The Banbridge 2011 breeder buyer organised by E. McAlinden was flown in conjunction with the I.N.F.C. Penzance young bird National, probably the hardest race, for young birds. The winner was Barry McAvoy from Banbridge who started racing pigeons in 2002, whilst the breeder was the long established partnership of N. Black & Son. Barry who lives just outside Banbridge, bought the blue check pied cock for £50 at the sale which had over 50 birds. Initially Barry was reluctant to race the bird but was talked into it by the Blacks who told him they would rear him 2 more if he lost it and even if he did’nt lose it he would still get 2 more. They also advised him to try to lose the young bird as this is a good way to get plenty of experience into the bird as he would need it for Penzance. Barry did as he was told, raced on darkness he had every race plus lots of tosses. The last 14 days before the race he also took ownership of a bench which runs the length of the loft and would not let any other bird alight on it. Barry’s young birds were raced on Frazers feeding and supplements. As usual the race was tough enough, liberated at 9.15am Barry timed the little chequer pied cock just after 5pm to be 41st North Section 55th Open. Being the only bird sold in the sale to be timed in race time he won £825 for Barry and £825 for N. Black & Son, which was claimed by Andrew Black as the dam is his favourite pigeon. The dam which is the same colour as her son, was 57th Friendship National St Malo timed second morning, whilst the cock she was paired with to breed the winner was timed flying 14hrs 40 minutes on the day to be 18th Open in the same race. Both birds contain the partnership’s first two Hall of Fame winners bloodlines. Barry also got his two extra young birds from N. Black & Son.
Barry McAvoy and Andrew Black
The annual 2012 Breeder/Buyer charity sale will be held in the Banbridge Royal British Legion on Thursday 22nd March at 8.00pm with half the total proceeds going to the Blue Dove Hospice, Newry. Pigeons have been donated from many of the leading lofts in both Northern and Southern Ireland and any other donations will be greatly accepted. The race will be flown from INFC Penzance YB National. The winner will win 50% divided between breeder and buyer, 2nd will win 30% and 3rd 20%. All birds donated must be penned on night of sale. In the event of only two birds timed divide will be 60% and 40%, only one bird timed divide will be 50% and 50%. Should no birds be recorded in race time, total proceeds will be presented to the above charity. Contact E. McAlinden 07771 813198, D. Carson 07813 265311 or T. Lennon 07711409205
Drumnavaddy Inv HPS are to hold a Pigeon Moot in Banbridge Legion on Friday 16th March commencing 7.30 pm. A top panel will comprise Peter Martin, J. Braniff and David Black our 2011 National Champion and former Kings Cup winner. Supper will be served after a sale of select young birds. Admission £3.00. Everybody welcome.
In 2009 Donnelly Bros, Newry City donated 6 young birds to the Kings Hall Charity Raffle. The winning ticket was purchased by Non Fanciers who donated the prize to fanciers Macken & Lockhart, Ballylesson. The Late Ken McConaghie and Macken & Lockhart visited Donnelly Bros to collect the 6 young birds. Richard Donnelly gave them the pick of the group of young birds just weaned. Ken pointed out a blue chq hen which bred 1st Club 1st West Section East Down Combine Fermoy and the nestmate went on to win 1st 2 Bird Club 7th West Section 9th pen Tyrone Mills. How’s that for good picking?
Clubs, if you have any newsworthy items contact Wesley Sawyers on 028 4062 2939 Business, 07831560399 or info@sawyersproperty.com