Homer's Odyssey 25/09/17 -

[willie reynolds]

Homer’s Odyssey – 25/09/17

North Coast Classic Roscarbery Final 02/09/17 -

This year we unfortunately had to bring our final forward one day. The forecast on Wednesday for the Sunday was very poor with no possibility of liberation. A decision had to be made, so Sean contacted two third parties who were or had been very experienced Race Controllers of a major organisation and their advice was to go for a Saturday race. Another local contact was sought for his advice and all five of us were of the same opinion that Saturday was our best option. This caused us another problem with our Prize Presentation Function and after a lot of consideration Sean decided to cancel it. This was a major disappointment to a lot of our patrons, but with most people racing their own pigeons and the uncertainty of how many were going to attend the decision was made. We hope that you all understand that these two decisions were not taken lightly. The interests of the pigeons is, and always will be, our priority.
Friday evening catching, scanning and loading unto transporter commenced. Willie set up the system , Kenny Glass had the unenviable task of catching all the pigeons , Sean examined every pigeon thoroughly, I scanned them over the pad , Matt Kelly put them unto the transporter and Paul O’Connor oversaw the whole process. Donny Dysart our convoyer arrived sharp at 7.00pm and the pigeons were on their way . I personally was mighty impressed with their condition and Sean who is hard to please, agreed.

Donny watered the youngsters early next morning and left the drinkers on in preparation for liberation. Contact was made with all organisations liberating in Ireland that day, line of flight information accessed and in conversation with Donny on site, a decision to liberate at 8.00am was made. This was done so in beautiful sunny conditions with a light South to South East wind. This wind was to increase to moderate on the journey home. The youngsters as they have being doing all year, took a half circle and headed North for home.

At the lofts there were fewer in attendance to witness the arrival of the birds, which was to be expected considering a lot of patrons were racing their own pigeons that day. Those that could attend waited in eager anticipation of the first arrivals. Whilst doing so and during the birds arrival we all enjoyed the hospitality of the NCC. The usual burgers , sausages , sandwiches , pastries and refreshments were available .
Surprisingly the first youngster arrived on its own after 4 hrs 48 mins to claim our 1st Prize. This fine Blue cock was owned by Peter Lucas , an ever present with NCC . This youngster is a Jeff Greenaway x Owen Kirwan cross .This pair are responsible for breeding Peter other offspring to have success in other OLR’s including hotspot wins and many placements .

Second home 50 seconds behind was to Tony Tobyjanski , another faithful supporter of NCC . Unfortunately Tony’s Flights were booked for Early Sunday and he missed the arrival of his youngster. This bird secured for its Breeders Alpine Lofts , our first venture home prize of £1000. Francis Corcoran supplied these fine Luc Cueleman pigeons and indeed Tony was also the proud winner of our Two Bird Average with his second entry home in a commendable 26th position. This was another of the Luc Cueleman venture youngsters .

In third spot comes a new entrant to NCC, Mossview, top racers J Milliken and Grandson Mark . These lads are a top local partnership and as well as third this pigeon secured our Ace Pigeon award. This youngster comes from a strong line of pigeons that have won right out to St Malo. The sire being from A & R McAuley (Soontjens) and the dam from one of NIPA’s finest fanciers Danny Dixon’s Miss Perfect Van Loon lines x Steel & McNeill Van Loons . The Ace pigeon is an award that is coveted and extremely hard to win and in doing so this year this youngster attained the highest finish ever in an NCC Final.
Fourth goes to Charlie’s Angels (Charlie McCrudden) , bred by his son Terence , who has a fine record in the NCC , being our Ace Pigeon Winner 2014 and other success both in the final and Hotspots . Terence also bred the pigeon that was 2nd Europa Classic a few years back. The fourth placed youngster is bred from his Ghislan Donders Belgium lines of the 740, 22 x 1st and prolific breeder x with a pigeon off M Mullholland which was 13th NCC Final last year, again being through the 740 lines of Ghislan Donders .

Tickers Team, (Tommy Grattan and Mr Stukey ) our 2015 Champions weigh in this year with a commendable fifth place . This is another partnership who support the NCC year in year out and this prize winning youngster is sired by a Jos Joosen who in turn was mated to a Reedyk-Jongehryg hen who have being breeding the goods for Tommy .

Sixth place this year goes to Joe’s Jets , my granddaughters , who were 6th in 2015 with a youngster presented to them by J Hall & Son Portaferry , 3rd 2016 when in a syndicate with R Herron & Son , top flyers in Houghton Fed and Washington Celtic.This year again this youngster was one of the raffle youngsters bred by J Hall & Son Portaferry . This one is a Hartog bred off John’s best winning lines which have brought John great success at the highest level including NIPA open wins .John is a past winner of the NCC and there is always one of his in the prizes every year.

In seventh we have a venture youngster bred by Danny Dixon and purchased by John and Jeremy McDowell (Triple J). The Triple J is a tribute to their late father Jack. This youngster is off Cousins 161 lines x Paul O’Connor’s Cousins 278 lines and Bertie Fletcher lines. As you can see, all the best of the Frans van Wildemeerch breeding .

Eighth place sees another raffle venture pigeon make the prizes . Peter Lyttle bought this one when we offered them up for sale as time had run out to have another Raffle before the First Hotspot . Bred by K Parsons (Hofkens UK) and containing the best of the Soontjens lines through the sire Silver Blue , top racer and breeder. Silver Blue won when racing 1st Section & 2nd Open UNC Lillers and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Fed in other races . The dam is Soontjens through Nesbitt & Small’s Special Pair. She is a full sister to Decka Lamb’s top racer who has won 5 x 1st Club , 6 x 2nd Club , 3x 1st Fed and 2 x 2nd Fed .

Ninth prize is taken by Whiterock Rockets (Johnny Porter). Johnny is another who is ever present in the NCC and his youngster is off Bond & Diamond crossed with a bird from Paddy O’Neill. These two birds were 72nd and 52nd YB Nat respectively.

Tenth this year is M Rabbett & Son (Ballygrove Lofts). First time entrants and in the prizes and also 7th Ace Pigeon , this fine youngster’s Sire was a gift from Mickey Browne Derry who purchased it off Mr & Mrs Guenther & Son Scotland, Engles /Meulmans. He is breeding winners right through to Penzance for Michael . The dam was purchased at Ronnie Witheroe’s sale and is Leo Van Rijn/Janseen bred by Foster & Larkham Newtownabbey . A son of this hen has been 21st NCC Final.
Team Spirit (Reggie Thompson , Cyril and Hilary Beattie) claim eleventh spot with one whose sire was gifted to Hilary by Danny Dixon . Dam is off Davy Hutchinson’s Soontjens lines . Cyril and Hilary are our Feed Sponsors and are always at hand for support and advice.

Our final prize this year goes to one of the top OLR racers in the UK, Cookstown Sizzlers , (Glen Smith and Karl Murphy ). Past winners of both the NCC and WDW, Hotspot wins and recently 5th WDW prove the quality of their pigeons. This youngsters nest-mate has won 2 x 1st for Glenn .

The NCC is a venture that can’t physically be managed by one person, so Sean has asked me to give a special mention to the following for their help this year. I will start with the man who holds the whole venture together , William Bond . Willie is involved in all aspects of the NCC , from the hardest to the most menial task . Willie is tireless in his efforts to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible . Others who this year have been a major factor in helping to get the ship back on course are Paul O’Connor who helps in any way he can , especially with his posts and photographs on the NCC FB site. Matt Kelly , a new member of the team , who is ever reliable and always willing and able to help . Kenny Glass as usual does whatever is asked of him. Darren (Burger Man) Tosh for his culinary skills. Jim Braniff, just a phone call away if needed to help in any way . Artie O’Hanlon who oversees the clocking process in the hotspots and Final. Big John Edgar, Dominic Diamond and Norman Bradley for their help with transport duties in the Hotspots . Donny Dysart Convoyer for this year’s final . Jimmy McSeveney and Michael Rabbett for posting results to FB as quickly as the pigeons were arriving . Michael for stepping in to do the Livestream when unfortunately Jimmy due to racing his own pigeons was not available. Cyril and Hillary Beattie our feed sponsors. To you all Sean sends his thanks and appreciation for all the help that you provide.

Finally to all whose unswerving loyalty to our venture and our newcomers to the NCC , we express our heartfelt thanks . NCC auction will be conducted through www.pigeon-chat.co.uk on their auction page. Details of sale will be posted on both NCC sites when date is finalised. Adrian Moffatt PO.

Amelia Earhart – Combined Averages and winners League Table

This will be my final club report for the 2017 season, to the relief of many I'm sure lol.
Racing this year has had its fair share of ups and downs; but it was nice to see that club members held their own over the racing season and did well in races at local and national level. With a continued downward trend in reducing membership by either those leaving the sport or leaving to other clubs; we had on average 10 men sending each week to the races. Birdage through the old birds was slow but consistent and surprisingly the young birds this year saw an upward trend and maintained throughout the whole programme. Whether it was down to good pigeons or training, or a combination of both our members tended to send more birds racing than the rest of the local clubs on many occasions. It was nice to see that the effort paid off for the fanciers in the club, as with a total of 15 competing lofts 12 managed to win at least 1 first prize. Over the past few reports we have acknowledged that the partnership of Tommy & Ryan White, who only raced young birds this year, managed to dominate the young bird season and won the young bird averages winning 4 races and consistently in the top prizes with the birds they were gifted this year, some achievement and a massive well done. With the majority of lofts darkening their young birds, the lofts of M & M Rabbett gave a good run for their money with their natural pigeons but with the moult on the birds holding them back, they managed to maintain a firm 2nd spot in the young bird averages with next door neighbours Noel & Ciara Doherty taking the 3rd spot. Just as the races tended to be dominated in the young birds, the same was said for the old bird programme. Racing a team of semi-widow cocks and roundabout Hens, the loft of M & M Rabbett was the firm favourite week in week out. Winning a total of 5 races in the old birds and taking other various positions in the top prizes, they looked firm favourite for the old bird averages as well. This wasn't to be, as by playing it safe sending all birds to all inland races and none over the channel, they set their fate as the ever consistent loft of Eamonn Quigley managed to swoop in and clinch the top spot for the averages having clocked in the Penzance Classic race, beating the Rabbett’s by 4 points. Next door neighbours Noel & Ciara Doherty took the final top spot in the old Bird averages.

The combined averages for the club of course was both OB and YB added together. This was absolutely anyones gain and all to play for as the scores where not too far apart from each other. With a good performance in the old birds and a steady performance in the young birds, M & M Rabbett managed to maintain the ever so slight lead over 2nd position Eamonn Quigley as the young birds started drawing to a close. The combined average scoreboard was:
M & M Rabbett 45 + 24 = 69, Eamonn Quigley 49 + 14 = 63, Noel Doherty 22 + 19 = 41, Tommy White 0 + 38 = 38, Jimmy Quigley & Son 13 + 12 = 25, P & S Campbell 12 + 9 = 21, William McCloskey 15 + 4 = 19, Cathal Fox 14 + 2 = 16, Lexie McCloskey 12 + 2 = 14, Andy Mitchell 5 + 8 = 13, W & D Hamilton 9 + 3 = 12, Mickey Gill 2 + 6 = 8, Gerard Ferguson 5 = 5, Gerard McGlinchey 4 = 4.

With the combined averages I can now also confirm the top league table in the club based on wins, number of 2nd and 3rds and then into 4th and 5th positions (total).
M & M Rabbett 6 5 3 1 8, , Eamon Quigley 5 4 5 2 3, Tommy & Ryan White 4 1 3 1 3, Noel & Ciara Doherty 2 4 1 6 , Jimmy Quigley & Son 2 1 2 2 1, William McCloskey 1 3 1 , P & S Campbell 1 1 2 3 , Cathal Fox 1 1 1 1 2, Andy Mitchell 1 1 1 1, W & D Hamilton 1 1 1 , Michael Gill 1 1 1, Gerard Ferguson 1 , Lexi McCloskey 1 2 2 , Gerard McGlinchey 1 , Ronan McCauley & Son.

Round up of the top 6 prizes in the club -
Old Bird Fancier of the Year won by M & M Rabbett, Old Bird averages won by Eamonn Quigley, Young Bird Fancier of the Year won by Tommy & Ryan White , Young bird averages won by Tommy & Ryan White, Overall Fancier of the Year won by M & M Rabbett , Combined Averages won by M & M Rabbett.

It has been a successful year for the club and the members, and as stated previously, it was great to see that 12 men have all won at least 1 trophy. Here’s to a successful 2018 season and I look forward to seeing everyone at the presentation night. From a personal point of view, as secretary, it has been a pleasure to work with everyone this year, despite the few ups and downs along the way. This job is still new to me and a learning experience and I am thankful for your continued support and patience. Michael Rabbett Secretary & PO.

Wednesday 2 Bird Breeder & Buyer (Coleraine) -

I can't thank you all enough for the support back in march for our first ever Breeder Buyer
It was a huge success for the first time running it. The race was yesterday from Fermoy and the birds where flying over 200 mile from the shortest to 219 to the longest.
Everyone was paid out today that win money only the breeders to post off their winnings.

Next year I will be running one again in March and already we have had names coming in from England and Ireland who are going to support this for me. I really do appreciate this lads from all my pigeon friends. You can enter as many birds as you wish in the 2018 event.
Feel free to post your name on the Facebook Page if you wish to enter the next one and how many birds you wish to enter. Jimmy McSeveney Secretary & PO.

Meeting Season underway -

It’s all systems go at Ballymena & District, all racing equipment left aside for another year and the club set up for the annual Show Series. Members have been informed in writing regarding all the info, opening show will be Monday 30th October for Old Cock and Old Hen Through the Wires. The Open Show will be Monday 1st January and that’s the day the draw will be made for the Fireside Quiz. Quiz Sheets are available from any member or contact Mrs N Gilbert Tel 07724 507621. The Open Show is only available for lofts in the NIPA Sect B due to space problems. The annual dinner will be held just prior to the Blackpool Show weekend in January as usual and we will be joined by the winners in the Mid Antrim Combine. A Squeaker Sale is to take place before racing, more on this later.

The meeting season is now in full swing, the next NIPA Committee meeting will be held on 3rd October, cup claims should be made immediately the full list so far is on the NIPA Site. No doubt a Sect B meeting will be arranged shortly which will allow any discussion or decisions to be put forward to the NIPA in time for their AGM in February.

The RPRA (Irish Region) award details are listed in the recent BHW, all claims by 2nd October 2017. Mileage Awards are as usual – 0-250 Miles, 251-450 Miles, Over 450 Miles, Best Single Bird Performance OB or YB, Young Fancier for any of the above 8-16yrs racing on own. Finally Club Secretary to submit claims for Single Bird Performance Talbenny (2) & Penzance. Application Forms available from Region Secretary with SAE to M/M Reid, 131 North Road, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. BT387QJ. An Irish Region meeting of Appeals Committee will be held on Saturday 7th October in the Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick at 1.30pm.

UK & ROI Golden Duif Competition – Ace racers should take note of this new competition. With the season now drawing to a close we are sending out entry forms for this year’s UK & ROI Golden Duif Awards. If you would like an entry form please email me on stuartwilcoxauctions@hotmail.co.uk and I will reply with it attached. We already have some excellent entries from across the UK and ROI so don\'t be left out, very easy to complete.
Secretary of Mid Antrim Combine Willie Reynolds must have all claims and trophies by 30th September. Old Bird Inland Average, Cross Channel Average, Old Bird Ave, B Eagleson Memorial Cup best average Talbenny (1) & (2), Bude and Penzance, Old Bird of the Year, Young Bird Ave, New North Cup best average Bude & Talbenny YB, Combine Average, and Young Bird of the Year.

Steve Eglington Omagh & Dist – 1st & 3rd Sect H Rosscarbery
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my father, Stephen Eglington, Roy Irwin of Dundonald and Alan Clamp (England) for the supply of super pigeons and advice money couldn't buy.
I have raced a small team of darkness youngsters from the second area liberation through to the Rosscarbery Y B national and have had great success at club and section level.
Many thanks again to those who make this sport enjoyable with their kind advice.

Ian Blair Dungannon & District – 1st, 3rd & 5th Sect A Rosscarbery
Colum Reid has asked could I put the following picture into my column in the BHW. Ian Blair from Dungannon & District HPS had a great result from Rosscarbery YB National, winning 1st, 2nd & 5th Section A, and 12th, 21st & 46th Open NIPA. Thanks for that and nice to feature two new names to the sport in the last racing report of the year. Getting coverage in the column is as simple as that, photos and info on the top winners can be sent either to my Mobile, or E-Mail. I would ask all the readers to keep that in mind for next season, I cover Sect A, B, E & H in the NIPA and the column is available for all.

HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com
www.irishnationalflyingclub.com

Photo Captions
Steve Eglington of Omagh & Dist, 1st & 3rd Sect H from Rosscarbery YB Nat.
Ian Blair from Dungannon & District, 1st, 3rd & 5th Sect A from Rosscarbery YB Nat.
I don't think I've seen this man more shocked than today. Donny Dysart was the winner yesterday in the Breeder Buyer Winning £500 each for himself and Kev Parsons the Breeder. Brilliant.
In second place are Rhonda and Jason Parke winning £250 for them and Paul Postings the Breeder
In third place are Bond and Diamond winning £100 with a youngster bred by Diamond bros and Mclaughlin - Big Gerry collected the winnings.
In fourth spot winning £50 is the loft of Steele and McNeill and bred by Jim Armstrong winning £50. Jackie is a very good friend of mine and always puts himself forward if I need any assistance and I can't thank him enough.
Winner of the Wednesday 2-Bird Breeder Buyer £500, nice bird.
McMurray & Anderson of Ligoniel , 1st Sect C & 5th Open NIPA St Malo with The Lone Ranger, Bev was the dam bred and raced by B & D McClurkin.
Congratulations to Glen Buckley and son Jonny from Annaghmore on winning the Irish National Flying Club, National Champion Award for 2017.