Farming Life - Wednesday 18/04/12

[willie reynolds]

The opening race for the NIPA was flown from Tullamore on Saturday, liberation was at 10.30am in a North East wind. In the circumstances it was probably as good as we could expect, the birds were split up and early reports indicate good returns. A large number of club results are missing and with very little information available it’s impossible to tell who the various 1st Sect winners are likely to be. Clubs should ensure the Press Officers have the results and where possible a small report and photo. Last season we had the benefit of the NIPA Website listing results as they arrived at HQ by Fax, and the Provisional Top 20 by late Sunday evening. This filled out a lot of gaps on the news front, maybe the situation will improve for the next race. Despite Pigeonnetwork having the Result Board set up early in the year it did not function at the weekend, and the web man was out of the country. Things can only get better.

NIPA Race/Date: Tullamore – Saturday 14th April

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland 13/268 – J Devlin 1245, 1208, S & L Drain 1208, J Devlin 1204, 1204, 1203. Nom Brendan Morgan. 2 Bird Club – S & L Drain. Guess winning velocity Karl Murphy 1242.

Coleraine Premier – Hanson & Harpur 1231, 1199, 1196, 1191, Diamond Bros 1186, J L Madden 1178, Diamond Bros 1176, Hanson & Harpur 1170, Diamond Bros 1167, 1156. Top four places for Hanson & Harpur, winner doing velocity 1231, timing at 13.49hrs. This yearling widowhood cock wins all Pools & DTW. Had 2 x 1sts as a young bird and was the Champion YB in the Coleraine Premier.

Cookstown Social – Glen Smith 1258, 1250.

Castledawson – T Leacock & Son 1228, 1183, 1183, S K Watson 1181.

NIPA Sect B Clubs Tullamore

Ahoghill Flying Club 11/250 – Young McManus & Sons 1212, J Smyth & Son 1207, Young McManus & Sons 1197, 1194, 1192, 1192, 1187, 1186, 1184, J Balmer 1182. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – A & N Young 1150, D Lowry & Sons 1148.

Ballymena & Dist HPS 13/226 – M Graham 1217, T R Alexander & Son 1208, W & J Smyth 1207, M/M M Sempey 1198, G & A Eagleson 1189, T R Alexander & Son 1188, M Graham 1188, G Gilmour 1188, Blair & Rankin 1187, G Gilmour 1186.

Ballykeel Inv – M/M Sempey 1198, 1169, 1169, K & K Kernohan 1168, M/M Sempey 1167, K & K Kernohan 1150.
Ballymoney West Combine 8/170 - J Hutchinson & Son 1201, L Neill 1171, Curry & Gilmore 1159, W Blair 1152, J McDowell & Sons 1145, C Henry 1137.

Broughshane & Dist 8/188 – G Connolly 1191, 1191, H Smyth & Son 1174, J & N Simpson 1163, D Houston & Son 1157, J & N Simpson 1157, A Purvis 1149, J McNaghten & Son 1147.

Crumlin & Dist – Fleming Bros 1232, 1227, 1220, Thompson Bros 1218, 1217, G Grant 1210. Winners Fleming Bros the Sect B Fancier of the Year don’t intend to give up their title easily and had a good team performance with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Club. Winner was a Blue Cheq (c) racing on widowhood, timed at 13.11hrs and recording velocity 1232 for the 113 miles. A gift bird bred by Jackie Scates of the Sydenham, a very consistent racer, he is a previous winner of 1st Club, 1st Sect & 7th Open NIPA.

Cullybackey HPS 12/326 – A Darragh 1199, 1196, J & J Greer 1172, 1162, Russell Bros 1160, J & J Greer 1159, Reid Bros & McCloy 1151, 1151, 1149, D Robinson 1131, H & R McCloy 1130, D Robinson 1127.

