Homer's Odyssey - 01/05/09

[willie reynolds]

For the third week of the Old Bird programme the members of the mighty NIPA ring marked their pigeons as normal on Friday evening for a possible liberation on Saturday from Roscrea. I say possible as the two remaining organizations in the Northern Ireland the Ulster Federation and the East Down Combine decided due to the unfavorable forecast for Saturday that they would put the ring marking of their respective pigeons back one night until Saturday evening, with the weather looking a good deal better on Sunday. The largest organization in the South of Ireland the Irish South Road Federation also decided to put ring marking back until Saturday evening for a Sunday Liberation. With all this in mind, Saturday turned out yet another glorious day in Northern Ireland for the third Saturday on the trot, that is a rare thing for the pigeon fanciers in Northern Ireland three consecutive good weather Saturdays.

Unfortunately for the NIPA the weather around the Roscrea race point although clearing up, just didn’t clear up quick enough and it was decided at 1.30pm that the birds would be held over. Following a night of substantial rain in different parts of the country, quite a bit of this lingered around on Sunday morning and with a band of bad weather entering much of Ireland from the west, the pressure was on. To be fair and to give credit where it’s due, all organizations liberated with the Irish South Road Federation releasing first of all at 9.30am in Mallow, the Ulster Federation who were in Kildare for the second time in 2009 followed suit at 10.15am in a Southerly wind. The East Down Combine who have now got their new website up and going at edcracingpigeons.co.uk liberated at 11.10am in Nenagh for the first time this year, the wind at the race point was a Lt South Westerly.

With the NIPA the wait on the improving weather was finally up at 11.40am and the birds were on their way, the weather in the North of Ireland for much of Sunday was over-cast with showers in different areas. The NIPA enjoyed an excellent race and credit must be given to all the officials involved, talking to the many people who phone with the Club results weekly the over-whelming majority reported excellent returns. Looking at the EDC Club results from 1st to 10th in most clubs sees a drop of around 100 yards indicating a tough enough race for the membership. Both Federations namely the Ulster Federation and the Irish South Road Fed going, by the Club results seem to have enjoyed successful races from Kildare and Mallow respectively.

NIPA Section A Clubs Roscrea

Coleraine Premier - 1st Robert Callaghan & Son 1848, 2nd T & J McDonald 1838, 3rd T & J McDonald 1837, 4th J L Madden 1820, 5th J L Madden 1818, 6th Nevin Bros 1816, 7th Diamond Bros 1797, 8th Nevin Bros 1796, 9th Hanson & Harper 1774, 10th T & J McDonald 1770. 1st Cut of the pools goes to T & J McDonald with Leslie Madden scooping up the 2nd part. Robert Callaghan has a super pigeon into that part of the country some 10 yards clear of T & J McDonald who put two good arrivals into the clock to finish 2nd and 3rd Club with Leslie Madden completing the top four.

Windsor Social HPS 11/226 - 1st Horner & Scott 1844, 2nd Horner & Scott 1837, 3rd K Glass 1831, 4th Horner & Scott 1822, 5th G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1815, 6th K Glass 1795, 7th G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1788, 8th G Donaghy & Son & G/Son 1753, 9th K Glass 1740, 10th R & J Parke 1738. No stopping the Horner & Scott team that three out of three for them and those couple of arrivals that are top of the Club result will feature very highly in the over-all NIPA Section and Open result.

Coleraine & County Derry RPS - 1st W & W Murdock 1805, 2nd J McCandless 1784, 3rd K Darragh 1779, 4th T McCrudden. Very Well Done to Winky Murdoch who records his first success of 2009. He timed a Young & McManus pigeon that was bought last year as a youngster. He also takes the pools to make it a winning day all round.

Castledawson HPS 6/131 - 1st T Leacock & Son 1800, 2nd T Leacock & Son 1637, 3rd T & S Dawson 1634, 4th T Leacock & Son 1626, 5th T Leacock & Son, 6th Savage Bros 1617. The Leacock loft completes the double having finished 1st and 2nd Club last week also from Tullamore. Excellent flying.

Coalisland & District HPS 16/478 - 1st M & R Hamilton 1799, 2nd M & R Hamilton 1795, 3rd H McLaughlin 1773, 4th H McLaughlin 1771, 5th K Murphy 1770, 6th K Murphy 1769, 7th K Murphy 1769, 8th K Murphy 1766, 9th K Murphy 1765, 10th K Murphy 1764. Well done to Micky Hamilton who records a very good 1st and 2nd Club ahead of Henry who finished 3rd and 4th with Karl Murphy leaving no room for anyone else, an excellent card taking 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th following winning the Club last week a loft truly in form. The Hamilton loft is the one to beat this week all the same and will be pushing again for the Section A Fancier of the Year Crown. Micky also has youngsters for sale from his stock pigeons if anyone is interested he has the best from Ponderosa.

Cookstown Social 12/425 - 1st S Marshall 1783, 2nd G & S Smith 1766, 3rd G Marshall 1754, 4th K Morton 1749, 5th K Morton 1747, 6th K Morton 1745, 7th Spiers & Campbell 1741, 8th G & S Smith 1737, 9th G & S Smith 1735, 10th V Thom 1727. The first two positions are reversed this week, with the Marshall loft coming out on tops ahead of the ever consistent G & S Smith team. This is the second success of the year for the Marshall set up and it also puts another one in the clock to finish 3rd club from Roscrea.

Coleraine Triangle Roscrea - R Callaghan & Son Coleraine Prem 1848, Horner & Scott Windsor Soc 1844, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1838, T & J McDonald 1837, Horner & Scott 1837, K Glass Windsor Soc 1831, Horner & Scott 1822, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1820, J L Madden 1818, Nevin Bros Coleraine Prem 1816.

Good birds are reported across the NIPA Sect B with a top velocity in Crumlin & Dist by last seasons Sect Fanciers of the Year Fleming Bros. Doing velocity 1857 with a 2 year old widowhood cock that has already won 1st Sect from Roscrea and 2nd Club last week from Tullamore, they look good again for Sect honours and will be up at the top of the NIPA. The bird was timed at 13.45hrs and was flying 132 miles into Crumlin Main Street. Robert Callaghan has a super pigeon up on the North Coast winning 1st in both Dervock and Coleraine Premier doing velocity 1848 and Horner & Scott who won Windsor Soc doing velocity 1844 will also be well placed as will John Connolly on the same yard in Ballymoney HPS. Mid Antrim Combine had over 3,200 birds competing and another super result for Ahoghill Flying Club, winner was Charlie Young (1822) and another top card for Young McManus & Sons. The race was delayed with bad weather in the release area on Saturday liberation was at 11.40am on Sunday in a helping South wind.

Mid Antrim Combine Roscrea 126/3,235 - C Young Ahoghill 1822, A McBride Harryville 1817, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1806, Young McManus & Sons 1806, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1800, T & G Balmer Ahoghill 1798, H Fullerton & Son Kells 1797, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1796, H & R McCloy Cullybackey 1795, A & N Young Ahoghill 1795, Young McManus & Sons 1794, J Devlin Ballymena 1793, G Gibson Cullybackey 1788, G Dickey Ahoghill 1787, A & N Young 1787, G Dickey 1786, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1785, Milliken & Barkley 1784, H & R McCloy 1779, R H Clements Harryville 1776.

The MAC Points Total after the second week Roscrea on 26/04/09 are as follows. Sect (1): Milliken & Barkley 38, Stewart Bros 28, A & N Young 18, G McDowell 12, W & J Smyth 5 and D Houston & Son 4. Sect (2): D Mairs 26, A Darragh 25, Surgenor Bros 22 and T McMillan 4. Sect (3): Young McManus & Sons 31, A McBride 26, H & R McCloy 19, D Dixon 18, Houston Bros 7 and Harry Boyd 6. Sect (4): G Gibson 38, G Dickey 14 and R H Clements 8.

NIPA Sect B Clubs Roscrea

Crumlin & District 12/309 – Fleming Bros 1857, K Galloway 1834, Fleming Bros 1811, 1810, K Galloway 1788, G F Lindsay 1755, 1754, J Lowry 1753, G Grant 1747, J & N Lamb 1724.

Dervock IPS 9/253 – R Callaghan & Son 1848, 1838, A & M Boyle 1834, D & H Stuart 1820, 1781, J Hutchinson & Son 1772, D Devenney 1743, S Laverty 1739, W & L McCaw 1737, A & M Boyle 1734.

Bushmills Invitation - R Callaghan & Son 1848, Horner & Scott 1844, T & J McDonald 1838, 1837, Horner & Scott 1822.

Windsor Social 11/226 – Horner & Scott 1844, 1837, K Glass 1832, Horner & Scott 1822, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1815, K Glass 1795, G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1788, 1753, K Glass 1740, R & J Parke 1738.

Ballymoney HPS 26/716 – J Connolly 1844, A & M Boyle 1834, D & H Stuart 1820, C Henry 1811, J Connolly 1808, Wilson McGarry & Son 1802, C Henry 1789, D & H Stuart 1781, J Hutchinson & Son 1772, D Laverty 1770, B & I Stewart 1767, D Devenney 1743.

Ahoghill FC 14/414 – C Young 1822, Young McManus & Sons 1806, 1806, J Smyth & Son 1800, T & G Balmer 1798, A & N Young 1795, Young McManus & Sons 1794, G Dickey 1787, A & N Young 1787, G Dickey 1786. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – T & G Cotter 1738, T & G Cotter 1728.

Harryville HPS 17/478 – A McBride 1817, R H Clements 1776, 1776, A McBride 1775, J & C Letters 1773, A McBride 1768, G Connolly 1765, R H Clements 1750, Wray & McFadden 1746, J Millar & Son 1742. The winner was from the good Van Loon cock that has now bred 6 x 1sts and the dam was a daughter of the famous pair Blue Bull x Blue Diamond.

Ballymoney West Combine – C Henry 1811, J Hutchinson & Son 1772, D Laverty 1770, B & I Stewart 1767, L Neill 1722, J McDowell & Sons 1713, R J Elliott 1713, D Gage. Chris Henry breaks his novice status with a good bird into his Glebeside loft. Chris is racing in the Combine for the first time this year.

Kells & District HPS 15/396 – H Fullerton & Son 1797, H Boyd 1776, 1769, McFarlane & Agnew 1768, H Boyd 1766, Scott & Clements 1766, McFarlane & Agnew 1762, T & M Morrow 1756. Kells 2 Bird Club – H Fullerton & Son 1723, McFarlane & Agnew 1713. Winning Minute (01) won by Bill McClure. Well done to Hugh winning his first old bird race of the year, also 1st 2 Bird.

Randalstown HPS 11/292 – Stewart Bros 1796, 1765, T McMillan 1762, 1761, J McNeill 1758, T McMillan 1709, 1706, S Millar 1703.

Cullybackey HPS 23/623 – H & R McCloy 1795, G Gibson 1788, H & R McCloy 1779, G Gibson 1771, D Robinson & Son 1765, Des Robinson 1765, Reid Bros & McCloy 1759, Des Robinson 1746, S Steele 1731, Reid Bros & McCloy 1727. Super Card for H & R McCloy with four early arrivals including the winner, Gary Gibson is the runner-up for the second week. From Tullamore (2) he won the Hillfoot Feeds special Bag of Mixture.

Ballymena & District 10/287 – J Devlin 1793, 1763, B O’Rawe 1740, J Harris 1738, M Graham 1738, B O’Rawe 1732, M Graham 1724, Richmond Bros 1689, G Barr 1686. Ballymena 2 Bird Club – J Harris 1738, J Devlin 1595. Joe Devlin the club Chairman wins for the first time this year with a bird purchased from A & M Boyle of Ballymoney as a youngster. James Harris wins the 2 Bird Club for the second week.

Rasharkin & District 15/275 – Milliken & Barkley 1785, 1784, A C & T Tweed 1744, J & M Milliken 1738, J Robinson & Son 1720, J & M Milliken 1717, Steele & McNeill 1714, J & D Surgenor 1704. Danny Dixon 1698. A C & T Tweed win Nom. Race was sponsored by Lec Scaffolding (Ballymoney).

Broughshane & District 12/275 – D Houston & Son 1774, 1767, J & N Simpson 1762, J Getty 1731, H Smyth & Son 1723, 1706, A Purvis 1706, T & E Service 1706.

New Antrim Amalgamated 9/195 – T Picken & Son 1766, D Jackson & Son 1758, T Picken & Son 1736, M/M F Clarke 1730, 1700, D Jackson & Son 1690, G McStravick 1688, McFall & McManus 1682.

Muckamore HPS 14/301 – D J Thompson 1746, A & E Bell 1735, 1735, J Sinton 1732, D J Thompson 1720, J White 1705, T Patterson & Son 1704, 1700.

Best reported in the East Antrim Sect C from Roscrea are brothers D & P Harvey with the best bird in Larne winning 1st Horseshoe on velocity 1837. Jimmy Burrows has the winner in Eastway and looking good for the Loughview Combine and Alistair McNaghten has 1st Larne & Dist for the second week with just short of 1,000 birds competing. The D & J Armstrong & Son team have a return to winning ways with 1st in both Carrickfergus Clubs. The birds were held over on Saturday due to poor weather and low cloud in the release area, liberation on Sunday was at 11.40am in a helping South wind.

NIPA Sect C Clubs Roscrea

Horseshoe HPS 19/434 – D & P Harvey 1837, Marshall & Wilson 1811, 1811, C Campbell & Son 1809, J Morrison 1798, C Campbell & Son 1786, 1785, Marshall & Wilson 1782, 1781, H & I Agnew 1781. Racing brothers David and Paul Harvey takes the Red Card this week from Roscrea. Their 2 year old Cock is of Willy Thas breeding and was flown on Roundabout. This cock already is a multi prize winner for the partnership.

Eastway HPS 15/389 – J Burrows 1828, M & T Griffith 1813, Whiteside Bros 1812, J Dawson & Son 1809, M & A Pearson 1809, R Francey & Son 1808. Jimmy Burrows wins with a three year old Blue Check cock. Breeding is from his good Van Der Espt family which originated from Frank Scott of Dromore. The winner shows its versatility by winning on a fast day, having previously flown France, and also bred a 1st Section winner from Tullamore.

Ballynure & District – B Rowney 1828, Davidson & McIlroy 1809, Rea & Magill 1806, B Rowney 1804. Well done to Brian who has been knocking on the door the previous two races.

Larne & District HPS 41/947 – A S McNaghten 1826, 1826, Marshall & Wilson 1811, 1811, G K & I Moxham 1807, Beggs & Hall 1802, 1802, A S McNaghten 1797, G K & I Moxham 1789, Ferguson & Crawford 1786, Marshall & Wilson 1782, 1781. A.S McNaghten wins for the second week in a row, this time they take first and second. Both widowhood hens from their winning family of Ralston Graham/Van Winkle pigeons, a loft in top form, keep them flying big Al! Third & Forth places go to the steady and consistent lofts of Marshall & Wilson. Larne 2 Bird Club – 1st A.S McNaghten, 2nd Beggs & Hall, well done to everyone. Lost: Blue hen, GB05E 54103. Contact W J Agnew, Tel: (028) 28 275762.

Glengormley HPS 16/251 – D & J Campbell & Bigger 1826, 1826, G & M Atcheson 1784, 1783, Murphy & Mullan 1779, Bingham & Seaton 1777, 1772, A Keery 1749, J Walker & Sons 1711. Three wins on the trop for the Campbell & Bigger team plus 1st Sect the previous two races from Tullamore. The latest winner was a 2 year old widowhood cock. The breeder/Buyer Sales attracted a lot of attention and raised a massive £5,000 to be paid out in the INFC Skibbereen Nat. As planned 1st £1,000 for both Breeder and Buyer, 2nd £400, 3rd 250, 4th 200, 5th £150, and 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th £100 each. What a race to look forward to!

Ballyclare & District 20/600 – S Rodney & Son 1815, 1811, M/M C Hayes 1795, A Gault 1790, G McNeilly 1777, 1766, R Duddy 1754, J & R Blair 1753, B & M Gilmore 1746, 1743.

Carrick Social 27/557 – D & J Armstrong & Son 1813, 1808, T Peel 1791, 1788, W R McClean 1787, T Peel 1787, D & J Armstrong & Son 1776 and pools, M/M Robinson 1770, 1760, 1760, D & E Wilson 1754, 1752 and Special. Winning Minute (03). The Armstrong team timed a 3 year old Dk Ch cock on widowhood recording velocity 1813 for 147 miles, the same bird won 1st Carrick & District.

Carrick & District HPS 22/439 – D & J Armstrong & Son 1813, 1808, M/M R Reid 1800, D & J Armstrong & Son 1776 ABCDEF, T Creighton & Son 1775, M/M R Reid 1772, 1772, M/M G Robinson 1770, T Creighton & Son 1770, Degnan & McKee 1776, M/M G Robinson 1760, 1760. J Robinson wins Special. T Creighton & Son 1730 ABCDEF. Winning Minute (03) won by W Creighton.

Ballycarry & District 10/235 – Arthurs & George 1805, N J Arthurs 1790, Lynch Bros & Thompson 1769 Nom, B McCammon 1763, A Cooke 1755, B McCammon 1749, Arthurs & George 1748, 1748, J C Reid 1743, M Delaney 1737, B McCammon 1731, Lynch Bros & Thompson 1726. The officers & members of Ballycarry & Dist HPS regret the passing of Nat Sloan an honorary life member of our club and we send our condolences to his family at this sad time. Andy Cooke. (Secretary).

Doagh & District HPS 18/382 – J & A Wilson & Sons 1799, A & N Lewis 1794, J Blair 1790, W McClelland 1769, S & A Leitch 1766, J & A Wilson & Sons 1760, M/M B McNeilly 1751, 1739, D & N Smyth 1737, F Simpson 1723. Race sponsored by Ballymena Pigeon Supplies and John McConnell.

Springvale Social 10/180 – R Scott 1793, Turkington Bros 1769, A C McGrugan 1720, R Davidson & Sons 1712, Turkington Bros 1700, R Scott 1698, Turkington Bros 1691, R Scott 1676. Race was sponsored by David Kirk.

Kingsmoss HPS 11/308 – Knowles & Hill 1787, R McMeekin 1780, 1771, T Lillie 1762, R Lillie & Son 1758, T Lillie 1744, D J Connor 1703, Knowles & hill 1701, R Gray 1700, D J Connor 1700. Billy timed a 2 year old hen racing roundabout.

Cushendall HPS – M & S McDonald 1778 DTW, D McAllister 1709, L McKeegan 1685, M & S McDonald 1642, A McNaughten 1631, 1617, L McKeegan 1607, M & S McDonald 1591, 1590, 1590. Pat McKeegan Nom.

Glenarm & District HPS - 1st R Robinson & Son 1736, 2nd G McWhirter 1729, 3rd N O’Boyle 1726, 4th G McWhirter 1724, 5th McMullan Bros 1711, 6th McMullan Bros 1704. The winner is a yearling hen racing on roundabout. It was her first race of the season. Sire is a Soontjen from R Mills & Son of Larne. Dam is a Soontjen from R Mills & Son. This pair has bred many prize winners.

NIPA Section D Clubs Roscrea

Dromore HPS 16/599 - 1st Doonan & McGuinness 1829, 2nd Doonan & McGuinness 1828, 3rd B & M McCorriston 1821, 4th J Vage & Son 1811, 5th P & J Boal 1808, 6th Mr & Mrs G Delaney 1806, 7th P & J Boal 1806, 8th B & M McCorriston 1805, 9th P & J Boal 1804, 10th J Kelly & Sons 1803. Very well done to the Doonan & McGuinness partnership who have a couple of outstanding pigeons into the town of Dromore that are likely to feature highly in the over-all result Mr Doonan is keeping the partnership name to the fore with his son Wayne of the Cock Crow Breeding Stud assisting him as best he can, Mo McCorriston has a couple in the result herself finishing 3rd and 8th with Joey Vage completing the top four, the Boal loft also are in the prizes with three good arrivals finishing 5th, 7th and 9th and Joe Kelly & Son complete the top ten.

Lisburn & District HPS - 1st L Magee & Son 1811, 2nd G Benson 1805, 3rd Spence Bros 1804, 4th Spence Bros 1804. Len and Jack Magee are tops this week in the strong Lisburn & District HPS with one of their fine Busschaerts, ahead of Gary Benson in runner-up spot with the 2008 highest Prize Winners Spence Bros taking 3rd and 4th Club.

Glenavy & District HPS - 1st Paddy McGarrity 1797, 2nd J Courtney 1784, 3rd J Harkness 1784, 4th D & M Lilly & Withers 1781, 5th G Parker & Son 1775, 6th E Russell 1774, 7th G Parker & Son 1774, 8th P McGarrity 1771, 9th M Taylor 1770, 10th E Russell. Paddy makes it two in a row, and is proving very much to be the loft in form, he is a hard man to beat when he puts his mind to it. Another fancier having a smashing season is James Courtney who finishes in 2nd place, just one of a few sound performances this season so far.

Derriaghy HPS 11/271 - 1st D Irvine 1782, 2nd I Gibb & Sons 1774, 3rd R Benson 1761, 4th Ian Gibb & sons 1740, 5th Ian Gibb & Sons 1725, 6th Ian Gibb & Sons 1725. Well done to Dennis Irvine who tops the Clubs this week with a good winner into the Milltown estate, ahead of Ian and Peter Gibb and Roy Benson.

Colin HPS 9/223 - 1st John Fusco & Son 1779, 2nd T & A Ferrin 1763, 3rd J Gregory & Sons 1760, 4th J & J Neeson 1759, 5th Mr & Mrs P Braniff 1751, 6th Mr & Mrs P Braniff 1750. Very Well done to the Fusco boys who make it two wins out of three races, very good racing into the very competitive Colin HPS.

South Belfast HPS 8/121 - 1st Rab Fear 1777, 2nd T G Casement 1727, 3rd Ronnie Kenna 1731, 4th R Hindes 1726, 5th A Cousins & Sons 1720. Rab Fear makes it two in a row this week timing a Blue Cheq Pied Cock who was sent feeding a 2 day old youngster. I must also give Mr T G Casement a mention as he is knocking on the door being the oldest flying member within the Club at an impressive 83 years young.

Largymore Inv HPS 11/224 - 1st A T & J Houston 1758, 2nd C & D Smyth 1737, 3rd D Clements 1733, 4th S & A Hanna 1699, 5th S & A Hanna 1698, 6th Milliken & McCartney 1696, 7th E & B Luke 1694, 8th E & B Luke 1691, 9th A T & J Houston 1690, 10th Milliken & McCartney 1687. Very well done to my former Club mate Alan Houston who records his second Club win on the trot, is this the dark horse for 2009 I wonder. Colin and Dorothy Smyth a runner-up this week a head of Dennis Clements in 3rd with Sammy Hanna completing the top four.

Hills & Maze HPS 9/200 - 1st Carson Lyons 1756, 2nd H Jennings & Sons 1755, 3rd S Grainger & Son 1751, 4th A & R Milliken 1743, 5th C Lyons 1743, 6th Lavery Bros 1729, 7th Lavery Bros 1729, 8th H Jennings & Sons 1723, 9th C & E Mallon 1723, 10th C Lyons 1720. Well done to Carson Lyons who tops the Club this week by 1 yard preventing Henry and Gary Jennings from completing the treble.

Dromara HPS - 1st McKinstry Bros 1737, 2nd Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1724, 3rd R Hunter 1689, 4th R Hunter 1688, 5th McKinstry Bros 1670, 6th Mr & Mrs Stevenson 1632. Well done to the McKinstry Bros on yet more success in the Dromara Club.

NIPA Section E Clubs Roscrea

The Orchard Combine - 1st E Murtagh & Sons 1841, 2nd G & A Campbell 1789, 3rd William Corrigan 1789, 4th Peter Tierney 1788, 5th Peter Tierney 1785, 6th Nelson Weir 1778, 7th I Parkes & Son 1776, 8th Stephen O’Brien 1776, 9th Gerry Swift 1773, 10th R Parks & Son 1769. The first of 2009 for the Murtagh loft and nothing like doing it in style with a commanding lead, very well done.

Armagh HPS 17/405 - 1st E Murtagh & Sons 1841, 2nd G & A Campbell 1789, 3rd I Parkes & Son 1776, 4th R Parkes & Son 1769, 5th M Hughes 1769, 6th A Geraghty 1763, 7th O Toal & Sons 1761, 8th E Murtagh & Son 1742, 9th D & C McArdle 1738, 10th G & A Campbell 1732. 2 Bird Club 1st I Parkes & Son 1776, 2nd R Parkes & Son 1769, 3rd S Fields & Sons 1584 and 4th O Toal & Sons 1533. The Murtagh loft is back with a bang this week with a very good arrival into Armagh ahead of Gerard and Amy Campbell in runner-up spot with Ivan Parkes coming home in third ahead of Richard in fourth. The Club winner will figure highly in the over-all Open result.

Portadown Inv FC 10/240 - 1st W Cannaway 1830, 2nd P Breen 1816, 3rd M Livingstone 1794, 4th D Love 1789, 5th A McDonald 1786, 6th W Cannaway 1767. Well done to William Cannaway who recorded an excellent arrival into Portadown this his first win of the season having finished 3rd and 4th last week from Tullamore. The Cannaway loft finished 2008 with 4 x 1st Clubs and will be looking to at least equal that in 2009. Very Well Done.

Wilton Cross HPS - 1st Cooper & McGrath 1818, 2nd D Carville & Son 1807, 3rd D Carville & Son 1803, 4th D Carville & Son 1803, 5th D Carville & Son 1789, 6th D Carville & Son 1781. A good win for the partnership of Cooper & McGrath ahead of Denis Carville who took the first three in the Club last week from Tullamore and also finished 2nd Club the first week also from Tullamore and with 5 in the first six this week he is the loft in form. Dennis took the ABCD and Nom with his pigeon that finished 2nd Club.

Bondhill Social HPS - 1st J Greenaway 1813, 2nd W Neill 1779, 3rd R Williamson 1772, Ron Williamson 1771, 5th Capper Bros 1760, 6th J Greenaway 1755. Excellent result this week once again for the Greenaway Loft.

Beech Park 10/307 - 1st D Mawhinney & Son 1806, 2nd S & J McCullough 1789, 3rd C Reynolds 1777, 4th D Mawhinney & Son 1760, 5th I Mawhinney & Son 1738 and 6th H Lynch & Son 1729. Very Well Done to Davy who records his third straight win of the season in the newly formed Beach Park Club.

Edgarstown HPS 20/421 - 1st D Parr 1799, 2nd G & C Simmons 1793, 3rd T & A Ford 1783, 4th J Robinson 1780, 5th D Parr 1779, 6th P Dunlop 1761, 7th R K Hutchinson 1756, 8th R Bell & Sons 1741, 9th R & J McCracken 1740, 10th W & K Stewart 1737. Derek Parr is back to his best topping the Club with a ‘Cream Cracker’ ahead of the G & C Simmons partnership with the Ford partnership finishing 3rd this week with also their excellent family of Jacobs sourced from the master himself Gerald Delaney.

Lurgan Social - 1st J Douglas & Son 1798, 2nd B McNeice & Son 1797, 3rd E Wright & Son 1788, 4th Higginson & Johnston 1784, 5th B McNeice & Son 1780, 6th Furphy Bros 1777. Well done to the Douglas loft who come out on top this week ahead of the McNeice partnership who have another good arrival finishing 5th Club, the Wright loft finished 3rd ahead of the partnership of Higginson & Johnston who make up the first four into the Lurgan Social.

Laurelvale HPS 16/284 – C Duke & Sons 1791, 1784, S Fiddes 1773, Frank McCann 1755, H Beattie 1746, G & C Topley 1727, J Dowey & Sons 1717, A Gittins 1701, W Gillis & Sons 1700, J Funston 1700. Two wins from three starts for the in-form Duke Loft.

Annaghmore HPS 16/530 - 1st W G Neill 1789, 2nd H Cordner 1745, 3rd G Buckley & Son 1735, 4th A McMullan 1734, 5th L Cahoon 1729, 6th W G Neill 1716, 7th R Telford 1714, 8th G Buckley & Son 1713, 9th W G Neill 1701, 10th T McClean 1693. Willie Neill is back to the top this week once again with a very commanding winner into the Annaghmore Club.

Loughgall HPS - 1st William Corrigan 1789, 2nd Nelson Weir 1778, 3rd William Corrigan 1764, 4th Nelson Weir 1734, 5th Nelson Weir 1710, 6th Nelson Weir 1699, 7th Nelson Weir 1699, 8th Nelson Weir 1696, 9th Sam Corrigan 1650, 10th Sam Corrigan 1644. Very well done to Willie Corrigan on a good performance into Loughgall not easy getting in front of Nelson, who finishes 2nd with Willie in again in 3rd place.

Monaghan HPS 10/240 - 1st P Tierney 1788, 2nd P Tierney 1785, 3rd S O'Brien 1776, 4th G Swift 1773, 5th N Johnston 1768, 6th H Gormley 1747. The Tierney loft is in fine form at the minute and finish 1st and 2nd this week in the strong Monaghan Club ahead of Stephen O’Brien in third place.

Lurgan Amateurs RPC - 1st Metcalfe & Donaldson 1777, 2nd D McBride 1774, 3rd R Bothwell 1769, 4th G Gillespie & Son 1760, 5th J P Nelson 1742. The partnership of Metcalfe and Donaldson climb the leader bard this week to take the Red Card ahead of the McBride Loft, with the ever consistent Bothwell loft in a close 3rd.

Charlemont HPC 7/179 - 1st Eamon Grew 1765, 2nd Eamon Grew 1745, 3rd Patrick Grew 1739, 4th Kieran Shannon 1727, 5th Eamon Grew 1708, 6th Michael McGlinchey 1707, 7th Kieran Shannon 1696, 8th Patrick Grew 1675, 9th Kieran Shannon 1668, 10th Michael McGlinchey 1666. With five in the result in week one and three in the result last week it’s a surprise that this is only Eamon’s first success of 2009, but be assured more will follow.

Gilford & District HPS - 1st Adamson & Anderson 1743, 2nd G O’Dowd 1722, 3rd Adamson & Anderson 1718, 4th T Greenaway 1704, 5th Hanratty & Mulvenna 1700, 6th C & H Beattie 1678, 7th J & D Breen 1674, 8th G O’Dowd 1671, 9th R & W Harper 1642, 10th R A Reid 1633. Following a 5th Club from Tullamore in the first race of 2009 the Adamson & Anderson partnership are back with a bang this week topping the Club from Roscrea.

NIPA Section F Clubs Roscrea

Ards HPS 11/240 - 1st Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1769, 2nd S Whyte 1749, 3rd S Whyte 1747, 4th Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson 1739, 5th McGimpsey Bros 1732, 6th W Cleland 1712, 7th W Ennis 1708, 8th McGimpsey Bros 1707, 9th S Whyte 1704, 10th W Cleland 1704. Show Specials were as follows 1st Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson, 2nd W Ennis and 3rd J & I Moore. Last years Top Prize winning partnership of Plunkett & Pollock & Nelson get their winning season of to a start from Roscrea with a 5 year old showing a good velocity into that part of the country.

Killyleagh & District - 1st J & P Rice 1753, 2nd J & P Rice 1753, 3rd J & P Rice 1714, 4th J & P Rice 1691. Well done to Patsy Rice who makes a clean sweep in the Killyleagh Club from Roscrea. Barney Murray and the loft of B & C Morrison where the previous two Club winners from the previous two NIPA races within the Club.

Corrigs & District 11/252 - 1st R Shaw 1714, 2nd R Shaw 1697, 3rd P Brown 1686, 4th P Brown & Son 1683, 5th R McVeigh & Son 1658, 6th P Brown 1651, 7th C McManus 1650, 8th B Higgins 1632, 9th B Houston 1624, 10th P Brown & Son 1617. Pools & Nom won by B Houston. Was wondering were this man Shaw had went to over the last couple of weeks a winner of 17 x 1st’s last year, I was starting to think he had either moved or given up the pigeons, but then he appears this week in fine form once again starting where he left off last year.

Downpatrick HPS - 1st R Connolly 1712, 2nd J Crossan 1682, 3rd P Lue & Son 1676, 4th P Lue & Son 1674. Well done to the Connolly loft who take the Red Card this week ahead of the Jackie Crossan in 2nd and Paddy Lue with a couple of good arrivals making up the top four.

Portavogie HPS 26/609 - 1st E & D Harper & Son 1707, 2nd J Bunting 1685, 3rd J Bunting 1684, 4th E & D Harper & Son 1661, 5th J & R Young & Sons 1660, 6th J & R Young & Sons 1654, 7th H & A Keenan & Partners 1635, 8th W & N Cully 1628, 9th E & D Harper & Son 1628, 10th R & R McMaster & Son 1627. Well done to the Harper team on lifting the Red Card this week they time their Yearling winner at 14.07pm flying 143 miles to record a winning velocity of 1707.

Comber Central 12/239 - 1st G Marshell 1691, 2nd N Thompson 1668, 3rd P & C Johnston 1656, 4th W Gabbey 1616, 5th Major McIntyre & Son 1608, 6th E Donly 1604, 7th G Marshall 1601, 8th D George 1601, 9th P & C Johnston 1586, 10th P & C Johnston 1586. Very Well done to Geordie who tops the Club on his first outing of 2009.

Killyleagh Central - 1st S McLoughlin 1677.7, 2nd E Marshall 1677.5, 3rd McComb Bros 1672, 4th S McLoughlin 1652. Excellent result for the McLoughlin loft coming out to take the red card on the decimal point ahead of Ed Marshall with the ever consistent McComb Bros in a close 3rd ahead of another good arrival for the winner.

NIPA Section G Clubs Roscrea

The North South Federation - 1st J F McCabe 1821, 2nd Mr & Mrs R & M Mulholland 1821, 3rd Donnelly Bros 1793, 4th W Jones 1786, 5th M Fegan & Son 1782, 6th L Faloon & Son 1779, 7th J F McCabe 1771, 8th D Carroll 1768, 9th J F McCabe 1767, 10th W Jones 1766. Very Well done to J F McCabe on topping the Federation from Roscrea, some would say they seen it coming for the loft has been in top form over the last couple of weeks, he put six into the top 20 of the Federation last week from Tullamore.

Newry & District 19/378 - 1st J F McCabe 1821, 2nd L Faloon & Son 1779, 3rd J F McCabe 1771, 4th J F McCabe 1767, 5th G Hughes 1766, 6th J F McCabe 1751, 7th Niblock Bros 1720, 8th R McKelvey 1706, 9th J F McCabe 1705, 10th Mark Maguire & Son 1704. The J F McCabe performances continue in week three of the O/Bird campaign with 5 in the first 10 of the result and a commanding winner into the Newry Club some 42 yards in front of Leo Falloon who makes do with runner-up for the second time in 3 weeks.

Millvale Invitation - 1st Mr & Mrs R & M Mulholland 1811, 2nd Mr Billy Jones 1786, 3rd Mr Michael Fegan & Son 1782, 4th Mr Des Carroll 1768, 5th Mr Billy Jones 1766, 6th Mr Noel Murtagh 1766, 7th Mr Noel Murtagh 1765, 8th Mr Mark Maguire & Son 1764, 9th Mr Aiden Curran 1764, 10th Mr Aiden Curran 1763. The top partnership of R & M Mulholland lift the top honours this week for the first time this year, they had four in the result last week and all were well placed in the North South Federation. I have know doubt it will be the first of many this year.

Markethill HPS - 1st J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1796, 2nd M McDowell & Sons 1758, 3rd M McDowell & Sons 1747, 4th J & H Muldrew & Cummings 1742. The Muldrew and Cummings partnership top the club this week ahead of a couple of good returns for the McDowell loft this week again with the winner clocking another arrival to complete the top four within the competitive Markethill club.

Drumnavaddy HPS 12/298 - 1st J Smyth & Sons 1793, 2nd J Beck 1770, 3rd L F & B McGrath 1770, 4th J Smyth & Sons 1766, 5th S Ogle 1766, 6th J Beck 1760, 7th J Beck 1760, 8th J Beck 1749. Very well done to Joe Smyth who takes the Red Card for the second week on the trot ahead of the Beck loft who had a tremendous card finishing 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th. I see Sammy and Brendan knocking on the door also.

Banbridge Social - 1st E McAlinden 1754, 2nd Eddie McAlinden 1750, 3rd T McKinstry 1740, 4th B Winters 1734, 5th D Winters 1732, 6th T Lynn 1705. Eddie McAlinden has them in excellent order and many will know in Banbridge when the McAlinden loft is in form he is very hard to beat, this is two in a row for the inform Eddie ahead this week of Tom McKinstry in 3rd and the loft of B winters completes the top four.

Ballyholland 10/295 - 1st O Markey 1723, 2nd A McAteer 1710, 3rd M McDonald 1695, 4th O Markey 1679, 5th M McDonald 1679, 6th J Murtagh 1671, 7th C O’Hare 1671, 8th A McAteer 1655, 9th O Markey 1655, 10th J Murtagh. The Master is back for a new campaign just ahead of the distance flyer Aiden McAteer. Well done Owen on hitting top spot this week.

Bessbrook - 1st E Niblock 1723, 2nd R Black & Son 1716, E Niblock 1692, Cowan Bros 1643. The Niblock loft is top of the pile this week into the Bessbrook Club and had another arrival finishing 3rd Club for good measure.

NIPA Section H Clubs Roscrea

Limavady RPS 10/215 - 1st H Crawford 1722, 2nd B Mailey 1610, 3rd H Crawford 1607, 4th R McIlmoyle 1605, 5th R Witherow 1584, 6th W McIlmoyle 1561, 7th J Crawford 1468, 8th J Kerr 1351. The Crawford loft takes the Red Card this week having finished 6th and 7th Club last week from Tullamore, Brian Mailey moves up a place also and is start to knock on the door.

Maiden City 21/260 - 1st P McLaughlin 1711, 2nd S McGrotty 1678, 3rd M Concannon 1569, 4th D Friel 1560, 5th E Quigley 1557, 6th D Friel 1551. Well done to Pat McLaughlin on topping the strong and competitive Maiden City ahead of the McGrotty with both two taking a commanding lead in the Club this week from Roscrea.

Foyle RPS 34/429 - 1st J & G Ramsey 1706, 2nd A McCrudden 1683, 3rd P & E Maxwell, 4th B & K Reid, 5th B & I Maguire & McDevitt, 6th J Gallagher, 7th Cooley Bros, 8th B & I Maguire & McDevitt, 9th Sean Duffy, 10th N & S McGrotty 1576. Jim and Gary Ramsey are tops of the sheet this week in the strong Foyle RPS ahead of the ever present Anthony McCrudden. The winning pigeon homing in just short of the 2 & 1/2 hours up into Derry City from Roscrea.

Omagh & District HPS - 1st Alan Hall 1664, 2nd R Adams 1631, 3rd R Adams 1626, 4th R Adams 1549, 5th A Kelly 1544, 6th A Kelly 1500. Alan Hall just keeps up the good performances following an incredible result last week into that area he turns up triumphs once gain this week.

Londonderry RPS - 1st Leo Flanagan 1576, 2nd B Houston 1548, 3rd B Houston 1539, 4th P McLaughlin 1504, 5th N Murray 1495, 6th T & M Gallagher 1485, 7th A Funston 1469, 8th D Wick 1467, 9th J & D Kelly 1458, 10th B Houston 1431. Well done to Leo Flanagan on an excellent win for him from Roscrea, ahead of the Houston loft who had a very impressive card finishing 2nd, 3rd and 10th Club.

Strabane RPC 15/124 - 1st T Ferguson & Son 1563, 2nd T Ferguson & Son 1504, 3rd N
McGavigan 1431, 4th T Mc Bride 1431, 5th T Conway 1430, 6th T Mc Bride 1425. Excellent result for the Ferguson loft into Strabane with a 1st and 2nd ahead of the inform McGavigan loft.

City of Derry Federation Roscrea 81/944 – P McLaughlin Maiden City 1711, J & G Ramsey Foyle 1706, A McCrudden Foyle 1683, S McGrotty Maiden City 1678, M/M P Maxwell Foyle 1677, B & K Reid Foyle 1634, Maguire & McDevitt Foyle 1627, J Gallagher Foyle 1624, Cooley Bros Foyle 1622, Maguire & McDevitt 1601, S Duffy Foyle 1600, N McGrotty & Son Foyle 1576, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1576, M Concannon Maiden City 1569, D Friel Maiden City 1560, E Quigley Maiden City 1557, D Friel 1551, E Quigley 1550, B Houston Londonderry 1548, S Duffy 1547.

The Ulster Federation decided early on a change of day for the race marking, it was to be Saturday with liberation planned for Kildare on Sunday 26th May. For the second week in Kildare the Ulster Federation convoy was released at 10.15 in a helping Southerly wind. With results so far it’s the Wheatfield HPS that have the top places Rab Braniff has two birds with the winner doing velocity 1668 and the ever present J & D Braniff team have two early arrivals as well. Dougie Jones and Sons have the top bird into the City of Lisburn topping Lagan Valley on 1654 and Paddy O’Neill & Son take the premier place in the big Grosvenor HPS with almost 600 birds competing.

Ulster Federation Club Results Kildare (2)

Wheatfield HPS - 1st Rab Braniff 1668, 2nd J & D Braniff 1659, 3rd Rab Braniff 1658, 4th J & D Braniff 1656, 5th J & D Braniff 1656, 6th J & D Braniff 1655, 7th J & D Braniff 1645, 8th J & D Braniff 1645. Same race point as last week and yet another Braniff Day in the Wheatfield HPS, this time it is Rab who rises to the occasion with the clean sweepers J & D finishing 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th with Rab taking 3rd also, in what was a very good race for him to get a couple of good arrivals splitting the J & D team.

Lagan Valley RPC 23/386 - 1st Dougie Jones & Sons 1654, 2nd Robert & Ashley Gore 1626, 3rd Gary Smyth 1621, 4th Gary Smyth 1618, 5th R Frazer & Son 1604, 6th R & A Gore 1591, 7th J C McKitterick 1583, 8th J & D Coburn & Sons 1582, 9th J & D Coburn & Sons 1576, 10th J & D Coburn & Sons 1575. Dougie Jones tops the Club for the first time in 2009 at this early stage, ahead of the father and son team of Robert and Ashley Gore who finish 2nd for the 2nd consecutive year in this race on very nearly the same velocity in 2008 they were second doing 1618ypm. Gary Smyth finishes 3rd and 4th ahead of the Chairman of the club Paul Frazer wit the gore loft completing the top six.

Grosvenor HPS 30/595 - 1st P O’Neill & Son 1653, 2nd J Porter & Son 1651, 3rd P Farrelly & Son 1650, 4th P & K McCarthy 1650, 5th J McAlorum 1639, 6th P O’Neill & Son 1628, 7th J Maguire 1602, 8th T Kearney 1590, 9th P & K McCarthy 1588, 10th P Farrelly & Son 1586. Paddy & Michael take top spot this week and also finish 6th Club for good measure. Finishing runner-up is Johnny Porter & Son with Peter Farrelly taking 3rd and 10th ahead of Paul and Kathleen McCarthy in 4th and 9th Club. Jamesy Maguire finishes 7th with T Kerney taking the 8th prize.

Shankill & District HPS 20/399 - 1st Smyth & Townsley 1650, 2nd J Wallace & Son 1647, 3rd A Taylor & Son 1642, 4th A Taylor & Son 1639, 5th D Balloch 1637, 6th J Gibson & Son & Tosh 1637, 7th D Smyth & Son 1633, 8th W Gilmore 1630, 9th W Gilmore 1630, 10th D Smyth & Son 1625. The partnership of Smyth & Townsley get their account opened in fine style this week from Kildare ahead of the Wallace partnership in 2nd. The winning partnership of Smyth and Townsley will be looking to increase on their 3 x 1st’s of last season and couldn’t have ask for a better start.

Alexandra HPS 8/159 - 1st Hamilton & Davidson 1640, 2nd Fegan & McAdorey 1620, 3rd Reynolds & McCafferty 1609, 4th D McGuinness & Son 1590, 5th I Walker 1587, 6th Hamilton & Davidson 1585, 7th Hamilton & Davidson 1584, 8th Hamilton & Davidson 1582. Two wins on the bounce for the Hamilton & Davidson team, very consistent racing by the winning loft having 5 in the result last week and another four in the first eight this week.

Fortfield HPS 20/265 - 1st D Ferran 1637, 2nd Kevy Doherty 1636, 3rd Martin & Tabb 1630, 4th A & S McConville 1626, 5th Kevy Doherty 1616, 6th Kevy Doherty 1616, 7th J Braniff 1615, 8th Martin & Tabb 1614, 9th Martin & Tabb 1602, 10th Phillips & McGrath 1590. The Ferran loft pops up this week to take the honours ahead of the ever consistent Kevy Doherty who finished runner-up last week also perhaps third time lucky.

Andersonstown RPC 13/260 - 1st V Cooney & Son 1632, 2nd R & M McManus 1629, 3rd J Kennedy & Son 1618, 4th A O’Hanlon 1616, 5th J Kennedy & Son 1612, 6th P Elliott & Sons 1611. Vincie Cooney moves up a place this week to record his first win of the 2009 season, ahead of the McManus partnership who finish in runner-up spot, they also have moved up the leader board after finishing 5th Club last week.

Britannia HPS - 1st McGann Bros 1618, 2nd McGann Bros 1600, 3rd T Curran & Son 1592, 4th M Kelly & Sons 1590, 5th T M McDermott 1551, 6th M Kelly & Sons 1541. The McGann loft lift their 1st Red Card of 2009 in style taking 1st and 2nd ahead of the Curran loft who were last weeks winners. Well done to the McGann Bros who will no doubt push to better their total of 3 x 1st’s of 2008.

Sydenham HPS - 1st I Cousins & Sons 1604, 2nd J & J Scates 1596, 3rd R & S Scates 1523, 4th J & J Scates 1522, 5th R & S Scates 1482. Well done to Ian on a good Club win into the Sydenham Club ahead of the J & J Scates team who topped the club last week from the same race point.

East End HPS - 1st A Cousins & Sons 1604, 2nd R & S Scates 1523, 3rd W Mosgrove & Sons 1486, 4th R & S Scates 1482, 5th R & S Scates 1482, 6th J Rainey & Son 1479, 7th J Rainey & Son 1476, 8th J Rainey & Son 1469, 9th R & S Scates 1439, 10th J & A Scott 1434. Very well done to the Cousins loft on an excellent start to the 2009 season they finish well ahead in first with the R & S Scates loft finishing runner-up with three more in the result finishing 4th, 5th and 9th. The A cousins & Sons Loft win the Pools with the partnership of J & A Scott collecting the Nom.

East End .HPS - 1st Andy McFarland & Son 1575, 2nd T Brown 1553, 3rd A McFarland & Son 1504, 4th A McFarland & Son 1501, 5th W Willis 1486, 6th A McFarland & Son 1484, 7th H & D J Bell & Sons 1483, 8th F Mudd & Sons 1478, 9th F Mudd & Sons 1472, 10th F Mudd & Sons 1471. Well done to Andy McFarland who tops the Club this week from Kildare ahead of the Brown loft who lift the Pools and Nom. Andy puts another three into the result finishing 3rd and 4th with the ever consistent Willis loft in 5th and Andy McFarland completing a very impressive result in 6th. East End 2 Bird Club Result 1st 1st T Brown and 2nd Frankie Mudd & Sons.

Ulster Federation Kildare (1) 164/2,695 - A & A Ferran Grosvenor 1385, P & K McCarthy Grosvenor 1381, Lindores Son & Nicolson West Belfast 1380.8, P & K McCarthy 1380.7, A Benson Lagan Valley 1380.6, P & K McCarthy 1380.5, Martin & Tabb Fortfield 1377, J Gibson Son & Tosh Shankill & Dist 1375, G & L Simpson Shankill & Dist 1374, B & E Carson Grosvenor 1372, M Johnston & Son West Belfast 1371.8, J Kennedy Andersonstown 1371.5, P & K McCarthy 1371.1, J & D Braniff Wheatfield 1369.9, W Gilmore Shankill & Dist 1369.7, J Porter & Son Grosvenor 1369.0, V Cooney & Son Andersonstown 1368.8, K Doherty Fortfield 1368.77, S Jordan West Belfast 1368.75, Calderwood & Waite Shankill & Dist 1368.4.

East Down Combine Club Results Neagh (1)

Annsborough HPS 17/432 - 1st Michael Jennings 1799, 2nd Mickey Croskery 1793, 3rd James Cleland 1777, 4th Mickey Croskery 1761, 5th James Cleland 1756, 6th Patrick Brown 1711, 7th Mickey Croskery 1696, 8th D Croskery & Son 1674, 9th R J Keown 1660, 10th D Croskery & Son 1654. First success of 2009 for the Jennings Loft ahead of the ever consistent Mickey Croskery who is startingto knock on the door. Michael Jennings Club winner is likely to figure very highly in the over-all Open result.

Crossgar HPS 11/438 - 1st McCartan & Woodsides 1758, 2nd McCartan & Woodsides 1738, 3rd McCartan & Woodsides 1693, 4th McCartan & Woodsides 1692, 5th McCartan & Woodsides 1688, 6th McGiverns & Adairs 1676, 7th S & K Duke 1673, 8th McCartan & Woodsides 1656, 9th McCartan & Woodsides 1655, 10th S & K Duke 1619. The McCartan & Woodsides team finished 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th and 9th last week but decided to put five in the result this week again only taking the first five on this occasions they are the in form team and are hard to beat when the loft is performing at this level.

Newtownbreda 10/234 - 1st B Hogg & Sons 1756, 2nd Tom Marshall & Son 1725, 3rd B Hogg & sons 1693, 4th W White & Son 1674, 5th B Hogg & Sons 1668, 6th Jim Tumelty 1658, 7th M & A Johnston 1651, 8th D & D Chew 1647, 9th Tom Marshall & Son 1646, 10th M & A Johnston 1645. Brian Hogg and Sons lift their second Red Card of the season following success in the first of the season from Mullingar, the loft finished 4th last week from Tullamore but made no mistakes this week returning to the top of the summit, 2nd is the father and son partnership of Tom and David Marshall who move up a place from last week with the Hogg boys finishing 3rd also.

Ballynahinch Social - 1st R Hunter 1752, 2nd J Gillespie & Sons 1635, 3rd J Gillespie & Sons 1623, 4th R Hunter 1621, 5th R Hunter 1617, 6th R Hunter 1613, 7th R Hunter 1601, 8th R Hunter 1596, 9th S & P Logan 1582, 10th S & P Logan 1579. The Hunter loft continues in fine form topping the club for the 2nd week on the trot also for the second week on the trot the partnership of J Gillespie & Sons finish 2nd and 3rd, very consistent racing by both parties and indeed all the prize winners.

Ballylesson HPS 13/295 - 1st John Patterson 1744, 2nd Mackey & Lockhart 1731, 3rd F Keery 1721, 4th John Patterson 1664, 5th john Patterson 1662, 6th A Cousins & Sons 1641, 7th A Cousins & Sons 1641, 8th C & D Smyth 1640, 9th A Cousins & Sons 1635, 10th C & D Smyth 1631. The man himself is back to the top of the sheet this week namely the formidable ‘JP’ two record his second success of the 2009 campaign. The partnership of Mackey & Lockhart are knocking on the door in 2nd place ahead of Fleming Keery who also is knocking on the door with credible performances in all the races to date in 09’.

Bangor RPC 14/238 - 1st D Hamilton & Son 1724, 2nd T & S Phillips 1716, 3rd R Moore & Son 1688, 4th A Todd & Son 1675, 5th R Moore & Son 1644, 6th T & S Phillips 1641, 7th D & J Caskey 1631, 8th D M Carmichael & R Anderson 1631, 9th R Moore & Son 1626, 10th Phillips Bros 1619. The Hamilton loft secures their first Red Card of 2009 with a good winner into Bangor on a difficult enough day, young Jack Thompson must also be congratulated on making the top 12.

Hillfoot HPS 9/163 - 1st H Flynn 1712, 2nd D Flynn 1695, 3rd M McClure 1633, 4th D & T Brennan 1573, 5th T Farlow 1530, 6th T & N Brennan 1525, 7th T Farlow 1508, 8th T Farlow 1480, 9th D & T Brennan 1473, 10th L & H Shields 1472. Well done to Hugh Flynn on yet another excellent result, this is two out of two for the loft and I hear it’s the same Club winner as last week that went on to finish 2nd Open East Down Combine, it’s a good one.

Drumaness Mills HPS - 1st P Burns 1707, 2nd G Morrison & Daughters 1665, 3rd J Kirk & Son 1590, 4th J Kirk & Son 1577, 5th G Morrison & Daughters 1575, 6th J Kirk & Son 1570, 7th G Morrison & Daughters 1498, 8th G Hillen & Partners 1223, 9th P O’Connor 1203. The Burns loft makes it two on the bounce with the Morrison loft moving up one place and the Kirk loft slipping one.

Killyleagh Central - 1st McComb Bros 1704, 2nd Gordon Bros 1687, 3rd E Marshall 1667, 4th S McLoughlin 1585. Well done to McComb Bros who top the Club this week from Neagh, a tight race with over 100 yards between the first four in the Club.

Cloughey 7/181 - 1st H Gordon & Partners 1641, 2nd H Gordon & Partners 1570, 3rd Mr & Mrs Addair 1545, 4th H Gordon & Partners 1540, 5th Gordon Bros & Sons 1530, 6th S Killen & Sons 1522, 7th Gordon Bros & Sons 1507, 8th S Killen & Sons 1505, 9th Shaw & Edgar 1488, 10th Shaw & Edgar 1487. Well done to the H Gordon & Partners partnership on lifting their first Red Card of 2009.

Dundrum HPS 6/139 - 1st J Maguire & Partners 1634, 2nd J Maguire & Partners 1602, 3rd S Foster & Connor 1550, 4th A Murray & Son 1517, 5th J Maguire & Partners 1505, 6th A Murray & Son 1502, 7th J Maguire & Partners 1474, 8th A McNamara & Partners 1454, 9th A McNamara & Partners 1441, 10th A McNamara & Partners 1398. Three out of three for the Maguire loft on what is an incredible start for all concerned in this inform partnership.

Tyrella HPS 10/267 - 1st S Halpin & Sons 1603, 2nd S Milligan & Daughter 1594, 3rd S Milligan & Daughter 1593, 4th S Milligan & Daughter 1591, 5th Telford Bros 1582, 6th D McNabb & Partners 1580, 7th Telford Bros 1570, 8th S Milligan & Daughter 1569, 9th D McNabb & Partners 1543, 10th D McNabb & Partners 1541. The Halpin loft take the Red Card this week having finished 5th Club last week. S Milligan & Daughter finish runner-up for the second week on the trot perhaps third time lucky

Downpatrick - 1st Paddy Lue & Son 1572, 2nd F Black & Son 1560, 3rd Paddy Lue & Son 1534, 4th Paddy Lue & Son 1521. Well done to Paddy Lue who tops the Club this week flying with the East Down Combine and also puts another two in the top four for good measure.

Annalong HPS 16/366 - 1st Donnelly Bros 1554, 2nd K Rooney & Son 1523, 3rd K Rooney & Son 1520, 4th K Rooney & Son 1502, 5th J Newell 1464, 6th K Rooney & Son 1455, 7th K Rooney & Son 1455, 8th B McConnell 1450, 9th S Ferguson & Son 1445, 10th McLoughlin Bros 1417. The Donnelly Bros finally get their head in front of the formidable Rooney loft this week to record their 1st Red Card of the 2009 season having been knocking on the door for the last couple of weeks.

South Down Federation - 1st Michael Jennings 1799, 2nd Mickey Croskery 1793, 3rd James Cleland 1777, 4th Mickey Croskery 1761, 5th James Cleland 1756, 6th Patrick Brown 1711, 7th Mickey Croskery 1696, 8th D Croskery & Son 1674, 9th R J Keown 1660, 10th D Croskery & Son 1654. Well done to Michael on topping the South Down Fed, with Mickey in a close second.

East Down Combine Nenagh (1) – R Irwin Dundonald 1809, M Jennings Annsborough 1799, M Croskery Annsborough 1793, J Cleland Annsborough 1777, M Croskery 1761, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1758, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1756, J Cleland 1756, R Hunter Ballynahinch Soc 1752, J Patterson Ballylesson 1744, McCartan & Woodsides 1738, Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson 1731, J & B Miskimmon & Son Donaghadee 1731, M Foulis Dundonald 1730, M Foulis 1728, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1725, D Hamilton & Son Bangor 1723, F Keery Ballylesson 1721, T & S Phillips Bangor 1717, H Flynn Hillfoot 1712, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1711, P Brown Annsborough 1711, P Burns Drumaness 1707, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1704, M Croskery 1696, D Flynn Hillfoot 1695, Ferguson & Wilkinson Millisle & Dist 1693, B Hogg & Sons 1693, McCartan & Woodsides 1693, McCartan & Woodsides 1692, J & B Miskimmon & Son 1690, R Moore & Son Bangor 1688, McCartan & Woodsides 1688, Gordon Bros & Sons Killyleagh Cent 1687, J Crockard & Son Comber Soc 1687, J & B Miskimmon & Son 1685, R N & L Brown Millisle & Dist 1681, McGiverns & Adairs Crossgar 1676, A Todd & Son Bangor 1675, D Croskery & Son Annsborough 1674.

EDC West Sect - R Irwin Dundonald 1809, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1758, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1756, R Hunter Ballynahinch Soc 1752, J Patterson Ballylesson 1744, McCartan & Woodsides 1738, Mackey & Lockhart Ballylesson 1731, M Foulis Dundonald 1730, M Foulis 1728, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1725, F Keery Ballylesson 1721, H Flynn Hillfoot 1712, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1711, P Burns Drumaness 1707, D Flynn Hillfoot 1695, B Hogg & Sons 1693, McCartan & Woodsides 1693, McCartan & Woodsides 1692, McCartan & Woodsides 1688, J Crockard & Son Comber Soc 1687.

EDC East Sect - M Jennings Annsborough 1799, M Croskery Annsborough 1793, J Cleland Annsborough 1777, M Croskery 1761, J Cleland 1756, J & B Miskimmon & Son Donaghadee 1731, D Hamilton & Son Bangor 1723, T & S Phillips Bangor 1717, P Brown Annsborough 1711, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1704, M Croskery 1696, Ferguson & Wilkinson Millisle & Dist 1693, J & B Miskimmon & Son 1690, R Moore & Son Bangor 1688, Gordon Bros & Sons Killyleagh Cent 1687, J & B Miskimmon & Son 1685, R N & L Brown Millisle & Dist 1681, A Todd & Son Bangor 1675, D Croskery & Son Annsborough 1674, F Gilmore Comber Soc 1673. Race flown Sunday and Prov Open & Sect Result received on Monday – That’s Quick!

Williamson & Calvin will have special training every Sunday Balbriggan or Kildare. Birds can be hampered night before or up to 7.50am morning of toss at 23 Farra Road. Ronnie Tel: 07841 762399. Collection times will be different for a Sunday. Ballyoran Hill 8.00am, Edgarstown HPS 8.15am, Laurelvale HPS 8.30am, Markethill Corner 8.45am, Newry 9.20am. Training will continue each Tuesday & Thursday from Ardee and Slane Castle. Usual collection arrangement.

The Fanciers Combine Roscrea Result - 1st F Wright 1720, 2nd F Wright 1718, 3rd W & K Stewart 1698, 4th C & J Ferris 1666, 5th J Brown 1633, 6th D & B Lyness 1632, 7th T Wilson 1629, 8th J & D Breen 1610.4, 9th C & H Beattie 1610.2, 10th J Curran 1601. Nomination won by C & H Beattie 1311. The Fanciers Combine will run an Open Race on May Day Bank Holiday 4th May from Roscrea. Fanciers from all organization are welcome - £2 per bird with trainers priced at 40p each. Pigeons will be rung between 06.30 am and 09.30 am in Edgarstown Club Rooms, Portadown.

Irish South Road Fed Club Results Mallow

Bray Inv 21/357 - 1st Cowap & Cahill 1472, 2nd John McDermott & Son 1454, 3rd P & D O’Toole 1453, 4th John McDermott & Son 1450, 5th P & D O’Toole 1450, 6th Bill Davis & Family 1448, 7th Cowap & Cahill 1423, 8th Bill Davis & Family 1420, 9th Cowap & Cahill 1417, 10th Stephen Homan 1412. The Cowap & Cahill partnership return to the top of the leader board this week after finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th last week from Pilmore Beach. John McDermott had a couple of good arrivals finishing 2nd and 4th Club with the P & D O’Toole partnership completing the top four.

Dublin North County - 1st Madden Bros 1562.499, 2nd Breda Deegan 1554.843, 3rd Breda Deegan 1542.037. Well done to the Madden Bros on yet another success ahead of the inform Breda Deegan in 2nd and 3rd. Many thanks to Alan for the result.

Irish South Road Federation Open Result Pilmore Beach (1)

1st Mick O’Hoolahan Jnr, Sarsfield 1320; 2nd P Holmes, Rialto & District 1319; 3rd Mr & Mrs P Byrne, Sarsfield 1319; 4th Derek Larkin, Finglas RPC 1312; 5th John Nash, Cabra RPC 1311; 6th Derek Larkin 1311; 7th Derek Larkin 1310; 8th Mr & Mrs D Killeen, Finglas RPC 1310; 9th P Byrne & Family, Sarsfield RPC 1308, 10th D Turner, Finglas RPC 1308; 11th T O’Brien, Cabra RPC 1306; 12th Anto Sweeney, Sarsfield RPC 1303; 13th J O’Toole, Finglas RPC 1301; 14th J Nash, Cabra RPC 1301; 15th D Cummins & Son, Finglas RPC 1298; 16th D Cummins & Son, Finglas RPC 1296; 17th Grogan & Kearns, Finglas South West 1294; 18th T O’Brien, Cabra RPC 1292; 19th B Power, Clondalkin RPC 1291; 20th T O’Brien, Cabra RPC 1291; 21st Brown & Smith, Finglas South West 1290; 22nd Mr & Mrs P Byrne 1289; 23rd A Sheridan, Finglas South West 1288; 24th Mr & Mrs D Killeen, Finglas RPC 1288; 25th Mr & Mrs D Killeen 1287; 26th G O’Mara & Family, Kildonagh RPC 1287; 27th J Nash 1286; 28th J O’Callaghan, Cabra RPC 1286; 29th Derek Larkin, Finglas RPC 1285; 30th J Boland & Daughter, Finglas RPC 1285; 31st M McManus, Cabra RPC 1284; 32nd A Sheridan, Finglas South West 1284; 33rd Derek Larkin 1284; 34th M Whelan, Celtic Inv RPC 1284; 35th A Sheridan, Finglas South West 1283; 36th Brian Brady, Greenhills & District 1282, 37th B Brady 1281; 38th F Nash & Son, Dublin Homing Club 1281; 39th A Furlong, Rialto & District 1280; 40th J Murphy & Son, Greenhills & District 1279; 41st J Boland & Daughter 1279; 42nd A Nulty, Greenhills & District 1278; 43rd Derek Larkin 1278; 44th Mr & Mrs P Byrne, Sarsfield RPC 1275; 45th T Byrne, Sarsfield RPC 1275; 46th P Holmes, Rialto & District 1273; 47th J Boland & Daughter 1272; 48th P Donnelly & Sons, Tallaght & District 1272; 49th S Lennox, Shelbourne RPC 1271.

East Coast Federation Tramore

Sallynoggin HPS 27/449 - 1st Ken Doyle & Sons 1474, 2nd Ray Matthews 1473, 3rd Ray Matthews 1473, 4th Ray Matthews 1473, 5th B & M Cunningham 1471, 6th M Matthews & Sons 1466, 7th Kelly & Foster 1451, 8th E Barnes & Son 1447, 9th Sam Matthews & Sons 1425, 10th Kelly & Foster 1419. Very Well done to Ken on a very good win with a good number of entries away in the Club. Ken Doyle and Ray Matthews are likely to turn the Pottery Road are of Sallynoggin into a hot bed over the coming weeks. Well done to all the prize winners keep it up. Thanks to Stephen for the result. Any other East Coast Clubs looking into the weekly report just email me on the address at the end of the column or Adie on celestiallofts@aol.com

Skerries RPC 11/331 - 1st Paul Jones 1452, 2nd Paul Jones 1439, 3rd Paul Jones 1427, 4th Paul Jones 1426, 5th Paul Jones 1412, 6th Art Kelly 1393, 7th Jim Smith 1389, 8th Art Kelly 1377, 9th Paul Jones 1371, 10th Dermott Mulholland & Son 1366. Paul opens up his account for 2009 in fine style using his new Bricon ETS, he takes the first five in the Club and put another one in the top 10 for good measure.