Farming Life - Wednesday 02/11/11
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 5:21 pm
Cullybackey HPS – Record season for Alan Darragh
The local Cullybackey HPS made a welcome return to the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena for the annual prize night and dinner last weekend. One of the last occasions at the same venue was some 35 years previous, I was a guest with my brother Michael joining Mr & Mrs Jack Irvine, Mr & Mrs Tommy Harper and Provincial himself the late James Martin scribe for the local newspaper and the BHW. The late John Blaney had just taken over as secretary from E G Leckey and the chairman was James Anderson. The premier award winners were Russell Bros who raced at Tullygrawley, followed by the ever consistent W Reid who won 1st Sect & 2nd Open from Okehampton and the previous seasons top winner T McAlonan who had 1st Club from Dinard (France). At that time the club had over 50 members and was the largest in Sect B of the NIPA. In appreciation of his long service and devotion to the fancy and his club the members took this opportunity to present Mrs Leckey with a Silver tea service and Ernie with a wallet for which EG in his own amicable way thanked the members. One of the clubs founder members Alfie Greenwood made the presentation.
Cullybackey are first away each year with their prize night, last season I missed the event due to having a sale in Dublin on the same night. Along with myself and Rosie the special guests were Brian Hayes and wife Diane from the local Bridge Garage, they sponsor two Nomination Races each year and on this occasion Alan Darragh won both Old Bird and Young Bird races. President Brian Herbinson welcomed the gathering including the guests and mentioned those on sick call including Harry McCloy senior who was recovering well after major surgery, Lorna Davidson who was just out of hospital and was present with husband Leonard and Rosie had a spell in hospital in recent weeks as well.
The racing season was one of the best ever for local Ace Flyer Alan Darragh who won a record number of races and topped the Mid Antrim Combine on five occasions. The Fermoy 5 Bird in Old Birds and then in the young bird season had top success from Roscrea and the Rosscarbery YB Nat with the final two Diplomas racing with the INFC the Skibbereen Old Bird Nat and Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup where he won a Hall of Fame Diploma for the first time having won almost everything including the Blue Riband race as well with Independent Ranger. Previously I have indicated the bird was bred by club-mate Sammy Steele, and I got this connection wrong. Ballymena & Dist fancier Harry Richmond bred two birds for Sammy and one of those strayed into the Darragh loft and he left it with Alan to race. Funny how these thing come about, well done to all concerned.
Back to the old bird racing and as expected the Cullybackey members were up as usual for the longer races, Reid Bros & McCloy racing at the famous Rock timed an early arrival from Bude to win 1st Combine, 1st Sect & 5th Open NIPA while his dad just had the ETS System connected on time having the early arrival in the Premier OB Nat from St Malo to finish 1st Combine, 1st Sect & 10th Open NIPA, this one a Belgium rung pigeon was the last bird purchased by his late wife Rosie who really enjoyed the long distance races.
The leading lofts were: A Darragh, Russell Bros, Reid Bros & McCloy, J & J Greer, W Scott, H & R McCloy, D Robinson, S Steele, N & S Anderson and B Herbinson. Alan Darragh won the Russell Family Cup for Highest Prize-winner yet again, Russell Bros won the James Anderson Cup for Best Ave St Malo & Rosscarbery YB and Wendal Scott won the John Blaney Cup for Talbenny YB National, a race the loft has previously topped the NIPA in. Homer presented the Mid Antrim Combine awards Alan Darragh winning Young Bird Average and the Les Mairs Old Bird Fancier of the Year and Sammy McCloy collected the McIlhagga Memorial Cup for 1st Combine from St Malo won by H & R McCloy. Cullybackey HPS won the Club Shield for the Old Birds. See full report at www.pigeonnetwork.com
SHOW SCENE - Northern Ireland Clubs
The local show season started last weekend with Cullybackey HPS on Saturday evening, the judges were Brian Swann and Harry Boyd from Kells. Visitors were the top winners with W & N Gilbert (Randalstown) getting ready for the Dublin Show 1st in the Young Cocks and J & B Balmer (Ballymena & Dist) the Red Card winner in Young Hens. This Saturday – Old Cock & Old Hen T/W.
