McManus & Mullan 1341, W Campbell 1329, Murphy & Mullan 1324, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1322.

The Newry based North-South Fed was topped by G Hughes & Son doing velocity 1410 followed by M Maguire & Son and Ron McKelvey. Over 1,400 birds competing here.

North-South Federation Fermoy (1) 61/1472 – G Hughes & Son 1410, M Maguire & Son 1382, R McKelvey 1372, J Murtagh 1371, Donnelly Bros 1368, G Hughes & Son 1367, R McKelvey 1345, L Falloon & Son 1336, R McKelvey 1335, R Black & Son 1332.

The Banbridge based Ban Fed was topped by J Brush who had a flyer doing velocity 1392 ahead of Mr & Mrs Mallon.

Ban Federation Fermoy (1) 23/545 – J Brush 1392, M/M G Mallon 1337, B McAvoy 1315, J Brush 1314, J Smyth & Sons 1310, J Smyth & Sons 1309, E Mallon & Son 1306, B Snowden 1304, E Mallon & Son 1298, J Mount & Son 1290 £1 Nom.

East Down Combine Results – Fermoy (1)

East Down Combine had the latest race from Fermoy, liberation was at 9.15am in a SSE wind, the race was dominated by West Sect lofts Newtownbreda having the top two with M & A Johnston followed by R & R Lambe. John Patterson had 1st Ballylesson and Ronnie Johnston was 1st Dundonald. Burgess & Brennan from Bangor had 1st East Sect followed by club-mates R Moore & Son and James Cleland who was 1st in Annsborough.

East Down Combine Open Fermoy (1) - 1 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1397, 2 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1378, 3 J Patterson Ballylesson HPS 1376, 4 R. Johnson Dundonald HPS 1372, 5 A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1372, 6 D.& D Chew Newtownbreda HPS 1369, 7 R.Trimble Ballynahinch HPS 1358, 8 Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson HPS 1352, 9 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1346, 10 S.Brown & Sons Dundonald HPS 1343, 11 W. Casement & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1343, 12 S.Brown & Sons Dundonald HPS 1343, 13 D & R Topping Ballynahinch HPS 1342, 14 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1334, 15 D.& D Chew Newtownbreda HPS 1333, 16 Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson HPS 1333, 17 T.Marshall & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1332, 18 R.Irwin Dundonald HPS 1328, 19 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1324, 20 B. Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda HPS 1322, 21 Burns Bros Comber Social 1321, 22 J Patterson Ballylesson HPS 1320, 23 L. McKinstry Dundonald HPS 1320, 24 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1314, 25 A. Crawford Ballylesson HPS 1314, 26 S.Brown & Sons Dundonald HPS 1313, 27 S.Brown & Sons Dundonald HPS 1313, 28 Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson HPS 1309, 29 R & S Casement Newtownbreda HPS 1307, 30 Burgess & Brennan Bangor RPC 1306, 31 D.& D Chew Newtownbreda HPS 1302, 32 R & S Casement Newtownbreda HPS 1301, 33 R Moore & Son Bangor RPC 1300, 34 J Patterson Ballylesson HPS 1298, 35 James. Cleland Annsborough HPS 1297, 36 Thompson & Patterson Ballylesson HPS 1294, 37 Benson Bros Annsborough HPS 1294, 38 T.Marshal & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1293, 39 R.Trimble Ballynahinch HPS 1291, 40 Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson HPS 1291.

EDC West Section - 1 M & A Johnston Newtownbreda HPS 1397, 2 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1378, 3 J Patterson Ballylesson HPS 1376, 4 R. Johnson Dundonald HPS 1372, 5 A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson HPS 1372, 6 D.& D Chew Newtownbreda HPS 1369, 7 R.Trimble Ballynahinch HPS 1358, 8 Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson HPS 1352, 9 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1346, 10 S.Brown & Sons Dundonald HPS 1343, 11 W. Casement & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1343, 12 S.Brown & Sons Dundonald HPS 1343, 13 D & R Topping Ballynahinch HPS 1342, 14 R & R Lambe Newtownbreda HPS 1334, 15 D.& D Chew Newtownbreda HPS 1333, 16 Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson HPS 1333, 17 T.Marshal & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1332, 18 R.Irwin Dundonald HPS 1328, 19 W.White & Son Newtownbreda HPS 1324, 20 B. Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda HPS 1322.

EDC East Section - 1 Burgess & Brennan Bangor RPC 1306, 2 R Moore & Son Bangor RPC 1300, 3 James. Cleland Annsborough HPS 1297, 4 Benson Bros Annsborough HPS 1294, 5 P McCartan Annsborough HPS 1288, 6 R Moore & Son Bangor RPC 1276, 7 T.Smith Downpatrick HPS 1275, 8 Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee RPC 1275, 9 Burgess & Brennan Bangor RPC 1272, 10 James. Cleland Annsborough HPS 1271, 11 Burgess & Brennan Bangor RPC 1270, 12 P McCartan Annsborough HPS 1267, 13 Lambert & Stewart Bangor RPC 1266, 14 R.McDowell & Son Annsborough HPS 1266, 15 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1260, 16 G & P. Brown Annsborough HPS 1260, 17 J.McNally & Son Annsborough HPS 1259, 18 S.Regan Ballywalter SPC 1256, 19 P McCullough & Dtr Downpatrick HPS 1254, 20 James. Cleland Annsborough HPS 1252.

East Down Combine Clubs Fermoy (1)

Annalong – D Higgins 1200, 1194, K Rooney & Son 1158, Donnelly Bros 1148, B McConnell 1147, K Rooney & Son 1146.

Annsborough – J Cleland 1297, Benson Bros 1294, P McCartan 1288, J Cleland 1271, P McCartan 1267, R McDowell & son 1266.

Ballylesson 15/448 – J Patterson 1376, A Cousins & Sons 1372, Mackey & Lockhart 1352, 1333, J Patterson 1320, A Crawford 1314.

Ballynahinch HPS – R Trimble 1358, D & R Topping 1342, R Trimble 1291, G Morrison & Daughters 1280, J Gillespie 1262, J Abernethy 1257.

Cloughey 8/187 – H Gordon & Partners 1229, Harper & Young 1205, Gordon Bros & sons 1176, Harper & Young 1175, H Gordon & Partners 1169.

Crossgar 11/358 – S & K Duke 1270, A & A Cheevers 1263, D Walsh 1263, McCartan & Woodsides 1257, S & K Duke 1256, B Palmer & Son 1251.

Downpatrick 12/291 – T Smyth 1275, P McCullough & Daughter 1254, J Crossan 1251, T Smyth 1250, R Connolly 1237, J Crossan 1222.

Drumaness Mills – J Kirk & Sons 1263, 1217, Burns & O’Neill 1209, J Kirk & Sons 1207, G Hillen & Partners 1206, Burns & O’Neill 1159.

Dundonald 8/213 – R Johnston 1372, S Brown & Sons 1343, 1343, R Irwin 1328, L McKinstry 1320, S Brown & Sons 1313.

Dundrum – J Maguire & Partners 1221, Foster Connor & Parry 1071, 1050, J Maguire & Partners 1038, 1003, J Ringland & Son 988.

Killyleagh Central 16/255 – Irvine Bros 1345, McComb Bros 1317, Irvine Bros 1302, 1295, 1281, 1280.

Newtownbreda 14/300 – M & A Johnston 1397, R & R Lambe 1378, D & D Chew 1369, W White & Son 1346, W Casement & Son 1343, R & R Lambe 1334.

Tyrella 8/198 – S Halpin & Sons 1235, S Milligan & Daughter 1231, S Halpin & Sons 1223, 1209, D McNabb & Partners 1209, 1207.

Dundonald HPS -3 Bird Challenge Skibbereen Classic 14/05/11.

