Pigeon Network

Strange as it may seem fanciers in Northern Ireland awoke on Saturday morning to glorious sunshine conditions for the second consecutive week of racing, let’s hope it continues. The Mighty NIPA had all their transporters in Tullamore in County Offaly for the second week of a mass liberation. The release was as planned at noon in an easterly wind, with good sunshine at the home end. The new plan for the results did not produce the overall result any quicker, in many respects it was not as good. The new fax number is working much better (028) 92 693913 and the e-mail address at present is m.russell4@homecall.co.uk

What is required is the official result form, the one that is filled out in the new book. It gives all the information needed Club IR, members/birds, crates, what section, and the Top 18 positions with members name and IR, velocity and ring number of the bird. I had hoped that the new arrangement would have made it possible to run an early result which would be followed by the official result, all published ASAP. The Secretary will be setting up a wireless connection shortly and this again will help, things are getting a lot better but we are not there yet. Some results are still arriving late for the column and some are not being made available, please help and supply as early as possible and by lunchtime Sunday if at all possible. This gives some time to collate a report to meet very strict deadlines. Items can be placed on the internet at any time, but the press will not wait. If results are missing be sure it is nothing to do about being selective, they did not catch the deadline.

NIPA Section A Clubs Tullamore (2)

Coleraine Triangle Tullamore (2) – Hanson & Harper Coleraine Prem 1436, Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1420, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1412, G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Soc 1418, T McCrudden Co Derry 1409, Hanson & Harper 1404, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1403, Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1399, R Callaghan & Son Coleraine Prem 1397, T & J McDonald 1396, A & R McAuley 1391, T & J McDonald 1390, Hanson & Harper 1390, T McCrudden 1387, K Glass Windsor Soc 1386, A & R McAuley 1383, K Darragh Co Derry 1383, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1382, J McCandless Co Derry 1381, T & J McDonald 1380.

Coleraine Premier HPS - 1st Hanson & Harper 1436, 2nd T & J McDonald 1412, 3rd Hanson & Harper 1404, 4th Diamond Bros 1399, 5th R Callaghan & Son 1397, 6th T & J McDonald 1396, 7th T & J McDonald 1390, 8th Hanson & Harper 1390, 9th J L Madden 1382, 10th T & J McDonald 1380. Very well done to the partnership of Hansen & Harper who I here are actually flying within Section B of the NIPA and are looking like the best velocity to hand as we go to press. Leslie Madden wins the 1st cut of the Club pools, with T & J McDonald winning the 2nd cut and A McDonnell winning the golden minute.

Windsor Social 10/201- 1st Horner & Scott 1420, 2nd G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1418, 3rd K Glass 1386, 4th K Glass 1379, 5th Horner & Scott 1373, 6th Horner & Scott 1371, 7th K Glass 1369, 8th R & J Parke 1351, 9th F McIlreavy 1347, 10th A Newton 1324. The Ace partnership of Horner & Scott come out on top on a close encounter with the Donaghy Boys to record their 2nd win in as many races.

Coleraine & County .Derry - 1st T McCrudden 1409, 2nd T McCrudden 1387, 3rd K Darragh 1383, 4th J McCandless 1381. With a total of 12 x 1st’s to show for his efforts in 2008, Terrence hasn’t wasted any time in setting about his tasks for 2009. Well done on a good one, two into the Coleraine & County Derry club.

Coalisland & District HPS - 1st Joe Devlin 1407, 2nd K Murphy 1399, 3rd K Murphy 1399, 4th K Carloan 1389, 5th M & R Hamilton 1385, 6th M McPhillips 1382. Well done to Joe on a good result ahead of Karl Murphy who topped the Club last week.

Cookstown Social 13/442 - 1st G & S Smith 1406, 2nd S Marshall 1403, 3rd K Morton & Sons 1400, 4th S Marshall 1399, 5th J McCormick 1392, 6th S Marshall 1381, 7th S Marshall 1380, 8th Speirs & Campbell 1380, 9th G & S Smith 1379, 10th S Marshall 1377. The G & S Smith Loft top the Club this week ahead of last week commanding winner. The Smith partnership had a nice tally of 8 x 1st Clubs in 2008 and have started 2009 in fine form.

Castledawson HPS 6/147 - 1st T Leacock & Son 1405, 2nd T Leacock & Son 1404, 3rd M Lynn 1374, 4th M Lynn 1363, 5th M Lynn 1358, 6th T & S Dawson 1352. The Leacock loft is back to winning ways taking 1st and 2nd ahead of a Mervyn Lynn who takes the next three. Its yet another good start for the Leacock’s who racked up an impressive array of 8 x 1st Clubs last year. Mervyn is knocking on the door having finished runner-up last week to Savage Bros. Tullamore (1) Castledawson – Savage Bros 1828, N Lynn 1820, Savage Bros 1802, T Leacock & Son 1794, 1785, N Lynn 1706.

For the second race of the year from Tullamore in County Offaly the Milliken & Barkley team topped Rasharkin & Dist for the second week and take the premier place in the Mid Antrim Combine on velocity 1405, just behind from the same club was Davy Mairs. Harold Cubitt and J & M Milliken had two birds each well placed in a result dominated by the local club. Alan Darragh had a good 1st & 2nd in Cullybackey with the winner doing velocity 1402. Surgenor Bros had the winner in Kells and George McDowell won the 2 Bird Club for the second week. James Harris had the top bird in Ballymena and had 1st Ballymena & Dist and also 1st in the 2 Bird Club, a hard worker for the fancy in the local area. Stewart Bros were just ahead of Houston Bros in a Randalstown photo finish and Young McManus & Sons from Ahoghill had the Card of the Day. Having said that Tommy McMillan had a super card in Randalstown for the second week. In a day for the longer flyers A & M Boyle had 1st Ballymoney and 1st Dervock for the second week (1423), Hanson & Harper from Coleraine Prem are favourites to take 1st Sect B (1436) and Horner & Scott from Windsor Soc (1420) will also be very well placed.

Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore (2) 117/2,734 – Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1405, D Mairs Rasharkin 1403, A Darragh Cullybackey 1402, A Darragh 1391, G Gibson Cullybackey 1388, Surgenor Bros Kells 1384, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1382, H Cubitt 1381, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1380, D Dixon Rasharkin 1379, D Dixon 1375, Scott & Clements Kells 1371, J & M Milliken 1369, T Simpson Rasharkin 1369, Milliken & Barkley 1367, G McDowell Kells 1366, Milliken & Barkley 1366, J Harris Ballymena 1364, J & D Surgenor Rasharkin 1361, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1359, Houston Bros Randalstown 1359, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1358, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1356, T McMillan Randalstown 1356, T McMillan 1352, Young McManus & Sons 1352, G McDowell 1351, A McBride Harryville 1351, T McMillan 1350, T McMillan 1349.

The Mid Antrim Combine league competition started at Tullamore (2) four sections with one loft representing each member club. Sect (1): A & N Young (Ahoghill), W & J Smyth (Ballymena), D Houston & Son (Broughshane), Russell Bros (Cullybackey), J Millar & Son (Harryville), G McDowell (Kells), D Jackson & Son (New Antrim), Stewart Bros (Randalstown) and Milliken & Barkley (Rasharkin). Sect (2): D Lowry & Sons (Ahoghill), Richmond Bros (Ballymena), J & N Simpson (Broughshane), A Darragh (Cullybackey), J Rock (Harryville), Surgenor Bros (Kells), C Magill (New Antrim), T McMillan (Randalstown) and D Mairs (Rasharkin). Sect (3): Young McManus & Sons (Ahoghill), M Graham (Ballymena), G & A Eagleson (Broughshane), H & R McCloy (Cullybackey), A McBride (Harryville), Harry Boyd (Kells), R McFall & Son (New Antrim), Houston Bros (Randalstown) and D Dixon (Rasharkin). Sect (4): G Dickey (Ahoghill), Blair & Rankin (Ballymena), H Smyth & Son (Broughshane), G Gibson (Cullybackey), R H Clements (Harryville), McFarlane & Agnew (Kells), McFall & McManus (New Antrim), Hugh Boyd (Randalstown) and A C & T Tweed (Rasharkin).

NIPA Sect B Clubs Tullamore (2)

Ballymoney HPS 26/729 – A & M Boyle 1423, J Connolly 1422, D & H Stuart 1420, M Gamble & Son 1414, L Neill 1409, A & R McAuley 1403, 1391, J Connolly 1389, A & M Boyle 1385, J McDowell & Sons 1381, W Blair 1379, D Dixon 1379.

Dervock IPS 9/236 – A & M Boyle 1423, D & H Stuart 1420, R Callaghan & Son 1397, A & M Boyle 1385, R Callaghan & Son 1378, D & H Stuart 1375, D Devenney 1361, W & L McCaw 1355, D & G McMullan 1349, J Hutchinson & Son 1345.

Ballymoney West Combine 9/375 – L Neill 1409, J McDowell & Sons 1381, W Blair 1379, J Hutchinson & Son 1345, D Laverty 1341, B & I Stewart 1340, D Gage 1340, C Henry 1310, R J Elliott 1298.

Rasharkin & District 14/281 – Milliken & Barkley 1405, D Mairs 1403, H Cubitt 1382, 1381, J & M Milliken 1380, 1369, T Simpson 1369, Milliken & Barkley 1367. Nom H Cubitt. Danny Dixon – 1379, 1375. Race sponsored by J F Car Sales (Ballymoney).

Cullybackey HPS 14/462 – A Darragh 1402, 1391, G Gibson 1388, Russell Bros 1349, 1345, H & R McCloy 1344, D Robinson & Son 1339, Reid Bros & McCloy 1336, Des Robinson 1329, H & R McCloy 1328, G Gibson 1324, S Steele 1313.

Kells & District 15/303 – Surgenor Bros 1384, Scott & Clements 1371, G McDowell 1366, 1351, T & M Morrow 1344, Scott & Clements 1327, G McDowell 1327, 1327, H Turkington 1316, A Barkley & Son 1312. Kells 2 Bird Club – G McDowell 1366, T & M Morrow 1344. Gold Minute (41) won by Brian Swann.

Ballymena & District 11/279 – J Harris 1364, W & J Smyth 1356, Richmond Bros 1337, W & J Smyth 1336, Blair & Rankin 1324, M Graham 1317, J Harris 1314, J Devlin 1310, 1310, Richmond Bros 1307. Ballymena 2 Bird Club – J Harris 1373, W & J Smyth 1317. Tullamore (1) & (2) sponsored by Ballymena Pigeon Supplies.

Randalstown HPS 11/264 – Stewart Bros 1359, Houston Bros 1359, T McMillan 1356, 1352, 1350, 1349, Stewart Bros 1340, T McMillan 1339, 1336, H Boyd 1308.

Ahoghill FC 15/404 – Young McManus & Sons 1358, 1352, C Young 1336, Young McManus & Sons 1333, 1331, 1331, 1327, J Balmer 1322, C Young 1321, T & G Cotter 1318. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – C Young 1336, 1321.

Crumlin & District 11/236 – Fleming Bros 1357, 1355, 1352, M & B McConville 1347, J & N Lamb 1335, P McClarence 1333.

Harryville HPS 17/377 – A McBride 1351, J Rock 1342, A McBride 1337, J Millar & Son 1336, G Connolly 1334, A McBride 1329, G Price 1326, J Millar & Son 1323, R H Clements 1322, L Mullan 1314. Runner-up last week Allen McBride takes top spot timing his 2yo Blue cock at 2.43pm to record velocity 1351 for the 125 miles. The sire was a son of Champion Strauss and the dam from his No 1 Pair Hartog & Soontjen has already won 1st Combine & Sect and had another 1st from Pilmore Beach last year in a headwind.

Muckamore HPS 11/231 – A & E Bell 1348, F Todd 1334, 1320, A & E Bell 1315, T Patterson & Son 1304, W Bones 1297, J Sinton 1286, G Magill 1283.

Broughshane & District 11/199 – J McNaghten & Son 1345, J & N Simpson 1333, D Houston & Son 1319, J & N Simpson 1316, G & A Eagleson 1312, A Purvis 1308, D Houston & Son 1305, H Smyth & Son 1303.

New Antrim Amalgamated 9/165 – McFall & McManus 1311, C Magill 1306, McFall & McManus 1303, R McFall & Son 1297, McFall & McManus 1292, R McFall & Son 1288, C Magill 1286, G McStravick 1284.

The NIPA birds were back in Tullamore for the second race, liberation was at noon in an easterly wind. Best reported are the Campbell & Bigger team from Glengormley who should secure 1st Loughview Combine and take the East Antrim Sect C honours for the second week. Whiteside Bros will be well placed after taking 1st Eastway (1394) and what a result for Colin Campbell best in Larne and a super 1st, 2nd and 3rd Horseshoe. W R McClean had the best bird in Carrickfergus doing velocity 1365.

NIPA Sect C Clubs Tullamore (2)

Glengormley HPS 12/306 – D & J Campbell & Bigger 1396, G & M Atcheson 1384, Bingham & Seaton 1367, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1365, Bingham & Seaton 1360, G & M Atcheson 1324, Murphy & Mullan 1316, 1300. The winner was a yearling cock on widowhood, timed at 14.35hrs and recording velocity 1396 for the 123 miles.

Eastway HPS 14/397 – Whiteside Bros 1394, L Savage 1382, Whiteside Bros 1366, 1365, M & A Pearson 1363, 1361. Whiteside Brothers timed the winner at 14.34hrs to record a velocity of 1394ypm for this 122 mile race. The winner is a two year old cock, a Flor Engel/ Huybregts cross. In second place was Whiteside’s near neighbour Laurie Savage who timed a Blue Pied hen bred by Harmony lofts of Ballynahinch.

Horseshoe HPS 17/391 – C Campbell & Son 1386, 1386, 1379, D & P Harvey 1360, C Campbell & Son 1358, 1357, 1356, J Morrison 1349, 1345, D & P Harvey 1340. Colin Campbell & Son had their team in top form timing the first three into the Larne area and six positions in the top ten in the Horseshoe, all yearling cocks on roundabout.

Larne & District HPS 42/824 – A S McNaghten 1374, G K & I Moxham 1360, Beggs & hall 1352, W McWhirter 1348, Beggs & Hall 1348, G K & I Moxham 1347, Baxter & Holden 1346, R Mills & Son 1346, W J Agnew 1346, Marshall & Wilson 1345, R Glass 1343, 1342. This week’s winner is the Cairncastle loft of AS McNaghten. Big Al timed a Blue yearling hen racing on widowhood. She is a Van Winkle/Ralston Graham of Langholm breed pigeon, the same as his third open Skibbereen National bird. In second place was G.K & I Moxham, this is now twice this cock , from club mates Beggs & Hall has been runner up. In third place was Beggs & Hall and in forth place was a delighted Willie McWhirter. The Larne 2 Bird Club was won by Beggs & Hall with the runner up being Ferguson & Crawford. Well done everyone!

Ballyclare & District 20/501 – S Rodney & Son 1370, 1367, B & M Gilmore 1365, 1365, P R Wilson 1341, M/M C Hayes 1338, A Gault 1330, G McNeilly 1330, 1324, J & R Blair 1322.

Kingsmoss 11/267 – R McMeekin 1366, 1351, P R Wilson 1341, R Lillie & Son 1318, P R Wilson 1318, D J Connor 1317, J & S Graham 1313, Connor Bros 1309, T Lillie 1299, D J Connor 1298. The winner was a yearling cock racing roundabout, this Leo Van Rijn bird had scored as a youngster.

Doagh & District 17/395 – J & A Wilson & Sons 1365, J McGrugan & Son 1358, J Blair 1357, S & A Leitch 1355, M/M B McNeilly 1354, D & N Smyth 1348, J & A Wilson & Sons, D & N Smyth 1338, S & A Leitch 1336, J Blair 1334. Race sponsor - Jane Todd & John McConnell. Tullamore (1) Doagh & Dist 15/348 – M/M B McNeilly 1873, 1872, J McGrugan & Son 1869, D & N Smyth 1859, F Simpson 1855, S & A Leitch 1853, A & N Lewis 1849, W Cowan 1843, A & N Lewis 1837, F Simpson 1835. Race sponsor - Thomasina Todd & John McConnell.

Carrick Social 25/582 – W R McClean 1365, M/M G Robinson 1363, 1362, T Peel 1346, D & E Wilson 1339, D & J Armstrong & Son 1338, W R McClean 1333, M/M Robinson 1333 Nom, D & J Armstrong & Son 1325, D & E Wilson 1325, D & J Armstrong & Son 1324, D & E Wilson 1318. M/M Robinson ABC. D & E Wilson ABD. Special won by D & E Wilson. Winning Minute (48). Tullamore (1) Carrick Soc 23/461 – T Peel 1928, J McMaw 1902, 1901, J & A Rankin 1895 ABCD, J McIlheron 1895, T Peel 1890, 1883, D & J Armstrong & Son 1880, B & L Dodds 1878, 1869, M/M G Robinson 1866, D & E Wilson 1866. T Peel ABC, Nom and Special. Winning Minute (56).

Springvale Social 9/147 – J Scott 1362, 1360, 1350, Turkington Bros 1345, R Scott 1340, Turkington Bros 1339, A C McGrugan 1333, R Davidson & Sons 1327. Young Jordon is showing the old hands the road home a super 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Race sponsored by David Kirk. Please note a Clay Pigeon Shoot will be held at the Orphins Mill Clay Pigeon Range in support of the local club, all welcome.

Glenarm & District HPS 12/270 – G McWhirter 1356, N O’Boyle 1347, 1326, O O’Neill & Son 1314, G McWhirter 1313, 1306, 1301, 1297, McKillop & McKinley 1295, R Robinson & Son 1290. The winner is a w/hood yearling cock. Sire bred by Danny Dixon and dam is a Vandenabeele (M & D Evans). This hen has bred many prize winners. Glenarm & District would like to think everyone who supported their very successful Squeaker Sale and Larne & District for the use of their clubroom. Also not forgetting Owen Donnelly for conducting the sale, many thanks.

Ballycarry & District 10/184 – Arthurs & George 1353, N J Arthurs 1333, Arthurs & George 1332, 1331, 1326, 1318, 1318, J C Reid 1316, M Delaney 1313, J C Reid 1313. M Delaney Nom (1286).

Ballynure & District – Rea & Magill 1348, 1347, B Rowney 1329, Rea & Magill 1321, 1321.

Carrick & District HPS 19/409 – D Elliott & Grandson 1341, D & J Armstrong & Son 1338, M/M G Robinson 1333, 1326 ABCDEF, 1326, T Creighton & Son 1326, D & J Armstrong & Son 1325, 1324, 1324, M/M G Robinson 1323 ABCDEF & Nom, Elliott Bros 1322, M/M R Reid 1321. Special won by J McMaw. Winning Minute (49) won by A Irvine.

Cushendall HPS – M & S McDonald 1311, L McKeegan 1290, M & S McDonald 1272, A McNaughten 1271, 1265, F O’Boyle 1263, D McAllister 1262, 1261, A McNaughten 1258, M & S McDonald 1256.

NIPA Section D Clubs Tullamore (2)

Lisburn & District HPS 26/575 - 1st Spence Bros 1392, 2nd Spence Bros 1388, 3rd Mark Laffin 1386, 4th McKibben & Magee 1384, 5th S G Briggs 1375, 6th Spence Bros 1374, 7th McKibben & Magee 1372, 8th S McAllister & Sons 1369, 9th W Dougherty & Son 1369, 10th Spence Bros 1367, 11th Spence Bros 1367, 12th Spence Bros 1367. The Ace Loft in Lisburn for longer than I care to remember, the father and son team of Brian and Roy have the two best velocities in Section D as we go to press. The Current Top Prize winners in the strong Lisburn & District HPS they will as usual be the one to catch this year again and if this result is anything to go by, good luck to you all.

Dromore HPS 15/488 - 1st P & J Boal 1384, 2nd P & J Boal 1384, 3rd P & J Boal 1384, 4th Doonan & McGuinness 1381, 5th J Greenaway 1375, 6th Doonan & McGuinness 1374, 7th J Vage & Son 1367, 8th J Greenaway 1366, 9th J Kelly & Son 1366, 10th Doonan & McGuinness 1366. Philip and Joe Boal are back this week with a bang, following a very bad trap last week on a fast day over 3 minutes lost with the first arrival having to clock the 2nd pigeon to finish 10th Club. This week is a different story all together with three pigeons arriving together and all trapping together after a few circles of the loft, 1st pigeon timed was a direct Wily Van Herck to which the Boal Bros have nothing but the best, 2nd pigeon in on the same yard was the good racer ‘601’ who inturn is a full brother to the ‘602’ who is a winner of 3 x 1st Club, 5th, 15th and 38th Open NIPA. 3rd pigeon for the Boal loft and 3rd in the Club on the same yard is yet another excellent racer ‘Itching’ a winner previously of 1st, 1st and 2nd Club, 3rd and 5th Section and 14th and 25th Open NIPA also a 53rd Open National to his pedigree. The partnership of Doonan & McGuinness also had a good card.

Glenavy & District HPS - 1st P McGarrity 1382, 2nd S McLaughlin & Sons 1372, 3rd M Taylor 1359, 4th J Courtney 1353, 5th J Courtney 1352, 6th S McLaughlin & Sons 1348, 7th J Courtney 1341, 8th J Courtney 1336, 9th J Courtney 1335, 10th J Courtney 1329. Paddy McGarrity finished 2nd and 3rd in this race last year and goes one better this year topping the Club with a commanding lead. In total in 2008 he finished the season with 5 x 1st Club’s and had a couple of re-sounding successes with one that comes to mind flying from Clonmel when the loft finished 1st and 3rd Section D and 10th and 17th Open NIPA with over 26,000 pigeons competing. When this man puts his mind to it, he is the man to beat any week.

Derriaghy HPS 11/251 - 1st R McCullough 1379, 2nd I Gibb & Sons 1378, 3rd I Gibb & Sons 1374, 4th W Ringland & Son 1374, 5th I Gibb & Sons 1373, 6th R Benson 1371. The novice continues to lead the pack in 2009, an exceptional start in any terms of the imagination. Ricky took the first three last week in what was his first race with the Derriaghy HPS and return this week with yet another Red Card from the same race point, ahead of the improving Gibb loft in 2nd and 3rd.

Colin HPS 8/181 - 1st J Gregory & Sons 1377, 2nd Mr & Mrs P Braniff 1362, 3rd J Fusco 1359, 4th Mr & Mrs G Braniff 1355, 5th J Gregory & Sons 1355, 6th J Gregory & Sons 1352, 7th Mr & Mrs G Braniff 1351, 8th Mr & Mrs G Braniff 1350, 9th J Gregory & Sons 1350, 10th J Gregory & Sons 1349. The Gregory boys what can you say that hasn’t already been written, they are an exceptional partnership, harder workers you will search long to find. They top the club this week ahead of a blistering line up, in what is one of the most competitive clubs in Section D of the NIPA. They finished last season with 10 x 1st Club’s which included one for this same race in 2008.

South Belfast HPS 9/141 - 1st R Fear 1373, 2nd R Fear 1368, 3rd Audley & Dougan 1368, 4th R Fear 1361, 5th R Kenna 1348. Very well done to Rab Fear on an excellent result, the first couple of pigeons timed were Blue Cocks with the winner sent sitting 14 days of Vandenabelle x Soontjen breeding, this same pigeon topped the Club last year and finished 8th in the Ulster Federation result for Rab.

Dromara HPS - 1st McKinstry Bros 1368, 2nd McKinstry Bros 1368, 3rd McKinstry Bros 1286, 4th Mr & Mrs Bobby Stevenson 1282, 5th Russell Bros 1281, 6th Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1270. Well done to McKinstry Bros on a fine result taking the first three ahead of Bobby and Fiona Stevenson. Many thanks to David for the result.

Kingswood HPS 16/300 - 1st W & R Evans & Leahy 1352, 2nd F Mudd 1349, 3rd W & R Evans & Leahy 1343, 4th W Willis 1332, 5th R & J Conlane 1330, 6th R & J Conlane 1329, 7th C & J Long & Son 1319, 8th C & J Long & Son 1319, 9th R & J Conlane 1318, 10th R & J Conlane 1318. The Evans & Leahy partnership are never far away and put a great deal of hard work into their pigeons, they topped the club for the 1st time this year and also follow up with a good second pigeon to finish 3rd Club with Frankie Mudd splitting the pair.

Largymore Inv HPS 9/168 - 1st A T & J Houston 1348, 2nd S & A Hanna 1344, 3rd S & A Hanna 1330, 4th S & A Hanna 1330, 5th S Shields 1321, 6th S & A Hanna 1320, 7th S & A Hanna 1319, 8th A T & J Houston 1317, 9th A T & J Houston 1315, 10th Walker Bros 1313. The loft of A T & J Houston win the Club this week ahead of three good arrivals for Sammy Hanna who finishes runner-up for the second week on the trot, perhaps third time lucky Sammy.

Orchard Combine Tullamore (2) - 1st Cooney Bros 1422, 2nd I Parkes & Son 1419, 3rd Nelson Weir 1405, 4th Paddy Grew 1404, 5th I Parkes & Son 1402, 6th I Parkes & Son 1401, 7th Nelson Weir 1399, 8th Paddy Grew 1398, 9th Paddy Grew 1398, 10th Eamon Grew 1392, 11th Nelson Weir 1392, 12th R Parkes & Son 1389, 13th R Parkes & Son 1389, 14th G & A Campbell 1388, 15th W Walker 1384, 16th Nelson Weir 1383, 17th P Tierney 1382, 18th N Johnston 1381, 19th Eamon Grew 1381, 20th Nelson Weir 1380. The Orchard Combine boasts some of the top fanciers in Section E of the NIPA and to win it any week is a fantastic achievement, some would even go as far as to say if you finish in the top 20 it is a great achievement. Top Gun this week is the Cooney Bros from Monaghan who are three yards in front of Ivan Parkes with last weeks combine winner Nelson Weir in third place.

NIPA Section E Clubs Tullamore (2)

Monaghan HPS 10/240 - 1st Cooney Bros 1422, 2nd W Walker 1384, 3rd P Tierney 1382, 4th N Johnston 1381, 5th P Tierney 1380 and 6th P Tierney 1379. Excellent race for the Cooney Bros who also as well as topping the Monaghan Club lift the diploma for 1st in the Orchard Combine.

Armagh HPS 15/286 - 1st I Parks & Son 1419, 2nd I Parkes & Son 1402, 3rd I Parkes & Son 1401, 4th R Parkes & Son 1389, 5th R Parkes & Son 1389, 6th G & A Campbell 1388, 7th R Parkes & Son 1379, 8th G & A Campbell 1364, 9th G & A Campbell 1361, 10th E & M Curran 1360. Ivan Parkes steals the show this week taking the first three is a very competitive Club who in the whole are starting to feature very highly in the over-all NIPA Open regardless of the wind conditions.

Charlemont HPS 7/196 - 1st Paddy Grew 1404, 2nd Paddy Grew 1398, 3rd Eamon Grew 1392, 4th Kieran Shannon 1388, 5th Eamon Grew 1381, 6th Kieran Shannon 1372, 7th Michael McClinchey 1369, 8th Michael McClinchey 1369, 9th Kieran Shannon 1365, 10th Eamon Grew 1364. The Grew Family lead the chase this week in one of the most competitive clubs within Section E of the NIPA. Paddy Grew takes 1st and 2nd position ahead of his father Eamon who finishes 3rd and 5th Club. Kieran Shannon completes the top six finishing 4th and 6th Club. Paddy finished 2008 with 7 x 1st Club 2 behind his father Eamon who recorded an impressive 9 x 1st Club’s.

Edgarstown HPS 20/427 - 1st D Parr 1404, 2nd T & A Ford 1380, 3rd T & A Ford 1379, 4th T & A Ford 1378, 5th G & C Simmons 1377, 6th E Matchett & Sons 1367, 7th T & A Ford 1365, 8th R Bell & sons 1364, 9th O Forde 1353, 10th R K Hutchinson 1347. The Parr loft had the earliest bird into the Edgarstown Club ahead of three impressive arrivals for the Ford partnership who are racing an excellent team of the Delaney ‘Cream Crackers’ these have proved a goldmine for Tommy and assisted greatly in the loft lifting 6 x Red Cards last year within the competitive Edgarstown Club.

Annaghmore HPS 15/490 - 1st T McClean 1390, 2nd T McClean 1389, 3rd G Buckley & Son 1387, 4th H Cordner 1380, 5th T McClean 1370, 6th G Buckley & Son 1368, 7th R Telford 1367, 8th R D Calvin 1366, 9th R Telford 1364, 10th G Buckley & Son 1363. The McClean loft put four in the result last year in this race with the best of these being 3rd Club, he only managed to put three in the result this year from the same race point but you can’t ask for better than a 1st and 2nd Club, Well Done Sir.

Portadown Inv FC 10/245 - 1st D Love 1385, 2nd E McKnight 1379, 3rd W Cannaway 1378, 4th W Cannaway 1377, 5th E McKnight 1374, 6th R & G & G Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney 1373, 7th R & G & G Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney 1373, 8th R & G & G Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney 1371, 9th R & G & G Donaldson & Hagan & Rowney 1371, 10th A McDonald 1370. The loft of D Love finished runner-up in this race last year going one better this year in lifting the Red Card ahead of last week winner Eddie McKnight.

Gilford & District HPS 16/322 - 1st Rafferty & Toman 1381, 2nd G O’Dowd 1376, 3rd T Wilson 1353, 4th T Wilson 1342, 5th T Greenaway 1338, 6th D Campbell & Daughter 1336, 7th J & J Reynolds & Gill 1335, 8th Rafferty & Toman 1331, 9th Rafferty & Toman 1329, 10th T Wilson 1326. The Glenavy Gold Ring winners of 2008 head the Gilford result this week going one better than last week when the loft finished runner-up behind the J & D Breen partnership.

Markethill HPS - 1st W Brown & Sons 1375, 2nd M McDowell & Sons 1368, 3rd M McDowell & Sons 1361, 4th M McDowell & Sons 1346. Very Well done to the Brown loft on topping the club ahead of three good arrivals for the McDowell partnership and thanks also to Avril for the result.

Beechpark Social - D Mawhinney & Son 1362, D Mawhinney & Son 1362, S & J McCullough 1360, D Mawhinney & Son 1359, S & J McCullough 1353, R Russell 1345, S & J McCullough 1343, D Mawhinney & Son 1341, D Mawhinney & Son 1339.

Lurgan Amateur – Dando & Bennett 1341, G Gillespie & Son 1338, D McBride 1336, R Bothwell 1332. John Bennett and grand-daughter Shannon Dando get their season off to a fine start with this good win.

Lurgan Social - 1st J Douglas & Son, 2nd J Curran, 3rd J Douglas & Son, 4th J Douglas & Son, 5th J Douglas & Son, 6th B McNeice & Son. The Douglas loft had a very good result from Tullamore (2) finishing 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th a good team performance from a loft in fine form.

Williamson & Calvin Training will have a special toss from Arklow on Sunday 26th April at 25p per bird (20p for members of transporter club). Birds can be hampered night before or up to 7.50am morning of toss at 23 Farra Road. Ronnie Tel: 07841 762399. Ballyoran Hill 8.00am, Edgarstown HPS 8.15am, Laurelvale HPS 8.30am, Markethill Corner 8.45am. Training will continue each Tuesday & Thursday from Ardee and Slane Castle. Usual collection arrangement. M & R Hamilton from Coalisland have young birds off the stock birds available for sale, contact number is Tel: 07894 152846. FOUND: BELGE08-6178525, Tel: 97 542087.

NIPA Section F Clubs Tullamore (2)

Ards HPS 10/242 - 1st W Ennis 1333, 2nd W Cleland 1330, 3rd W Cleland 1326, 4th W Cleland 1326, 5th A Brown 1325, 6th W Ennis 1323, 7th S Whyte 1321, 8th Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson 1308, 9th Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson 1296, 10th Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson 1296. The Ennis loft made no mistake this week having finished 9th club last week from Tullamore behind Club winner Billy Cleland, this week it is the turn of the Willy Ennis loft to lift the Red Card ahead of yet another good performance from the Cleland loft.

Portavogie HPS - 1st G Coffey 1322, 2nd J Bunting 1317, 3rd W & N Cully 1306, 4th J & R Young & Sons 1300, 5th B & J Donnan 1296, 6th W & N Cully 1295, 7th J & R Young & Sons 1294, 8th E & D Harper & Sons 1294, 9th J & R Young & Sons 1294, 10th H & J Kelly & Son & Palmer 1293. Gary Coffey is the man this week ahead of James bunting. The Portavogie club is regarded as one of the largest in the NIPA and to win it any week is a great achievement. Well done Gary.

Downpatrick HPS - 1st P McCullough & Daughter 1316, 2nd P McCullough & Daughter 1312, 3rd F Black & Sons 1278, 4th B Connolly 1275. Good win for the former INFC Champions Philip McCullough and daughter Courtney, they have just returned to the sport.

Comber Central - 1st W & L Robinson 1304, 2nd P & C Johnston 1303, 3rd W & L Robinson 1293, 4th W & L Robinson 1286, 5th David McQuade 1283, 6th David George 1273, 7th T Cochrane 1245, 8th P & C Johnstone 1244, 9th David McQuade 1234, 10th W Gabbey 1232. Well done to Wesley this week, who goes one better and lifts the Red Card.

Corrigs & District 7/107 - 1st P Brown 1265, 2nd B Higgins 1255, 3rd B Higgins 1253, 4th Pat Brown & Son 1250, 5th Pat Brown & Son 1249, 6th P Brown 1249, 7th J & R Mills 1235, 8th J & R Mills 1224, 9th B Houston 1162, 10th Benson Bros 1150. The Brown loft continues its fine form following a 1st and 2nd last week from the same race point. The pools and Nom were won by the B Houston loft.

NIPA Section G Clubs Tullamore (2)

Newry & District HPS 14/309 - 1st Ron McKelvey 1386, 2nd J F McCabe 1368, 3rd J F McCabe 1368, 4th J F McCabe 1366, 5th J F McCabe 1364, 6th J F McCabe 1355, 7th J F McCabe 1354, 8th B Woods & Son 1343, 9th Mark Maguire & Son 1335, 10th Mark Maguire & Son 1335. Ron McKelvey is back to the fore this week with a very good arrival into the Club, Ron had a very impressive season last year with his excellent team of Braspenning pigeons and hasn’t wasted much time in getting started in 2009.

Bessbrook HPC - 1st R Black & Son 1376, 2nd Cowan Bros 1358, 3rd Cowan Bros 1321 4th M Fegan & Son 1314, 5th R McMinn & Daughter 1307, 6th E Niblock 1306. Well done to the Black Loft on a very good result ahead of Cowan Bros in 2nd and 3rd. The winning pigeon was timed at 1.48pm.

Millvale Inv - 1st Noel Murtagh 1373, 2nd Mark Maguire & Son 1372, 3rd Tommy Mooney & Son 1367, 4th R & M Mulholland 1360, 5th R & M Mulholland 1360, 6th Tommy Mooney & Son 1360, 7th R & M Mulholland 1359, 8th R & M Mulholland 1344, 9th McAteer & Pearce 1344, 10th Noel Murtagh 1343. Following an impressive start for the Murtagh loft last week he has moved up the leader board this week from Tullamore to lift the Red Card, ahead of Mark Maguire who had a season and a half last year. Noel finished last year with 2 x 1st’s in the club and at this early stage has already scored 50% of that total.

Banbridge Social 8/138 - 1st E McAlinden & Son 1362, 2nd T Lennon & Son 1359, 3rd T Lennon & Son 1348 £1 Nom, 4th D Winter & Son 1346, 5th E McAlinden 1327, 6th D Winter & Son 1320. Eddie McAlinden has the winner and almost £50 collected by T Lennon & Son for the Nom. One of the best racing lofts in the Banbridge area is that of Eddie McAlinden, a superb racer and a specialist at the Y/Birds. Good start for Eddie is what is a very competitive club.

Drumnavaddy HPS 10/174 - 1st J Smyth & Sons 1359, 2nd L F & B McGrath 1355, 3rd L F & B McGrath 1355, 4th E Mallon & Son 1342, 5th S Ogle 1336, 6th L F & B McGrath 1332, 7th S Ogle 1328, 8th M Ewbanks 1325. Joe Smyth is one of those fanciers you see in the result week in week out and more times than not his name is first on the list, he is tops again this week ahead of a couple of good arrivals from Brendan McGrath.

Ballyholland HPS 10/299 - 1st M Peters 1346, 2nd Owen Markey 1322, 3rd Owen Markey 1322, 4th J Murtagh 1304, 5th Owen Markey 1304, 6th Havern Bros 1304, 7th J Murtagh 1302, 8th Owen Markey 1296, 9th Owen Markey 1293, 10th Owen Markey 1290. First win of the 2009 season for Michael Peters racing into the Mayobridge area. Michael clocked a Blue Pied Hen at 1.56pm flying 89 miles finishing 24 yards ahead of a very impressive Owen Markey who had a very good card on the day.

NIPA Section H Clubs Tullamore (2)

Omagh & District 8/156 - 1st Alan Hall 1496, 2nd R Adams 1456, 3rd R Adams 1449, 4th A Kelly 1382, 5th A Hall 1381, 6th A Kelly 1378. Alan Hall is one of the best racers into that area of Northern Ireland and the man you are always looking for on reading the Omagh result last season he finished with 12 x 1st clubs. This week is no different to a vast majority of the results over the years he wins the Club yet again and as we go to press things could even be looking better for the Hall loft as it is the best velocity we have in the NIPA.

Strabane RPC 16/14- 1st G McGavigan 1482, 2nd T McBride 1475, 3rd T McBride 1438, 4th T McBride 1435, 5th N McGavigan 1431, 6th D Farrell 1417. Very Well Done to Gerard who makes it two out of two and this winner will feature very highly in the over-all NIPA Open Result. I hear also it is a full brother to last weeks winner.

Foyle RPS 36/487 - 1st Jim Diamond 1466, 2nd Teddy Millar and 3rd Jim Diamond.

Londonderry RPS - 1st J & D Kelly 1409, 2nd D & P Wick 1394, 3rd D & P Wick 1391, 4th T & M Gallagher 1366, 5th J & D Kelly 1364, 6th N. Murray 1363, 7th J&D Kelly 1359, 8th N.Murray 1355 9th J & D Kelly 1353, 10th T & M Gallagher 1350. The JD Kelly team are tops this week in the strong Londonderry club with a good arrival ahead of a couple of credible arrivals for Davy Wick. The Gallagher loft that topped the club last week complete the top four.

Limavady RPS 9/154 - 1st R Withrow 1365, 2nd R McIlmoyle 1364, 3rd B Mailey 1350, 4th Kearney & O’Hara 1344, 5th J Crawford 1323, 6th H Crawford 1319, 7th H Crawford 1310, 8th J Kerr 1307. The positions are reversed in this years race from Tullamore. With the Withrow loft coming out in front of the McIlmoyle one in the same race this time last year the positions were reversed. Well done to both parities for continued consistency.

North South Combine Tullamore (1) 28/554 – 1st McAteer & Pearce Millvale 1902, 2nd A Curran Millvale 1886, 3rd W Jones Millvale 1876, 4th T Mooney & Son Millvale 1868, 5th McAteer & Pearce 1866, 6th Havern Bros Ballyholland 1858, 7th B Woods & Son Newry & Dist 1855, 8th N Murtagh Millvale 1849, 9th R McMinn & Daughter Bessbrook 1844, 10th T Mooney & Son 1838, 11th T Mooney & Son 1834, 12th Mark Maguire & Son Millvale 1832, 13th L Fallon & Son Newry & Dist 1831, 14th D Carroll Millvale 1823, 15th N Murtagh Millvale 1820, 16th M Fegan & Son Bessbrook 1815, 17th Mal Maguire & Son Newry & Dist 1811, 18th D Carroll 1810, 19th Mark Maguire & Son 1807, 20th Mark Maguire & Son 1805.

For the second week the Irish fanciers enjoyed good weather and all liberations took place as expected. NIPA had a big convoy in Tullamore for the second time, East Down Combine were also in Tullamore for the first time in 2009 following a successful race last week from Mullingar. The Belfast based Ulster Federation were in Kildare for their first Old Bird race of 2009 and the Irish South Road Federation has their transporters in Pilmore Beach. Last week we witnessed velocities nearing 2000ypm that was achieved with a Fresh South/South Westerly wind. This week the wind was easterly and what a change we have with the top end of the country doing especially well velocity wise, with the top velocities at hand just short of the 1500ypm.

East Down Combine Clubs Tullamore

Ballylesson HPS 13/255 - 1st K & B McConaghie 1416, 2nd C & D Smyth 1414, 3rd C & D Smyth 1408, 4th A Cousins & Sons 1388, 5th A Cousins & Sons 1368, 6th C & D Smyth 1366, 7th F Keery 1362, 8th H Ballantyne & Son 1357, 9th C & D Smyth 1355, 10th F Keery 1354. As usual with a Club like Ballylesson the competition is red hot, this week the loft of K & B McConaghie come out on top ahead of Colin & Dorothy Smyth who has a couple of good arrivals with the 2008 EDC Fanciers of the Year coming in at 4th and 5th Club. The McConaghie loft finished 4th last week and have went to the top of the sheet this week.

Hillfoot HPS 9/156 - 1st H Flynn 1415, 2nd M McClure 1412, 3rd D & T Brennan 1386, 4th D & T Brennan 1382, 5th H Flynn 1358, 6th D & T Brennan 1344, 7th J Scates & Son 1341, 8th J Scates & Son 1339, 9th D Flynn 1337, 10th J Scates & Son 1333. Hugh Flynn needs no introductions to the readership he finished last season with 4 x 1st’s and wasn’t far away any week, in this respective race last season he finished 8th, 9th and 10th Club.

Dundonald HPS 8/235 - 1st M Foulis 1414, 2nd S Brown & Sons 1413, 3rd S Brown & Sons 1404, 4th Mark Foulis 1394, 5th Mark Foulis 1393, 6th Mark Foulis 1393, 7th B C T Foulis & Gill 1391, 8th L McKinstry 1390, 9th S Brown & Sons 1390, 10th S Brown & Sons 1389. Last weeks Combine winner, keeps the high standards going with yet another club first and wont be to far down the pecking order once again in the over-all Combine result. Mark finished last season with 7 x 1st Club’s and already has 2 out of 2 this year.

Ballynahinch HPS - 1st R Hunter 1384, 2nd J Gillespie & Sons 1360, 3rd J Gillespie & Sons 1360, 4th J Gillespie & Sons 1324, 5th R Hunter 1321, 6th S & P Logan 1313, 7th R Hunter 1309, 8th S & P Logan 1303, 9th R Hunter 1290, 10th R Hunter 1287. The Hunter loft have five good arrivals in the Club result this week matching the amount last week also. But this week the loft goes one better in winning the Club, last week the loft finished 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 10th. Good performance and consistency all round.

Bangor RPC 13/252 - 1st R Moore & Son 1379, 2nd R Moore & Son 1367, 3rd R Moore & Son 1367, 4th D & J Caskey 1359, 5th Lambert & Stewart 1341, 6th T & S Phillips 1339, 7th Lambert & Stewart 1336, 8th P & J Caskey 1323, 9th Phillips Bros 1322, 10th Phillips Bros 1320. Reggie Moore and son David had a smashing result last week taking the first three in the club, in the over-all Combine result they finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th Open behind a very good winner for Mark Foulis. The loft has done the same again this week and will feature highly in the result once again.

Crossgar 12/398 - 1st A & A Cheevers 1372, 2nd McCartan & Woodsides 1370, 3rd A & A Cheevers 1358, 4th A & A Cheevers 1348, 5th J McGreevy 1338, 6th McCartan & Woodsides 1333, 7th A & A Cheevers 1328, 8th McCartan & Woodsides 1320, 9th McCartan & Woodsides 1320, 10th S & K Duke 1320. The Cheevers loft have the result this week ahead of the ever consistent McCartan & Woodsides who took the first seven in the Club last week. The Cheevers loft have four good arrivals in the result and looking through the archives I see the loft finished last season with 2 x 1st Club’s and have the first pinned to the board already this season.

Annsborough HPS sent 324 Birds. 1st Patrick Brown 1365, 2nd James Cleland 1357, 3rd D Croskery & Son 1344, 4th D Croskery & Son 1337, 5th D Croskery & Son 1333, 6th Benson Bros 1328, 7th James Cleland 1324, 8th D Croskery & Son 1323, 9th J Cleland 1322, 10th P McCartan 1321. Patrick Brown finished 1st and 3rd last week and continues his good form from Tullamore this week lifting his 2nd Red Card for the season in only the 2nd race. Patrick has already equalled his total wins of 2008.

Drumaness Mills HPS - 1st P Burns 1340, 2nd J Kirk & son 1316, 3rd G Morrison & Daughters 1316, 4th J Kirk & Son 1304, 5th J Kirk & son 1283, 6th G Morrison & Daughters 1282, 7th J Kirk & Son 1281, 8th G Morrison & Daughter 1280, 9th P O’Connor 1246, 10th C Lavery 1216. The Burns loft improved on their 4th and 7th Club last week from Mullingar to top the club this week by 24 yards.

Cloughey HPS 8/171- 1st Gordon Bros & Sons 1316, 2nd Gordon Bros & Sons 1305, 3rd Gordon Bros & Sons 1301, 4th Shaw & Edgar 1293, 5th Shaw & Edgar 1291, 6th Shaw & Edgar 1291, 7th C Murray & Partners 1270, 8th H Gordon & Partners 1247, 9th H Gordon & Partners 1245, 10th C Murray & Partners 1244. Gordon Bros & Sons are another EDC name that needs no introductions to the readership, their record along the years has been awesome to say the least they continue their fine form of last week with the first 3 in the Club this week from Tullamore.

Downpatrick HPS - 1st Paddy Lue & Son 1309, 2nd Kieran Shaw & Son 1297, 3rd Kieran Shaw & Son 1290, 4th P Clarke 1263. Paddy Lue continues to lead the field in the Downpatrick area ahead of a couple of good arrivals for the Shaw loft.

Tyrella HPS 10/271 - 1st D McNabb & Partners 1305, 2nd S Milligan & Daughter 1305, 3rd D McNabb & Partners 1304, 4th S Milligan & Daughter 1301, 5th S Haplin & Sons 1301, 6th D McNabb & Partners 1290, 7th D McNabb & Partners 1289, 8th D McNabb & Partners 1288, 9th S Milligan & Daughter 1283, 10th Mr & Mrs Irvine 1282. The McNabb loft can be very proud of their result from Tullamore this week an all round great team performance to finish 1st, 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th Club.

Dundrum HPS 6/125 - 1st J Maguire & Partners 1297, 2nd A Murray & Son 1292, 3rd A Murray & Son 1290, 4th A Murray & Son 1288, 5th A Murray & Son 1284, 6th A Murray & Son 1283, 7th J Maguire & Partners 1268, 8th J Maguire & Partners 1263, 9th A McNamara & Partners 1261, 10th J Maguire & Partners 1258. The Maguire loft is the one to beat most weeks into Dundrum, this makes it two out of two for Red Cards and goes along way in matching or even bettering their total of 6 x 1st’s last season.

Annalong HPS 13/325 - 1st K Rooney & Son 1283, 2nd K Rooney & Son 1283, 3rd K Rooney & Son 1282, 4th K Rooney & Son 1282, 5th Donnelly Bros 1278, 6th K Rooney & Son 1269, 7th B McConnell 1265, 8th G Maginn 1253, 9th Donnelly Bros 1250, 10th B McConnell 1248. The Rooney loft topped the Club last year in this same race as part of their incredible haul of 13 x 1st Clubs in 2008. What a start to 2009 taking the first four in the club from Tullamore.

East Down Combine Mullingar – M Foulis Dundonald 1871, R Moore & Son Bangor 1847, R Moore & Son 1847, R Moore & Son 1845, M Foulis 1842, M Foulis 1839, J Patterson Ballylesson 1838, C Browne Bangor 1817, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1811, R Moore & Son 1804, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1801, F Keery Ballylesson 1794, M Foulis 1794, M & A Johnston Newtownbreda 1791, Carmichael & Anderson Bangor 1789, J Patterson 1786, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1785, M Foulis 1784, R Moore & Son 1783, R Moore & Son 1783, R Moore & Son 1783, R Moore & Son 1782, R Moore & Son 1782, Kincaid & McCann Dundonald 1776, R Moore & Son 1775, R Moore & Son 1775, K & B McConaghie Ballylesson 1774, J Patterson 1772, J Patterson 1769, D & J Caskey Bangor 1768, D & J Caskey 1768, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1763, F Gilmore Comber Soc 1762, M Foulis 1762, S Brown & Sons 1761, R Moore & Son 1760, R Moore & Son 1759, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1755, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1753, Lambert & Stewart 1748.

EDC West Sect - M Foulis Dundonald 1871, M Foulis 1842, M Foulis 1839, J Patterson Ballylesson 1838, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1811, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1801, F Keery Ballylesson 1794, M Foulis 1794, M & A Johnston Newtownbreda 1791, J Patterson 1786, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1785, M Foulis 1784, Kincaid & McCann Dundonald 1776, K & B McConaghie Ballylesson 1774, J Patterson 1772, J Patterson 1769, M Foulis 1762, S Brown & Sons 1761, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1755, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1753.

EDC East Sect - R Moore & Son Bangor 1847, R Moore & Son 1847, R Moore & Son 1845, C Browne Bangor 1817, R Moore & Son 1804, Carmichael & Anderson Bangor 1789, R Moore & Son 1783, R Moore & Son 1783, R Moore & Son 1783, R Moore & Son 1782, R Moore & Son 1782, R Moore & Son 1775, R Moore & Son 1775, D & J Caskey Bangor 1768, D & J Caskey 1768, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1763, F Gilmore Comber Soc 1762, R Moore & Son 1760, R Moore & Son 1759, Lambert & Stewart 1748.

Big Tony Tops the Federation

The Ulster Federation enjoyed an excellent start to their 2009 racing season with the perfect result from Kildare on Saturday, the birds liberated at 10.30 am in an Easterly wind made good time into the heart of Belfast City. Early indications are that the Grosvenor loft of Tony Ferran has the best velocity on 1385. Tony timed his good Meerman/Van Den Bosch Slate Cock a winner of 2nd last season and flying on the Widowhood system. G/Sire of this smashing pigeon was bred by the top Lagan Valley loft of Robert and Ashley Gore.

Ulster Federation Club Results Kildare (1)

Grosvenor HPS 26/455 - 1st A & A Ferran 1385, 2nd P & K McCarthy 1381, 3rd P & K McCarthy 1380, 4th P & K McCarthy 1380, 5th B & E Carson 1372, 6th P & K McCarthy 1371, 7th J Porter & Son 1369, 8th J Porter & Son 1368, 9th B & B Lavery 1367, 10th J Ward & Son 1365. Well Done to Tony Ferran who take's top spot in the first race of the new season using the ETS. Paul & Kathleen McCarthy take 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th with Billy & Eillen Carson claiming their first prize in their new partnership in 5th place. Next we have Johnny Porter & Son coming in at 7th & 8th with B & B Lavery claiming 9th spot using a T3 and the Dermotthill Destroyer's take 10th place.

Lagan Valley RPC 19/294 - 1st Alec Benson 1380, 2nd H Jennings & Son 1365, 3rd A & R Milliken 1363, 4th R & A Gore 1361, 5th R & A Gore 1361, 6th R & A Gore 1357, 7th J Milliken & Son 1356, 8th D McShane & Son 1351, 9th Smyth & Adams 1351, 10th Smyth & Adams 1351. The Lagan Valley Club is probably one of the most competitive in the Ulster Federation in 2008 Alec Benson record 4 x 1st Clubs he was the member with the most club wins, in total nine different fanciers topped the club in 2008 just showing how open this particular Club is. Alec has started 2009 in excellent form.

West Belfast - 1st J Lindores & Son & Nicholson 1380. Very well done to the Lindores and Nicholson partnership on lifting their 1st Red Card of the season. The partnership I hear clocked a daughter of their superb Federation winning Blue cock.

Fortfield HPS - 1st Martin & Tabb 1377, 2nd Kevy Doherty 1368, 3rd Martin & Tabb 1365, 4th Paul Morgan 1360, 5th T & T Russell 1360, 6th R Healy 1354, 7th D & S Russell 1352, 8th Kevy Doherty 1349, 9th A & S McConville 1342, 10th R Healy 1340. The Martin & Tabb team take the red card this week ahead of the Doherty loft in a close 2nd with Martin and Tabb in with another good arrival to finish 3rd.

Shankill & District HPS 19/367 - 1st J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1375, 2nd G & L Simpson 1374, 3rd W Gilmore 1369, 4th Calderwood & Waite 1368, 5th N Armstrong 1363, 6th Brown & Anderson 1361, 7th Miller & Coleman 1358, 8th A Taylor & Son 1358, 9th A Taylor & Son 1357, 10th A Taylor & Son 1355. The Gibson and Tosh partnership finished 5th last year in this corresponding race from Kildare and finished 2008 with 4 x 1st’s, a great start to 2009 for the boys ahead of the Simpson loft.

Wheatfield HPS 9/228 - 1st J & D Braniff 1369, 2nd J & D Braniff 1367, 3rd J & D Braniff 1366, 4th J & D Braniff 1366, 5th J & D Braniff 1366, 6th J & D Braniff 1365, 7th J & D Braniff 1365, 8th J & D Braniff 1365. Not for the first time have I seen a result like this from the current Federation Fanciers of the Year namely Jim and David Braniff. An excellent performance and a great start for the boys in their effort to retain the Top Crown once again.

Alexandra HPS 9/178 - 1st Hamilton & Davidson 1365, 2nd J McErlean & Son 1353, 3rd Hamilton & Davidson 1350, 4th D McGuinness & Son 1350, 5th D McGuinness & Son 1342, 6th Hamilton & Davidson 1340, 7th Hamilton & Davidson 1332, 8th Hamilton & Davidson 1332. Hamilton & Davidson recorded a total of 5 x 1st’s last year at club level and have started in this the first race of 2009 in fine form, well done boys.

East End HPS - 1st F Mudd & Sons 1353, 2nd F Mudd & Sons 1297, 3rd F Mudd & Sons 1282, 4th H & D J Bell & Sons 1266, 5th W Willis 1261, 6th W Willis 1258, 7th F Mudd & Sons 1252, 8th F Mudd & Sons 1251, 9th W Willis 1250, 10th W Willis 1247. Frankie Mudd as usual is the man to beat in the East End Club on this the first race of the season from Kildare he strikes taking the first three positions.

Britannia HPS - 1st T Curran & Son 1338, 2nd T Curran & Son 1337, 3rd McGann Bros 1336, 4th McGann Bros 1327, 5th T McDermott 1325, 6th McGann Bros 1320. My archives from running the Fed results for the last couple of years show that the Curran loft finished 5th in this particular race this time last year, they have started 2009 in style finishing 1st and 2nd from Kildare (1).

Sydenham HPS 3/65 - 1st J & J Scates 1319, 2nd J & J Scates 1319, 3rd J & J Scates 1318, 4th J & J Scates 1260, 5th I Cousins 1243, 6th R & S Scates 1197. J & J Scates finished 2nd and 3rd in this race from Kildare in 2008, last year they finished with 5 x 1st Clubs and have started 2009 in hot form taking the first four in the Club from Kildare.

Irish South Road Federation Clubs Pilmore Beach (1)

Cabra RPC 19/379 - 1st J Nash 1311, 2nd T O’Brien 1306, 3rd J Nash 1301, 4th T O’Brien 1292, 5th T O’Brien 1291, 6th J Nash 1286, 7th J O’Callaghan 1286, 8th K Hughes 1284, 9th M McManus 1260, 10th T O’Brien 1253. John Nash records his first success of 2009 ahead of Terence O’Brien both fancier shared the first 6 positions in the strong Cabra Club.

Tallaght & District 21/602 - 1st P Donnelly & Son 1272, 2nd Alan Best & Son 1253, 3rd P Donnelly & Son 1240, 4th J Gaynor 1233, 5th R & R Coughlan 1231, 6th J Flynn & Family 1231.

Dublin North County 9/120 - 1st Breda Deegan 1270, 2nd Madden Bros 1254, 3rd Breda Deegan 1244. Many congratulations to Breda on an excellent result from Pilmore Beach, a class act of a fancier she is.

Dublin North County (Thurles) - 1st Madden Bros 1624, 2nd Madden Bros 1621, 3rd Breda Deegan 1615. Well done to the Madden Bros on taking 1st and 2nd in a very competitive Club that is the Dublin North County. Many thanks to Alan Maguire who has forwarded on the results. Keep up the good work.

Tallaght Premier 18/285 - 1st Gary Lynam 1265, 2nd Jimmy Dunn 1256, 3rd Jimmy Dunn 1249, 4th J & D Heenan 1248, 5th Jimmy Bracken 1239, 6th J & D Heenan 1237, 7th S & J Buggy 1236, 8th Mick Callaghan 1230, 9th Anto Cullen 1228, 10th Tom Keating 1222.

Bray Inv RPC 23/474 - 1st Bill Davis & Family 1231, 2nd Cowap & Cahill 1194, 3rd Cowap & Cahill 1193, 4th Cowap & Cahill 1185, 5th Delaney & O’Reilly & Son 1168, 6th Stephen Homan 1168, 7th Cowap & Buckley 1159, 8th Jason O’Brien 1159, 9th Cowap & Buckley 1159, 10th Bill Davis & Family 1158.

INFC Latest News

The INFC Secretary Trevor Topping has arranged a meeting for the ETS Companies to work out the best way to race mark the birds for national races and clock checking. The final entries have now been received for the 2009 INFC/BHW Single Bird Challenge and have exceeded all expectations with over 350 entries and prize money totaling £1600. The winner will also receive the Joe Doheny Trophy and £450 prize money, 2nd £300, 3rd £200, 4th £150, 5th £100, 6th £75, 7th £75, 8th, 9th and 10th £50 each. The top three birds also receive a Framed Diploma of their birds kindly sponsored by W. Sawyers and Co. The race programme has something for all the members, and a host of special awards. These include a new 3 Bird Average over the Yearling Nat and YB Penzance, entry £1 per bird and a cup presented by Robin Duddy plus £1,000 to the winner. Details of this and all the race information will be available in the Entry Forms Booklet. The 2009 season is going to be something special, make sure your membership is paid on time. The fees for 2009 are £15 for existing members and £25 for those who were not members in 2008. The closing date was 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 New North FC Cup will be up for competition during 2009, races for the average are Yearling, Kings Cup, Friendship and YB Nat Penzance.

The Dundonald 3 Bird Challenge 2009 will operate again after a successful first year in 2008 when Doonan & McGuinness from Dromore in County Down lifted the top prize of £2,500. With some additional support the top award for this year could be double that, £5,000 would be some 1st Prize! Fees are £150 for 3 bird’s, the race will be OB Nat Skibbereen. Closing date is Wednesday 13th May, send entry forms to Len McKinstry 9 Brooklands Gardens, Dundonald, BT16 2PQ. Tel: Len McKinstry 90-489544 or Ronnie Johnston 90-943625.

Williamson & Calvin Training will have a special toss from Arklow on Sunday 26th April at 25p per bird (20p for members of transporter club). Birds can be hampered night before or up to 7.50am morning of toss at 23 Farra Road. Ronnie Tel: 07841 762399. Ballyoran Hill 8.00am, Edgarstown HPS 8.15am, Laurelvale HPS 8.30am, Markethill Corner 8.45am. Training will continue each Tuesday & Thursday from Ardee and Slane Castle. Usual collection arrangement.

The Fanciers Combine report a good membership for a new racing season, the race programme will be something different with Open Races from the old points on the coast. In 2009 the members will be using a new transporter and the old one will continue to be used for a number of Open Races. The usual races will be flown on a Wednesday for NIPA Sect E members only, ring marking at Edgarstown HPS Clubrooms in Portadown on a Tuesday from 7.00pm until 9.00pm. The big Open Races are open to all the fancy across all organizations. Ring marking for these will also be in Edgarstown, early morning on race day. The programme will be Wednesday 22nd April Roscrea, Wednesday 29th April Roscrea, Bank Holiday Monday 4th May Arklow Open Race (ringing 6.30am until 9.30am), Wednesday 13th May Roscrea, Wednesday 20th May Arklow, Wednesday 3rd June Wexford Open Race (ringing 6.30am until 9.00am).

M & R Hamilton from Coalisland have young birds off the stock birds available for sale, contact number is Tel: 07894 152846. FOUND: BELGE08-6178525, Tel: 97 542087.
Bushmills Invitation – Horner & Scott 1420, T & J McDonald 1412, R Callaghan & Son 1397, T & J McDonald 1396, 1390. Tullamore (1) – Horner & Scott 1910, K Glass 1865, T & J McDonald 1846, K Glass 1844, T & J McDonald 1833.

North/South Federation Result Tullamore (2)
1st R McKelvey Newry & District 1386, 2nd N Murtagh Millvale 1373, 3rd Mark Maguire & Son Millvale 1372, 4th J F McCabe Newry & District 1368, 5th J F McCabe Newry & District 1368, 6th T Mooney & Son Millvale 1367, 7th J F McCabe 1366, 8th J F McCabe 1364, 9th Donnelly Bros Newry City 1362, 10th R Mulholland Millvale 1360, 11th R Mulholland 1360, 12th T Mooney & son 1360, 13th R Mulholland 1359, 14th J F McCabe 1355, 15th J F McCabe 1354, 16th Donnelly Bros 1350, 17th Donnelly Bros 1347, 18th Donnelly Bros 1346, 19th R Mulholland 1344, 20th McAteer & Pearce Millvale 1344.

HOMER. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683 or
Mobile: 07939 684876.
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
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