Young Cocks T/W (57 Birds) - 1st) W & N Gilbert 2nd) W & N Gilbert, 3rd) J & B Balmer, 4th) W & N Gilbert, Res) J & J Greer, VHC) J & B Balmer, HC) J & B Balmer, C) B Herbinson. Young Hens T/W (51 Birds) - 1st) J & B Balmer, 2nd) W & N Gilbert, 3rd) Russell Bros, 4th) J & J Greer, Res) Russell Bros, VHC) B Herbinson, HC) W & N Gilbert, C) J & J Greer.
Ballymena & District HPS - will operate as before each Monday starting on 31st October with classes for Young Cock and Young Hen Through the Wires. The second week will be Old Cock & Old Hen T/W on Monday 7th November. With a number of new members racing it is hoped they will bring a few birds to each show and we also look forward to inviting visitors as usual. Penning is from 7.30pm until 8.00pm and it should be the usual good craic during the judging.
The opening show was held the night before the Christmas Lights switch on and attracted a good entry over the two classes judges by Jimmy Robinson from Rasharkin. Club President Billy Smyth had his birds in super condition and won both classes and the Special with a Blue Pied cock. Young Cocks T/W (33 Birds) – 1st & 2nd W & J Smyth, 3rd B Herbinson, 4th & HC J & B Balmer, Reserve & VHC W & N Gilbert, Commended M/M M Sempey. Young Hens T/W (35 Birds) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th W & J Smyth, Reserve & VHC B Herbinson, HC & Commended J & B Balmer. Special won by W & J Smyth. Judge J Robinson (Rasharkin & District). Raffle – G Eagleson.
** The sale of birds on behalf of the late Joe Devlin will be held in the Ballymena & Dist Clubrooms (tonight) Wednesday 2nd November, around 40 birds on view at 7.00pm with sale starting at 8.00pm.
Broughshane & District - the new show series begins on Tuesday night 1st November with classes for Old Cocks and Young Cocks through the wires. Next week Tues 8th Nov Old Hens and Young Hens through wires penning between 7.30 and 8.00pm Everyone welcome at the clubrooms in the Community Centre, Broughshane. The annual dinner and prize distribution will be in the Michelin Athletic Club on Saturday night the 19th November, all cups to be returned to secretary Harry Smyth asap for engraving etc.
Kells & District - will have another Social Evening planned to take place in the Dunsilly Hotel on Friday 4th November, pay at the door. They had a very successful night last year and this time the major guests include John Preece from Cwmtillery, the Preece Bros & Sons loft have won several 1st Nat into Wales. The guest panel will also include Gerald Delaney and Davy Black from Dromore in County Down and from the Irish Nat FC Patron Ronnie Johnston and President Syd Collins. Prior to the main event the Kells & Dist HPS will present the prizes for the year. Fees for entry are £10 with hot food or £5 if just attending the Moot.
Harryville HPS - will start on Thursday 3rd November with classes for Young Cock and Old Cock Through the Wires. The Harryville series will continue each Thursday with penning from 7.30pm until 8.00pm through to 15th December. The annual Open Show will be held in the Harryville Clubrooms first Saturday in December. Visitors to all the shows will be made most welcome.
Ahoghill Flying Club – the show season starts this Friday, classes are Young Cock and Young Hen T/W to be followed by Old Cock & Old Hen T/W on 11th November. Penning 7.00pm until 8.00pm and visitors welcome.
Lurgan Social – Results from Lurgan Social Pigeon Show Monday 31st October.
1st Aidan Mallon, 2nd Brown & Shaw, 3rd Brown & Shaw, 4th Higginson & Johnston, Res M Rice, V.H.C Higginson & Johnston, H.C Higginson & Johnston. Best Young Bird J Douglas & Son. Many thanks to the judges Tommy Ford and Kenny Best. Next Show Monday 7th November. Penning from 7pm. Any age cock or hen. Special for Best Young Bird.
