Homer's Odyssey - 10/04/09
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:39 pm
The long wait is over and the old bird racing season for the local NIPA lofts will commence this weekend from Tullamore in County Offaly. In recent seasons the weather has been a really big problem, in the 2008 season we experienced a lot of weekend changes, delays, and a record number of holdovers. A big season is planned for the Irish Nat FC, the 2009 season is going to be something special, make sure your membership is paid on time. The race programme has something for all members and after having the Blue Riband Kings Cup race cancelled for the last two seasons due to weather problems, the whole country is looking forward to Friday 3rd July when the race weather permitting will be flown from Plaudren/Vannes (Code 5085). The big Up North Combine on the mainland started racing last weekend and race marking was delayed until Saturday due to a bad forecast and the race flown on Sunday, have we more of the same to come?
Willie Reynolds is the elected Press Officer in 2009 for both the NIPA and Irish National Flying Club, members should note the contact details for results and reports to be included in the various notes for local newspapers and the fancy press. As usual he will have assistance from a large number of contacts across Ireland, valued supporters going back over many years. If asked they will inform you that I have requested they gather the information. If you should have any doubt at all, CONTACT ME DIRECT! Web sites serviced will include Pigeonnetwork.com and the NIPA, see the tail of this report for the address and the contact info. Results must appear when still news, its not getting any easier to have all the space required but we can only try. It would be appreciated if results were made available from Saturday evening through to early Sunday evening. Take Note - Monday will miss a lot of deadlines.
Banbridge Social held another very successful Breeder & Buyer auction and will have £1,700 available for the seasons pay out in the INFC Skibbereen YB National. 1st Breeder £400, 1st Buyer £400, 2nd Breeder £200, 2nd Buyer £200, 3rd Breeder £150, 3rd Buyer £150, 4th Breeder £100, 4th Buyer £100. Many thanks to everyone involved, those who donated young birds, those who purchased and finally Wesley Sawyers who kindly carried out the auction. Davy Robinson (Secretary).
Moira HPS will hold a Young Bird Sale in their Meeting Street Clubrooms on Wednesday 15th April at 8.00pm, birds on view from 7.30pm. They are trying to raise some money for club funds and have collected some super youngsters from many top fanciers including Ron Williamson, Tom Marshall, John Patterson and John Harkness to mention just a few. All fanciers will be made most welcome.
Martin Graham (Ballymena & District) will have young birds for sale for the first time, his birds are the best of Norman Thompson (Walkingshaw), Jackie Waring (Lisburn) and his own Frans Van Wildemeersch (Fletcher & Son). These birds are tested through to France, his recent results include 1st Sect & 2nd Open NIPA Lamballe OB Nat 2003 and 2nd Sect & 4th Open NIPA St Malo OB Nat 2008. Young Birds £45 each or Kits of 6 for £250. First round available from the stock birds and race team. Tel: (028) 25 637929, Mobile: 07835 099155.
Ballymena & District HPS: Will run a Ring Nomination YB Race during 2009 open only to lofts who compete in the Mid Antrim Combine. Race Licence No IR 06/09, contact Jim Harris or Willie Reynolds.
Springvale Social: Watch out for the new season Gold Ring Race to be flown in the NIPA Inland YB Nat open to all lofts in the NIPA Sections B & C covering all the top lofts in the hot bed of Mid & East Antrim. Rings are £20 each, RPRA Licence No. IR 02/09. Contact any of the following Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 or Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.
Glenavy & District HPS: Gold Wing Race sponsored by H Beattie & Son will go ahead as before in 2009. Contact Gordon Parker Tel: 07734 235965, John Withers Tel: 07752 430972, or H Beattie & Son Tel: (028) 38 840486. Race details and full prizes later.
Broughshane & District annual Breeder & Buyer Sale will be held in the local clubrooms on Thursday 16th April at 8.00pm, thats the week after the opening race.
Sales Season at Larne & District will reach a climax with the Breeder/Buyer Sale for Glenarm & Dist will be held on Thursday 16th April, a fantastic selection of birds will be available under the hammer of the local man Owen Donnelly.
Glengormley are planning for this year an Open Breeder & Buyer Sale with £1,000 to Breeder and £1,000 to buyer and the race the final INFC Skibbereen. The final sale of the four arranged will be held at Glengormley on Saturday 11th April. In the meantime I have some contact numbers. Michael Mullan Tel: 07774 731652, Matt Murphy Tel: 07799 765327 and Hugh Bigger Tel: 07796 848484.
John Lowry from Crumlin will have a new transporter on the road for training intending to go every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Crates will be available for individual use if required. Pick Up times are Dunsilly Car Park 7.00 7.15am, Nutts Corner 8.00 8.15am, Crumlin & District clubrooms 8.30 8-45am, Glenavy & District clubrooms 9.00 9-15am, Moira Roundabout 9.30 9-45am. Tel: 07710 447262.
Mickey McConville from Nutts Corner will have a Training Transporter in operation for this new season, birds can be hampered at his home 33a Tully West Road, Nutts Corner Tel (028) 94 423958. Training 3 days every week to Bellingstown and every Monday to Newry. Birds can be hampered at the house from 7.00am until 9.00am and liberation will be around 10.30am.
Joe & Mark Brown Training The local transporter started operations on Saturday 4th April and each week Monday to Thursday to Newry and Ardee. Provided they have a genuine interest Moira Roundabout will be a collection point 7.00am until 7.30am, Lurgan 8.45am until 9.00am and usual stops at Bleary and Gilford. Birdage will be a nominal 10p very good value and Joe can be contacted at any time Tel: 07709 077266, some youngsters are ready now at £25 each from the lofts Champion bloodlines. Their YB Sale in Glenavy sold out in minutes. Joe and Mark (Dollingstown) send best wishes to Geoff Hall from Lurgan Amat who is in hospital, get well soon.
Kenny Mallen (Banbridge) First toss was Saturday 4th April usual collection points including Coach Car Park from 7.30am 8.30am and Newry 9.00am etc. Training every week Monday Thursday, Tel: 07737 521355.
Williamson & Calvin Transporter commenced training Tuesday 31st March and continue each Tuesday and Thursday from Ardee and Slane Castle. Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.45am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Yard (028) 38 339320 or Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.00am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.20am, Armagh HPS Clubrooms 9.40am and Gosford Forest Park Entrance at 10.10am.
NIPA race programme 2009
Old Birds: 11th April Tullamore (1), 18th April Tullamore (2), 25th April Roscrea, 2nd May Clonmel, 9th May Fermoy (1), 16th May Rosscarbery Inl Nat, 23rd May Fermoy (2), 30th May Talbenny (1), 6th June Talbenny (2), 6th June Fermoy (3), 13th June Bude, 13th June Mallow 5 Bird Championship, 20th June Penzance, 20th June Penzance Classic, Friday 26th June St Malo (France) Nat, 27th June Rosscarbery Yearling Nat Cock/Hen.
Young Birds: 11th July Navan or Mullingar for Sections A, H, B, C & F. 11th July Tullamore for Sections D, E & G. 18th July Navan or Mullingar for Sections A, H, B, C & F. 18th July Tullamore for Sections D, E & G. 25th July Tullamore for Sections A, H, B, C & F. 25th July Roscrea for Sections D, E & G. 1st August Roscrea, 8th August Clonmel (1), 15th August Clonmel (2), 22nd Fermoy (1), 29th August Talbenny Nat, 29th August Tullamore, 5th September Fermoy (2) & Fermoy 5 Bird Nom, 12th September Rosscarbery Nat, 19th September Fermoy (3).
The INFC fees for 2009 are £15 for existing members and £25 for those who were not members in 2008. The closing date is Saturday 18th April with a late levy of £2 per member to be added until Saturday 2nd May 2009 the final date for applications. Club membership lists should be returned to Mr D Mawhinney. Some interest is coming from lofts residing in the South of Ireland, clubs or individual members can get in touch with me or contact the INFC Secretary direct. Tel/Fax (028) 9264 1265. R.O.I. (048) 9264 1265. E-mail: tre.top@btinternet.com
IRISH NAT FC race programme 2009
Wednesday 27th May Skibbereen Inland OB Nat, Wednesday 10th June Sennen Cove Yearling Nat, Friday 3rd July Plaudren/Vannes (Blue Riband) Kings Cup (Code 5085), Friday 10th July Picauville Friendship Nat, Wednesday 9th September Penzance YB Nat (Code 9995), Wednesday 9th September Old Hens Penzance Nat, Saturday 19th September Skibbereen Inland YB Nat.
The North Coast Classic entries are arriving daily at a very steady rate, as you would come to expect and this weekend is set to see a large number of fanciers from all over Ireland attending with their hopefuls. The team already in the loft are already out daily (weather permitting) and are settling well to their new surroundings and adhering to the regime put in place by loft manager Sean Diamond who knows a thing or two about racing pigeons. This week the youngsters in Sect (2) will be out for the first time getting used to the surroundings and the trapping system. Monday seen the arrival of the Tauris ETS team including Gary Tomlinson from England and Michael Reichmann from Minden in Germany, when I called just after 11 o'clock they had everything set up and all was looking good in all 10 traps will be in operation and as I explained previously the traps are installed to the avairies running the full length of the 140ft long loft, allowing for the attending fanciers to see all the pigeons entering the loft.. Those intending to enter a bird or two should contact Trevor Steele Tel: (028) 703 26460 or (028) 703 20942. Mobile: 07851 063236. E-mail: trevorsteele@talktalk.net
Willie Reynolds
NIPA - Press Officer
Tel/Fax (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 079396 84876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
Willie Reynolds is the elected Press Officer in 2009 for both the NIPA and Irish National Flying Club, members should note the contact details for results and reports to be included in the various notes for local newspapers and the fancy press. As usual he will have assistance from a large number of contacts across Ireland, valued supporters going back over many years. If asked they will inform you that I have requested they gather the information. If you should have any doubt at all, CONTACT ME DIRECT! Web sites serviced will include Pigeonnetwork.com and the NIPA, see the tail of this report for the address and the contact info. Results must appear when still news, its not getting any easier to have all the space required but we can only try. It would be appreciated if results were made available from Saturday evening through to early Sunday evening. Take Note - Monday will miss a lot of deadlines.
Banbridge Social held another very successful Breeder & Buyer auction and will have £1,700 available for the seasons pay out in the INFC Skibbereen YB National. 1st Breeder £400, 1st Buyer £400, 2nd Breeder £200, 2nd Buyer £200, 3rd Breeder £150, 3rd Buyer £150, 4th Breeder £100, 4th Buyer £100. Many thanks to everyone involved, those who donated young birds, those who purchased and finally Wesley Sawyers who kindly carried out the auction. Davy Robinson (Secretary).
Moira HPS will hold a Young Bird Sale in their Meeting Street Clubrooms on Wednesday 15th April at 8.00pm, birds on view from 7.30pm. They are trying to raise some money for club funds and have collected some super youngsters from many top fanciers including Ron Williamson, Tom Marshall, John Patterson and John Harkness to mention just a few. All fanciers will be made most welcome.
Martin Graham (Ballymena & District) will have young birds for sale for the first time, his birds are the best of Norman Thompson (Walkingshaw), Jackie Waring (Lisburn) and his own Frans Van Wildemeersch (Fletcher & Son). These birds are tested through to France, his recent results include 1st Sect & 2nd Open NIPA Lamballe OB Nat 2003 and 2nd Sect & 4th Open NIPA St Malo OB Nat 2008. Young Birds £45 each or Kits of 6 for £250. First round available from the stock birds and race team. Tel: (028) 25 637929, Mobile: 07835 099155.
Ballymena & District HPS: Will run a Ring Nomination YB Race during 2009 open only to lofts who compete in the Mid Antrim Combine. Race Licence No IR 06/09, contact Jim Harris or Willie Reynolds.
Springvale Social: Watch out for the new season Gold Ring Race to be flown in the NIPA Inland YB Nat open to all lofts in the NIPA Sections B & C covering all the top lofts in the hot bed of Mid & East Antrim. Rings are £20 each, RPRA Licence No. IR 02/09. Contact any of the following Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 or Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.
Glenavy & District HPS: Gold Wing Race sponsored by H Beattie & Son will go ahead as before in 2009. Contact Gordon Parker Tel: 07734 235965, John Withers Tel: 07752 430972, or H Beattie & Son Tel: (028) 38 840486. Race details and full prizes later.
Broughshane & District annual Breeder & Buyer Sale will be held in the local clubrooms on Thursday 16th April at 8.00pm, thats the week after the opening race.
Sales Season at Larne & District will reach a climax with the Breeder/Buyer Sale for Glenarm & Dist will be held on Thursday 16th April, a fantastic selection of birds will be available under the hammer of the local man Owen Donnelly.
Glengormley are planning for this year an Open Breeder & Buyer Sale with £1,000 to Breeder and £1,000 to buyer and the race the final INFC Skibbereen. The final sale of the four arranged will be held at Glengormley on Saturday 11th April. In the meantime I have some contact numbers. Michael Mullan Tel: 07774 731652, Matt Murphy Tel: 07799 765327 and Hugh Bigger Tel: 07796 848484.
John Lowry from Crumlin will have a new transporter on the road for training intending to go every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Crates will be available for individual use if required. Pick Up times are Dunsilly Car Park 7.00 7.15am, Nutts Corner 8.00 8.15am, Crumlin & District clubrooms 8.30 8-45am, Glenavy & District clubrooms 9.00 9-15am, Moira Roundabout 9.30 9-45am. Tel: 07710 447262.
Mickey McConville from Nutts Corner will have a Training Transporter in operation for this new season, birds can be hampered at his home 33a Tully West Road, Nutts Corner Tel (028) 94 423958. Training 3 days every week to Bellingstown and every Monday to Newry. Birds can be hampered at the house from 7.00am until 9.00am and liberation will be around 10.30am.
Joe & Mark Brown Training The local transporter started operations on Saturday 4th April and each week Monday to Thursday to Newry and Ardee. Provided they have a genuine interest Moira Roundabout will be a collection point 7.00am until 7.30am, Lurgan 8.45am until 9.00am and usual stops at Bleary and Gilford. Birdage will be a nominal 10p very good value and Joe can be contacted at any time Tel: 07709 077266, some youngsters are ready now at £25 each from the lofts Champion bloodlines. Their YB Sale in Glenavy sold out in minutes. Joe and Mark (Dollingstown) send best wishes to Geoff Hall from Lurgan Amat who is in hospital, get well soon.
Kenny Mallen (Banbridge) First toss was Saturday 4th April usual collection points including Coach Car Park from 7.30am 8.30am and Newry 9.00am etc. Training every week Monday Thursday, Tel: 07737 521355.
Williamson & Calvin Transporter commenced training Tuesday 31st March and continue each Tuesday and Thursday from Ardee and Slane Castle. Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.45am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Yard (028) 38 339320 or Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.00am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.20am, Armagh HPS Clubrooms 9.40am and Gosford Forest Park Entrance at 10.10am.
NIPA race programme 2009
Old Birds: 11th April Tullamore (1), 18th April Tullamore (2), 25th April Roscrea, 2nd May Clonmel, 9th May Fermoy (1), 16th May Rosscarbery Inl Nat, 23rd May Fermoy (2), 30th May Talbenny (1), 6th June Talbenny (2), 6th June Fermoy (3), 13th June Bude, 13th June Mallow 5 Bird Championship, 20th June Penzance, 20th June Penzance Classic, Friday 26th June St Malo (France) Nat, 27th June Rosscarbery Yearling Nat Cock/Hen.
Young Birds: 11th July Navan or Mullingar for Sections A, H, B, C & F. 11th July Tullamore for Sections D, E & G. 18th July Navan or Mullingar for Sections A, H, B, C & F. 18th July Tullamore for Sections D, E & G. 25th July Tullamore for Sections A, H, B, C & F. 25th July Roscrea for Sections D, E & G. 1st August Roscrea, 8th August Clonmel (1), 15th August Clonmel (2), 22nd Fermoy (1), 29th August Talbenny Nat, 29th August Tullamore, 5th September Fermoy (2) & Fermoy 5 Bird Nom, 12th September Rosscarbery Nat, 19th September Fermoy (3).
The INFC fees for 2009 are £15 for existing members and £25 for those who were not members in 2008. The closing date is Saturday 18th April with a late levy of £2 per member to be added until Saturday 2nd May 2009 the final date for applications. Club membership lists should be returned to Mr D Mawhinney. Some interest is coming from lofts residing in the South of Ireland, clubs or individual members can get in touch with me or contact the INFC Secretary direct. Tel/Fax (028) 9264 1265. R.O.I. (048) 9264 1265. E-mail: tre.top@btinternet.com
IRISH NAT FC race programme 2009
Wednesday 27th May Skibbereen Inland OB Nat, Wednesday 10th June Sennen Cove Yearling Nat, Friday 3rd July Plaudren/Vannes (Blue Riband) Kings Cup (Code 5085), Friday 10th July Picauville Friendship Nat, Wednesday 9th September Penzance YB Nat (Code 9995), Wednesday 9th September Old Hens Penzance Nat, Saturday 19th September Skibbereen Inland YB Nat.
The North Coast Classic entries are arriving daily at a very steady rate, as you would come to expect and this weekend is set to see a large number of fanciers from all over Ireland attending with their hopefuls. The team already in the loft are already out daily (weather permitting) and are settling well to their new surroundings and adhering to the regime put in place by loft manager Sean Diamond who knows a thing or two about racing pigeons. This week the youngsters in Sect (2) will be out for the first time getting used to the surroundings and the trapping system. Monday seen the arrival of the Tauris ETS team including Gary Tomlinson from England and Michael Reichmann from Minden in Germany, when I called just after 11 o'clock they had everything set up and all was looking good in all 10 traps will be in operation and as I explained previously the traps are installed to the avairies running the full length of the 140ft long loft, allowing for the attending fanciers to see all the pigeons entering the loft.. Those intending to enter a bird or two should contact Trevor Steele Tel: (028) 703 26460 or (028) 703 20942. Mobile: 07851 063236. E-mail: trevorsteele@talktalk.net
Willie Reynolds
NIPA - Press Officer
Tel/Fax (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 079396 84876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk