Farming Life - Wednesday 01/06/11
Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 3:00 pm
With a poor weekend forecast for the weekend the NIPA special committee decided not to travel to South Wales and instead have an inland race from Pilmore Beach. It was intended to have a later liberation to suit the working population but the weather again took charge and the strings were cut and birds released at the early time of 7.30am. Returns were a bit erratic, but good to report that most birds have made home lofts on the day. The early picture was from results placed, that the NIPA Sect C lofts would be well positioned, at present the best reported bird was timed in Ballyclare by B & M Gilmore doing velocity 1509, followed by best in Larne Steele & McLaughlin on 1504. Donnelly Bros are best in Newry City (1504) taking 1st Sect G, Sammy Briggs is tops in Lisburn & District and takes 1st Sect D and Darren Thompson & Son from Tandragee have 1st Sect E. Result will change as more club results arrive.
NIPA Pilmore Beach Open (Prov) – 1-1C B & M Gilmore Ballyclare 1509, 2-2C Steele & McLaughlin Larne 1504.97, 3-1G Donnelly Bros Newry City 1504.94, 4-2G T Mooney & Son Millvale 1404.4, 5-3C Rea & Magill Horseshoe 1503.8, 6-5C M/M McNeilly Doagh 1503, 7-6C Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1497, 8-7C Bingham & Seaton 1496, 9-8C Bingham & Seaton 1496, 10-1D S G Briggs Lisburn 1494, 11-9C B & M Gilmore 1491, 12-2D M & F Russell Dromore WE 1490, 13-10C D & J Campbell & Bigger Glengormley 1487.8, 14-11C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487.5, 15-12C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487.4, 17-1E D Thompson & Son Tandragee 1487.3, 16-13C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1486, 17-2E N Weir Loughgall 1485, 18-14C W Campbell Ligoniel 1482, 19-3G G Hughes & Son Newry & Dist 1482.3, 20-15C Bingham & Seaton 1482.0.
Best in the NIPA Sections:
Section A - M McPhillips 1446, S Hughes 1423, H McLaughlin 1414.
Section B - C Moore 1474, A McBride 1471, W & J Smyth 1469.
Section C - B & M Gilmore 1509, Steele & McLaughlin 1504, Rea & Magill 1503.
Section D - S Briggs 1494, M & F Russell 1490, R Fear 1480.
Section E - D Thompson & Son 1487, N Weir 1485, G Douglas 1479.
Section F - McGimpsey Bros1472, McComb Bros 1453, 1453.
Section G – Donnelly Bros 1504, T Mooney & Son 1504, G Hughes & Son 1482.
Section H - E Quigley 1377, Alan Hall 1356, K Armstrong 1342.
NIPA Sect A Clubs
Coalisland 18/366 – M McPhillips 1446, S Hughes 1423, H McLaughlin 1414, W Bleeks & Son 1404, 1393, M McPhillips 1389. Sean Hughes Nom, Karl Murphy 1st 2 Bird.
Coleraine Premier 14/260 – Diamond Bros 1400, 1397, J L Madden 1395, Hanson & Harpur 1377, J L Madden 1376, Hanson & Harpur 1369.
Coleraine & County Derry 12/191 – D Tosh 1381, D Platt & Son 1366, T McCrudden 1365, D Tosh 1361.
Cookstown Social 8/225 – S Marshall 1396, G & S Smith 1393, S & G Smith 1390, G & S Smith 1390, 1387, G Marshall 1380. The Steeple Lofts of Stephen Marshall make it win No 3 with a victory from one of his favourite race points.
Castledawson – T Leacock & Son 1317, 1309, T & S Dawson 1282
Dungannon – J & J Sampson 1398, S McConnell 1378, W Leckey & Son 1376, 1366, S Shannon 1346, J & J Sampson 1323.
Windsor Social 11/174 – E & J McGarry 1364, 1357, Horner & Scott 1329, R & J Parke 1327, C Morrow & Son 1324, Horner & Scott 1323.
NIPA Sect H Clubs
Derry & District – Cooley Bros 1280, A McCrudden 1207, C McConomy 1149, A McCrudden 1133, J & G Ramsey 1121, A McCrudden 1089. Second win for Danny and Gary, doing very well on velocity 1280 and well in front of the rest.
Foyle RPS – M/M P Maxwell 1267, B Hart 1261, M/M P Maxwell 1244, J Gallagher 1216, M/M P Maxwell 1180, M Jones 1163.
Limavady 10/142 – H Crawford 1274, R Witherow 1257, 1227, 1211, B Mailey 1208, W McIlmoyle 1207.
Londonderry PRS 7/59 – D & P Wick 1322, L Flanagan & Son 1282, D & P Wick 1243, L Flanagan & Son 1180, D & P Wick 1158, L Flanagan & Son 1136. Davy takes the top spot in the Waterside this week, well ahead of the pack.
Maiden City 18/169 – Coyle Bros 1276, P & M Healy 1266, F Ramsey 1255, Concannon Bros 1253, Dunne & Quigley 1245, 1243. Coyle Bros Michael and Don start to hit form just at the right time for the channel events, timing the winner this week on velocity 1276. Martin Healy is the runner-up and he will be looking forward to the channel as well. Making a return to the frame in 3rd place the loft of Frankie Ramsey.
Omagh & District 10/151 – A Hall 1356, K Armstrong 1342, A Kelly 1338, A Hall 1283, 1283, S Gilmore 1282.
Strabane 10/90 – T McBride 1290, G McGavigan 1257, 1255, D Farrell 1246, T Conway 1232, G Quinn 1217.
Rock Flying Club – E Quigley 1377, M McCloskey 1308, T White 1279, 1252, McCloskey Bros 1193, E Quigley 1184. Well done Eamon, coming good at the right time approaching the cross channel season.
NIPA Sect B Clubs (excluding MAC)
Ballymoney 26/603 – D Dixon 1441, 1441, A & M Boyle 1432, 1431, A & R McAuley 1408, D & H Stuart 1392, J Connolly 1389, D & H Stuart 1387, J Connolly 1383, D Laverty 1380. Danny notches up his 4th win of the old bird season timing a 3 year old Blue cock Sumo/Verschelde a grandson of his Skibbereen National winner.
Ballymoney West Combine 8/174 – D Laverty 1380, R J Elliott 1379, J McDowell & Sons 1377, Curry & Gilmore 1373, L Neill 1306, B & I Stewart 1292.
Dervock RPS 9/252 – A & M Boyle 1432, 1431, D & H Stuart 1392, 1387, D & G McMullan 1363, 1357, S Laverty 1355, D Devenney 1349, 1346, W & L McCaw 1336.
Chimney Corner – McDonald & Wilkinson 1418.
Crumlin & District 11/188 – Fleming Bros 1451, K Galloway 1434, G Grant 1431, Fleming Bros 1418, M & B McConville 1401, G Grant 1400.
Muckamore 14/306 – A & E Bell 1451, 1445, 1433, D J Thompson 1420, J Courtney 1418, J Sinton 1416, F Todd 1412, A & E Bell 1412.
NIPA Sect E Clubs
Annaghmore – G Buckley & Son 1444, 1435, 1431.
Armagh 16/265 – I Parkes & Son 1406, P Tennyson 1386, I Parkes & Son 1376, P & P Kelly 1372, P Tennyson 1357, M Shaw 1357. Armagh 2 Bird Club – P & P Kelly 1357, M Shaw 1353, 1332, E & M Curran 1318.
Beechpark Social 12/352 – D Mawhinney & Son 1449, S & J McCullough 1445, R Bothwell 1438, D Mawhinney & Son 1425, G McEvoy 1419, D Percy & son 1401.
Bondhill – D Calvin 1469, R Williamson 1469, 1466, 1463, 1450, D Calvin 1445.
Charlemont – P Grew 1423, 1420, 1419, A Grew 1402, P Grew 1400, A Grew 1381.
Drumcree Social – B Creaney 1445, Sloan Reid & Sons 1429, S Haughain 1394.
Edgarstown 16/396 – T & A Ford 1451, 1451, G & T Ritchie 1444, P & D Stewart 1434, T & A Ford 1432, D Parr 1431. Another big result for Tommy Ford, same bird as last week winner of the DTW and £150. A Delaney Jacobs Blue cock that also won the Centre previously from Rosscarbery.
Gilford & District – T Wilson 1465, 1464, 1464, 1444, Hanratty & Mulvenna 1438, T Wilson 1437.
Laurelvale – J Dowey & Sons 1417, S Fiddes 1416, Gillis & Radcliffe 1413, J Dowey & Sons 1408, Gillis & Radcliffe 1405, S Fiddes 1396.
Loughgall – N Weir 1485, 1465, 1463.
Lurgan Amat – 6/134 – G Gillespie & Son 1425, Higginson & Johnston 1419, 1390, J P Nelson 1385, 1360.
Lurgan Social – S Curran 1472, J Douglas & Son 1468, S Curran 1454, 1451, Higginson & Johnston 1451, 1416.
Markethill – J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1423, A Hupmhries & Son 1414, J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1407, A Humphries & Son 1402, M McDowell & Son 1400, Hewitt & Hewitt 1386.
Monaghan – J Graham 1368, 1357, P Tierney 1352, H Gormley 1327, S O’Brien 1326, G Swift 1322.
Portadown Inv – M Livingstone 1427, 1418, 1418, A McDonald 1410, M Livingstone 1399, 1399. An excellent card for Malcolm Livingstone having five birds in the Top 6. Pairing them up seems to have done the trick.
Tandragee – D Thompson & Son 1487, A Craig 1472, 1462, 1454, T McKinstry 1451, 1449.
Wilton Cross – G Douglas 1479, D Carville & Son 1435, M Wilkinson 1432, G Douglas 1413, 1413, 1409.
Williamson & Calvin Transporter –
Please note that on Tuesday & Wednesday 7th & 8th June birds will be training from Laytown, Sunday 5th June the venue will be Balbriggan or Kildare (No Thursday Training). In the event of no NIPA Comeback Race from Fermoy on Sunday 5th June training will be from Kildare at 25p per bird (12.00 Lib). 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.
Skibbereen Old bird Inland Nat -
Skibbereen OB Inland Nat is sponsored by Bamfords Pigeon Feeds, 533 members sent 4,435 birds competing for £17,460 in pools and prizes and released at 10.45am in a Lt West wind.
All the early news and info is subject to change until the final race result and report. Not being involved this year as a PO, I can relax a bit and wait on the news appearing from the new team.
Balbriggan Centre Skibbereen OB – Dave Ward Malahide & Dist 1820, N C Shields Skerries 1818, Tommy Nelson Ballymun 1805, Derek Larkin Finglas 1802, P Ward & Son Finglas 1797, C Campion Balbriggan 1795, Safet Duran Finglas 1794, M/M M Gilligan Finglas 1794, Safet Duran 1792, Liam Donnelly Finglas 1791.
Stillorgan Centre Skibbereen OB – Stephen Cunningham Sallynoggin prov vel 1836, Hunter & O’Neill Rathnew 1835, P & J Snell Rathnew 1801, Moorehouse & Hayden Rathnew 1799, Hunter & O’Neill 1794, Hunter & O’Neill 1793, Ken Doyle & Son Sallynoggin 1793.
Muckamore Centre Skibbereen OB – M & A Pearson Eastway 1706, J Burrows Eastway 1697, L Savage & Son Eastway 1697, R McMeekin Kingsmoss 1696, G Grant Glenavy 1691, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1691, R Mills & Son Larne & Dist 1691, J Burrows 1690, M & A Pearson 1688, Arthurs & George Ballycarry 1687, A Taylor & Son Shankill 1686, G & M Atcheson Glengormley 1681, J Braniff Fortfield 1678, Grattan Bros Eastway 1678, McAuley Kell & Bowles Shankill 1677, M & T Griffith 1675, N Armstrong Shankill 1673, G & M Atcheson 1672, G K & I Moxham 1671, Arthurs & George 1670, L Savage & Son 1668, McAuley Kell & Bowles 1665, Grattan Bros 1662, Grattan Bros 1660, G K & I Moxham 1660, G K & I Moxham 1659, Grattan Bros 1658, W McClelland Doagh 1656, G McKenna Eastway 1649, G & L Simpson Shankill 1647, R McMeekin Kingsmoss 1647.
East Antrim INFC Skibbereen – D & J Campbell & Bigger Glengormley 1722, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1714, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1708, M & A Pearson Eastway 1706, J Burrows Eastway 1697, L Savage & Son Eastway 1697, R McMeekin Kingsmoss 1696, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1691, R Mills & Son Larne & Dist 1691, J Burrows 1690, M & A Pearson 1688, Arthurs & George Ballycarry 1687, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1686, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1686, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1686, G & M Atcheson Glengormley 1681, Grattan Bros Eastway 1678, M & T Griffith 1675, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1672, G & M Atcheson 1672, G K & I Moxham 1671, Arthurs & George 1670, L Savage & Son 1668, Grattan Bros 1662, Grattan Bros 1660, G K & I Moxham 1660, G K & I Moxham 1659, Grattan Bros 1658, W McClelland Doagh 1656, G McKenna Eastway 1649.
Mid Antrim Combine INFC Skibbereen – A Darragh Cullybackey 1628, A Darragh 1608, M Graham Ballymena 1606, J Millar Randalstown 1581, A Darragh 1578, A Darragh 1572, S Steele Cullybackey 1571, A Darragh 1554, A Darragh 1544, D Dixon Rasharkin 1541, B O’Rawe Ballymena 1539, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1536, M Graham 1533, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1529, S Steele 1525, S Steele 1524, M Graham 1521, D Dixon 1517, J & N Simpson 1515, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1512, M Graham 1511, S Steele 1503, S Steele 1502, S Steele 1494, B O’Rawe 1491, L Davidson Cullybackey 1487, S Steele 1484, D Dixon 1483, D Dixon 1482, J & N Simpson 1480.
Ban Federation Skibbereen Nat – M/M G Mallon & Son 1700, J Smyth & Sons 1693, C McArdle & Son 1687, J Smyth & Sons 1685, E Mallon & Son 1676, 1674, C McArdle & Son 1674, J Smyth & Sons 1671, 1665, L F & B McGrath 1660.
Club Results INFC Skibbereen
Annsborough – M Croskery 1717, R Shaw 1706, M Croskery 1705, R McDowell & Son 1688, D Croskery & Son 1688, R Shaw 1686.
Armagh 6/43 – A Geraghty 1591, S Fields & Sons 1523, A Geraghty 1507, 1483, P Duffy 1468, D & C McArdle 1462. Armagh 2 Bird Club – P Campbell & Sons 1435, D & C McArdle 1388, 1320, S Fields & Sons 1176.
Ballymena & Dist – M Graham 1606, B O’Rawe 1539, M Graham 1533, 1521, 1511, B O’Rawe 1491, 1440, M/M Sempey 1401.
Ballymoney – A & M Boyle 1549, D Dixon 1542, 1519, D & H Stuart 1514, A & M Boyle 1506, D & H Stuart 1505. A & M Boyle wins the first of the big national races. Their winning two year old Cheq cock was bred from a brother of Superior Van De Weyer bloodlines, and the Dam was Joop Koch from the late Eddie Wright.
Broughshane & Dist 2/10 – D Houston & Son 1536, J & N Simpson 1529, 1515, 1480, 1449.
Charlemont – A Grew 1583, 1549, E Grew 1536, 1493, A Grew 1481, E Grew 1477.
Corrigs & Dist – R Shaw 1706, 1686, 1680, K Rooney & Son 1661, R Shaw 1656, K Rooney & son 1647.
Dervock RPS – A & M Boyle 1549, D & H Stuart 1514, A & M Boyle 1506, D & H Stuart 1505, 1470, A & M Boyle 1465.
Downpatrick 8/90 – P Lue & Son 1690, J Crossan 1684, J Crossan 1675, P Lue & Son 1636, 1628, J Crossan 1618.
Drogheda Invitation – T Harrison 1717, 1698, R Coleman 1694, T Cluskey 1572, R Coleman 1523.
Edgarstown – W Cannaway 1615, 1613, 1608, 1606, 1600, 1582.
Gilford & Dist – Adamson & Anderson 1673, G O’Dowd 1662, T McKinstry 1657, 1648, Rafferty & Toman 1647, G O’Dowd 1646.
Lurgan Amat – Higginson & Johnston.
Monaghan – S O’Brien 2.24pm, R Mulligan, Cooney Bros, Cooney Bros, P Tierney.
Newtown/Kilpedder RPC - G Large 1764, E Kennedy & Son 1750, P Sheridan 1721, E Kennedy & Son 1696, 1694, S Shannon 1638. First win of the season for Gregory.
Skerries – N & C Shields 1818, Walton Family 1749, P Rock & Son 1744, 1727, Tara Walton 1668, P Rock & Son 1649.
Stillorgan RPC – Byrne & Mooney 1721, P Kennedy & Sons 1717, P Smith & Son 1639, J Dowling 1697, Byrne & Mooney 1696, J Dowling 1686.
Wilton Cross – G Douglas 1669, C & J Ferris 1653, G Douglas 1649, 1648, 1641, M Wilkinson 1632.
The race from Pilmore Beach was flown on Friday 27th May, the change of plan due to the weather situation and the decision made not to travel to Talbenny in South Wales. The Committee took the safe choice and rightly so, not so many years back we lost half the convoy in Talbenny. Maybe its time to look again at the programme, to satisfy those interested in the cross channel and distance events keep all races in the programme as it has been since the formation. Give the choice of a land race at the same time and nothing to stop those running through to early July when some small number of the membership compete in the France races over three weeks. From Pilmore Beach the best local bird was timed by A & R McAuley flying in Ballymoney and the loft situated just outside Portrush. Doing velocity 1408 they were followed by the big guns in the Coleraine Premier Diamond Bros and Leslie Madden, Darren Tosh is 1st in the Colerainr & Co Derry (1381) and E & J McGarry are 1st in Windsor Social (1364.
Coleraine Triangle Pilmore Beach – A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1408, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1400, Diamond Bros 1397, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1395, D Tosh Co Derry 1381, Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1377, J L Madden 1376, Hanson & Harpur 1369, D Platt & Son Co Derry 1366, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1365, T McCrudden Co Derry 1365, P O’Connor Coleraine Prem 1365, Diamond Bros 1365, T & J McDonald 1364, E & J McGarry Windsor Soc 1364, D Tosh 1361, E & J McGarry 1357.