Harryville HPS 11/252 – R H Clements 1169, K & K Kernohan 1168, L Mullan 1167, 1167, J Millar & Son 1162, 1162, A McBride 1158, J Rock 1157, R H Clements 1157, A McBride 1152. The winner timed at 15.08hrs was flying 125 miles, a yearling Cheq hen from his top Busschaert family of birds through Williamson x Beckett a half sister to 3rd Open NIPA etc.

Kells & Dist HPS 12/209 – Surgenor Bros 1226, Scott & Clements 1225, 1221, Surgenor Bros 1218, 1216, Scott & Clements 1204, 1204, 1203, M Smyth 1202, 1202.

Muckamore HPS 15/406 – A & E Bell 1244, D J Thompson 1225, A & E Bell 1217, G Magill 1207, F Todd 1202, D J Thompson 1201, A & E Bell 1193, 1192, 1192, 1191.

New Antrim Amal - R McFall & Son 1215, McFall & McManus 1199, M D C Magill 1185, 1174, 1174, 1174, 1159, McFall & McManus 1153, 1149, 1149. Great start to the old bird season for R Mc Fall & Son. Well done also to McFall & McManus and M.D.C Magill with impressive finishing.

Randalstown HPS 10/163 – F & G Dickey 1186, Stewart Bros 1174, Houston Bros 1158, W & W Gilbert 1156, Houston Bros 1156, Stewart Bros 1148, N Percy & Son 1142, W & W Gilbert 1138. Frank & Geoff Dickey who just started young birds last season win the opening old bird race sending just 6 birds.

Rasharkin & Dist 10/165 – J & M Milliken 1217, Steele & McNeill 1213, J & M Milliken 1189, Steele & McNeill 1182, H Cubitt 1173, A C & T Tweed 1172, H Cubitt 1156, A C & T Tweed 1155. D Dixon – 1192. 1181. Nom Harold Cubitt. Race sponsored by Noel Twaddle Contracts (Ballymoney).

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Armagh – R Parkes & Son 1289, G & A Campbell 1258, P Tennyson 1229, G & A Campbell 1228, I Parkes & Son 1224, P Duffy 1219. Armagh 2 Bird Club – R Parkes & Son 1289, I Parkes & Son 1224, D C & P McArdle 1195, G & A Campbell 1188.

Beechpark Social 9/249 – S & J McCullough 1230, D Mawhinney & Son 1205, 1204, K Downey 1187, G McEvoy 1184, C Reynolds 1183. Beechpark 2 Bird Club – D Mawhinney & Son 1180, D Percy & Son 1169, S & J McCullough 1133.

Bondhill 5/220 – R Williamson 1270, 1260, 1259, 1257, J Greenaway 1250, R Williamson 1250.

Lurgan Amat – Higginson & Johnston 1242, 1238, 1219, D McBride 1216, Higginson & Johnston 1213, D McBride 1208.

Lurgan Social – S Curran 1238, 1232, 1232, A Mallon 1229, J Douglas & Son 1228, S Curran 1226.

Markethill – A Humphries & Son 1256, 1241, W Brown & Sons 1237, D Linden 1234, A Humphries & Son 1231, P McCall 1221.

Monaghan 10/221 – S O’Brien 1249, 1249, G Swift 1245, P Tierney 1245, G Swift 1243, 1239. This year the Monaghan fanciers celebrate 100 years of pigeon racing in town, Stephen O’Brien timed the winner from Tullamore at 12.08 flying 70 miles.

Portadown Inv – M Livingstone 1201, A McDonald 1199, M Livingstone 1198, 1197.

Wilton Cross – G Douglas 1271 ABCD, NOM & DTW, C & J Ferris 1259, D Carville & Son 1252, G Douglas 1242, 1240, C & J Ferris 1236, T Fitzpatrick 1232, D Carville & Son 1229, 1220, Toman & Hamill.

