The Master Pigeoner... ROBERT SMYTH of Ireland
by Liam O'Comain
This article is about an Irish pigeoner whose name forever rests in the domain of Europe's greatest distance flyers. For Robert Smyth of Carnduff by Larne in the County of Antrim on the north-east coast of the Emerald Isle has won his spurs, so to speak.Yes, the complete flyer in long distance and marathon tasks over perhaps the toughest course in the world of pigeon racing. And that with a small team.
Larne has always been one of the hotbeds of the sport in Ireland and Robert by all accounts was the epitome of patience and tolerance. Qualities required if one has the ambition of climbing the heights of our sport. Moulding based upon the Bishop-Logans, Putman and Keynon bloodlines one of the greatest families of the sport. In fact Robert's family of pigeons won from all distances and, although primarily a hen racer, he has had many successes with the male of the species.
Perhaps his favourite bird was the immortal 'Continental Queen', a great thoroughbred who flew from France six times in her fabulous career. Twice St. Malo and four times Les Sables. Yes, four times 600 miles across two water courses i.e. the English Channel and the Irish Sea. Scoring 15th, 17th and 70th Open Irish National etc. A champion who also won the pools and nomination in a 143 miles inland race from the town of Arklow. In days gone by pigeoners from throughout the globe travelled to Larne to see this gem of a racing pigeon.
There was also the famous 'National Queen' with 40th, 11th and 10th Open Irish National Redon. Five hundred mile races when the last 200 miles must have been a type of hell for the courageous bird. There were many more greats but now let us look at what every champion loft requires - a champion sire. For the Smyth colony this was the great 'National Producer' - a black velvet cock bird with a super violet eye. For many this was the 'Dream Pigeon' whose offspring won time after time. Of course he was not alone for there was also the famous 'Mealy Hen' and the 'Blue Hen'. The latter also produced the goods. Confirming the basic necessity of owning good breeders if one aspires to success.
As stated, Robert Smyth's colony was composed of a small team based upon three of the best families in the sport's history. Fed mainly with beans, they occassionly were lifted into 600 mile contests after just one 50/60 mile race. As for the loft environment, it was the epitome of cleanliness. Another important fact is that Robert's birds flew from 2/3 hours around their home when exercising. Surely confirmation of supreme fitness.
In this brief tribute to a pigeoner whose example could be followed by novice and old hand alike I am aware that perhaps the sport in Ireland may never see his like again. A master of the sport who, like an artist, moulded the athletes who were in his care into a never to be forgotten greatness. Well done, Robert, and may you have many more sporting years.
The late Rab Smyth