Jimmy Rock of Harryville is now without question one of the best racing lofts in Ballymena, he has achieved highest prize-winner in his club and has a whole list of results through to France. He could top his club any week from the start of the season and in very recent years has topped the Mighty NIPA in the Talbenny YB Nat and the Penzance OB Classic. I presented Jimmy with a Top 15 Question list ages ago and although it was returned in good time I had never got around to using it. A very quiet and modest person is Jimmy, a real gentleman. Although he flies his birds in Harryville HPS, the lofts are based in Albert Place down beside the Tower Centre and very close to Ballymena & District.
LOFT FEATURE
Q1. When started racing, what club and was any family involved? Why did you start in the pigeons and what birds did you start with?
I started racing in 1988 joining Harryville HPS and a member ever since. Early birds were gathered up from Pet Shop and a few strays, just like many more who started the sport.
Q2. What organizations do you fly with currently?
At the present time the NIPA and also a member of the Irish Nat FC and Mid Antrim Combine.
Q3. Your Loft, Structure, length and how many?
Loft at the rear of property is an old house turned into a garage, with the loft above, it’s about 18 x 12.
Q4. Racing/training methods for old birds and young birds. Do you put YB’s on Darkness System, and what about Old Birds – Widowhood, Roundabout or just Natural?
About 40 old bird’s mostly Roundabout, approx. 40 youngsters raced Darkness System.
Q5. Feeding and systems etc over the season?
Usually Beatties Champion & Breeding Supreme and Vanroabeys.
Q6. Treatments, what and when used? Do you use Vitamins, if so what?
Treated for Canker, Cocci, Worms, Salmonella and Para-typhoid.
Q7. Breeding info when done etc.? - now that the rings are available before Christmas.
Stock paired mid-December, racers the end of January.
Q8. Birds at stock, strains kept and families etc.?
Birds obtained from good friends and club-mates, main family is Willy Jacobs through Oroory Hill.
Q9. Racing results over the years – Club, Sect & Combine and best Open positions with NIPA & INFC?
Lucky enough to win some big positions, included 3rd Open Fourgeres, 1st Sect & 7th Open Dinard, 1st Sect & 1st Open Talbenny YB Nat, 1st Sect & 1st Open Penzance, 1st Sect & 1st Open Penzance OB Classic. Recording 6 x 1st Club in the OB Derby from France.
Q10. Outstanding racers and stock birds since starting the sport?
Most memorable result 1st Sect & 3rd Open from Fourgeres in 2002. Have timed 15 birds in race time in the Old Bird Derby. Top breeders would include a Blue hen 08 Grondalaer/Darragh present from Steve McGarry , the best breeder by a distance 07 Cheq cock Willy Jacobs from Gerald Delaney. Five generations of winners down from this cock, last count 33 x 1sts.
Q11. What about cross channel racing both old bird and young bird?
Old Birds would be raced to France if they show form up to Bude. Young birds would generally go to Talbenny, on occasions sent to the Penzance Grand Nat.
Q12. Any positions held past or present? – Any work covered at the club?
Usually involved in the race marking, and then helping at loading crates on transporter.
Q13. Special mention of anyone who helped , or influenced you in the sport? Any views for the future?
Lots of good friends including M Alexander, M Wray, A McBride, A Darragh, J Smyth, I Axe, L Mullan, S McGarry, G Delaney and G Gibson.
Q14. Last but not least your best result, and what was biggest disappointment in the sport?
3rd Open in the OB Derby from Fourgeres and the biggest disappointment losing the 1st Sect & 7th Open Dinard bird in Talbenny.
Q15. Anything I missed you would like to mention? Not mad about publicity but he did thank me for the coverage despite the long delay. Thanks Jimmy, your results are well deserved.
Jimmy Rock collecting trophies at the NIPA Ladies Night.
“Rockies Boy” 1st Club, 1st MAC, 1st Sect B & 1st Open NIPA Talbenny YB National.
“Elizabeth” 1st Open NIPA Penzance & 1st Open Penzance OB Classic.
The NIPA Bronze Diploma winner for Jimmy Rock of Harryville.