Homer's Odyssey/BHW Plus - 08/05/09

[willie reynolds]

The other organisations that we are covering in the reports this weekend are as follows:- Ulster Federation were in Thurles and liberated at 9.00am in a Lt South Westerly. The East Down Combine were in Nenagh for the second week on the trot and liberated at 11.30am. The Irish SR Federation where in Rosscarbery and under the direction of Heno Byrne liberated 10.00am in a Lt South Westerly. The East Coast Federation (Dublin) were in Pilmore Beach and they liberated at 11.00am. Thanks to everyone who supplied info, either on liberations, race reports, results and those who took the bother to submit a photo.

Irish South Road Federation Open Result O/B Mallow 445/9095

1st M Byrne, Sarsfield RPC 1624; 2nd A Nulty, Greenhills & District 1614, 3rd A Nulty, Greenhills & District 1614; 4th Tom Nelson, Ballymun PC 1613; 5th M Feeney & Son, Donnycarney RPC 1611, 6th W McCarthy, Cabra RPC 1611; 7th B Brady, Greenhills & District 1607; 8th Byrne & McCabe, Dublin Homing Club 1605; 9th G O’Mara & Family, Kildonagh RPC 1599; 10th G O’Mara & Family, Kildonagh RPC 1599; 11th P Lawless, Dublin Premier RPC 1596; 12th T Daniel, Sarsfield RPC 1596; 13th J Nash, Cabra RPC 1596; 14th Tom Nelson, Ballymun 1595; 15th J Nash, Cabra RPC 1594; 16th F McEnroe, Sarsfield RPC 1593, 17th T O’Brien, Cabra RPC 1593; 18th G O’Mara & Family, Kildonagh RPC 1590, 19th P Dandy & Family, Clondalkin RPC 1587; 20th R Carrick & Son, Kildonagh RPC 1586; 21st A & J McMahon, Clondalkin RPC 1584; 22nd T Walsh & Son, Rialto & District 1582; 23rd A Nulty, Greenhills & District 1582; 24th B Power, Clondalkin 1581; 25th B Power 1581; 26th A Farrell, Fingals RPC 1580; 27th B Brady, Greenhills & District 1579; 28th B Power, Clondalkin 1578; 29th J Toner, Dublin Premier 1578; 30th Mr & Mrs Emerson & Sons, Ballymun 1578.

Club Results Mallow (1)

Sarsfield RPC – 1st M Byrne 1624, 2nd Tucker Daniel 1596, 3rd Frank McEnroe 1593, 4th Mr & Mrs N Leonard & Daughter 1577, 5th Tucker Daniel 1568, 6th P Byrne & Family 1565, 7th Sheridan Bros 1558, 8th Pat Craven 1557. Well done to Mick Byrne on a fantastic result that sees the MIGHTY Sarsfield RPC at the top of the Federation Open result for the 2nd week on the trot. Tucker Daniel is having a good start to the season also, not surprising of course as I have been in this man’s company on a few occasions and know from talking with him that he is hungry for success.

Greenhills & District – 1st Alan Nulty 1614, 2nd Alan Nulty 1614, 3rd Brian Brady 1607, 4th Alan Nulty 1582, 5th Brian Brady 1579, 6th Alan Nulty 1572, 7th Alan Nulty 1571, 8th Alan Nulty 1571, 9th B Brady 1568, 10th B Brady 1565. This week we have the Alan Nulty and Brian Brady Show, what a performance by both men, Alan with the result of the day with a couple of good arrivals together to finish 2nd and 3rd Federation against 9,000+ pigeons. Brian was the man from Pilmore (1) finishing 1st and 2nd, it’s the turn of Alan to reverse the tables from Mallow.

Donnycarney RPC – 1st M Feeney & Son 1611, 2nd M Feeney & Son 1525, 3rd Daniel Bros 1524, 4th Mrs & Mrs O’Driscoll 1535, 5th T Kane 1497, 6th M Feeney & Son 1485, 7th Mr & Mrs O’Driscoll 1480, 8th P Poole & Son 1475, 9th Daniel Bros 1466, 10th Daniel Bros 1466. The Feeney loft gets in on front of the Daniel Bros in this one following the result from Pilmore Beach, it was a super arrival for the Feeney loft on the day and as well as running away with the Club result with a commanding 86 yards the gallant pigeon finishes 5th Open with 9,000 pigeons competing.

Cabra RPC 19/421 - 1st W McCarthy 1611, 2nd John Nash 1596, 3rd John Nash 1594, 4th Terence O'Brien 1593, 5th K Hughes 1576, 6th J O'Callaghan 1575, 7th M Kane 1567, 8th M Hughes 1567, 9th W McCarthy 1565, 10th W McCarthy 1565. Well done to Willie McCarthy who had a super year in 2008 and has started 2009 in fine form. He comes in this week in front of the Nash loft who have yet another very consistent over-all team result following a 5th Open placed result last week from Pilmore Beach.

Dublin Homing Club – 1st Byrne & McCabe 1605, 2nd C Keogh 1574, 3rd Byrne & McCabe 1567, 4th J B Ryan 1567, 5th P Keegan 1562, 6th F Nash & Son 1556. Well done To Heno on topping the Dublin Homing, Henry timed a very good arrival ahead of fellow Club Mate Christy Keogh to finish 8th in the Federation, with another close arrival that’s finishes 3rd Club and 53rd Open in the Federation with some 9,000 pigeons competing.

Kildonagh RPC – 1st Gerry O’Mara & Family 1599, 2nd Gerry O’Mara & Family 1599, 3rd G O’Mara & Family 1590, 4th R Carrick & Son 1586, 5th Gerry O’Mara & Family 1570, 6th A Dent & Son 1567. Well Done to Gerry O’Mara on yet another very good result, a couple on the same yard take 1st and 2nd Club with the assistance of the ETS, these two good arrivals finish 9th & 10th in the Federation result with his 3rd arrival slipping nicely into 18th Federation with the Carrick & Son loft finishing 20th Federation.

Dublin Premier – 1st P Lawless 1596, 2nd J Toner 1578, 3rd Curran & Rush 1565. Well done to Paul on topping the Club from Mallow finishing 11th Open in the Federation result. With the toner loft finishing in a close second with the Curran & Rush partnership making up the first 3 in the Club on 1565ypm which see’s them finish 63rd Open.

Clondalkin RPC – 1st P Dandy & Family 1587, 2nd A & J McMahon 1584, 3rd B Power 1581, 4th B Power 1581, 5th B Power 1578, 6th B Russell 1574, 7th B Dunne & Sons 1561, 8th T Dunne 1553. Excellent result for the Dandy partnership a good arrival into the club that has finished 19th Open in the Federation over-all result. The A & J McMahon team are next best in the Club ahead of 3 good arrivals for the Power loft who topped the Club last week from Pilmore Beach finishing 19th Open also.

Rialto & District – 1st T Walsh & Son 1582, 2nd B Armstrong 1565, 3rd P Holmes 1562, 4th B Armstrong 1560, 5th Harris & McDonald 1559. Well done to the Walsh loft on lifting the Red Card from Mallow, ahead of the Armstrong loft who puts in a good performance to finish 2nd ahead of P Holmes who in fact finished 2nd Open last week from Pilmore Beach with 8,800+ pigeons competing, a loft currently in fine form.

Finglas RPC – 1st A Farrell 1580, 2nd Derek Larkin 1576, 3rd Derek Larkin 1575, 4th Danny Dalton & Son 1571, 5th A Farrell 1567, 6th Mr & Mrs D Killeen 1567, 7th Derek Larkin 1559, 8th Mr & Mrs D Killeen 1558. The Farrell loft tops the pile from Mallow in the strong Finglas RPC ahead of the ever consistent Derek Larkin in 2nd and 3rd Club, Derek had a super race last week from Pilmore Beach finishing 4th, 6th and 7th Open with over 8,000 birds competing. The loft of Danny Dalton & Son complete the top four in the Club.

Ballymun PC – 1st Mr & Mrs Emerson & Sons 1578, 2nd Tom Nelson 1570, 3rd Brian Hoey 1560, 4th Gerry Doherty 1552, 5th Gerry Doherty 1549, 6th Brian Hoey 1548, 7th Tom Nelson 1548, 8th Mr & Mrs Emerson & Sons 1546, 9th Tom Nelson 1544, 10th Tom Nelson 1536. Mr & Mrs Emerson & Sons top the club this week from the Fed’s first race from Mallow in 2009 following a 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th Club last week from Pilmore, certainly a loft in fine tune as is the loft of the man in 2nd Club that being Tommy Nelson who will, I am sure figure highly in the ISRF yet again this year.

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.

Tallaght & District 25/582 - 1st M Warner & Son 1573, 2nd R R Coughlan 1555, 3rd B Bradford 1551, 4th Alan Best & Son 1547, 5th Alan Best & Son 1543, 6th W Croy 1534. The Warner loft is top of the leader board this week ahead of the Coughlan and Bradford lofts with Alan Best then coming into the result with a couple of good arrivals.

Tallaght Premier 19/282 – 1st M Quinn 1568, 2nd H Haide 1565, 3rd J Bracken 1553, 4th G Lynam 1548, 5th M Callaghan 1548, 6th P Dunne 1541, 7th M Callaghan 1535, 8th Tom Keating 1512, 9th Mick Callaghan 1508, 10th Ger Begley. Well done to Mick Quinn who records the top arrival into the Premier Club, ahead of Henry Haide in runner-up spot with the loft of Jimmy Bracken completing the top three.

Ulster Federation Club Results Thurles (1)

Wheatfield HPS – R Braniff & Son 1764, 2nd J & D Braniff 1761, 3rd J & D Braniff 1755, 4th J & D Braniff 1755, 5th J & D Braniff 1755, 6th J & D Braniff 1755, 7th Rab Braniff & Son 1754, 8th J & D Braniff. The former Millar Gold Cup Winner makes it two in a row and has them coming exceptionally well, which you have to have to beat the J & D Braniff team, Rab has successfully done it the last couple of weeks and I hear it is last weeks Federation winner again, with early indications pointing towards Federation success again, not two many of back to back Federation winners about from two different race points, is the hat-trick on the cards. Well done Rab.

Grosvenor HPS 32/616 – 1st F Toner 1756, 2nd A & A Ferran 1755, 3rd P & K McCarthy 1750, 4th J & L Smyth 1749, 5th J Maguire 1748, 6th F Toner 1748, 7th T Kearney 1742, 8th P Farrelly & Son 1738, 9th J Lennon 1738, 10th F Toner 1736. Frankie Toner takes tops spot this week along with 6th and 10th club for good measure. Big Tony Ferran takes runner-up spot with the same pigeon that topped the Club and finished 1st Federation from Kildare this year with 2,695 pigeons competing. Paul and Kathleen take 3rd with Joe and Linda slipping into 4th spot, Jamesy Maguire moves up a couple of places on last week into 5th Club with the Kearney loft finishing 7th ahead of Peter Farrelly in 8th and Jim Lennon who knows a thing or two about how to win the 2 Bird in 9th Club.

Andersonstown RPC 14/246 – 1st Johnston Bros 1756, 2nd J Jackson 1745, 3rd P Elliott & Sons 1745, 4th P & P McMahon 1745, 5th G Boyle & Son 1745, 6th Johnston Bros 1739. Very Well Done to Michael and Martin on this their first success of the season, and I also hear through the grape vine that they lift the DTW and all the pools with this one. The Jackson loft is in a close second ahead of the Elliott loft in 3rd on the same yard.

Lagan Valley RPC 25/415 – 1st Smyth & Adams 1755, 2nd R & A Gore 1754, 3rd R & A Gore 1752, 4th A & R Milliken 1751, 5th F Taggart & Sons 1751, 6th D Jones & Sons 1749, 7th H Jennings & Sons 1748, 8th H Jennings & Sons 1748, 9th R & A Gore 1744, 10th Smyth & Adams 1742. How pleasing it is to see this partnership name back at the top of the race result sheet. This is the first success for the loft since 2007. Eddie has put a lot of hard work in over the last number of weeks and perhaps this is the start of the Smyth and Adams dominance once again. Robert and Ashley Gore are continuing to knock on the door and have the pigeons in fine form they have finished runner-up now the last two weeks perhaps third time lucky.

Shankill & District HPS 19/442 – 1st D Balloch 1751, 2nd D Smyth & Son 1751, 3rd J O’Boyle 1744, 4th E Drake 1743, 5th A Taylor & Son 1742, 6th D Smyth & Son 1742, 7th A Taylor & Son 1742, 8th W Gilmore 1740, 9th J & R Newberry 1739, 10th Calderwood & Waite 1738. Well done to Davy Balloch who records his first success of 2009 following a 5th Club last week from Kildare. The Smyth and Son loft come close only pipped on the line, but knowing these boys they will be knocking on the door again.

Britannia HPS – 1st T Curran & Son 1750, 2nd T Curran & son 1748, 3rd McGann Bros 1745, 4th T Curran & Son 1732, 5th J & B Smyth 1732, 6th M Kelly & Son 1725. The Curran loft returns to the top spot this week replacing the McGann Bros who finish in 3rd this week. Looking over the Club result for this corresponding race from last year the Curran boys took the first two in the Club that day. Well done.

Fortfield HPS 21/291 – 1st K Doherty 1748, 2nd D Ferran 1745, 3rd K Doherty 1745, 4th Martin & Tabb 1742, 5th Martin & Tabb 1728, 6th K Doherty 1726, K Doherty 1726, 8th K Doherty 1722, 9th Martin & Tabb 1721, 10th T & T Russell 1717. With six in the first ten of the result last week in the Club and five in the top 10 this week, the loft of Kevy Doherty is the one to beat and very much the loft in form. Last week he only managed the runner-up spot behind Davy Ferran this week the place are reversed. Well done to both men on very consistent racing.

Sydenham HPS – 1st J & J Scates 1746, 2nd I Cousins & Sons 1720, 3rd I Cousins & Sons 1720, 4th J & J Scates 1711, 5th J & J Scates 1692, 6th R & S Scates 1692. The J & J Scates team return to the top of the leader board this week to record their 2nd success of the season a head of the ever consistent Cousins Loft.

Alexandra HPS 9/190 – 1st J McErlean & Son 1731, 2nd J McErlean & Son 1717, 3rd J McErlean & Son 1717, 4th J McErlean & Son 1701, 5th J McErlean & Son 1699, 6th J McErlean & Son 1696, 7th Reynolds & McCafferty 1688, 8th Reynolds & McCafferty 1684. Following a 2nd in the first race of the season from Kildare what a way to score your 1st of the season by taking the first six in the Club, a super result and one of those ones you will always remember.

East End HPS – 1st A Cousins & Sons 1720, 2nd A Cousins & Sons 1720, 3rd J & A Scott 1717, 4th J Rainey & Son 1710, 5th J Rainey & Son 1708, 6th J Rainey & Son 1700, 7th J Rainey & Son 1697, 8th J Rainey & Son 1692, 9th R & S Scates 1692, 10th J & A Scott 1650. Well done to the Cousins loft on two excellent arrivals both on the exact same decimal point, this making it two Red Cards on the trot. The Cousins partnership need no introductions to you the reader, they are the current EDC Fanciers of the Year and own without any doubt the best winning family of FVW pigeons in Ireland. They collect the pools in the Club and the Nom was won by the Rainey loft.

East End – 1st H & D J Bell & Sons 1715, 2nd W Willis 1713, 3rd W Willis 1706, 4th Frankie Mudd & sons 1704, 5th H & D J Bell & Sons 1700, 6th T Brown 1700, 7th F Mudd & Sons 1700, 8th W Willis 1699, 9th F Mudd & Sons 1694, 10th F Mudd & Sons 1693. Well done to the Bell team on an excellent win into the East End Club following their 7th Club last week from Kildare. The Willis loft as always is pushing for the top spot, with Frankie Mudd & Sons completing the top four. The 2 Bird result was as follows 1st W Willis who collected the pools and 2nd Frankie Mudd & Sons who collected the Nom.

East Down Combine Club Results Nenagh (2)

Crossgar HPS 12/449 – 1st S & K Duke 1877, 2nd McGiverns & Adairs 1858, 3rd McGiverns & Adairs 1858, 4th McGiverns & Adairs 1857, 5th McGiverns & Adairs 1855, 6th McGiverns & Adairs 1855, 7th A & A Cheevers 1850, 8th McCartan & Woodsides 1845, 9th McCartan & Woodsides 1845, 10th McCartan & Woodsides 1845. Sammy Duke had a couple of arrivals in the prizes last week from Nenagh, but this is the icing on the cake from that race point, a superb Club winner that will command a very high Open position if not in fact winning it. He is 19 yards clear of the McGiverns & Adairs partnership who continue to beat on the door and have the card of the day within the Crossgar Club.

South Down Federation Result – 1st A Murray & Son, Dundrum 1863, 2nd S Halpin & Sons, Tyrella 1863, 3rd S Halpin & Sons, Tyrella 1861, 4th N Maguire, Annsborough 1857, 5th P McCartan, Annsborough 1856, 6th K Rooney & Son, Annalong 1855, 7th K Rooney & Son 1855, 8th S Milligan & Daughter, Tyrella 1854, 9th K Rooney & Son, Annalong 1854, 10th K Rooney & Son 1854. Four weeks of racing and A Murray & Son make it the fourth different winner of the South Down Federation, which just shows the level of competition, well done too all the winners and of course all the competitors who continue to improve. Thanks Brendan for all you help.

Dundrum HPS 6/145 – 1st A Murray & Son 1864, 2nd A Murray & Son 1806, 3rd A Murray & Son 1800, 4th A Murray & Son 1799, 5th A Murray & Son 1797, 6th A Murray & Son 1792, 7th A McNamara & Partners 1785, 8th J Maguire & Partners 1779, 9th S Foster & Connor 1779, 10th J Maguire & Partners 1775. What a way to collect your first Red Card of 2009, a superb performance by the Murray loft taking the first six in the Club following a good 4th and 6th Club last week. Keep up the good work.

Tyrella HPS 8/256 – 1st S Haplin & Sons 1863, 2nd S Haplin & Sons 1861, 3rd S Milligan & Daughter 1854, 4th S Halpin & Sons 1852, 5th S Halpin & Sons 1845, 6th D McNabb & Partners 1836, 7th S & E McGaw 1821, 8th D McNabb & Partners 1818, 9th D McNabb & Partners 1816, 10th D McNabb & Parters 1807. Two on the trot for the Halpin loft with the Milligans still in hot pursuit. The McNabb partnership are continuing also to show good form with four good arrivals in the result this week, and they also have already scored this season.

Bangor RPC – 16/322 – 1st D & J Caskey 1859, 2nd Lambert & Stewart 1846, 3rd R Moore & Son 1836, 4th Burgess & Brennan 1836, 5th R Moore & Son 1824, 6th R Moore & Son 1824, 7th Lambert & Stewart 1815, 8th D M Carmichael & R Anderson 1814, 9th D & J Caskey 1812, 10th D & J Caskey 1804. The D & J Caskey team have well and truly moved up the leader board this week to record their 1st success of 2009 ahead of the every improving partnership of Lambert & Stewart with the formidable Reggie and David Moore in third place and the Ace partnership of Burgess & Brennan completing the top four.

Killyleagh Central 17/320 – 1st McComb Bros 1859, 2nd S McLoughlin 1830, 3rd N & W Hagan & Sons 1821, 4th N & W Hagan & Sons 1820, 5th McComb Bros 1817, 6th McComb 1804, 7th McComb Bros 1802, 8th E Marshall 1798, 9th S McLoughlin 1797, 10th Gordon Bros & Sons 1784. Great weekend for the McComb Bros topping both the Club in the EDC race from Nenagh but also taking the first four in the Club from the NIPA Clonmel race.

Ballynahinch Social – 1st Rab Hunter 1859, 2nd Rab Hunter 1839, 3rd Rab Hunter 1836, 4th S & P Logan 1834, 5th R Hunter 1825, 6th R Hunter 1818, 7th R Hunter 1812, 8th S & P Logan 1802, 9th W Catherwood & Sons 1801, 10th S & P Logan 1792. What a card for Rab Hunter, six in the first ten of the result for the 2nd week which includes taking the first three, this also secures his 3rd Red Card of the 2009 season so far. Stephen & Pearl Logan complete the top four this week.

Annsborough HPS – 1st Noel Maguire 1857, 2nd P McCartan 1856, 3rd P McCartan 1851, 4th D Croskery & Son 1833, 5th Mickey Croskery 1833, 6th P McCartan 1823, 7th M Croskery & Son 1820, 8th M Croskery & Son 1818, 9th James Cleland 1815, 10th Patrick Brown 1813. Noel Maguire pops up this week to take the Red Card his first of 2009 ahead of the McCartan loft in 2nd and 3rd with the ace partnership of D Croskey & Son completing the top four.

Annalong HPS 15/318 – 1st K Rooney & Son 1855, 2nd K Rooney & Son 1855, 3rd K Rooney & Son 1854, 4th K Rooney & Son 1854, 5th J Newell 1847, 6th Donnelly Bros 1843, 7th Donnelly Bros 1841, 8th J Newell 1841, 9th B McConnell 1840, 10th B McConnell 1829. The Rooney loft returns to top spot this week in fine style to record their second success of 2009 having finished runner-up last week from the same race point. The loft won 13 x 1st’s last year and will no doubt be trying to equal if not better that total this season.

Cloughey – 1st Shaw & Edgar 1853, 2nd Shaw & Edgar 1851, 3rd Gordon Bros & Sons 1832, 4th Shaw & Edgar 1821, 5th Gordon Bros & Sons 1813, 6th H Gordon & Partners 1795, 7th H Gordon & Partners 1795, 8th Gordon Bros & Sons 1793, 9th H Gordon & Partners 1780, 10th Mr & Mrs T Adair 1733. Well done to the Shaw & Edgar team on a super one, two in the Club ahead of the ever consistent Gordon Bros & Sons.

Newtownbreda HPS 10/258 – 1st B Hogg & Sons 1851, 2nd T Marshall & Son 1842, 3rd D & D Chew 1835, 4th Jim Tumelty 1834, 5th Jim Tumelty 1830, 6th M & A Johnston 1830, 7th M & A Johnston 1829, 8th B Hogg & Sons 1826, 9th B Hogg & Sons 1821, 10th B Hogg & Sons 1821. Excellent result once again this week for the Hogg Boys they top the club yet again with three more arrivals in the top ten of the Result, Tom and David Marshall are close on their heels in runner-up spot.

Hillfoot HPS 8/173 – 1st J Scates & Son 1846, 2nd H Flynn 1834, 3rd D & T Brennan 1798, 4th J Scates & Sons 1797, 5th J Scates & Sons 1786, 6th T & N Brennan 1774, 7th H Flynn 1771, 8th H Flynn 1758, 9th D & T Brennan 1757, 10th D & T Brennan 1754. Jackie records his first success of 2009 into the Hillfoot Club with a good arrival that will figure well in the over-all Open result. Hugh Flynn finishes runner-up after topping the Club last week from the same race point, good flying.

Dundonald HPS 8/240 – 1st J Young & Partners 1838, 2nd S Brown & Sons 1835, 3rd Mark Foulis 1831, 4th Mark Foulis 1825, 5th Roy Irwin 1820, 6th Rea & Warke 1817, 7th Mark Foulis 1817, 8th B C T Foulis & Gill 1813, 9th S Brown & Sons 1811, 10th B C T Foulis & Gill 1810. Jim Young tops the Club this week for the 1st time this year ahead of the ever consistent Stephen Brown & Sons with the formidable Mark Foulis completing the first four with a 3rd and a 4th Club following a 2nd and 3rd Club from the same race point last week.

Downpatrick - J Linden & Son 1806, P Lue & Sons 1804, 1773, J Quinn & Son 1758. A week to remember for Jim and son Christopher who break their Novice Status, many congratulations Adie & Homer.

Killyleagh & District – B Murray 1801, T & C Kilpatrick 1797, 1794, H McAllister 1788.

Drumaness Mills HPS – 1st G Morrison & Daughters 1800, 2nd J Kirk & Son 1799, 3rd P O’Connor 1785, 4th J Kirk & Son 1765, 5th C Lavery 1750, 6th P Burns 1729, 7th G Morrison & Daughters 1727, 8th J Kirk & Son 1720, 9th J Kirk & son 1716, 10th J Kirk & Son 1715. The Morrison loft records its first success of 2009, following up on their impressive 2008 season that seen them lift 6 x 1st Club’s one of which was collected in this corresponding race of 2008. The Kirk loft is never far away and is just pipped this week by 1 yard.

East Down Combine Nenagh (2) – S & K Duke 1877, A Murray & Son Dundrum 1864, S Halpin & Sons Tyrella 1863, J Patterson Ballylesson 1862, S Halpin & Sons 1861, R Hunter Ballynahinch Soc 1859, D & J Caskey Bangor 1859, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1859, McGiverns & Adairs Crossgar 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1857, N Maguire Annsborough 1857, P McCartan Annsborough 1856, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1855, K Rooney & Son 1855, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1855, S Milligan & Daughter Tyrella 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, Shaw & Edgar Cloughey 1853, S Halpin & Sons 1852, P McCartan 1851, Shaw & Edgar 1851, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1851, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 1850, J Newell Annalong 1847, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1846, J Scates & Son Hillfoot 1846, J Patterson 1845, S Halpin & Sons 1845, Ferguson & Wilkinson Millisle & Dist 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, S & K Duke 1844, F Keery Ballylesson 1844, S & K Duke 1844, S & K Duke 1844.

EDC West Sect - S & K Duke 1877, J Patterson Ballylesson 1862, R Hunter Ballynahinch Soc 1859, McGiverns & Adairs Crossgar 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1857, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1855, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1851, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 1850, J Scates & Son Hillfoot 1846, J Patterson 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, S & K Duke 1844, F Keery Ballylesson 1844, S & K Duke 1844, S & K Duke 1844.

EDC East Sect - A Murray & Son Dundrum 1864, S Halpin & Sons Tyrella 1863, S Halpin & Sons 1861, D & J Caskey Bangor 1859, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1859, N Maguire Annsborough 1857, P McCartan Annsborough 1856, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1855, K Rooney & Son 1855, S Milligan & Daughter Tyrella 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, Shaw & Edgar Cloughey 1853, S Halpin & Sons 1852, P McCartan 1851, Shaw & Edgar 1851, J Newell Annalong 1847, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1846, S Halpin & Sons 1845, Ferguson & Wilkinson Millisle & Dist 1845.

Irish South Road Federation Club Results Rosscarbery

Northside & District 21/350 - 1st M & G McCourt 1815, 2nd J Sheppard, 3rd M & G McCourt
4th J Boyd & Son, 5th M & G McCourt, 6th M & G McCourt, 7th M & G McCourt, 8th J Boyd & Son, 9th K & D Perry & Daughters, 10th M & G McCourt. Very Well done to Mark & Gerry McCourt of a very good result from Rosscarbery, early indications are that this is the one to beat, the McCourt partnership have now racked up three wins on the trot and this weeks winner has been placed in the result the last two weeks. Well done boys.

Sarsfield RPC 41/682 – 1st Frank McEnroe 1810.9, 2nd Pat Craven 1809, 3rd 3 Paddy Moran 1800, 4th Mick Hoolahan Jnr 1799, 5th Tucker Daniel 1797, 6th Anto Sweeney 1797, 7th Mr & Mrs Mick Flynn 1797, 8th Mr Mrs Mick Flynn 1795, 9th Kevin Kershaw 1791, 10th Dennis Desmond 1788. Well done to Frank McEnroe who records his first success of 2009, ahead of the inform Pat Craven. Frank can certainly race a pigeon and one of the highlights of 2008 was finishing 1st and 2nd Federation from Tramore in the O/Birds.

Tallaght & District 24/423 – 1st Alan Best 1810, 2nd P Plummer 1808, 3rd R & R Coughlan 1786, 4th Alan Best & Son 1785, 5th Alan Best & Son 1784, 6th M Hughes & Son 1771. Alan Best records his second success of 2009 with a very good arrival I also hear that this particular winner was in fact a previous winner from the same race point.

Cabra RPC 17/326 – 1st J O’Callaghan 1807, 2nd A Gannon Dtg’s & Son 1804, 3rd W McCarthy 1800, 4th D & M Loughlin 1798, 5th A Gannon Dtg’s & Son 1798, 6th Bodie & Dobson 1798, 7th W McCarthy 1796, 8th M McManus 1796, 9th W McCarthy 1787, 10th J O’Callaghan 1785. Following a 6th club last week from Mallow the O’Callaghan loft pops up this week to take the lofts first Red Card of 2009.

Ballymun PFC – 1st Tom Nelson 1801, 2nd Kavanagh T & Farrell 1797, 3rd Mr & Mrs Emerson & Sons 1791, 4th Harry McCann 1786, 5th Brian Hoey 1776, 6th Tom Nelson 1775, 7th Mr & Mrs Emerson & Sons 1770, 8th Alan Meehan 1762, 9th James Kelly 1758, 10th Kavanagh T & Farrell 1752. What a race for Tom Nelson he actually has five pigeons recorded that will feature highly in the Federation result before he timed his Club winner, how’s that for a performance. Last week from Mallow the loft finished 4th Open with over 9,000 pigeons competing.

Dublin North County – 1st Madden Bros 1785, 2nd Madden Bros 1776, 3rd Madden Bros 1776, 4th Mr & Mrs B & P Emmett & Sons 1709. Many thanks firstly to Alan who got this two me in the wee hours of Monday morning when returning from work, his dedication in getting his members publicity is matched by our commitment to get the same into the weeklies.

Tallaght Premier 19/254 – G Lynam 1766, 2nd G Lynam 1765, 3rd P Smith 1764, 4th Mick Callaghan 1758, 5th A Cluuen 1750, 6th H Haide 1749, 7th P Smith 1748, 8th P Dunne 1747, 9th G Lynam 1743, 10th P Dunne 1743. Well done to Gary on taking the first two in the Club from Rosscarbery followed closely in 3rd by Paddy Smith with the ever consistent Mick Callaghan rapping up the top four. This is Gary’s second success of the season and retains the top perch this week following a 4th Club last week from Mallow.

Bray Inv RPC 22/353 – 1st Cowap & Buckley 1732, 2nd Cowap & Cahill 1731, 3rd Cowap & Cahill 1731, 4th Cowap & Cahill 1726, 5th Delaney, O’Reilly & Son 1715, 6th Cowap & Cahill 1709, 7th Cowap & Cahill 1706, 8th P & D O’Toole 1701, 9th Cowap & Cahill 1692, 10th Bill Davis & Family 1673. The partnership of Cowap and Buckley take the Red Card this week the first of 2009 with Peter Cowap just piping Joe in 2nd although Joe lifts the pool money. They both are two very competitive partnerships and it must be good fun on a race day.

East Coast Federation Club Results Pilmore Beach

Newtown/Kilpedder RPC 9/200 – 1st Eric Kennedy & Son 1776, 2nd Eric Kennedy & Son 1775, 3rd Sean Shannon 1755, 4th Gregory Large 1741, 5th Gregory Large 1738, 6th Eric Kennedy & Son 1738, 7th Sean Shannon 1722, 8th Martin Daly 1708, 9th Martin Daly 1707, 10th Martin Daly 1706. That is two on the trot for the Eric Kennedy & Son partnership, they have them flying well, Sean Shannon is moving up the table after finishing 9th last week from Tramore he show the way this week in 3rd place a head of Gregory Large who continues to keep the pressure on with another two good arrivals this week.

Malahide & District HPS 12/386 – 1st J Doheny 1753, 2nd G O Reilly 1740, 3rd T Madden 1713, 4th T Madden 1712, 5th T Madden 1798, 6th T Speers 1689, 7th T Madden 1683, 8th B Madden 1681, 9th T Madden 1658, 10th B Doran 1656. Good result for the twice winner of the Kings Cup Joe Doheny from Pilmore Beach, the O’Reilly loft who topped the Club last week finish second ahead of Tom Madden who put a number of good arrivals into the Clock.

Sallynoggin HPS 27/507 – 1st Kavanagh & Lawless 1729, 2nd Ray Matthews 1726, 3rd Ray Matthews 1726, 4th S Cunningham & Sons 1724, 5th S Cunningham & Sons 1724, 6th Ken Doyle & Son 1720, 7th Ray Matthews 1719, 8th E Barnes & Son 1718, 9th Ken Doyle & Sons 1717, 10th B & M Cunningham 1706. Well done to Dave and the boys this the first race for the Club using the Bricon ETS, good race also for the Matthews loft finishing 2nd and 3rd with the Cunningham Boys coming in with a couple and the man who scored 1st last week completes the first six in the strong Sallynoggin Club.

Skerries RPC 14/397 – 1st D Mulholland & Son 1705, 2nd P Rock & Son 1671, 3rd P Rock & Son 1668, 4th M Murtagh 1649, 5th N & C Shields 1642, 6th Dermott Mulholland & Son 1641, 7th P Jones 1632, 8th P Jones 1632, 9th P Jones 1616, 10th W Kelly & Sons 1590. Very well done to Dermott on lifting the Red Card for the second week on the trot with the same pigeons, not surprising with a good one like this that Dermott lifts all the Pools and Nom, it should also be no problem counting it for Dermott as he is the long standing treasurer of the Skerries Club, well done Dermott. Paddy Rock and son Martin take the next two in the Club with Martin Murtagh completing the top four.

Munster Federation Club Results Cavan

Roscrea RPC 7/95 – 1st Joey Donovan 1075, 2nd Joey Donovan 1070, 3rd Joey Donovan 1066, 4th Joey Donovan 1057. Well done to Joey on an impressive result flying with the Roscrea Club taking the first four all close to each other, the loft is in great form.

One Loft Races in Ireland Coleraine & Galway

Thought I would bring you up to date with both the progress of the North Coast Classic One Loft Race in Coleraine and the Galway One Loft Race. The North Coast Classic owned by Sean Diamond and Trevor Steele is now in full flow, the boys are at the loft every morning from 9.00am and you are more than welcome to call at any time to see the excellent team of pigeons numbering close now to 400. What a sight it is in the morning with these batching and flying around the loft, the first two Sections around 240 pigeons fly for around 1 hour in the morning when getting their liberty. Then the later youngsters which number over the 160 mark are let out to adjust to their new surroundings with many flying back and forward and flipping about as youngsters do. If you haven’t yet entered you still have time, as the loft doesn’t close to competitors until the end of May and I expect at that time their will be well over 600 youngsters within the 140ft long loft. If you have closed up the stock loft for the year, and don’t have any youngsters leaving the nest soon, don’t worry the boys have purchased three teams of Venture pigeons from three outstanding Studs all are available with a detailed pedigree and are priced at a recession busting £25 each. You can’t ask for better, you can call and select your own pigeon and then enter it into the One Loft Race and for those of you who are thinking of entering from the South of Ireland or England log on to northcoastclassic.co.uk and you will find a full list of the venture pigeons as they enter the loft, again application forms can be printed out and the rules and all is their for you to view. Trevor also updates the site daily with all the days news of what has went on at the loft.

With Bank Holiday May Day coming up towards the end of the month, the North Coast will be busy with Tourists and visitors and a perfect opportunity for you the fancier to mix a bit of pleasure with the pigeons. What I like about being able to visit the loft any day is that all fanciers can confirm all is well. Sean and Trevor have been very open with the Fancy from day one and as many fanciers will know with any new business venture you always get the knockers who spread malicious rumour. I know from being up their myself on a few occasions there is always a buzz about the place with fanciers coming and going all day long, don’t think there was any occasion when their wasn’t fanciers about when I called. Free Coffee and biscuits also.

The TauRIS ETS system will be fully operational over the next few days, with last weekend used to ring all the pigeons in the loft with their respective ETS Ring. So once again through the web-site you will be able to keep in touch with your pigeons as they go out and in every day, the joys of a daily blog so to speak.

Another bit of info this week is yet more support from fanciers in the North West with the offer to the North Coast Classic of the Windsor Club’s Trailer which has a capacity for 700 pigeons the duration of this years event. This will assist the boys greatly in their first year of business without having the outlay of around £8,000 to purchase one of their own. When you continue to get offers of support like this it just shows the support there is for the Coleraine men.

Throughout the winter months and early part of 2009, Sean and Trevor have had the pleasure of meeting and talking to a few of their fellow One Loft Race Organisers. This I myself consider a very positive approach as it is best working with one another than against one another. One of those One Loft Organisers the boys have built up a good relationship with is Mike Flannery of the Galway One Loft Race who has been and continues to be more than helpful to Sean and Trevor. During recent communications between the two one loft organisers they discussed the possibility of clashing with dates, as the North Coast Birds are flying from South to North and the Galway birds vice versa.

On Sunday 2nd August, Mike with the Galway team will be liberating in Dungannon and the North Coast team are in Monaghan. Mike has agreed to bring his event forward by one day to give Sean and Trevor a clear run, while on Sunday 16th the entries for the Galway Classic will be liberated at the Giants Causeway for their final race, which the north Coast boys will also take into consideration considering how close they are to the particular area.

Also as Mike Flannery and his team in Galway have already made extensive preparations for their 'Final race', Trevor & Sean have agreed to either bring their 'Clara' race forward a distance of 130 miles for an early Saturday liberation, or they will wait until Monday, depending on the weather forecast and advice sought from their Race Controller Mr Alan Darragh.

So all is going well, the team of 350 are going out and in daily; plans are in full swing and continue to be bettered every day. If you are up in the Coleraine area give them a call, to see a class operation in progress.

The Galway One Loft Race

The Galway One Loft Race also has been busy over the last number of weeks with many fanciers calling with their entries, the up to date list representing all the entries that are in the loft up until the 23rd of April is now available to be viewed on-line at www.westwingslofts.com the list numbers just a few short of 600 and considering the loft has just closed I expect the final total to be close to 700 all chasing the 1st prize of 50,000 Euro.

Mick Flannery has been busy over the last couple of weeks himself just not inside the loft but also outside with an extension to the rear of the original loft which runs the full length, this will allow for much more space and freedom for this years hopefuls. The first phase of improvements started inside the existing loft to create an extra 200 ft of perches, and extensive improvements to the ventilation, insulation, water delivery as well as extensive grilling in every section. Mick and his team then moved outside and started work on the 400 sq ft extension to the existing 1000 sq ft loft, which will increase air space and floor area, with a further allocation of 500 new perches, the air circulation around the loft has been improved as has the trapping and feeding areas taking into consideration the extra pigeons this year. They are always improving and always expanding!

The full and final list of entries in this years race will be available very soon, and I do know that the entries have arrived from all over the UK and a large number as was the case last year from the North of Ireland. I was down last year for the final race and stayed three days in Galway, a beautiful part of the world, and if your interested in the horses, the Flannery’s have organised their main events including the Hot Spot races and the final race to coincide with the major horse racing festivals around the area. You can be assured of an excellent fun filled weekend if attending and once again the Westwingslofts.com website has all the details about accommodation should you be considering it. Well that’s it for this week, I have included a few photos some of the pigeons within the North Coast Classic Loft as well as a few snaps of the improvements to the Galway One Loft Race and a couple of snaps of some visitors to the loft.

Obituary

I start the local pigeon column this week on a sad note, on behalf of the pigeon fraternity and the greater Lisburn population I would like to pass on my condolences to John Smyth known to us as (Junior), his younger brothers Tom and Geoff, sisters Linda and Audrey following the murder of their beloved brother Richard in South Africa last week. My sympathies are also extended to the complete family circle at this difficult time. Junior Smyth I have known for some time and the vast majority of pigeon fanciers will know of him racing pigeons to the highest standard in partnership with Eddie Adams under the partnership name of Smyth & Adams. Together in partnership they were considered one of the best racing partnerships within the town for many a year. Over the last couple of years and due to continuing heart trouble Junior decided to take a break from the sport of pigeon racing. Just when it looked as if he was considering starting again and within the last year tragedy hit the family with the death of his beloved grand-daughter Paula, at a very young age. The family’s heart break sadly continues now with the murder of Richard Smyth in South Africa. Many within the town have already phoned, called in person, or sent cards of condolence upon hearing of the shocking news of Richards’s death.

John Smyth (Junior) contacted me to see if it were possible for me to draft a few lines of thanks and appreciation through the weekly pigeon column to the many members of the public who have showed their sympathy to the Smyth family circle in so many kind and thoughtful ways over the last few days.

Many within the City of Lisburn would have known Richard very well before he immigrated to South Africa in 1982. Many have fond memories of the character that he was when owning the very well known and popular shop in Castle Street Arcade selling Tropical and Fresh Water fish, and all the usual requisites for the discerning public whether they be a Pigeon Fancier, the cage bird enthusiast, or someone just calling in for a chat about their goldfish. Most nights his shop was both the vocal point and meeting place for a variety of animal lovers discussing their respective hobbies.

In 1982 Richard decided due to the continual unrest here and with a young family to immigrate to South Africa where his brother Tom had lived since 1972. Richard was approaching his 57th birthday when he was gunned down last week in Johannesburg.

Approximately 7 years ago being the entrepreneur that he was, Richard decided to purchase an ailing Public House and Restaurant and built it up to be a thriving and vibrant business within the area of Johannesburg were he lived. It was known as the ‘In Place’ among the locals within the town where Richard Smyth and his family had settled.

Junior Smyth accompanied with some of the immediate family has now flown out to South Africa to assist with Richard’s funeral and to assist the family with any help or support they require at this very difficult time. Richard will be sadly missed by both his family and the vast circle of people who considered Richard their friend. Once again my sincere and deepest sympathies to the complete family circle at this difficult time. Adie.

East Down Combine Nenagh (2) – S & K Duke 1877, A Murray & Son Dundrum 1864, S Halpin & Sons Tyrella 1863, J Patterson Ballylesson 1862, S Halpin & Sons 1861, R Hunter Ballynahinch Soc 1859, D & J Caskey Bangor 1859, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1859, McGiverns & Adairs Crossgar 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1857, N Maguire Annsborough 1857, P McCartan Annsborough 1856, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1855, K Rooney & Son 1855, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1855, S Milligan & Daughter Tyrella 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, Shaw & Edgar Cloughey 1853, S Halpin & Sons 1852, P McCartan 1851, Shaw & Edgar 1851, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1851, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 1850, J Newell Annalong 1847, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1846, J Scates & Son Hillfoot 1846, J Patterson 1845, S Halpin & Sons 1845, Ferguson & Wilkinson Millisle & Dist 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, S & K Duke 1844, F Keery Ballylesson 1844, S & K Duke 1844, S & K Duke 1844.

EDC West Sect - S & K Duke 1877, J Patterson Ballylesson 1862, R Hunter Ballynahinch Soc 1859, McGiverns & Adairs Crossgar 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1858, McGiverns & Adairs 1857, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, McGiverns & Adairs 1855, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1855, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1851, A & A Cheevers Crossgar 1850, J Scates & Son Hillfoot 1846, J Patterson 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, McCartan & Woodsides 1845, S & K Duke 1844, F Keery Ballylesson 1844, S & K Duke 1844, S & K Duke 1844.

EDC East Sect - A Murray & Son Dundrum 1864, S Halpin & Sons Tyrella 1863, S Halpin & Sons 1861, D & J Caskey Bangor 1859, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1859, N Maguire Annsborough 1857, P McCartan Annsborough 1856, K Rooney & Son Annalong 1855, K Rooney & Son 1855, S Milligan & Daughter Tyrella 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, K Rooney & Son 1854, Shaw & Edgar Cloughey 1853, S Halpin & Sons 1852, P McCartan 1851, Shaw & Edgar 1851, J Newell Annalong 1847, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1846, S Halpin & Sons 1845, Ferguson & Wilkinson Millisle & Dist 1845.

City of Derry Federation Clonmel (1) 80/937 – E McEleney Foyle 1680, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1674, D Friel Maiden City 1674, N & S McGrotty Foyle 1670, Maguire & McDevitt Foyle 1667, N Murray Londonderry 1664, T & M Gallagher Londonderry 1663, P McLaughlin Maiden City 1658, S McGrotty Maiden City 1657, Maguire & McDevitt 1657, A McCrudden Foyle 1655, B & K Reid Foyle 1653, A McCrudden 1652, J McLaughlin Rock 1652, M Concannon Maiden City 1652, A McCrudden 1652, B & K Reid Foyle 1651, E Quigley Maiden City 1642, J & D Kelly Londonderry 1640, Coyle Bros Maiden City 1640. The winner tops the NIPA Sect H.

NIPA Sect C Club Clonmel (1)

Eastway HPS – Grattan Bros 1790, G McKenna 1789, J Burrows 1788, Whiteside Bros 1787, J Burrows 1781, J Dawson & Son 1778, M & A Pearson 1778, Whiteside Bros 1774, J Burrows 1765.

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