CITY OF DERRY - PILMORE BEACH
With racing in the channel cancelled and pigeons basketed early for a Friday liberation from Pilmore Beach approx 220 miles, the winner this week who was well out on his own was Rock flying club member Eamon Quigley. Against the odds in a west wind tops the Derry Federation and will be a big bonus going into the distant racing which he sets as his target. Also coming to the forefront this week is Londonderry rps winner Davy Wick taking 2nd and 15th, and this will be a welcome lift for this loft. 3rd Fed goes to Michael McCloskey Rock fc who has flying consistently over the last few weeks as is the Londonderry rps flyer Leo Flanagan & son 4th, Cooley Bros Derry & District hps take 5th with Tommy White rock fc 6th and13th. Coyle bros maiden city rps are 7th, Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle rps 8th,15th P & M Healy Maiden City rps 9th, 18th Barry Hart Foyle rps, 10th with the Maiden City rps members taking the other pos. Frankie Ramsey 11th, Concannon bros 12th, 20th Dunne & Quigley 14th,16th Pat McLaughlin 17th. RACING THIS WEEKEND is from Talbenny and Fermoy, clubs should note pigeons for Fermoy must be race marked and brought to the Foyle on Friday evening for 4.45pm to meet the transporter.
City of Derry Federation Pilmore Beach – E Quigley Rock 1377, D Wick Londonderry 1322, M McCloskey Rock 1308, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1282, Cooley Bros Derry & Dist 1280, T White Rock 1279, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1276, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1267, P & M Healy Maiden City 1266, B Hart Foyle 1261, F Ramsey Maiden City 1255, Concannon Bros Maiden City 1253, T White 1252, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 1245, M/M Maxwell 1244, Dunne & Quigley 1243, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1232, P & M Healy 1225, J Gallagher Foyle 1216, Concannon Bros 1215.
DERRY AND DISTRICT HPS
Danny and Gary Cooley secure their second Red Card of the season and the Kildrum Loft is piping hot going into the channel races, with his racing team starting to reach there potential. Having a good race in 2nd, 4th, 6th and 9th is the consistent loft of Anthony McCrudden with 3rd and 10th Colm McConnomy and 5th, 7th and 8th Jim and Gary Ramsey.
With the weather poor all week the NIPA decided to replace the cross channel Talbenny with a land race from Pilmore Beach that would be flown one day earlier on Friday 27th May. It was intended that liberation would be later in the day but the weather again had an influence and the birds were liberated at the early time of 7.30am. The birds made reasonable time and although a bit gappy most birds had made home lofts on the day. Best bird reported locally was in New Antrim where young Chris Moore had his best ever result to win 1st Club, 1st Combine and 1st Sect doing velocity 1474. His yearling Blue hen flying to her first eggs was timed at 11.48am flying 217 miles. Her sire is a Van den Bosch from the lines of Gouden Witneus from Karel Meuleman and the dam was a gift from Paddy McManus of Ahoghill, she is Van de Weil and bred from one of his top producing hens. Chris wishes to record a vote of thanks to Paddy for supplying him with many super pigeons over the years, and for his help and advice. Thanks as well to the many friends and local fanciers who called to say congratulations, well done Chris. A couple of weeks back Chris won the club from both Rosscarbery and Roscrea and his best result before that was the Portland OB Derby when he was very well placed.
Mid Antrim Combine Pilmore Beach 108/2,114 – C Moore New Antrim 1474, A McBride Harryville 1471, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1469, A Darragh Cullybackey 1452, W & J Smyth 1448, Surgenor Bros Kells 1447, S Millar Randalstown 1443, D Dixon Rasharkin 1441, D Dixon 1441, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1441, D Dixon 1439, A McBride 1439, Richmond Bros Ballymena 1438, H Boyd Kells 1435, W & J Smyth 1433, Houston Bros Randalstown 1431, B Swann & Son Kells 1427, Scott & Clements Kells 1427, J Rock Harryville 1419, Scott & Clements 1416, A McBride 1413, Surgenor Bros 1412, D Dixon 1412, A Darragh 1409, S Millar 1408, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1407, Mrs M Smyth Broughshane 1407, S Millar 1406, S Millar 1404, Scott & Clements 1404.
The Champions League continued, not at Talbenny as planned for the first knock-out round but a replaced race from Pilmore Beach. The weekend matches were: D Dixon v J & N Simpson, A McBride v W & J Smyth, A Purvis v G McDowell, S Millar v Scott & Clements, A Darragh v R H Clements, Stewart Bros v R McFall & Son, Young McManus & Sons v McFall & McManus, Milliken & Barkley v Surgenor Bros. In that list we had 6 x 1st Club winners and two of those were knocked out! Very bad luck for W & J Smyth and J & N Simpson. The next round Quarter-Final matches for Talbenny are – D Dixon v A McBride, G McDowell v S Millar, A Darragh v Stewart Bros, Young McManus & Sons v Surgenor Bros.
Mid Antrim Combine Clubs
Ahoghill Flying Club 12/322 – Young McManus & Sons 1397, 1392, 1380, 1378, J Smyth & Son 1376, 1376, Young McManus & Sons 1369, A & N Young 1368, G & G Jackson 1366, J Balmer 1365. Ahoghill have a few rings left, contact secretary Albert Young.
Ballymena & Dist 12/190 – W & J Smyth 1469, 1448, Richmond Bros 1436, 1400, G & A Eagleson 1398, J Devlin 1392, G & A Eagleson 1374, McAlonan Bros 1364, M/M M Sempey 1344, G Barr 1338.
Broughshane 8/120 – J & N Simpson 1407, Mrs Smyth 1407, J & N Simpson 1396, Mrs Smyth 1371, T & E Service 1346, 1315, D Houston & Son 1314, H Smyth & Son 1311. Johnny and Norman have the winning bird just piping Moira Smyth by decimals. The winner was a yearling Kipp/Thas Blue cock racing Roundabout and timed at 12.00.
Cullybackey 14/381 – A Darragh 1452, 1409, Russell Bros 1375, S Steele 1374, Russell Bros 1372, J & J Greer 1368, S Steele 1359, Reid Bros & McCloy 1356, S McKendry 1349, Reid Bros & McCloy 1345.
Harryville 17/333 – A McBride 1471, 1439, J Rock 1419, A McBride 1413, L Mullan 1397, K & K Kernohan 1389, G Price 1386, W McIlveen & Son 1368, J Millar & Son 1368, L Mullan 1367. Allen’s back on top this week with a gift bird from good friend Pat O’Neill of Glenarm. The Soontjen yearling Blue w/f cock was sent on eggs, timed at 11.46am flying 214 miles.
Kells & District 14/196 – Surgenor Bros 1447, H Boyd 1435, B Swann & Son 1427, Scott & Clements 1427, 1416, Surgenor Bros 1412, Scott & Clements 1404, 1403. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Scott & Clements 1427, G McDowell 1320. Surgenor Bros win with a Blue yearling hen, Busschaert & Braspenning.
New Antrim Amal 8/138 – C Moore 1474, M/M Clarke 1381, C Moore 1380, C Magill 1378, D Jackson & Son 1371, McFall & McManus 1351, 1350, T Picken 1344, McFall & McManus 1338, M/M Clarke 1338.
Randalstown 11/202 – S Millar 1443, Stewart Bros 1441, Houston Bros 1431, S Millar 1408, 1406, 1404, H Boyd 1395, S Millar 1394.
Rasharkin & District 12/232 – W McFetridge 1400, A C & T Tweed 1399, J & M Milliken 1383, H Cubitt 1358, W McFetridge 1354, Milliken & Barkley 1352. William McFetridge wins with a Van Reet, A C & T Tweed are runner-up. Nom A C & T Tweed. D Dixon: 1441.698, 1441.610, 1439.934, 1412.113, 1396.196, 1395.699. Race sponsored by Leck NI Ltd (Ballymoney).
THE FOYLE VALLEY COMBINE – Pilmore Beach
With the six clubs preparing for the elite racing from the channel a lot of disappointment when the NIPA decided due to adverse weather to keep the pigeons in Ireland for another week in Pilmore Beech and pigeons battling hard with a west wind, with some south west on route. The winner this week was one of the longest flyers into the Foyle Valley Combine Rock flying club member Eamon Quigley more renowned for his distance exploits makes it look easy. Londonderry rps club winner Davy Wick has a good race taking 2nd and 20th flying very consistently this last couple of weeks is Michael McCloskey Rock fc taking 3rd with Strabane rps winner Tommy McBride well in at 4th. l Flanagan & son Londonderry rps 5th, Cooley bros Derry and district hps 6th , Tommy White rock fc is 7th and 16th , Coyle bros from the Maiden City rps 8th, Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle rps 9th and 19th , P &M Healy Maiden City rps 10th . Foyle rps member Barry Hart is 11th, Strabane rps flyer Gary McGavigan is 112th and 13th , Frankie Ramsey Maiden City rps 14th and Concannon bros 15th , Strabane rps flyer Danny Farrell is 17th , Dunne & Quigley Maiden City rps 18th.