The local Cullybackey HPS made a welcome return to the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena for the annual prize night and dinner last weekend. One of the last occasions at the same venue was some 35 years previous, I was a guest with my brother Michael joining Mr & Mrs Jack Irvine, Mr & Mrs Tommy Harper and Provincial himself the late James Martin scribe for the local newspaper and the BHW. The late John Blaney had just taken over as secretary from E G Leckey and the chairman was James Anderson. The premier award winners were Russell Bros who raced at Tullygrawley, followed by the ever consistent W Reid who won 1st Sect & 2nd Open from Okehampton and the previous seasons top winner T McAlonan who had 1st Club from Dinard (France). At that time the club had over 50 members and was the largest in Sect B of the NIPA. In appreciation of his long service and devotion to the fancy and his club the members took this opportunity to present Mrs Leckey with a Silver tea service and Ernie with a wallet for which EG in his own amicable way thanked the members. One of the clubs founder members Alfie Greenwood made the presentation.
Cullybackey are first away each year with their prize night, last season I missed the event due to having a sale in Dublin on the same night. Along with myself and Rosie the special guests were Brian Hayes and wife Diane from the local Bridge Garage, they sponsor two Nomination Races each year and on this occasion Alan Darragh won both Old Bird and Young Bird races. President Brian Herbinson welcomed the gathering including the guests and mentioned those on sick call including Harry McCloy senior who was recovering well after major surgery, Lorna Davidson who was just out of hospital and was present with husband Leonard and Rosie had a spell in hospital in recent weeks as well.
The racing season was one of the best ever for local Ace Flyer Alan Darragh who won a record number of races and topped the Mid Antrim Combine on five occasions. The Fermoy 5 Bird in Old Birds and then in the young bird season had top success from Roscrea and the Rosscarbery YB Nat with the final two Diplomas racing with the INFC the Skibbereen Old Bird Nat and Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup where he won a Hall of Fame Diploma for the first time having won almost everything including the Blue Riband race as well with Independent Ranger. Previously I have indicated the bird was bred by club-mate Sammy Steele, and I got this connection wrong. Ballymena & Dist fancier Harry Richmond bred two birds for Sammy and one of those strayed into the Darragh loft and he left it with Alan to race. Funny how these thing come about, well done to all concerned.
Back to the old bird racing and as expected the Cullybackey members were up as usual for the longer races, Reid Bros & McCloy racing at the famous Rock timed an early arrival from Bude to win 1st Combine, 1st Sect & 5th Open NIPA while his dad just had the ETS System connected on time having the early arrival in the Premier OB Nat from St Malo to finish 1st Combine, 1st Sect & 10th Open NIPA, this one a Belgium rung pigeon was the last bird purchased by his late wife Rosie who really enjoyed the long distance races.
The leading lofts were: A Darragh, Russell Bros, Reid Bros & McCloy, J & J Greer, W Scott, H & R McCloy, D Robinson, S Steele, N & S Anderson and B Herbinson. Alan Darragh won the Russell Family Cup for Highest Prize-winner yet again, Russell Bros won the James Anderson Cup for Best Ave St Malo & Rosscarbery YB and Wendal Scott won the John Blaney Cup for Talbenny YB National, a race the loft has previously topped the NIPA in. Homer presented the Mid Antrim Combine awards Alan Darragh winning Young Bird Average and the Les Mairs Old Bird Fancier of the Year and Sammy McCloy collected the McIlhagga Memorial Cup for 1st Combine from St Malo won by H & R McCloy. Cullybackey HPS won the Club Shield for the Old Birds. See full report at www.pigeonnetwork.com
SHOW SCENE - Northern Ireland Clubs
The local show season started last weekend with Cullybackey HPS on Saturday evening, the judges were Brian Swann and Harry Boyd from Kells. Visitors were the top winners with W & N Gilbert (Randalstown) getting ready for the Dublin Show 1st in the Young Cocks and J & B Balmer (Ballymena & Dist) the Red Card winner in Young Hens. This Saturday – Old Cock & Old Hen T/W.
Young Cocks T/W (57 Birds) - 1st) W & N Gilbert 2nd) W & N Gilbert, 3rd) J & B Balmer, 4th) W & N Gilbert, Res) J & J Greer, VHC) J & B Balmer, HC) J & B Balmer, C) B Herbinson. Young Hens T/W (51 Birds) - 1st) J & B Balmer, 2nd) W & N Gilbert, 3rd) Russell Bros, 4th) J & J Greer, Res) Russell Bros, VHC) B Herbinson, HC) W & N Gilbert, C) J & J Greer.
Ballymena & District HPS - will operate as before each Monday starting on 31st October with classes for Young Cock and Young Hen Through the Wires. The second week will be Old Cock & Old Hen T/W on Monday 7th November. With a number of new members racing it is hoped they will bring a few birds to each show and we also look forward to inviting visitors as usual. Penning is from 7.30pm until 8.00pm and it should be the usual good craic during the judging.
The opening show was held the night before the Christmas Lights switch on and attracted a good entry over the two classes judges by Jimmy Robinson from Rasharkin. Club President Billy Smyth had his birds in super condition and won both classes and the Special with a Blue Pied cock. Young Cocks T/W (33 Birds) – 1st & 2nd W & J Smyth, 3rd B Herbinson, 4th & HC J & B Balmer, Reserve & VHC W & N Gilbert, Commended M/M M Sempey. Young Hens T/W (35 Birds) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th W & J Smyth, Reserve & VHC B Herbinson, HC & Commended J & B Balmer. Special won by W & J Smyth. Judge J Robinson (Rasharkin & District). Raffle – G Eagleson.
** The sale of birds on behalf of the late Joe Devlin will be held in the Ballymena & Dist Clubrooms (tonight) Wednesday 2nd November, around 40 birds on view at 7.00pm with sale starting at 8.00pm.
Broughshane & District - the new show series begins on Tuesday night 1st November with classes for Old Cocks and Young Cocks through the wires. Next week Tues 8th Nov Old Hens and Young Hens through wires penning between 7.30 and 8.00pm Everyone welcome at the clubrooms in the Community Centre, Broughshane. The annual dinner and prize distribution will be in the Michelin Athletic Club on Saturday night the 19th November, all cups to be returned to secretary Harry Smyth asap for engraving etc.
Kells & District - will have another Social Evening planned to take place in the Dunsilly Hotel on Friday 4th November, pay at the door. They had a very successful night last year and this time the major guests include John Preece from Cwmtillery, the Preece Bros & Sons loft have won several 1st Nat into Wales. The guest panel will also include Gerald Delaney and Davy Black from Dromore in County Down and from the Irish Nat FC Patron Ronnie Johnston and President Syd Collins. Prior to the main event the Kells & Dist HPS will present the prizes for the year. Fees for entry are £10 with hot food or £5 if just attending the Moot.
Harryville HPS - will start on Thursday 3rd November with classes for Young Cock and Old Cock Through the Wires. The Harryville series will continue each Thursday with penning from 7.30pm until 8.00pm through to 15th December. The annual Open Show will be held in the Harryville Clubrooms first Saturday in December. Visitors to all the shows will be made most welcome.
Ahoghill Flying Club – the show season starts this Friday, classes are Young Cock and Young Hen T/W to be followed by Old Cock & Old Hen T/W on 11th November. Penning 7.00pm until 8.00pm and visitors welcome.
Lurgan Social – Results from Lurgan Social Pigeon Show Monday 31st October.
1st Aidan Mallon, 2nd Brown & Shaw, 3rd Brown & Shaw, 4th Higginson & Johnston, Res M Rice, V.H.C Higginson & Johnston, H.C Higginson & Johnston. Best Young Bird J Douglas & Son. Many thanks to the judges Tommy Ford and Kenny Best. Next Show Monday 7th November. Penning from 7pm. Any age cock or hen. Special for Best Young Bird.