Members and birds competing:

McCartan & Woodsides, IHU 10 N 02297, IHU 08 N 30074, IHU 08 N 30075; B.C.T.Foulis & Gill, IHU 10 N 19917, IHU 10 N 19918, GB 09 H 01810; Kincaid & McCann, IHU 10 N 04699, IHU 09 N 11666, GB 10 D 07861; D Hamilton, IHU 08 N 00258, IHU 09 N 26098, IHU 10 N 12461; C Stewart, IHU 09 N 26010, IHU 09 N 26038, IHU 10 N 12252; S Brown & Sons, IHU 10 N 19729, IHU 10 N 19681; IHU 10 N 19721; J Young & Ptrs GB 10 Z 32643, GB 10 Z 32645, GB 10 Z 32649; J Abernethy GB 09 D 21101, GB 08 D 22471,GB 09 D 21451; R Irwin, Belge 08 3078131, IHU 09 N 25587, IHU 09 N 25592; R Moore & Sons, IHU 09 N 26801, IHU 09 N 26716; IHU 09 N 26806; McLoughlin Bros, IHU 10 N 19836, IHU 10 N 01058; IHU 10 N 01062; C & D Smyth, IHU 09 N 00666, IHU 10 N 24032, IHU 09 N 00619; R Johnston, IHU 10 N 19781, IHU 10 N 19780, GB 10 V 46112; M Foulis, IHU 10 N 19413, IHU 10 N 19471, IHU 10 N 02037; M & A Johnston GB 10 K 14328, GB 10 K 14338, IHU 09 N 18525; S & K Duke, IHU 09 N 27934, IHU 09 N 27935; IHU 09 N 27377; D Walsh, IHU 10 N 04392, IHU 10 N 02162, GB 10 D 13086; L McKinstry GB 10 F 33020; GB 10 F 33060, IHU 10 N 19815; M Croskery, IHU 07 N 20587, IHU 10 N 05666, IHU 10 N 05671; D Croskery & Son IHU 07 N 20445, IHU 09 N 10373, IHU 10 N 04651; G & P Brown IHU 09 N 10217; IHU 10 N 04581, GB 09 F 44413: 21 Members entered 63 birds - total prize money £630: 1st prize £310 plus cut glass trophy, 2nd prize £210, 3rd prize £110. All birds must be verified at a Race Centre.

G & P Brown pick the right one in South Down

The East Down Combine pigeons were back in Mount Charles for their fourth race of the season on Saturday 30 April. The birds were released at 9.30am in a northeast wind, which was to freshen on the way home. While the easterly element in the wind isn’t the most favoured by the South Down fanciers they can be very pleased with the performances here with eleven Fed birds in the Open result.

The Open was topped for the second time this year by Dundonald’s Roy Irwin but with a touch of north in the wind the pigeons were able to tuck down into it and there were a good spread of clubs in the Open result.

The winners of the South Down Fed this week are Annsborough’s G & P Brown with their fancied bird on the day taking pools, Nom and DTW to give them winnings of £376.50. I believe there was also a substantial amount in the club DTW as well.

Geraldine and Patrick have got off to a great start to the season and had two birds in the Fed result last week as well. This was another great result for them to take 1st east section, 4th Open East Down Combine. They have another bird in the result at 4th Fed, 6th section, 18th Open to round off a good days racing.

The winning pigeon was 4th Fed, 9th section, 13th Open last week from the first Mount Charles and had been 3rd club the previous week from Tullamore. I can see from this why Geraldine picked it for the DTW. This two-year-old cock had some very impressive results last year, when it was 1st Fed, 1st section, 4th Open Tullamore and 2nd Fed, 2nd section, 5th Open Talbenny also winning the 3 Bird Channel Championship.

The sire of this pigeon is the Lindelauf cock that won the section from Pilmore Beach in 2008. The dam is a Busschaert, which has bred a lot of prizewinners for K Rooney & Son who are responsible for the majority of Patrick and Geraldine’s best racers these days.

Their second pigeon is a yearling cock out of a son of the ‘19’ cock winner of Penzance two years in a row in the Corrigs club and 2nd section ‘F’ on both occasions. The dam of the bird timed here is a Grondelaar. These birds originated from V Reid & Son, Dromore.

Mickey Croskery Annsborough had a good race too with three birds in the result. We haven’t heard a lot from Mickey this year yet so this could well be the start of his birds coming into form.

Mickey’s first bird was 2nd Fed, 4th section, 13th Open and is aptly named ‘The Devil’. It’s a yearling that raced well as a young bird and made the prizes twice. She is off a daughter of the treble Open winner, a winner of the Open from Bude, Sennen Cove and Penzance, when paired to ‘The Cairn’, a winner of a host of prizes including 2nd Open Talbenny and 6th Open Bude. The sire of the bird time here is a Walter De Rick pigeon.

The pigeon at 6th Fed, 8th section, 20th Open is a yearling cock, out of D Croskery & Son’s good blue hen, a winner of a host of prizes and also a phenomenal stock hen. The sire is another from their Walter De Rick pigeons.

Mickey’s third pigeon is a yearling hen from the old family of De Klaks, which have served the Croskerys so well over the years.

Annsborough’s R McDowell & Son are 3rd Fed, 5th section, 17th Open to get their season under way. This bird was actually 5th Club, 6th Fed, and 16th section, 27th Open St Malo last year. The pigeon timed is a yearling cock out of a Blue Pied cock obtained from Joe McGreevy, Crossgar while the dam is from Billy Lecky, Ards.

Last week’s Open winner Noel Maguire Annsborough keeps his good run of form going by taking 5th Fed, 7th section, 19th Open this week. This bird is a two-year-old Pros Roosen hen from James Cleland Annsborough. This bird was 7th Fed from Mullingar, and was fourth club, sixth Fed, seventh section, 18th Open Young Bird Talbenny in 2009.

Dundrum’s J Maguire & Ptrs are 7th Fed, 12th section, 34th Open to give them their best result of the season. This was a sure sign that their birds were coming into form and this was shown two days later when they were 1st and 2nd Fed in the Fed’s May Day race. The pigeon timed here is a yearling hen and is a Busschaert x Van Reet cross.

A Murray & Son Dundrum winner of the first three races in the Dundrum club are 2nd club, 9th Fed, 14th section, 36th Open this week. The bird timed here is a yearling cock that had two races as young bird when he was 3rd club Tullamore. This year he has been 10th club Tullamore, 5th club Mount Charles (1), and now 2nd club Mount Charles (2). The sire is Maurice Corens stock while the dam is Maurice Corens x Frans Laermans. There are numerous winners on both sides of this breeding.

The result is completed by Annsborough’s James Cleland 10th Fed. James is also 15th section, 37th Open here. James’ bird is a yearling hen with the sire coming from the Pros Roosens of Martin Flynn while the dam is a Sootjens from Maurice Alexander. These birds have crossed well and have been responsible for many prizewinners for James and others.

Hard luck to our youngest members J & J Rogan Newcastle who were 11th Fed and made the Open result at 16th section, 40th Open.

Full Result: 1, G & P Brown Annsborough 1227 ABCD Nom DTW £376.50; 2, M Croskery Annsborough 1207; 3, R McDowell & Son Annsborough 1202; 4, G & P Brown 1201; 5, N Maguire Annsborough 1200.776; 6, M Croskery 1200.370; 7, J Maguire & Ptrs Dundrum 1190.118; 8, M Croskery 1190.118; 9, A Murray & Son Dundrum 1189.93; 10, J Cleland Annsborough 1189.37.

* Draw for Round 3 of the Knock Out to be flown from 2nd Fermoy. 1, L & A Toner v Benson Bros; 2, S Foster, Connor & Parry v D McNabb & Ptrs; 3, N King & Son v P McCartan; 4, Mr & Mrs Irvine v J Maguire & Ptrs; 5, R McDowell & Son v G & P Brown; 6, N Maguire v J Newell; 7, D Croskery & Son v P Brown & Son; 8, R J Keown v S Milligan & Dtr:

* The Skibbereen Classic will have a £2 Nom. One bird per loft - winner takes all.