Racing this week is from Talbenny in Wales and basketing is on Thursday
The NIPA will also basket for Fermoy on Friday in the event of no race from Fermoy the Federation will hold a race from Tullamore with the same club basketing times as the NIPA.
DERRY AND DISTRICT HPS RESULTS Pilmore beach
Recording their second win of the current old bird racing programme is the kildrum loft of Danny and Gary Cooley with his pigeons conditioning at the right time with the channel racing upon us 2nd 4th 6th and 9th spots go to Anthony McCrudden who has to be happy with his performance and will be pushing this week for a red card also knocking at the door is Jim & Gary Ramsey 5th 7th and 8th
Foyle Valley Combine Pilmore Beach – E Quigley Rock 1377, D Wick Londonderry 1322, M McCloskey Rock 1308, T McBride Strabane 1290, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1282, Cooley Bros Derry & Dist 1280, T White Rock 1279, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1276, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1267, P & M Healy Maiden City 1266.
CITY OF DERRY - PILMORE BEACH
With racing in the channel cancelled and pigeons basketed early for a Friday liberation from Pilmore Beach approx 220 miles, the winner this week who was well out on his own was Rock flying club member Eamon Quigley. Against the odds in a west wind tops the Derry Federation and will be a big bonus going into the distant racing which he sets as his target. Also coming to the forefront this week is Londonderry rps winner Davy Wick taking 2nd and 15th, and this will be a welcome lift for this loft. 3rd Fed goes to Michael McCloskey Rock fc who has flying consistently over the last few weeks as is the Londonderry rps flyer Leo Flanagan & son 4th, Cooley Bros Derry & District hps take 5th with Tommy White rock fc 6th and13th. Coyle bros maiden city rps are 7th, Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle rps 8th,15th P & M Healy Maiden City rps 9th, 18th Barry Hart Foyle rps, 10th with the Maiden City rps members taking the other pos. Frankie Ramsey 11th, Concannon bros 12th, 20th Dunne & Quigley 14th,16th Pat McLaughlin 17th. RACING THIS WEEKEND is from Talbenny and Fermoy, clubs should note pigeons for Fermoy must be race marked and brought to the Foyle on Friday evening for 4.45pm to meet the transporter.
City of Derry Federation Pilmore Beach – E Quigley Rock 1377, D Wick Londonderry 1322, M McCloskey Rock 1308, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1282, Cooley Bros Derry & Dist 1280, T White Rock 1279, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1276, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1267, P & M Healy Maiden City 1266, B Hart Foyle 1261, F Ramsey Maiden City 1255, Concannon Bros Maiden City 1253, T White 1252, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 1245, M/M Maxwell 1244, Dunne & Quigley 1243, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1232, P & M Healy 1225, J Gallagher Foyle 1216, Concannon Bros 1215.
Loughview Combine Pilmore Beach – D & J Campbell & Bigger 1497, Bingham & Seaton 1497, Bingham & Seaton 1496, Bingham & Seaton 1496, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1486, W Campbell 1482, Bingham & Seaton 1482.
North-south Federation Pilmore Beach 57/1,169 – Donnelly Bros 1504, T Mooney & Son 1504, G Hughes & Son 1482, Cowan Bros 1467, R Black & Son 1465, R McKelvey 1457, M Gillan & Sons 1457, Donnelly Bros 1456, Donnelly Bros 1456, Donnelly Bros 1455.
Ban Federation Pilmore Beach – S Ogle 1494, E Mallon & Son 1476 £1 Pool, C McArdle & Son 1466, E Mallon & Son 1455, T Lennon 1453, C McArdle & Son 1451, J & R McCracken 1451, C McArdle & Son 1451, E McAlinden 1450, C McArdle & Son 1449.
Despite the poor weather forecast East Down Combine decided to travel to Talbenny and hope for a liberation, they were well rewarded able to liberate in South Wales on Saturday at Noon in a SW wind. It looks like the race was a great success and the overall winner into Killyleagh was Herbie McVeigh doing velocity 1391 and 1st East Sect. Runner-up G Morrison & Daughters from Ballynahinch were 1st West Sect.
East Down Combine Open Talbenny (1) - 1 H.McVeigh Killyleagh Central HPS 1391, 2 G Morrison & Dtrs Ballynahinch HPS 1380, 3 J. McGreevy Crossgar HPS 1379, 4 M.Croskery Annsborough HPS 1377, 5 E D & K Allan & Sons Donaghadee RPC 1376, 6 Ned King Annsborough HPS 1374, 7 Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey HPS 1359, 8 T & S Phillips Bangor RPC 1359, 9 H. Gordon & Ptnrs Cloughey HPS 1357, 10 Phillips Bros Bangor RPC 1356, 11 E Salmon Newtownbreda HPS 1356, 12 D Walsh Crossgar HPS 1356, 13 J & B Miskimmin & Son Donaghadee RPC 1353, 14 W & L Robinson Comber Social 1353, 15 Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey HPS 1349, 16 H. Gordon & Ptnrs Cloughey HPS 1348, 17 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1347, 18 J & B Miskimmin & Son Donaghadee RPC 1346, 19 McSherry Bros Tyrella HPS 1343, 20 P & C Johnston Ballylesson HPS 1341.
East Down Combine Clubs Talbenny (1)
Annalong 11/117 – Donnelly Bros 1287, K Rooney & Son 1269, Donnelly Bros 1229, P Trimble 1226, K Rooney & Son 1213, J Newell 1212.
Annsborough – M Croskery 1377, G & P Brown 1290, 1289, M Croskery & Son 1270, G & P Brown 1269, M Jennings 1267.
Ballylesson 15/235 – P & C Johnston 1341, A Crawford 1319, A Cousins & Sons 1307, 1306, K & B McConaghie 1302, A Crawford 1282.
Ballynahinch HPS – G Morrison & Daughters 1380, G Hillen & Partners 1308, S & P Logan & Partners 1302, W McVeigh 1298, R Trimble 1286, W Catherwood & Son 1285.
Cloughey HPS 7/121 – Gordon Bros & Sons 1359, H Gordon & Partners 1357, Gordon Bros & Sons 1349, H Gordon & Partners 1348, 1341, McCormick & Gray 1339.
Drumaness Mills – C Lavery & Daughter 1341, Burns & O’Neill 1321, G Hillen & Partners 1308, Burns & O’Neill 1308, C Lavery & Daughter 1278, Burns & O’Neill 1262.
Dundonald – J Young & Partners 1329, 1327, S Brown & Sons 1313, B C & T Foulis & Gill 1312, J Young & Partners 1292, S Brown & Sons 1263.
Hillfoot HPS 7/52 – W Robinson 1353, D Brennan 1299, T Farlow 1295, J Scates & Sons 1287, A & R Crawford 1273, E Spence 1270. Well done Wesley Robinson, out on your own.
Newtownbreda 11/129 – E Salmon 1356, F Keery 1340, H & D Flynn 1301, T Marshall & Son 1299, 1294, B & H Marshall 1280.
Tyrella – McSherry Bros 1343, D McNabb & Partners 1292, 1278, S & E McGaw 1215, 1144, 1137.
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT 21st May
“IRELANDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL ONE LOFT RACE”
It has been a very busy four months since the loft open at the beginning of February to except the entries for this year’s Emerald Classic which is now going into its 4th year and recognised by many as the Uk and Irelands Premier International One Loft Race and the place to be if you want to test your pigeons against some of the world’s best.
Our percentage record for the past three years has been second to none and this is evident from the entries which have been arriving stead at the loft from some of the world’s top fanciers in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland North & South, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Poland, Romania, Moldova Republic, Malta, and Canada.
Again we are deeply indebted to John Millar who circum navigates the main land faithfully very weekend in all weather conditions to collect and deliver our entries.
(INSERT PHOTO OF DELIVERY) Caption: “IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS ALL OVER AGAIN”
With close on 700 birds in the loft for this year’s event I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported the Emerald Classic this year again, with overseas entries from Team Germany, Team Belgium Masters, Team Romania, Team Moldova, Team Malta whilst closer to home we have Peter Fox Syndicate Lofts, Darren Peters Fenlands Stud, two past winners of the Emerald Classic W Gray & Son Ian, Hennie & Anette Kallmeyer, two past winners of the RPRA One Loft Race Peter Robinson, Richard Owen & Ken Hogarth, two past Europa winners Mr & Mrs William Lewis, Ken Darlington, Section B fanciers of the year 08/09 Fleming Brothers and Section B fancier of the year and one of the provinces top lofts in 2010 Danny Dixon along with big team entries from Goodview lofts and O’Donnell ABU to name but a few we are in for an exciting 2011 a full inventory of this year’s entries will be available on line shortly.
The birds are all in excellent health thanks to the superb range of medication provided by Dr Botha of Avio-Med and the range of supplements supplied by Brian Wall of Gem Supplements. With these two products and an extensive range of feeding supplied by Alan Bamford of Top Flight the birds are going through an excellent moult.
CONDOLENCE
On a sad note I would to take this opportunity to pass on our heartfelt condolence to Judy Napolitano, wife of my good friend Carlo who passed away suddenly last week from a heart attack. Since 1992 Carlo was loft manager to Her Majesty The Queen and had supported the Emerald Classic since its inception in 2008 and it was only the week before his sudden death that we had spoken to arrange the delivery of his entries for this year’s race. Carlo was a true gentleman of the sport and will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
(PLEASE INSERT PHOTO OF CARLO)
Important information
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year’s final race on Sunday 11th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic again this year. However these rooms must be booked directly with the Hotel please visit their web site via the links section of our web site and speak to Karen to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2011 Emerald Classic.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe.
NIPA Pilmore Beach Open (Prov) – 1-1C B & M Gilmore Ballyclare 1509, 2-2C Steele & McLaughlin Larne 1504.97, 3-1G Donnelly Bros Newry City 1504.94, 4-2G T Mooney & Son Millvale 1404.4, 5-3C Rea & Magill Horseshoe 1503.8, 6-5C M/M McNeilly Doagh 1503, 7-6C Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1497, 8-7C Bingham & Seaton 1496, 9-8C Bingham & Seaton 1496, 10-1D S G Briggs Lisburn 1494, 11-9C B & M Gilmore 1491, 12-2D M & F Russell Dromore WE 1490, 13-10C D & J Campbell & Bigger Glengormley 1487.8, 14-11C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487.5, 15-12C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487.4, 17-1E D Thompson & Son Tandragee 1487.3, 16-13C D & J Campbell & Bigger 1486, 17-2E N Weir Loughgall 1485, 18-14C W Campbell Ligoniel 1482, 19-3G G Hughes & Son Newry & Dist 1482.3, 20-15C Bingham & Seaton 1482.0.
Best in the NIPA Sections:
Section A - M McPhillips 1446, S Hughes 1423, H McLaughlin 1414.
Section B - C Moore 1474, A McBride 1471, W & J Smyth 1469.
Section C - B & M Gilmore 1509, Steele & McLaughlin 1504, Rea & Magill 1503.
Section D - S Briggs 1494, M & F Russell 1490, R Fear 1480.
Section E - D Thompson & Son 1487, N Weir 1485, G Douglas 1479.
Section F - McGimpsey Bros1472, McComb Bros 1453, 1453.
Section G – Donnelly Bros 1504, T Mooney & Son 1504, G Hughes & Son 1482.
Section H - E Quigley 1377, Alan Hall 1356, K Armstrong 1342.
NIPA Sect A Clubs
Coalisland 18/366 – M McPhillips 1446, S Hughes 1423, H McLaughlin 1414, W Bleeks & Son 1404, 1393, M McPhillips 1389. Sean Hughes Nom, Karl Murphy 1st 2 Bird.
Coleraine Premier 14/260 – Diamond Bros 1400, 1397, J L Madden 1395, Hanson & Harpur 1377, J L Madden 1376, Hanson & Harpur 1369.
Coleraine & County Derry 12/191 – D Tosh 1381, D Platt & Son 1366, T McCrudden 1365, D Tosh 1361.
Cookstown Social 8/225 – S Marshall 1396, G & S Smith 1393, S & G Smith 1390, G & S Smith 1390, 1387, G Marshall 1380. The Steeple Lofts of Stephen Marshall make it win No 3 with a victory from one of his favourite race points.
Castledawson – T Leacock & Son 1317, 1309, T & S Dawson 1282
Dungannon – J & J Sampson 1398, S McConnell 1378, W Leckey & Son 1376, 1366, S Shannon 1346, J & J Sampson 1323.
Windsor Social 11/174 – E & J McGarry 1364, 1357, Horner & Scott 1329, R & J Parke 1327, C Morrow & Son 1324, Horner & Scott 1323.
NIPA Sect H Clubs
Derry & District – Cooley Bros 1280, A McCrudden 1207, C McConomy 1149, A McCrudden 1133, J & G Ramsey 1121, A McCrudden 1089. Second win for Danny and Gary, doing very well on velocity 1280 and well in front of the rest.
Foyle RPS – M/M P Maxwell 1267, B Hart 1261, M/M P Maxwell 1244, J Gallagher 1216, M/M P Maxwell 1180, M Jones 1163.
Limavady 10/142 – H Crawford 1274, R Witherow 1257, 1227, 1211, B Mailey 1208, W McIlmoyle 1207.
Londonderry PRS 7/59 – D & P Wick 1322, L Flanagan & Son 1282, D & P Wick 1243, L Flanagan & Son 1180, D & P Wick 1158, L Flanagan & Son 1136. Davy takes the top spot in the Waterside this week, well ahead of the pack.
Maiden City 18/169 – Coyle Bros 1276, P & M Healy 1266, F Ramsey 1255, Concannon Bros 1253, Dunne & Quigley 1245, 1243. Coyle Bros Michael and Don start to hit form just at the right time for the channel events, timing the winner this week on velocity 1276. Martin Healy is the runner-up and he will be looking forward to the channel as well. Making a return to the frame in 3rd place the loft of Frankie Ramsey.
Omagh & District 10/151 – A Hall 1356, K Armstrong 1342, A Kelly 1338, A Hall 1283, 1283, S Gilmore 1282.
Strabane 10/90 – T McBride 1290, G McGavigan 1257, 1255, D Farrell 1246, T Conway 1232, G Quinn 1217.
Rock Flying Club – E Quigley 1377, M McCloskey 1308, T White 1279, 1252, McCloskey Bros 1193, E Quigley 1184. Well done Eamon, coming good at the right time approaching the cross channel season.
NIPA Sect B Clubs (excluding MAC)
Ballymoney 26/603 – D Dixon 1441, 1441, A & M Boyle 1432, 1431, A & R McAuley 1408, D & H Stuart 1392, J Connolly 1389, D & H Stuart 1387, J Connolly 1383, D Laverty 1380. Danny notches up his 4th win of the old bird season timing a 3 year old Blue cock Sumo/Verschelde a grandson of his Skibbereen National winner.
Ballymoney West Combine 8/174 – D Laverty 1380, R J Elliott 1379, J McDowell & Sons 1377, Curry & Gilmore 1373, L Neill 1306, B & I Stewart 1292.
Dervock RPS 9/252 – A & M Boyle 1432, 1431, D & H Stuart 1392, 1387, D & G McMullan 1363, 1357, S Laverty 1355, D Devenney 1349, 1346, W & L McCaw 1336.
Chimney Corner – McDonald & Wilkinson 1418.
Crumlin & District 11/188 – Fleming Bros 1451, K Galloway 1434, G Grant 1431, Fleming Bros 1418, M & B McConville 1401, G Grant 1400.
Muckamore 14/306 – A & E Bell 1451, 1445, 1433, D J Thompson 1420, J Courtney 1418, J Sinton 1416, F Todd 1412, A & E Bell 1412.
NIPA Sect E Clubs
Annaghmore – G Buckley & Son 1444, 1435, 1431.
Armagh 16/265 – I Parkes & Son 1406, P Tennyson 1386, I Parkes & Son 1376, P & P Kelly 1372, P Tennyson 1357, M Shaw 1357. Armagh 2 Bird Club – P & P Kelly 1357, M Shaw 1353, 1332, E & M Curran 1318.
Beechpark Social 12/352 – D Mawhinney & Son 1449, S & J McCullough 1445, R Bothwell 1438, D Mawhinney & Son 1425, G McEvoy 1419, D Percy & son 1401.
Bondhill – D Calvin 1469, R Williamson 1469, 1466, 1463, 1450, D Calvin 1445.
Charlemont – P Grew 1423, 1420, 1419, A Grew 1402, P Grew 1400, A Grew 1381.
Drumcree Social – B Creaney 1445, Sloan Reid & Sons 1429, S Haughain 1394.
Edgarstown 16/396 – T & A Ford 1451, 1451, G & T Ritchie 1444, P & D Stewart 1434, T & A Ford 1432, D Parr 1431. Another big result for Tommy Ford, same bird as last week winner of the DTW and £150. A Delaney Jacobs Blue cock that also won the Centre previously from Rosscarbery.
Gilford & District – T Wilson 1465, 1464, 1464, 1444, Hanratty & Mulvenna 1438, T Wilson 1437.
Laurelvale – J Dowey & Sons 1417, S Fiddes 1416, Gillis & Radcliffe 1413, J Dowey & Sons 1408, Gillis & Radcliffe 1405, S Fiddes 1396.
Loughgall – N Weir 1485, 1465, 1463.
Lurgan Amat – 6/134 – G Gillespie & Son 1425, Higginson & Johnston 1419, 1390, J P Nelson 1385, 1360.
Lurgan Social – S Curran 1472, J Douglas & Son 1468, S Curran 1454, 1451, Higginson & Johnston 1451, 1416.
Markethill – J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1423, A Hupmhries & Son 1414, J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1407, A Humphries & Son 1402, M McDowell & Son 1400, Hewitt & Hewitt 1386.
Monaghan – J Graham 1368, 1357, P Tierney 1352, H Gormley 1327, S O’Brien 1326, G Swift 1322.
Portadown Inv – M Livingstone 1427, 1418, 1418, A McDonald 1410, M Livingstone 1399, 1399. An excellent card for Malcolm Livingstone having five birds in the Top 6. Pairing them up seems to have done the trick.
Tandragee – D Thompson & Son 1487, A Craig 1472, 1462, 1454, T McKinstry 1451, 1449.
Wilton Cross – G Douglas 1479, D Carville & Son 1435, M Wilkinson 1432, G Douglas 1413, 1413, 1409.
Williamson & Calvin Transporter –
Please note that on Tuesday & Wednesday 7th & 8th June birds will be training from Laytown, Sunday 5th June the venue will be Balbriggan or Kildare (No Thursday Training). In the event of no NIPA Comeback Race from Fermoy on Sunday 5th June training will be from Kildare at 25p per bird (12.00 Lib). 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.
Skibbereen Old bird Inland Nat -
Skibbereen OB Inland Nat is sponsored by Bamfords Pigeon Feeds, 533 members sent 4,435 birds competing for £17,460 in pools and prizes and released at 10.45am in a Lt West wind.
All the early news and info is subject to change until the final race result and report. Not being involved this year as a PO, I can relax a bit and wait on the news appearing from the new team.
Balbriggan Centre Skibbereen OB – Dave Ward Malahide & Dist 1820, N C Shields Skerries 1818, Tommy Nelson Ballymun 1805, Derek Larkin Finglas 1802, P Ward & Son Finglas 1797, C Campion Balbriggan 1795, Safet Duran Finglas 1794, M/M M Gilligan Finglas 1794, Safet Duran 1792, Liam Donnelly Finglas 1791.
Stillorgan Centre Skibbereen OB – Stephen Cunningham Sallynoggin prov vel 1836, Hunter & O’Neill Rathnew 1835, P & J Snell Rathnew 1801, Moorehouse & Hayden Rathnew 1799, Hunter & O’Neill 1794, Hunter & O’Neill 1793, Ken Doyle & Son Sallynoggin 1793.
Muckamore Centre Skibbereen OB – M & A Pearson Eastway 1706, J Burrows Eastway 1697, L Savage & Son Eastway 1697, R McMeekin Kingsmoss 1696, G Grant Glenavy 1691, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1691, R Mills & Son Larne & Dist 1691, J Burrows 1690, M & A Pearson 1688, Arthurs & George Ballycarry 1687, A Taylor & Son Shankill 1686, G & M Atcheson Glengormley 1681, J Braniff Fortfield 1678, Grattan Bros Eastway 1678, McAuley Kell & Bowles Shankill 1677, M & T Griffith 1675, N Armstrong Shankill 1673, G & M Atcheson 1672, G K & I Moxham 1671, Arthurs & George 1670, L Savage & Son 1668, McAuley Kell & Bowles 1665, Grattan Bros 1662, Grattan Bros 1660, G K & I Moxham 1660, G K & I Moxham 1659, Grattan Bros 1658, W McClelland Doagh 1656, G McKenna Eastway 1649, G & L Simpson Shankill 1647, R McMeekin Kingsmoss 1647.
East Antrim INFC Skibbereen – D & J Campbell & Bigger Glengormley 1722, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1714, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1708, M & A Pearson Eastway 1706, J Burrows Eastway 1697, L Savage & Son Eastway 1697, R McMeekin Kingsmoss 1696, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1691, R Mills & Son Larne & Dist 1691, J Burrows 1690, M & A Pearson 1688, Arthurs & George Ballycarry 1687, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1686, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1686, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1686, G & M Atcheson Glengormley 1681, Grattan Bros Eastway 1678, M & T Griffith 1675, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1672, G & M Atcheson 1672, G K & I Moxham 1671, Arthurs & George 1670, L Savage & Son 1668, Grattan Bros 1662, Grattan Bros 1660, G K & I Moxham 1660, G K & I Moxham 1659, Grattan Bros 1658, W McClelland Doagh 1656, G McKenna Eastway 1649.
Mid Antrim Combine INFC Skibbereen – A Darragh Cullybackey 1628, A Darragh 1608, M Graham Ballymena 1606, J Millar Randalstown 1581, A Darragh 1578, A Darragh 1572, S Steele Cullybackey 1571, A Darragh 1554, A Darragh 1544, D Dixon Rasharkin 1541, B O’Rawe Ballymena 1539, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1536, M Graham 1533, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1529, S Steele 1525, S Steele 1524, M Graham 1521, D Dixon 1517, J & N Simpson 1515, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1512, M Graham 1511, S Steele 1503, S Steele 1502, S Steele 1494, B O’Rawe 1491, L Davidson Cullybackey 1487, S Steele 1484, D Dixon 1483, D Dixon 1482, J & N Simpson 1480.
Ban Federation Skibbereen Nat – M/M G Mallon & Son 1700, J Smyth & Sons 1693, C McArdle & Son 1687, J Smyth & Sons 1685, E Mallon & Son 1676, 1674, C McArdle & Son 1674, J Smyth & Sons 1671, 1665, L F & B McGrath 1660.
Club Results INFC Skibbereen
Annsborough – M Croskery 1717, R Shaw 1706, M Croskery 1705, R McDowell & Son 1688, D Croskery & Son 1688, R Shaw 1686.
Armagh 6/43 – A Geraghty 1591, S Fields & Sons 1523, A Geraghty 1507, 1483, P Duffy 1468, D & C McArdle 1462. Armagh 2 Bird Club – P Campbell & Sons 1435, D & C McArdle 1388, 1320, S Fields & Sons 1176.
Ballymena & Dist – M Graham 1606, B O’Rawe 1539, M Graham 1533, 1521, 1511, B O’Rawe 1491, 1440, M/M Sempey 1401.
Ballymoney – A & M Boyle 1549, D Dixon 1542, 1519, D & H Stuart 1514, A & M Boyle 1506, D & H Stuart 1505. A & M Boyle wins the first of the big national races. Their winning two year old Cheq cock was bred from a brother of Superior Van De Weyer bloodlines, and the Dam was Joop Koch from the late Eddie Wright.
Broughshane & Dist 2/10 – D Houston & Son 1536, J & N Simpson 1529, 1515, 1480, 1449.
Charlemont – A Grew 1583, 1549, E Grew 1536, 1493, A Grew 1481, E Grew 1477.
Corrigs & Dist – R Shaw 1706, 1686, 1680, K Rooney & Son 1661, R Shaw 1656, K Rooney & son 1647.
Dervock RPS – A & M Boyle 1549, D & H Stuart 1514, A & M Boyle 1506, D & H Stuart 1505, 1470, A & M Boyle 1465.
Downpatrick 8/90 – P Lue & Son 1690, J Crossan 1684, J Crossan 1675, P Lue & Son 1636, 1628, J Crossan 1618.
Drogheda Invitation – T Harrison 1717, 1698, R Coleman 1694, T Cluskey 1572, R Coleman 1523.
Edgarstown – W Cannaway 1615, 1613, 1608, 1606, 1600, 1582.
Gilford & Dist – Adamson & Anderson 1673, G O’Dowd 1662, T McKinstry 1657, 1648, Rafferty & Toman 1647, G O’Dowd 1646.
Lurgan Amat – Higginson & Johnston.
Monaghan – S O’Brien 2.24pm, R Mulligan, Cooney Bros, Cooney Bros, P Tierney.
Newtown/Kilpedder RPC - G Large 1764, E Kennedy & Son 1750, P Sheridan 1721, E Kennedy & Son 1696, 1694, S Shannon 1638. First win of the season for Gregory.
Skerries – N & C Shields 1818, Walton Family 1749, P Rock & Son 1744, 1727, Tara Walton 1668, P Rock & Son 1649.
Stillorgan RPC – Byrne & Mooney 1721, P Kennedy & Sons 1717, P Smith & Son 1639, J Dowling 1697, Byrne & Mooney 1696, J Dowling 1686.
Wilton Cross – G Douglas 1669, C & J Ferris 1653, G Douglas 1649, 1648, 1641, M Wilkinson 1632.
The race from Pilmore Beach was flown on Friday 27th May, the change of plan due to the weather situation and the decision made not to travel to Talbenny in South Wales. The Committee took the safe choice and rightly so, not so many years back we lost half the convoy in Talbenny. Maybe its time to look again at the programme, to satisfy those interested in the cross channel and distance events keep all races in the programme as it has been since the formation. Give the choice of a land race at the same time and nothing to stop those running through to early July when some small number of the membership compete in the France races over three weeks. From Pilmore Beach the best local bird was timed by A & R McAuley flying in Ballymoney and the loft situated just outside Portrush. Doing velocity 1408 they were followed by the big guns in the Coleraine Premier Diamond Bros and Leslie Madden, Darren Tosh is 1st in the Colerainr & Co Derry (1381) and E & J McGarry are 1st in Windsor Social (1364.
Coleraine Triangle Pilmore Beach – A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1408, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1400, Diamond Bros 1397, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1395, D Tosh Co Derry 1381, Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1377, J L Madden 1376, Hanson & Harpur 1369, D Platt & Son Co Derry 1366, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1365, T McCrudden Co Derry 1365, P O’Connor Coleraine Prem 1365, Diamond Bros 1365, T & J McDonald 1364, E & J McGarry Windsor Soc 1364, D Tosh 1361, E & J McGarry 1357.
CITY OF DERRY - PILMORE BEACH
With racing in the channel cancelled and pigeons basketed early for a Friday liberation from Pilmore Beach approx 220 miles, the winner this week who was well out on his own was Rock flying club member Eamon Quigley. Against the odds in a west wind tops the Derry Federation and will be a big bonus going into the distant racing which he sets as his target. Also coming to the forefront this week is Londonderry rps winner Davy Wick taking 2nd and 15th, and this will be a welcome lift for this loft. 3rd Fed goes to Michael McCloskey Rock fc who has flying consistently over the last few weeks as is the Londonderry rps flyer Leo Flanagan & son 4th, Cooley Bros Derry & District hps take 5th with Tommy White rock fc 6th and13th. Coyle bros maiden city rps are 7th, Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle rps 8th,15th P & M Healy Maiden City rps 9th, 18th Barry Hart Foyle rps, 10th with the Maiden City rps members taking the other pos. Frankie Ramsey 11th, Concannon bros 12th, 20th Dunne & Quigley 14th,16th Pat McLaughlin 17th. RACING THIS WEEKEND is from Talbenny and Fermoy, clubs should note pigeons for Fermoy must be race marked and brought to the Foyle on Friday evening for 4.45pm to meet the transporter.
City of Derry Federation Pilmore Beach – E Quigley Rock 1377, D Wick Londonderry 1322, M McCloskey Rock 1308, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1282, Cooley Bros Derry & Dist 1280, T White Rock 1279, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1276, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1267, P & M Healy Maiden City 1266, B Hart Foyle 1261, F Ramsey Maiden City 1255, Concannon Bros Maiden City 1253, T White 1252, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 1245, M/M Maxwell 1244, Dunne & Quigley 1243, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1232, P & M Healy 1225, J Gallagher Foyle 1216, Concannon Bros 1215.
DERRY AND DISTRICT HPS
Danny and Gary Cooley secure their second Red Card of the season and the Kildrum Loft is piping hot going into the channel races, with his racing team starting to reach there potential. Having a good race in 2nd, 4th, 6th and 9th is the consistent loft of Anthony McCrudden with 3rd and 10th Colm McConnomy and 5th, 7th and 8th Jim and Gary Ramsey.
With the weather poor all week the NIPA decided to replace the cross channel Talbenny with a land race from Pilmore Beach that would be flown one day earlier on Friday 27th May. It was intended that liberation would be later in the day but the weather again had an influence and the birds were liberated at the early time of 7.30am. The birds made reasonable time and although a bit gappy most birds had made home lofts on the day. Best bird reported locally was in New Antrim where young Chris Moore had his best ever result to win 1st Club, 1st Combine and 1st Sect doing velocity 1474. His yearling Blue hen flying to her first eggs was timed at 11.48am flying 217 miles. Her sire is a Van den Bosch from the lines of Gouden Witneus from Karel Meuleman and the dam was a gift from Paddy McManus of Ahoghill, she is Van de Weil and bred from one of his top producing hens. Chris wishes to record a vote of thanks to Paddy for supplying him with many super pigeons over the years, and for his help and advice. Thanks as well to the many friends and local fanciers who called to say congratulations, well done Chris. A couple of weeks back Chris won the club from both Rosscarbery and Roscrea and his best result before that was the Portland OB Derby when he was very well placed.
Mid Antrim Combine Pilmore Beach 108/2,114 – C Moore New Antrim 1474, A McBride Harryville 1471, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1469, A Darragh Cullybackey 1452, W & J Smyth 1448, Surgenor Bros Kells 1447, S Millar Randalstown 1443, D Dixon Rasharkin 1441, D Dixon 1441, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1441, D Dixon 1439, A McBride 1439, Richmond Bros Ballymena 1438, H Boyd Kells 1435, W & J Smyth 1433, Houston Bros Randalstown 1431, B Swann & Son Kells 1427, Scott & Clements Kells 1427, J Rock Harryville 1419, Scott & Clements 1416, A McBride 1413, Surgenor Bros 1412, D Dixon 1412, A Darragh 1409, S Millar 1408, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1407, Mrs M Smyth Broughshane 1407, S Millar 1406, S Millar 1404, Scott & Clements 1404.
The Champions League continued, not at Talbenny as planned for the first knock-out round but a replaced race from Pilmore Beach. The weekend matches were: D Dixon v J & N Simpson, A McBride v W & J Smyth, A Purvis v G McDowell, S Millar v Scott & Clements, A Darragh v R H Clements, Stewart Bros v R McFall & Son, Young McManus & Sons v McFall & McManus, Milliken & Barkley v Surgenor Bros. In that list we had 6 x 1st Club winners and two of those were knocked out! Very bad luck for W & J Smyth and J & N Simpson. The next round Quarter-Final matches for Talbenny are – D Dixon v A McBride, G McDowell v S Millar, A Darragh v Stewart Bros, Young McManus & Sons v Surgenor Bros.
Mid Antrim Combine Clubs
Ahoghill Flying Club 12/322 – Young McManus & Sons 1397, 1392, 1380, 1378, J Smyth & Son 1376, 1376, Young McManus & Sons 1369, A & N Young 1368, G & G Jackson 1366, J Balmer 1365. Ahoghill have a few rings left, contact secretary Albert Young.
Ballymena & Dist 12/190 – W & J Smyth 1469, 1448, Richmond Bros 1436, 1400, G & A Eagleson 1398, J Devlin 1392, G & A Eagleson 1374, McAlonan Bros 1364, M/M M Sempey 1344, G Barr 1338.
Broughshane 8/120 – J & N Simpson 1407, Mrs Smyth 1407, J & N Simpson 1396, Mrs Smyth 1371, T & E Service 1346, 1315, D Houston & Son 1314, H Smyth & Son 1311. Johnny and Norman have the winning bird just piping Moira Smyth by decimals. The winner was a yearling Kipp/Thas Blue cock racing Roundabout and timed at 12.00.
Cullybackey 14/381 – A Darragh 1452, 1409, Russell Bros 1375, S Steele 1374, Russell Bros 1372, J & J Greer 1368, S Steele 1359, Reid Bros & McCloy 1356, S McKendry 1349, Reid Bros & McCloy 1345.
Harryville 17/333 – A McBride 1471, 1439, J Rock 1419, A McBride 1413, L Mullan 1397, K & K Kernohan 1389, G Price 1386, W McIlveen & Son 1368, J Millar & Son 1368, L Mullan 1367. Allen’s back on top this week with a gift bird from good friend Pat O’Neill of Glenarm. The Soontjen yearling Blue w/f cock was sent on eggs, timed at 11.46am flying 214 miles.
Kells & District 14/196 – Surgenor Bros 1447, H Boyd 1435, B Swann & Son 1427, Scott & Clements 1427, 1416, Surgenor Bros 1412, Scott & Clements 1404, 1403. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Scott & Clements 1427, G McDowell 1320. Surgenor Bros win with a Blue yearling hen, Busschaert & Braspenning.
New Antrim Amal 8/138 – C Moore 1474, M/M Clarke 1381, C Moore 1380, C Magill 1378, D Jackson & Son 1371, McFall & McManus 1351, 1350, T Picken 1344, McFall & McManus 1338, M/M Clarke 1338.
Randalstown 11/202 – S Millar 1443, Stewart Bros 1441, Houston Bros 1431, S Millar 1408, 1406, 1404, H Boyd 1395, S Millar 1394.
Rasharkin & District 12/232 – W McFetridge 1400, A C & T Tweed 1399, J & M Milliken 1383, H Cubitt 1358, W McFetridge 1354, Milliken & Barkley 1352. William McFetridge wins with a Van Reet, A C & T Tweed are runner-up. Nom A C & T Tweed. D Dixon: 1441.698, 1441.610, 1439.934, 1412.113, 1396.196, 1395.699. Race sponsored by Leck NI Ltd (Ballymoney).
THE FOYLE VALLEY COMBINE – Pilmore Beach
With the six clubs preparing for the elite racing from the channel a lot of disappointment when the NIPA decided due to adverse weather to keep the pigeons in Ireland for another week in Pilmore Beech and pigeons battling hard with a west wind, with some south west on route. The winner this week was one of the longest flyers into the Foyle Valley Combine Rock flying club member Eamon Quigley more renowned for his distance exploits makes it look easy. Londonderry rps club winner Davy Wick has a good race taking 2nd and 20th flying very consistently this last couple of weeks is Michael McCloskey Rock fc taking 3rd with Strabane rps winner Tommy McBride well in at 4th. l Flanagan & son Londonderry rps 5th, Cooley bros Derry and district hps 6th , Tommy White rock fc is 7th and 16th , Coyle bros from the Maiden City rps 8th, Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle rps 9th and 19th , P &M Healy Maiden City rps 10th . Foyle rps member Barry Hart is 11th, Strabane rps flyer Gary McGavigan is 112th and 13th , Frankie Ramsey Maiden City rps 14th and Concannon bros 15th , Strabane rps flyer Danny Farrell is 17th , Dunne & Quigley Maiden City rps 18th.
Racing this week is from Talbenny in Wales and basketing is on Thursday
The NIPA will also basket for Fermoy on Friday in the event of no race from Fermoy the Federation will hold a race from Tullamore with the same club basketing times as the NIPA.