The Fanciers Combine – A Free 3 Bird Nom will be available for all the NIPA Sect E members who paid the £5 joining fee in 2009, starting in the Tullamore (2) race and continuing through the whole programme including all Nationals NIPA & INFC. There will be one prize of £50 per race. Ring numbers to be telephoned to Joe Tel: 07709 077266 before Saturday. No ring numbers will be accepted after midnight on Friday under any circumstances, same rules for Mid-week Nationals. There will be two races for Penzance to include the OB Classic.

All ETS printouts/Verification Cards to include Distances/Velocities to be in the hands of G Douglas, 38 Upper Toberhewny Lane, Lurgan, BT66 7AA by post on the Wednesday following the race or within 3 Days for Mid-week Nationals.

The members of Drumnavaddy Inv HPS would like to thank the sponsors of their recent Panel Night, H Beattie & Son, Samuel McCausland’s and Frazer Animal Feeds. Also Wesley Sawyers and a panel of experts including David Black, Roy Irwin and Tony Fearon. Thanks as well to the Royal British Legion in Banbridge for the use of the hall, and the many fanciers who attended, donated birds and bought same. All in all it was a very good night.

Williamson Training Transporter – Please note that from Monday 16th April birds will be training from Slane Castle, next days Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Usual collections - Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.45am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Mobile: 07841 762399 or Tel: (028) 38 339320. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.00am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.30am, and Newry Playing Fields 9.50am.

Joe & Mark Brown Training – Each week Monday to Thursday to Newry and Ardee. Collection points and times etc as before with usual stops at Bleary 9.45am and Gilford 10.00am. Birdage will be a nominal 15p, very good value and Joe can be contacted at any time Tel: 07709 077266.

NIPA Sect H Clubs

Derry & District – A McCrudden 1197, 1192, S Duddy 1190, D Canning 1174, A McCrudden 1165, E McEleney 1159.

Foyle RPS – J Diamond 1194, J Diamond, J Gallagher, J Gallagher, M/M P Maxwell, M/M P Maxwell.

Limavady – R Witherow 1134, 1095, 1093, W McIlmoyle 1064, R McIlmoyle 1064, U Young 922.

Londonderry PRS – L Flanagan 1191, 1174, 1174, S Gallagher 1166, B Houston 1157, N Murray 1147.

OBITUARY:

PORTER Dorothy: It is my sad duty to report the passing of Mrs Dorothy Porter at hospital on Easter Sunday. The wife of the late Gilbert Kirker (GK), the pair were very well known in pigeon circles well outside Farmhill in Crumlin where they lived. They judged at all the major shows in the UK and were always in big demand in local circles as well. There was always plenty of laughter and fun when they were around, Mrs Porter supported Kirker when he was President of the INFC, they had a passion for long distance racing. Eyesign? Well that was another subject. I have been friendly with the family for many years, and son Samuel continued to be involved with the Belfast Show looking after the results etc. Both the House & Funeral were Private. Donations in lieu of flowers if desired should be made payable to Meningitis Research c/o Bairds Funeral Directors, 71 Church St, Antrim. BT41 4BE. On behalf of the whole fancy in Ireland & UK sincere condolences to Sam and the entire large family circle. Willie Reynolds.

Kells Lofts lead in the Mid Antrim Comb -

The weather on Saturday turned out clear and dry but a bit cold in the North Easterly wind. NIPA released early at 10.30am and winning birds into Mid Antrim took around three hours for the approx 125 miles from Tullamore in Co Offaly. Kells & Dist had the best birds in the opening old bird race with Surgenor Bros who timed a yearling Cheq cock recording velocity 1226, a yard ahead of Scott & Clements. J & M Milliken timed at 14.42hrs and were best in Rasharkin & Dist (1217) and Martin Graham was best in Ballymena. His yearling Mealy cock racing on widowhood was one of his Jacob Specials from Gerald Delaney, this bird had 2 x 1sts as a young bird. Raymond McFall & Son were best in New Antrim and Paddy McManus had a super card in Ahoghill with 8 birds in the Top 10 including the winner doing velocity 1212. Almost 2,000 birds were competing in the Mid Antrim Combine.

Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore 94/1940 � Surgenor Bros Kells 1226, Scott & Clements Kells 1225, Scott & Clements 1221, Surgenor Bros 1218, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1217, M Graham Ballymena 1217, Surgenor Bros 1216, R McFall & Son New Antrim 1215, Steele & McNeill Rasharkin 1213, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1212, T R Alexander & Son Ballymena 1208, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1207, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1207, Scott & Clements 1204, Scott & Clements 1204, Scott & Clements 1203, M Smyth Kells 1202, M Smyth 1202, Scott & Clements 1201, A Darragh Cullybackey 1199, McFall & McManus New Antrim 1199, M/M M Sempey Ballymena 1198, Young McManus & Sons 1197, A Darragh 1196, Young McManus & Sons 1194, Young McManus & Sons 1192, D Dixon Rasharkin 1192, Young McManus & Sons 1192, G Connolly Broughshane 1191, G Connolly 1191.

Clubs should supply their entries for the seasons Champions League, four lofts from each member club with the Final Race from Penzance. The draw will be made in Ballymena & Dist on Friday and the first race is from Tullamore on Sat 21st April.
Ballymena � W & J Smyth, M Graham, Blair & Rankin, G & A Eagleson. Broughshane & Dist � H Smyth & Son, A Purvis, G Connolly, J & N Simpson. New Antrim Amal � M D C Magill, McFall & McManus, R McFall & Son, C Moore.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs Tullamore �

Kells & Dist HPS 12/209 � Surgenor Bros 1226, Scott & Clements 1225, 1221, Surgenor Bros 1218, 1216, Scott & Clements 1204, 1204, 1203, M Smyth 1202, 1202.

Rasharkin & Dist 10/165 � J & M Milliken 1217, Steele & McNeill 1213, J & M Milliken 1189, Steele & McNeill 1182, H Cubitt 1173, A C & T Tweed 1172, H Cubitt 1156, A C & T Tweed 1155. D Dixon � 1192. 1181. Nom Harold Cubitt. Race sponsored by Noel Twaddle Contracts (Ballymoney).

Ballymena & Dist HPS 13/226 � M Graham 1217, T R Alexander & Son 1208, W & J Smyth 1207, M/M M Sempey 1198, G & A Eagleson 1189, T R Alexander & Son 1188, M Graham 1188, G Gilmour 1188, Blair & Rankin 1187, G Gilmour 1186.

Ballykeel Inv � M/M Sempey 1198, 1169, 1169, K & K Kernohan 1168, M/M Sempey 1167, K & K Kernohan 1150.
New Antrim Amal - R McFall & Son 1215, McFall & McManus 1199, M D C Magill 1185, 1174, 1174, 1174, 1159, McFall & McManus 1153, 1149, 1149. Great start to the old bird season for R Mc Fall & Son. Well done also to McFall & McManus and M.D.C Magill with impressive finishing.

Ahoghill Flying Club 11/250 � Young McManus & Sons 1212, J Smyth & Son 1207, Young McManus & Sons 1197, 1194, 1192, 1192, 1187, 1186, 1184, J Balmer 1182. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club � A & N Young 1150, D Lowry & Sons 1148.

Cullybackey HPS 12/326 � A Darragh 1199, 1196, J & J Greer 1172, 1162, Russell Bros 1160, J & J Greer 1159, Reid Bros & McCloy 1151, 1151, 1149, D Robinson 1131, H & R McCloy 1130, D Robinson 1127.

Broughshane & Dist 8/188 � G Connolly 1191, 1191, H Smyth & Son 1174, J & N Simpson 1163, D Houston & Son 1157, J & N Simpson 1157, A Purvis 1149, J McNaghten & Son 1147.

Randalstown HPS 10/163 � F & G Dickey 1186, Stewart Bros 1174, Houston Bros 1158, W & W Gilbert 1156, Houston Bros 1156, Stewart Bros 1148, N Percy & Son 1142, W & W Gilbert 1138. Frank & Geoff Dickey who just started young birds last season win the opening old bird race sending just 6 birds.

Harryville HPS 11/252 � R H Clements 1169, K & K Kernohan 1168, L Mullan 1167, 1167, J Millar & Son 1162, 1162, A McBride 1158, J Rock 1157, R H Clements 1157, A McBride 1152.

Tom McAlonan Transporter - Training each week Tuesday & Thursday. Collections at Broughshane & Dist Clubrooms 9.30am until 10.00am. New Antrim Amal Clubrooms (Antrim Road) at 10.30am. Ballymena contacts - Homer Tel: 07538 238364. Tom McAlonan Tel: 07561 417232, Harry Richmond (Tuesday & Wed) Tel: 07796 304926. Homer will be covering the same route as last season, at Ballymoney Clubrooms leaving at 9.00am each day, going to Oxford Island. His collection route will include Rasharkin, Cullybackey, Ahoghill, Randalstown, Antrim and Crumlin. All details will be listed on website www.pigeonnetwork.com

Gordon Family take top prizes -

East Down Combine started the old bird season with a race from Mullingar, just over 4,000 birds were competing and the race was dominated by the East Sect. Gordon Bros & Sons who race in both Killyleagh Cent and Cloughey Clubs had the Top 13 places, all equally well placed in the Open including 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Only a yard separated the leading arrivals, McCartan & Woodsides from Crossgar had 1st & 2nd in the West Section inc 6 birds in the Top 8.

East Down Combine Mullingar Open 181/4097 �

Gordon Bros & Sons Killyleagh Central HPS 1198, Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey 1198, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, McCartan & Woodsides 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1196, Gordon Bros & Sons 1195, Gordon Bros & Sons 1195, Gordon Bros & Sons 1194, J Kirk & Son Drumaness 1174, T Smith Downpatrick 1171, McCartan & Woodside 1170, R Moore & Son Bangor 1164, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1164, Gordon Bros & Sons 1164, McComb Bros 1162, McComb Bros 1162, R Connolly Downpatrick 1158, McComb Bros 1156, McComb Bros 1156, McCartan & Woodsides 1155, McComb Bros 1154, R Hunter Ballynahinch 1154, C J Healy Killyleagh Cent 1153, McCartan & Woodsides 1152, McCartan & Woodsides 1152, R Hunter 1152, J Abernethy 1152, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1152, McCartan & Woodsides 1151, F Black & Sons Downpatrick 1150, R Hunter 1149, Gordon Bros & Sons 1149, Gordon Bros & Sons 1149.

EDC West Sect 62/1417 - McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1197, McCartan & Woodsides 1197, J Kirk & Son Drumaness 1174, McCartan & Woodside 1170, McCartan & Woodsides 1155, R Hunter Ballynahinch 1154, McCartan & Woodsides 1152, McCartan & Woodsides 1152, R Hunter 1152, J Abernethy 1152, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1152, McCartan & Woodsides 1151, R Hunter 1149, R Irwin Dundonald 1148, J McGreevy Crossgar 1147, R Irwin 1147, J Patterson Ballylesson 1146, R Irwin 1145, R Irwin 1145, R Irwin 1145.

EDC East Sect 119/2680 - Gordon Bros & Sons Killyleagh Central HPS 1198, Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey 1198, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1197, Gordon Bros & Sons 1196, Gordon Bros & Sons 1195, Gordon Bros & Sons 1195, Gordon Bros & Sons 1194, T Smith Downpatrick 1171, R Moore & Son Bangor 1164, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1164, Gordon Bros & Sons 1164, McComb Bros 1162, McComb Bros 1162, R Connolly Downpatrick 1158.