The awards for the 2012 racing season were presented in the local clubrooms on Good Friday March 29, Chairman Tom Young welcomed most of the members and friends. Following the Buffet and soft drinks he congratulated the season winners and thanked the members who had assisted in the running of the club in the past year.
Young McManus & Sons emerged again as Highest Prize-winners lifting most of the cups and trophies and followed by Jimmy Smyth who had a best ever season now putting up the challenge to Paddy McManus who has been the major winner for the last 20 years.
Over the years the Young McManus & Sons team have been Ace racers in the Mid Antrim Combine and won many awards. Old Hand Cowan Balmer was invited to present the awards, his racing performances go back to long before my time in the sport.
Brooke Supplies again sponsored the 2 Bird Club and the members sent best wishes to Angela Alexander of Finvoy Post Office who retires very soon and over many years has been a main fund raiser and supporter of the club with daughter in law Wilma. They wish her good health and happiness in her retirement. All other sponsors over the year were thanked, and those who supplied prizes in both the racing and show seasons.
When I started to attend the Ahoghill functions special guests each year were Mr & Mrs Wright who had the local bus company, a big operation now with contracts in many parts of the world and Mr & Mrs McCarroll who ran the local Post Office. Myrtle passed away a few years back and husband Tommy passed away just today at Braefield Nursing Home. Over the years both were heavily involved with the Pipe Band fraternity.
Looking through the results in the old birds Jimmy Smyth & Son had 1st Club Fermoy and finished 2nd MAC behind Alan Darragh 116/2896 and then A & N Young scored a fantastic result from Penzance. Two birds together were to take 1st & 2nd Club and 2nd & 3rd in the MAC behind J & N Simpson 76/630. William Livingstone had the best bird in the OB Nat from St Malo in France, 2nd MAC behind Alan Darragh 54/154. In the young birds Mr & Mrs Robinson had 1st Club in the Fermoy 5 Bird Classic and finished 2nd MAC behind Blair & Rankin.
Cups and trophies were presented to the following:-
Young McManus & Sons – Sandy Spence, 2nd Arklow, 2nd Wexford, McCartney, C Moore Cup, J Balmer Cup, Tramore Trophy, LOL Dist Cup, Old Bird Ave, William Balmer Cup, Nelson Farm Cup, Wexford YB, F Logan, C Moore Trophy and Mayor Trophy.
Jimmy Smyth & Son won – Galgorm Spar Trophy, J Kilpatrick, Talbenny, J McKee, McCarroll, J Logan, D Clarke, 1st Arklow YB, 2nd Arklow YB and Montgomery.
Mr & Mrs Robinson won – Bude Cup, Love Cup and Show Trophy.
A & N Young won – Penzance Cup, Love Cup and Nelson Rose Bowl.
David Stevenson won – Skibbereen Cup and Comeback YB Cup.
William Livingstone won – Diamond Cup St Malo OB National.
Balmer Young & Sons won – INFC Skibbereen Inland Nat Cup.
Another fantastic season for Ahoghill Flying Club, best wishes to the members in the new season and thanks again for the invite to the prize night.
Top winners Paddy McManus (l) and Jimmy Smyth.
Jimmy Orr (r) with Cowan Balmer.
The Balmer Family Cowan, John, Tosh, Gail and young Rebecca.
William Livingstone with officials Tom Young (Chair) left and Albert Young (Treas) on right.
Tommy Young (l) with Cowan Balmer.
William Livingstone (l) collects the St Malo OB National Cup.
Albert Young (l) had a super result from Penzance.
Jimmy Smyth (l) was r/u for top prize-winner.
Cowan Balmer (r) presents the Highest Prize-winner award to Paddy McManus.