DERRY AND DISTRICT HPS RESULTS Pilmore beach
Recording their second win of the current old bird racing programme is the kildrum loft of Danny and Gary Cooley with his pigeons conditioning at the right time with the channel racing upon us 2nd 4th 6th and 9th spots go to Anthony McCrudden who has to be happy with his performance and will be pushing this week for a red card also knocking at the door is Jim & Gary Ramsey 5th 7th and 8th
Foyle Valley Combine Pilmore Beach – E Quigley Rock 1377, D Wick Londonderry 1322, M McCloskey Rock 1308, T McBride Strabane 1290, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1282, Cooley Bros Derry & Dist 1280, T White Rock 1279, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1276, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1267, P & M Healy Maiden City 1266.
CITY OF DERRY - PILMORE BEACH
With racing in the channel cancelled and pigeons basketed early for a Friday liberation from Pilmore Beach approx 220 miles, the winner this week who was well out on his own was Rock flying club member Eamon Quigley. Against the odds in a west wind tops the Derry Federation and will be a big bonus going into the distant racing which he sets as his target. Also coming to the forefront this week is Londonderry rps winner Davy Wick taking 2nd and 15th, and this will be a welcome lift for this loft. 3rd Fed goes to Michael McCloskey Rock fc who has flying consistently over the last few weeks as is the Londonderry rps flyer Leo Flanagan & son 4th, Cooley Bros Derry & District hps take 5th with Tommy White rock fc 6th and13th. Coyle bros maiden city rps are 7th, Mr & Mrs Maxwell Foyle rps 8th,15th P & M Healy Maiden City rps 9th, 18th Barry Hart Foyle rps, 10th with the Maiden City rps members taking the other pos. Frankie Ramsey 11th, Concannon bros 12th, 20th Dunne & Quigley 14th,16th Pat McLaughlin 17th. RACING THIS WEEKEND is from Talbenny and Fermoy, clubs should note pigeons for Fermoy must be race marked and brought to the Foyle on Friday evening for 4.45pm to meet the transporter.
City of Derry Federation Pilmore Beach – E Quigley Rock 1377, D Wick Londonderry 1322, M McCloskey Rock 1308, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1282, Cooley Bros Derry & Dist 1280, T White Rock 1279, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1276, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1267, P & M Healy Maiden City 1266, B Hart Foyle 1261, F Ramsey Maiden City 1255, Concannon Bros Maiden City 1253, T White 1252, Dunne & Quigley Maiden City 1245, M/M Maxwell 1244, Dunne & Quigley 1243, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1232, P & M Healy 1225, J Gallagher Foyle 1216, Concannon Bros 1215.
Loughview Combine Pilmore Beach – D & J Campbell & Bigger 1497, Bingham & Seaton 1497, Bingham & Seaton 1496, Bingham & Seaton 1496, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1486, W Campbell 1482, Bingham & Seaton 1482.
North-south Federation Pilmore Beach 57/1,169 – Donnelly Bros 1504, T Mooney & Son 1504, G Hughes & Son 1482, Cowan Bros 1467, R Black & Son 1465, R McKelvey 1457, M Gillan & Sons 1457, Donnelly Bros 1456, Donnelly Bros 1456, Donnelly Bros 1455.
Ban Federation Pilmore Beach – S Ogle 1494, E Mallon & Son 1476 £1 Pool, C McArdle & Son 1466, E Mallon & Son 1455, T Lennon 1453, C McArdle & Son 1451, J & R McCracken 1451, C McArdle & Son 1451, E McAlinden 1450, C McArdle & Son 1449.
Despite the poor weather forecast East Down Combine decided to travel to Talbenny and hope for a liberation, they were well rewarded able to liberate in South Wales on Saturday at Noon in a SW wind. It looks like the race was a great success and the overall winner into Killyleagh was Herbie McVeigh doing velocity 1391 and 1st East Sect. Runner-up G Morrison & Daughters from Ballynahinch were 1st West Sect.
East Down Combine Open Talbenny (1) - 1 H.McVeigh Killyleagh Central HPS 1391, 2 G Morrison & Dtrs Ballynahinch HPS 1380, 3 J. McGreevy Crossgar HPS 1379, 4 M.Croskery Annsborough HPS 1377, 5 E D & K Allan & Sons Donaghadee RPC 1376, 6 Ned King Annsborough HPS 1374, 7 Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey HPS 1359, 8 T & S Phillips Bangor RPC 1359, 9 H. Gordon & Ptnrs Cloughey HPS 1357, 10 Phillips Bros Bangor RPC 1356, 11 E Salmon Newtownbreda HPS 1356, 12 D Walsh Crossgar HPS 1356, 13 J & B Miskimmin & Son Donaghadee RPC 1353, 14 W & L Robinson Comber Social 1353, 15 Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey HPS 1349, 16 H. Gordon & Ptnrs Cloughey HPS 1348, 17 S & K Duke Crossgar HPS 1347, 18 J & B Miskimmin & Son Donaghadee RPC 1346, 19 McSherry Bros Tyrella HPS 1343, 20 P & C Johnston Ballylesson HPS 1341.
East Down Combine Clubs Talbenny (1)
Annalong 11/117 – Donnelly Bros 1287, K Rooney & Son 1269, Donnelly Bros 1229, P Trimble 1226, K Rooney & Son 1213, J Newell 1212.
Annsborough – M Croskery 1377, G & P Brown 1290, 1289, M Croskery & Son 1270, G & P Brown 1269, M Jennings 1267.
Ballylesson 15/235 – P & C Johnston 1341, A Crawford 1319, A Cousins & Sons 1307, 1306, K & B McConaghie 1302, A Crawford 1282.
Ballynahinch HPS – G Morrison & Daughters 1380, G Hillen & Partners 1308, S & P Logan & Partners 1302, W McVeigh 1298, R Trimble 1286, W Catherwood & Son 1285.
Cloughey HPS 7/121 – Gordon Bros & Sons 1359, H Gordon & Partners 1357, Gordon Bros & Sons 1349, H Gordon & Partners 1348, 1341, McCormick & Gray 1339.
Drumaness Mills – C Lavery & Daughter 1341, Burns & O’Neill 1321, G Hillen & Partners 1308, Burns & O’Neill 1308, C Lavery & Daughter 1278, Burns & O’Neill 1262.
Dundonald – J Young & Partners 1329, 1327, S Brown & Sons 1313, B C & T Foulis & Gill 1312, J Young & Partners 1292, S Brown & Sons 1263.
Hillfoot HPS 7/52 – W Robinson 1353, D Brennan 1299, T Farlow 1295, J Scates & Sons 1287, A & R Crawford 1273, E Spence 1270. Well done Wesley Robinson, out on your own.
Newtownbreda 11/129 – E Salmon 1356, F Keery 1340, H & D Flynn 1301, T Marshall & Son 1299, 1294, B & H Marshall 1280.
Tyrella – McSherry Bros 1343, D McNabb & Partners 1292, 1278, S & E McGaw 1215, 1144, 1137.
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT 21st May
“IRELANDS PREMIER INTERNATIONAL ONE LOFT RACE”
It has been a very busy four months since the loft open at the beginning of February to except the entries for this year’s Emerald Classic which is now going into its 4th year and recognised by many as the Uk and Irelands Premier International One Loft Race and the place to be if you want to test your pigeons against some of the world’s best.
Our percentage record for the past three years has been second to none and this is evident from the entries which have been arriving stead at the loft from some of the world’s top fanciers in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland North & South, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Poland, Romania, Moldova Republic, Malta, and Canada.
Again we are deeply indebted to John Millar who circum navigates the main land faithfully very weekend in all weather conditions to collect and deliver our entries.
(INSERT PHOTO OF DELIVERY) Caption: “IT FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS ALL OVER AGAIN”
With close on 700 birds in the loft for this year’s event I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported the Emerald Classic this year again, with overseas entries from Team Germany, Team Belgium Masters, Team Romania, Team Moldova, Team Malta whilst closer to home we have Peter Fox Syndicate Lofts, Darren Peters Fenlands Stud, two past winners of the Emerald Classic W Gray & Son Ian, Hennie & Anette Kallmeyer, two past winners of the RPRA One Loft Race Peter Robinson, Richard Owen & Ken Hogarth, two past Europa winners Mr & Mrs William Lewis, Ken Darlington, Section B fanciers of the year 08/09 Fleming Brothers and Section B fancier of the year and one of the provinces top lofts in 2010 Danny Dixon along with big team entries from Goodview lofts and O’Donnell ABU to name but a few we are in for an exciting 2011 a full inventory of this year’s entries will be available on line shortly.
The birds are all in excellent health thanks to the superb range of medication provided by Dr Botha of Avio-Med and the range of supplements supplied by Brian Wall of Gem Supplements. With these two products and an extensive range of feeding supplied by Alan Bamford of Top Flight the birds are going through an excellent moult.
CONDOLENCE
On a sad note I would to take this opportunity to pass on our heartfelt condolence to Judy Napolitano, wife of my good friend Carlo who passed away suddenly last week from a heart attack. Since 1992 Carlo was loft manager to Her Majesty The Queen and had supported the Emerald Classic since its inception in 2008 and it was only the week before his sudden death that we had spoken to arrange the delivery of his entries for this year’s race. Carlo was a true gentleman of the sport and will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
(PLEASE INSERT PHOTO OF CARLO)
Important information
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year’s final race on Sunday 11th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic again this year. However these rooms must be booked directly with the Hotel please visit their web site via the links section of our web site and speak to Karen to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2011 Emerald Classic.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe.