Mid Antrim Combine - INFC Season 2013
Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 4:22 pm
Skibbereen OB inl National – Flown Tuesday 28th May 2013. Lib 7.40am, wind Lt West
Positions are subject to checking and correction:
Muckamore Centre Skibbereen OB Nat – Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1550.2, D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1550.1, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1536, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1536, M/M B McNeilly Doagh 1532, M/M B McNeilly 1532, G McKenna Eastway 1527, Bingham & Seaton 1524, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1522, Fleming Bros Crumlin 1521, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1521, M & T Griffith Eastway 1521, L & S O’Neill & Sons 1512, M/MN B McNeilly 1505, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1502, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1501, M/M B McNeilly 1501, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1500, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1500, A O’Hanlon Andersonstown 1500, M/M B McNeilly 1499, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1498, F Simpson Doagh 1496, G K & I Moxham Larne 1492, D & R Turkington Doagh 1492, G Marshall Cookstown 1488, Lindores Son & Nicholson West Belfast 1487, A & N Lewis Doagh 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1387, J Burrows Eastway 1486, J Burrows 1486, D Dixon Ballymoney 1483, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1384, Bingham & Seaton 1482, A O’Hanlon 1480, R & M McManus Andersonstown 1480, J Braniff Fortfield 1479, Hanna & McClurkin Ligoniel 1476, A Darragh Cullybackey 1475, G K & I Moxham 1474, A O’Hanlon 1472, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 1471, D Dixon 1468, J Burrows 1465, A & M Boyle Ballymoney 1465, S & A Leitch Doagh1462, A & N Lewis 1462, S & A Leitch 1461, A O’Hanlon 1461, M/M B McNeilly 1460, J Braniff 1459.
Mid Antrim Combine INFC Skibbereen OB Nat – D Dixon Rasharkin 1483, A Darragh Cullybackey 1475, D Dixon 1466, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1457, D Dixon 1456, G Connolly Harryville 1453, D Dixon 1449, D Dixon 1446, D Dixon 1446, A Darragh 1440, D Dixon 1436, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1436, D Dixon 1436, Reid Bros & McCloy 1433, G Connolly 1431, A Darragh 1420, Reid Bros & McCloy 1417, Reid Bros & McCloy 1407, Reid Bros & McCloy 1406, Reid Bros & McCloy 1404, J & N Simpson 1397, Reid Bros & McCloy 1388, A Darragh 1381, G Connolly 1373, G & A Eagleson Ballymena 1372, G & A Eagleson 1370, G Connolly 1368, MDC Magill Ballymena 1366, MDC Magill 1366, A Darragh 1364.
Club Results Skibbereen –
Ballymoney HPS 7/75 – D Dixon 1485, 1468, A & M Boyle 1465, D Dixon 1458, 1451, 1448.
Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 1475, Reid Bros & McCloy 1457, A Darragh 1440, Reid Bros & McCloy 1433, A Darragh 1420, Reid Bros & McCloy 1417, 1407, 1406, 1404, 1388, A Darragh 1381,
Dervock RPS 3/32 – A & M Boyle 1465, D & G McMullan 1446, A & M Boyle 1435, 1426, 1420, 1399.
Harryville 2/30 – G Connolly 1453, 1431, 1373, 1368, 1343, 1335.
Broughshane – J & N Simpson 1436, 1397.
Ballymena & District 3/14 – G & A Eagleson 1372, 1370, MDC Magill 1366, 1366, G & A Eagleson 1337, MDC Magill 1332.
INFC Yearling Nat Sennen Cove – Flown Wednesday 19th June 2013. Lib 8.30am, wind Lt NW
Jack Millar and son Derek from the Harryville HPS in Ballymena had the best bird in the INFC Yearling Nat flown from Sennen Cove last Wednesday on a perfect flying day. Liberation was at 8.30am in a Lt NW wind and with helping conditions at the home end a good race was expected. It indeed turned out one of the best for many years with over 1,000 birds recorded on the day across Ireland in one of the top races of the year. J Millar & Son timed at 5.07pm to record velocity 1124 for the 329 miles to the lofts at Cromkill on the main Antrim Road. Former winner of the race Alan Darragh was next best taking 1st Cullybackey (1076), followed by Danny Diixon 1st Ballymoney (1075) and G & A Eagleson 1st Ballymena & District (1074). J Millar & Son win 1st in the Mid Antrim Combine and will be even more pleased with 7th North Sect & 12th Open INFC 800/4,474. The Champions League Final to be flown from Penzance is Alan Darragh (Cullybackey) v Jimmy Rock (Harryville).
Mid Antrim Combine Sennen Cove Ylr Nat – J Millar & Son Harryville 1124, A Darragh Cullybackey 1076, D Dixon Rasharkin 1075, G & A Eagleson Ballymena 1074, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1073, M Graham Ballymena 1073, Mr & Mrs Robinson Ahoghill 1070, A & N Young Ahoghill 1069, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1068, J Rock Harryville 1065, A Darragh 1047, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1028, M Graham 1026, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1017, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1015, A Darragh 1012, A Darragh 1005, A Barkley & Son Kells 1004, A Darragh 1004, S McKendry Cullybackey 1002, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 999, Reid Bros & McCloy 993, A Darragh 991, A Darragh 987, Mr & Mrs Robinson 972, H & R McCloy Cullybackey 967, J & J Greer Cullybackey 960, J Millar & Son 953.
Local Clubs INFC Yearling Nat
Harryville HPS – J Millar & Son 1124, J Rock 1065, J Millar & Son 953.
Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 1076, Reid Bros & McCloy 1073, A Darragh 1047, 1012, 1005, 1004, S McKendry 1002, Reid Bros & McCloy 993, A Darragh 991, 987, H & R McCloy 967, J & J Greer 960.
Ballymoney HPS 8/49 – D Dixon 1075, J Walker 1072, Curry & Gilmore 864, D Dixon 792, 779, 558, 468, W & L McCaw 453.
Ballymena & District HPS – G & A Eagleson 1074, M Graham 1073, M Graham 1026, Blair & Rankin 999, M Graham 911, T R Alexander & Son 910, J McNaghten & Son 845, M Graham 841, M/M M Sempey 758.
Ahoghill Flying Club – M/M Robinson 1070, A & N Young 1069, M/M Robinson 1069, J Smyth & Son 1015, M/M Robinson 972.
Broughshane & District – D Houston & Son 1028.
Kells & District HPS – McFarlane & Agnew 1017, A Barkley & Son 1004.
Kings Cup Grand Nat St Allouestre – Flown Friday 5th July 2013. Lib 7.00am, wind Lt NE
Locally the Muckamore Centre had 11 day birds and a further two dozen by lunch time on the second day, which had overall some 300 birds recorded across Ireland and all positions filled. The big early arrivals in Muckamore included B & M Gilmore from Ballyclare recording velocity 1138 for the 494 miles to finish 8th North Sect & 9th Open INFC and an early bird at 6.00am on the second morning from their entry of 4. They were followed by E & D McClurkin of the Ligoniel & Dist, former Nat Champions C & L Woodside also from Ballyclare, Billy McCaw from Ballymoney who timed around 21.05hrs flying 523 miles winning a Hall of Fame Diploma for the second time in just three seasons. J & N Simpson of Broughshane & District were best in Mid Antrim with a bird on the day. For Crumlin & District J & N Lamb had a bird late on the first day for a top performance, Thompson Bros had an arrival at 08.47am on the second morning flying 488 miles. The Lamb loft had already topped the Sect B in the Fermoy 5 Bird.
Muckamore Centre St Allouestre – B & M Gilmore Ballyclare & Dist 1138, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel & Dist 1131, C & L Woodside Ballyclare & Dist 1116, W McCaw Ballymoney 1093, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1087, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1079, J Braniff Fortfield 1069, J Burrows Eastway 1049, N Sharpe Kingsmoss 1038, H Boyd Randalstown 996, J & N Lamb Crumlin & Dist 988, A Thompson Ballyclare & Dist 888, K Carolan Coalisland 884, B & M Gilmore 859, J Connolly Ballymoney 846, A Thompson 842, A Thompson 818, N Sharpe 814, J Cassidy Londonderry 788, A Darragh Cullybackey 784, J McGrugan Doagh & Dist 783, M Graham Ballymena 780, W Ramsey Harryville 778, R Duddy Ballyclare & Dist 771, Thompson Bros Crumlin 728, A Thompson 724, W Bleeks Coalisland 721, C Moore Ahoghill 701, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 699, Grattan Bros Eastway 689, W Ramsey 689, A Gault Ballyclare & Dist 681, C & L Woodside 675, C & L Woodside 674, McManus & Mullan Ligoniel & Dist 672, D & S Graham Kingsmoss 627, R J Elliott Ballymoney 606, R Duddy 604, A Gault 593, D Jackson & Son Harryville 561, G F Lindsay Crumlin 559.
Not a lot of birds registered in the Mid Antrim Combine, just two fantastic birds on the day J & N Simpson of Broughshane & District and Hugh Boyd of Randalstown the birds finished 21st & 54th Open INFC. Former winner Alan Darragh was at 7.59am on the second morning taking 1st Cullybackey, around the same time Martin Graham had 1st Ballymena & District. Billy Ramsey timed two birds to take 1st & 2nd in Hasrryville, Chris Moore won his new club Ahoghill and further arrivals were recorded by D Jackson & Son and Charlie Young who enjoys this race.
Mid Antrim Combine St Allouestre – J & N Simpson Broughshane 1087, H Boyd Randalstown 996, A Darragh Cullybackey 784, M Graham Ballymena 780, W Ramsey Harryville 778, C Moore Ahoghill 701, W Ramsey 689, D Jackson & Son Harryville 561, C Young Ahoghill.
Local Club Results -
Ballymoney HPS 8/20 – W McCaw 1093, J Connolly 846, R J Elliott 606. One bird on the day and two arrivals on the second day. Billy McCaw times his Dark Cheq "Greystone Dawn" to win Ballymoney again flying 523 miles this hen was the only bird in race time in last year’s Kings Cup flying 531 miles. This is her fourth time in the clock from France and will win a "HALL OF FAME" award. This will be his second Hall of Fame award in two years, some racing. John Connolly had another good result having won the NIPA Portland OB Nat the previous week.
Broughshane & District – J & N Simpson 1087.
Randalstown – H Boyd 996.
Cullybackey – A Darragh 784.
Ballymena & District – M Graham 780.
Harryville HPS – W Ramsey 778, 689, D Jackson & Son 561.
Ahoghill Flying Club - C Moore 701, C Young.
Quimper Friendship National – Flown Friday 12th July 2013. Lib 6.15am, wind Lt NE
It was very hard going in the annual Friendship National flown by the INFC from Quimper on Friday 12th July liberation at 6.15am in a Lt NE wind, not so many arrivals in the Muckamore Centre but another good result for the East Antrim Area with A & N Lewis of Doagh & District best in Muckamore Centre on velocity 1183, Alan Darragh from Cullybackey had the only two arrivals into Mid Antrim.
The pigeon at 2nd Open for A & N Lewis is a yearling hen, one of a kit of six purchased from Alan Darragh, Cullybackey. She contains the very best lines of Alan’s distance stock. Raced as a darkened youngster last year she was first bird to the loft in her last four races last year, from Talbenny, Fermoy, Rosscarbery, and Skibbereen. This hen now named ‘Lily’ was raced on roundabout this year and had three inland races but returned from Clonmel injured. She was given time to recover and then went to 1st Talbenny and the Yearling National. She was then paired up with the Friendship National in mind and was sent to the race sitting 10 days on eggs. She was trained with the young birds regularly up to 20 miles. Timing here at 5.57pm they were unaware of the winning pigeon and hadn’t heard of any birds in the south so they knew that they wouldn’t be far away, the hen was flying 472 miles.
INFC Quimper Friendship Nat Friday 12th July 2013 –
Muckamore Centre Quimper – A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 1183, K Carolan Coalisland 1053, K Carolan 1031, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 1003, C Cameron Ballyclare 938, R Duddy Ballyclare 886, A Darragh Cullybackey 767, G K Porter Glenavy 738, A Darragh 603, K Carolan 600, W & L McCaw Ballymoney 554, D & P Harvey Larne & Dist 553, A Thompson Ballyclare 535, A Thompson 523, V Thom Cookstown 517, G & R Lawrie Ballyclare 512, C & L Woodside 497, A Thompson 485, R Duddy 484, N Lusty Muckamore 369.
Mid Antrim Combine Quimper – A Darragh 767, 603.
Local Clubs Quimper (France) -
Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 767, 603.
Ballymoney HPS – W & L McCaw 554. Only bird in race time. Leonard McCaw times his Blue Vanbruaene hen "Molly’s Pride" from Quimper flying 502 miles to win Ballymoney HPS and 51st Open, this was her third time in the clock from France winning 31st Open, 90th Open and 51st Open and wins the Friendship National Triple Diploma Award.
Hugh Boyd from Randalstown had a season to remember from France, his loft will always come up with a top result be it either on the land or indeed cross channel, he has won a host of races over the years. He will long remember France in 2013, only bird in the club in both the NIPA Portland OB National and again only bird in the Blue Riband Kings Cup. Just recently I learned that Hugh was a regular visitor to his Aunt in Daisy Hill, next door to my grand-mother where I had many summers on holiday in my school days. It’s a small world going back all that time, small town in those days but a bit bigger now. For the record Hugh Boyd won 1st Club, 11th MAC, 17th Sect B & 170th Open NIPA Portland OB Nat doing velocity 327ypm. In the Kings Cup he timed on the day to record 1st Club, 48th North Sect & 54th Open INFC St Allouestre doing velocity 996ypm flying 497 miles.
INFC Grand Nat Penzance YB – Flown Wednesday 4th September 2013. Lib 8.45am, wind Fresh SE
INFC Penzance YB Nat – The Blue Riband race for the young birds was flown from Penzance last Wednesday 4th September, birds released at 8.45am in a fresh South Easterly wind. Best in the local Muckamore Centre was Mr & Mrs Colin Hayes from Ballyclare who timed in at the early time of 14.49hrs to record velocity 1547 for the 320 miles into East Antrim. They almost won the event but were to finish 2nd North Sect & 2ndOpen INFC behind Hector Cordner of Annaghmore, winnings were a tidy £873.
Muckamore Centre Penzance – M/M C Hayes Ballyclare 1547, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 1476, A Thompson Ballyclare 1473, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1456, W & L McCaw Ballymoney 1452, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1445, W McFetridge 1412, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1411, M/M M Sempey Ballymena 1410, A Darragh Cullybackey 1409, D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1409, D Dixon Ballymoney 1396, D Dixon 1380, Thompson Bros Crumlin 1377, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 1374, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, M Graham Ballymena 1360, D Dixon 1352, J & N Lamb Crumlin 1347, V Thom Cookstown 1347, M/M C Hayes 1347, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1345, MDC Magill Ballymena 1343, C & L Woodside 1340, D Dixon 1335, D Dixon 1332, D Craig Ballymena 1318, S & A Leitch Doagh & Dist 1313, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1312, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1311.
Mid Antrim Update – The Blue Riband YB Nat was flown on Wednesday 4th September, some 2,600 birds from across Ireland were liberated in Penzance at 8.45am in a helping SE wind. The Mid Antrim area done very well and what a result for William McFetridge of Rasharkin & Dist two birds sent and both timed inside 15 minutes. The first bird at 15.31hrs recorded velocity 1456 for the 336 miles to finish 1st MAC and the second bird finished 3rd MAC. At time of writing the McFetridge loft is placed 5th Open INFC. Reid Bros & McCloy had 1st Cullybackey HPS (1445) and we had a very close finish in Ballymena & Dist, 1st Blair & Rankin (1411) a yard ahead of Mr & Mrs Sempey.
Mid Antrim Combine Penzance YB Nat - W McFetridge Rasharkin 1456, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1445, W McFetridge 1412, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1411, M/M M Sempey Ballymena 1410, A Darragh Cullybackey 1409, D Dixon Rasharkin 1396, D Dixon 1380, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, M Graham Ballymena 1360, D Dixon 1352, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1345, MDC Magill Ballymena 1343, D Dixon 1335, D Dixon 1332, D Craig Ballymena 1318, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1306, D Dixon 1303, W Scott Cullybackey 1289, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1259, Reid Bros & McCloy 1247, A Darragh 1221, A Darragh 1195, T Johnston & Son Harryville 1179, D Dixon 1177, D Dixon 1167, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1165, A Darragh 1157, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1111, A Darragh 1110.
Mid Antrim Combine Clubs
Rasharkin & Dist – W McFetridge 1456, 1412, J & M Milliken 1306, H Cubitt 1111. Danny Dixon – 1396, 1380, 1352, 1335, 1332, 1303, 1177, 1167. William McFetridge wins 1st and 2nd Club, 1st and 3rd Mid Antrim Combine and 5th Open in the INFC Young Bird National from Penzance.
Cullybackey HPS – Reid Bros & McCloy 1445, A Darragh 1409, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, W Scott 1289, Russell Bros 1259, Reid Bros & McCloy 1247, A Darragh 1221, 1195, 1157, 1110, Reid Bros & McCloy 1072, 995, 986, 975, 864.
Ballymena & District HPS 8/29 – Blair & Rankin 1411, M/M M Sempey 1410, M Graham 1360, MDC Magill 1343, D Craig 1318, W & J Smyth 1175, MDC Magill 1175.
Ahoghill Flying Club – J Smyth & Son 1345.
Harryville HPS – T Johnston & Son 1179.
Local Clubs Penzance –
Ballymoney HPS 4/41 – D & H Stuart 1476, W & L McCaw 1452, D Dixon 1396, 1380, 1352, 1335, 1332, 1303, W & L McCaw 1273, D Dixon 1177, 1167.
Dervock RPS 3/13 – D & H Stuart 1476, W & L McCaw 1452, 1273. The top two birds finish 3rd & 7th Open INFC.
Rasharkin & Dist – W McFetridge 1456, 1412, J & M Milliken 1306, H Cubitt 1111.
Cullybackey HPS – Reid Bros & McCloy 1445, A Darragh 1409, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, W Scott 1289, Russell Bros 1259, Reid Bros & McCloy 1247, A Darragh 1221, 1195, 1157, 1110, Reid Bros & McCloy 1072, 995, 986, 975, 864.
INFC Skibbereen YB Inland Nat – Flown Friday 20th September. Lib 10.00am in calm conditions
Fast finish in Mid Antrim -
The last race of the season got a good day last Friday when the INFC birds were released in Skibbereen, the race had been brought forward by one day due to the poor weekend weather forecast. Liberation was at 10.00am on 20th September in calm conditions and a helping South West wine en-route. The birds made light work of the 260 odd miles just over four hours into Mid & East Antrim. Former Nat Champion Alan Darragh from Cullybackey had the top bird in Mid Antrim followed by the loft in form Danny Dixon. The two early arrivals exceeded a mile a minute, Alan Darragh on velocity 1776ypm finished 39th North Sect and former winner of the race Danny Dixon on velocity 1766ypm with two birds finished 49th & 50th North Sect. J McNaghten & Son had the final winner of the year in Ballymena & District.
Mid Antrim Combine Skibbereen YB National – A Darragh Cullybackey 1776, D Dixon Rasharkin 1766, D Dixon 1766, A Darragh 1757, D Dixon 1754.
Mid Antrim Clubs Skibbereen -
Cullybackey - A Darragh 1776, 1757.
Ballymoney HPS 3/31 – D Dixon 1767, 1766, 1754, 1679, 1678, D & H Stuart 1654, 1641, D Dixon 1641, D & H Stuart 1632, D Dixon 1623.
Dervock RPS 2/12 – D & H Stuart 1654, 1641, 1632, W & L McCaw 1339.
Rasharkin & District – Steele & McNeill 1530. Race was sponsored by Stevenson’s Mace, Kilrea. Danny Dixon – 1767, 1766, 1754, 1679, 1678, 1641, 1623, 1620.
Crumlin & District – McConville Bros 1770, Thompson Bros 1726, 1722, J & N Lamb 1717, G F Lindsay 1706.
Glenvy Gold Ring – D & J Campbell & Bigger 1826, A & R Milliken & Brady 1816, A & N Lewis 1789, J Young & Partners 1775, Doonan & McGuinness 1747, Cromie & Magee & Son 1740, Doonan & McGuinness 1739, G Parker & Son 1727, J & D Braniff 1717.
Positions are subject to checking and correction:
Muckamore Centre Skibbereen OB Nat – Bingham & Seaton Ligoniel 1550.2, D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1550.1, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1536, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1536, M/M B McNeilly Doagh 1532, M/M B McNeilly 1532, G McKenna Eastway 1527, Bingham & Seaton 1524, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1522, Fleming Bros Crumlin 1521, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1521, M & T Griffith Eastway 1521, L & S O’Neill & Sons 1512, M/MN B McNeilly 1505, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1502, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1501, M/M B McNeilly 1501, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1500, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1500, A O’Hanlon Andersonstown 1500, M/M B McNeilly 1499, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1498, F Simpson Doagh 1496, G K & I Moxham Larne 1492, D & R Turkington Doagh 1492, G Marshall Cookstown 1488, Lindores Son & Nicholson West Belfast 1487, A & N Lewis Doagh 1487, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1387, J Burrows Eastway 1486, J Burrows 1486, D Dixon Ballymoney 1483, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1384, Bingham & Seaton 1482, A O’Hanlon 1480, R & M McManus Andersonstown 1480, J Braniff Fortfield 1479, Hanna & McClurkin Ligoniel 1476, A Darragh Cullybackey 1475, G K & I Moxham 1474, A O’Hanlon 1472, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 1471, D Dixon 1468, J Burrows 1465, A & M Boyle Ballymoney 1465, S & A Leitch Doagh1462, A & N Lewis 1462, S & A Leitch 1461, A O’Hanlon 1461, M/M B McNeilly 1460, J Braniff 1459.
Mid Antrim Combine INFC Skibbereen OB Nat – D Dixon Rasharkin 1483, A Darragh Cullybackey 1475, D Dixon 1466, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1457, D Dixon 1456, G Connolly Harryville 1453, D Dixon 1449, D Dixon 1446, D Dixon 1446, A Darragh 1440, D Dixon 1436, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1436, D Dixon 1436, Reid Bros & McCloy 1433, G Connolly 1431, A Darragh 1420, Reid Bros & McCloy 1417, Reid Bros & McCloy 1407, Reid Bros & McCloy 1406, Reid Bros & McCloy 1404, J & N Simpson 1397, Reid Bros & McCloy 1388, A Darragh 1381, G Connolly 1373, G & A Eagleson Ballymena 1372, G & A Eagleson 1370, G Connolly 1368, MDC Magill Ballymena 1366, MDC Magill 1366, A Darragh 1364.
Club Results Skibbereen –
Ballymoney HPS 7/75 – D Dixon 1485, 1468, A & M Boyle 1465, D Dixon 1458, 1451, 1448.
Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 1475, Reid Bros & McCloy 1457, A Darragh 1440, Reid Bros & McCloy 1433, A Darragh 1420, Reid Bros & McCloy 1417, 1407, 1406, 1404, 1388, A Darragh 1381,
Dervock RPS 3/32 – A & M Boyle 1465, D & G McMullan 1446, A & M Boyle 1435, 1426, 1420, 1399.
Harryville 2/30 – G Connolly 1453, 1431, 1373, 1368, 1343, 1335.
Broughshane – J & N Simpson 1436, 1397.
Ballymena & District 3/14 – G & A Eagleson 1372, 1370, MDC Magill 1366, 1366, G & A Eagleson 1337, MDC Magill 1332.
INFC Yearling Nat Sennen Cove – Flown Wednesday 19th June 2013. Lib 8.30am, wind Lt NW
Jack Millar and son Derek from the Harryville HPS in Ballymena had the best bird in the INFC Yearling Nat flown from Sennen Cove last Wednesday on a perfect flying day. Liberation was at 8.30am in a Lt NW wind and with helping conditions at the home end a good race was expected. It indeed turned out one of the best for many years with over 1,000 birds recorded on the day across Ireland in one of the top races of the year. J Millar & Son timed at 5.07pm to record velocity 1124 for the 329 miles to the lofts at Cromkill on the main Antrim Road. Former winner of the race Alan Darragh was next best taking 1st Cullybackey (1076), followed by Danny Diixon 1st Ballymoney (1075) and G & A Eagleson 1st Ballymena & District (1074). J Millar & Son win 1st in the Mid Antrim Combine and will be even more pleased with 7th North Sect & 12th Open INFC 800/4,474. The Champions League Final to be flown from Penzance is Alan Darragh (Cullybackey) v Jimmy Rock (Harryville).
Mid Antrim Combine Sennen Cove Ylr Nat – J Millar & Son Harryville 1124, A Darragh Cullybackey 1076, D Dixon Rasharkin 1075, G & A Eagleson Ballymena 1074, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1073, M Graham Ballymena 1073, Mr & Mrs Robinson Ahoghill 1070, A & N Young Ahoghill 1069, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1068, J Rock Harryville 1065, A Darragh 1047, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1028, M Graham 1026, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1017, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1015, A Darragh 1012, A Darragh 1005, A Barkley & Son Kells 1004, A Darragh 1004, S McKendry Cullybackey 1002, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 999, Reid Bros & McCloy 993, A Darragh 991, A Darragh 987, Mr & Mrs Robinson 972, H & R McCloy Cullybackey 967, J & J Greer Cullybackey 960, J Millar & Son 953.
Local Clubs INFC Yearling Nat
Harryville HPS – J Millar & Son 1124, J Rock 1065, J Millar & Son 953.
Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 1076, Reid Bros & McCloy 1073, A Darragh 1047, 1012, 1005, 1004, S McKendry 1002, Reid Bros & McCloy 993, A Darragh 991, 987, H & R McCloy 967, J & J Greer 960.
Ballymoney HPS 8/49 – D Dixon 1075, J Walker 1072, Curry & Gilmore 864, D Dixon 792, 779, 558, 468, W & L McCaw 453.
Ballymena & District HPS – G & A Eagleson 1074, M Graham 1073, M Graham 1026, Blair & Rankin 999, M Graham 911, T R Alexander & Son 910, J McNaghten & Son 845, M Graham 841, M/M M Sempey 758.
Ahoghill Flying Club – M/M Robinson 1070, A & N Young 1069, M/M Robinson 1069, J Smyth & Son 1015, M/M Robinson 972.
Broughshane & District – D Houston & Son 1028.
Kells & District HPS – McFarlane & Agnew 1017, A Barkley & Son 1004.
Kings Cup Grand Nat St Allouestre – Flown Friday 5th July 2013. Lib 7.00am, wind Lt NE
Locally the Muckamore Centre had 11 day birds and a further two dozen by lunch time on the second day, which had overall some 300 birds recorded across Ireland and all positions filled. The big early arrivals in Muckamore included B & M Gilmore from Ballyclare recording velocity 1138 for the 494 miles to finish 8th North Sect & 9th Open INFC and an early bird at 6.00am on the second morning from their entry of 4. They were followed by E & D McClurkin of the Ligoniel & Dist, former Nat Champions C & L Woodside also from Ballyclare, Billy McCaw from Ballymoney who timed around 21.05hrs flying 523 miles winning a Hall of Fame Diploma for the second time in just three seasons. J & N Simpson of Broughshane & District were best in Mid Antrim with a bird on the day. For Crumlin & District J & N Lamb had a bird late on the first day for a top performance, Thompson Bros had an arrival at 08.47am on the second morning flying 488 miles. The Lamb loft had already topped the Sect B in the Fermoy 5 Bird.
Muckamore Centre St Allouestre – B & M Gilmore Ballyclare & Dist 1138, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel & Dist 1131, C & L Woodside Ballyclare & Dist 1116, W McCaw Ballymoney 1093, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1087, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1079, J Braniff Fortfield 1069, J Burrows Eastway 1049, N Sharpe Kingsmoss 1038, H Boyd Randalstown 996, J & N Lamb Crumlin & Dist 988, A Thompson Ballyclare & Dist 888, K Carolan Coalisland 884, B & M Gilmore 859, J Connolly Ballymoney 846, A Thompson 842, A Thompson 818, N Sharpe 814, J Cassidy Londonderry 788, A Darragh Cullybackey 784, J McGrugan Doagh & Dist 783, M Graham Ballymena 780, W Ramsey Harryville 778, R Duddy Ballyclare & Dist 771, Thompson Bros Crumlin 728, A Thompson 724, W Bleeks Coalisland 721, C Moore Ahoghill 701, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 699, Grattan Bros Eastway 689, W Ramsey 689, A Gault Ballyclare & Dist 681, C & L Woodside 675, C & L Woodside 674, McManus & Mullan Ligoniel & Dist 672, D & S Graham Kingsmoss 627, R J Elliott Ballymoney 606, R Duddy 604, A Gault 593, D Jackson & Son Harryville 561, G F Lindsay Crumlin 559.
Not a lot of birds registered in the Mid Antrim Combine, just two fantastic birds on the day J & N Simpson of Broughshane & District and Hugh Boyd of Randalstown the birds finished 21st & 54th Open INFC. Former winner Alan Darragh was at 7.59am on the second morning taking 1st Cullybackey, around the same time Martin Graham had 1st Ballymena & District. Billy Ramsey timed two birds to take 1st & 2nd in Hasrryville, Chris Moore won his new club Ahoghill and further arrivals were recorded by D Jackson & Son and Charlie Young who enjoys this race.
Mid Antrim Combine St Allouestre – J & N Simpson Broughshane 1087, H Boyd Randalstown 996, A Darragh Cullybackey 784, M Graham Ballymena 780, W Ramsey Harryville 778, C Moore Ahoghill 701, W Ramsey 689, D Jackson & Son Harryville 561, C Young Ahoghill.
Local Club Results -
Ballymoney HPS 8/20 – W McCaw 1093, J Connolly 846, R J Elliott 606. One bird on the day and two arrivals on the second day. Billy McCaw times his Dark Cheq "Greystone Dawn" to win Ballymoney again flying 523 miles this hen was the only bird in race time in last year’s Kings Cup flying 531 miles. This is her fourth time in the clock from France and will win a "HALL OF FAME" award. This will be his second Hall of Fame award in two years, some racing. John Connolly had another good result having won the NIPA Portland OB Nat the previous week.
Broughshane & District – J & N Simpson 1087.
Randalstown – H Boyd 996.
Cullybackey – A Darragh 784.
Ballymena & District – M Graham 780.
Harryville HPS – W Ramsey 778, 689, D Jackson & Son 561.
Ahoghill Flying Club - C Moore 701, C Young.
Quimper Friendship National – Flown Friday 12th July 2013. Lib 6.15am, wind Lt NE
It was very hard going in the annual Friendship National flown by the INFC from Quimper on Friday 12th July liberation at 6.15am in a Lt NE wind, not so many arrivals in the Muckamore Centre but another good result for the East Antrim Area with A & N Lewis of Doagh & District best in Muckamore Centre on velocity 1183, Alan Darragh from Cullybackey had the only two arrivals into Mid Antrim.
The pigeon at 2nd Open for A & N Lewis is a yearling hen, one of a kit of six purchased from Alan Darragh, Cullybackey. She contains the very best lines of Alan’s distance stock. Raced as a darkened youngster last year she was first bird to the loft in her last four races last year, from Talbenny, Fermoy, Rosscarbery, and Skibbereen. This hen now named ‘Lily’ was raced on roundabout this year and had three inland races but returned from Clonmel injured. She was given time to recover and then went to 1st Talbenny and the Yearling National. She was then paired up with the Friendship National in mind and was sent to the race sitting 10 days on eggs. She was trained with the young birds regularly up to 20 miles. Timing here at 5.57pm they were unaware of the winning pigeon and hadn’t heard of any birds in the south so they knew that they wouldn’t be far away, the hen was flying 472 miles.
INFC Quimper Friendship Nat Friday 12th July 2013 –
Muckamore Centre Quimper – A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 1183, K Carolan Coalisland 1053, K Carolan 1031, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 1003, C Cameron Ballyclare 938, R Duddy Ballyclare 886, A Darragh Cullybackey 767, G K Porter Glenavy 738, A Darragh 603, K Carolan 600, W & L McCaw Ballymoney 554, D & P Harvey Larne & Dist 553, A Thompson Ballyclare 535, A Thompson 523, V Thom Cookstown 517, G & R Lawrie Ballyclare 512, C & L Woodside 497, A Thompson 485, R Duddy 484, N Lusty Muckamore 369.
Mid Antrim Combine Quimper – A Darragh 767, 603.
Local Clubs Quimper (France) -
Cullybackey HPS – A Darragh 767, 603.
Ballymoney HPS – W & L McCaw 554. Only bird in race time. Leonard McCaw times his Blue Vanbruaene hen "Molly’s Pride" from Quimper flying 502 miles to win Ballymoney HPS and 51st Open, this was her third time in the clock from France winning 31st Open, 90th Open and 51st Open and wins the Friendship National Triple Diploma Award.
Hugh Boyd from Randalstown had a season to remember from France, his loft will always come up with a top result be it either on the land or indeed cross channel, he has won a host of races over the years. He will long remember France in 2013, only bird in the club in both the NIPA Portland OB National and again only bird in the Blue Riband Kings Cup. Just recently I learned that Hugh was a regular visitor to his Aunt in Daisy Hill, next door to my grand-mother where I had many summers on holiday in my school days. It’s a small world going back all that time, small town in those days but a bit bigger now. For the record Hugh Boyd won 1st Club, 11th MAC, 17th Sect B & 170th Open NIPA Portland OB Nat doing velocity 327ypm. In the Kings Cup he timed on the day to record 1st Club, 48th North Sect & 54th Open INFC St Allouestre doing velocity 996ypm flying 497 miles.
INFC Grand Nat Penzance YB – Flown Wednesday 4th September 2013. Lib 8.45am, wind Fresh SE
INFC Penzance YB Nat – The Blue Riband race for the young birds was flown from Penzance last Wednesday 4th September, birds released at 8.45am in a fresh South Easterly wind. Best in the local Muckamore Centre was Mr & Mrs Colin Hayes from Ballyclare who timed in at the early time of 14.49hrs to record velocity 1547 for the 320 miles into East Antrim. They almost won the event but were to finish 2nd North Sect & 2ndOpen INFC behind Hector Cordner of Annaghmore, winnings were a tidy £873.
Muckamore Centre Penzance – M/M C Hayes Ballyclare 1547, D & H Stuart Ballymoney 1476, A Thompson Ballyclare 1473, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1456, W & L McCaw Ballymoney 1452, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1445, W McFetridge 1412, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1411, M/M M Sempey Ballymena 1410, A Darragh Cullybackey 1409, D & J Campbell & Bigger Eastway 1409, D Dixon Ballymoney 1396, D Dixon 1380, Thompson Bros Crumlin 1377, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 1374, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, M Graham Ballymena 1360, D Dixon 1352, J & N Lamb Crumlin 1347, V Thom Cookstown 1347, M/M C Hayes 1347, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1345, MDC Magill Ballymena 1343, C & L Woodside 1340, D Dixon 1335, D Dixon 1332, D Craig Ballymena 1318, S & A Leitch Doagh & Dist 1313, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1312, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1311.
Mid Antrim Update – The Blue Riband YB Nat was flown on Wednesday 4th September, some 2,600 birds from across Ireland were liberated in Penzance at 8.45am in a helping SE wind. The Mid Antrim area done very well and what a result for William McFetridge of Rasharkin & Dist two birds sent and both timed inside 15 minutes. The first bird at 15.31hrs recorded velocity 1456 for the 336 miles to finish 1st MAC and the second bird finished 3rd MAC. At time of writing the McFetridge loft is placed 5th Open INFC. Reid Bros & McCloy had 1st Cullybackey HPS (1445) and we had a very close finish in Ballymena & Dist, 1st Blair & Rankin (1411) a yard ahead of Mr & Mrs Sempey.
Mid Antrim Combine Penzance YB Nat - W McFetridge Rasharkin 1456, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1445, W McFetridge 1412, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1411, M/M M Sempey Ballymena 1410, A Darragh Cullybackey 1409, D Dixon Rasharkin 1396, D Dixon 1380, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, M Graham Ballymena 1360, D Dixon 1352, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1345, MDC Magill Ballymena 1343, D Dixon 1335, D Dixon 1332, D Craig Ballymena 1318, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1306, D Dixon 1303, W Scott Cullybackey 1289, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1259, Reid Bros & McCloy 1247, A Darragh 1221, A Darragh 1195, T Johnston & Son Harryville 1179, D Dixon 1177, D Dixon 1167, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1165, A Darragh 1157, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1111, A Darragh 1110.
Mid Antrim Combine Clubs
Rasharkin & Dist – W McFetridge 1456, 1412, J & M Milliken 1306, H Cubitt 1111. Danny Dixon – 1396, 1380, 1352, 1335, 1332, 1303, 1177, 1167. William McFetridge wins 1st and 2nd Club, 1st and 3rd Mid Antrim Combine and 5th Open in the INFC Young Bird National from Penzance.
Cullybackey HPS – Reid Bros & McCloy 1445, A Darragh 1409, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, W Scott 1289, Russell Bros 1259, Reid Bros & McCloy 1247, A Darragh 1221, 1195, 1157, 1110, Reid Bros & McCloy 1072, 995, 986, 975, 864.
Ballymena & District HPS 8/29 – Blair & Rankin 1411, M/M M Sempey 1410, M Graham 1360, MDC Magill 1343, D Craig 1318, W & J Smyth 1175, MDC Magill 1175.
Ahoghill Flying Club – J Smyth & Son 1345.
Harryville HPS – T Johnston & Son 1179.
Local Clubs Penzance –
Ballymoney HPS 4/41 – D & H Stuart 1476, W & L McCaw 1452, D Dixon 1396, 1380, 1352, 1335, 1332, 1303, W & L McCaw 1273, D Dixon 1177, 1167.
Dervock RPS 3/13 – D & H Stuart 1476, W & L McCaw 1452, 1273. The top two birds finish 3rd & 7th Open INFC.
Rasharkin & Dist – W McFetridge 1456, 1412, J & M Milliken 1306, H Cubitt 1111.
Cullybackey HPS – Reid Bros & McCloy 1445, A Darragh 1409, Reid Bros & McCloy 1371, W Scott 1289, Russell Bros 1259, Reid Bros & McCloy 1247, A Darragh 1221, 1195, 1157, 1110, Reid Bros & McCloy 1072, 995, 986, 975, 864.
INFC Skibbereen YB Inland Nat – Flown Friday 20th September. Lib 10.00am in calm conditions
Fast finish in Mid Antrim -
The last race of the season got a good day last Friday when the INFC birds were released in Skibbereen, the race had been brought forward by one day due to the poor weekend weather forecast. Liberation was at 10.00am on 20th September in calm conditions and a helping South West wine en-route. The birds made light work of the 260 odd miles just over four hours into Mid & East Antrim. Former Nat Champion Alan Darragh from Cullybackey had the top bird in Mid Antrim followed by the loft in form Danny Dixon. The two early arrivals exceeded a mile a minute, Alan Darragh on velocity 1776ypm finished 39th North Sect and former winner of the race Danny Dixon on velocity 1766ypm with two birds finished 49th & 50th North Sect. J McNaghten & Son had the final winner of the year in Ballymena & District.
Mid Antrim Combine Skibbereen YB National – A Darragh Cullybackey 1776, D Dixon Rasharkin 1766, D Dixon 1766, A Darragh 1757, D Dixon 1754.
Mid Antrim Clubs Skibbereen -
Cullybackey - A Darragh 1776, 1757.
Ballymoney HPS 3/31 – D Dixon 1767, 1766, 1754, 1679, 1678, D & H Stuart 1654, 1641, D Dixon 1641, D & H Stuart 1632, D Dixon 1623.
Dervock RPS 2/12 – D & H Stuart 1654, 1641, 1632, W & L McCaw 1339.
Rasharkin & District – Steele & McNeill 1530. Race was sponsored by Stevenson’s Mace, Kilrea. Danny Dixon – 1767, 1766, 1754, 1679, 1678, 1641, 1623, 1620.
Crumlin & District – McConville Bros 1770, Thompson Bros 1726, 1722, J & N Lamb 1717, G F Lindsay 1706.
Glenvy Gold Ring – D & J Campbell & Bigger 1826, A & R Milliken & Brady 1816, A & N Lewis 1789, J Young & Partners 1775, Doonan & McGuinness 1747, Cromie & Magee & Son 1740, Doonan & McGuinness 1739, G Parker & Son 1727, J & D Braniff 1717.