INFC Update - Ronnie Johnston (Patron)

[willie reynolds]

Charles Hunniford Memorial Trophy

In 2008 Gloria Hunniford presented the INFC with a beautiful cup in memory of her late father Charles. The first winner was John Patterson of Ballylesson with his One Hen. This season we have seen a real dog fight between four of Irelands top lofts. The Cup is awarded to the loft with the Best Average from the INFC Skibbereen Inland OB Derby National and the INFC Skibbereen YB National. My congratulations to Anthony & Norman Lewis of Doagh who are the 2009 winners. The Lewis loft are former winners of the NIPA Devine Memorial Best 2-Bird Ave from Dinard OB National, the Lewis family will enjoy their first National dinner.

Runner up, the brilliant Donnelly Bros of Newry who enjoyed a truly amazing finish to the YB National season 1st Open INFC Penzance YB National followed by 2nd Open INFC Skibbereen YB National and remember they won 1st Open INFC Friendship National (only bird on the day) in 2008.

John Patterson of Ballylesson made a great defence of his title and was in contention for both these National Races, like a good wine Patterson is getting better with age. Hutchinson Bros of Ashfield the INFC Skibbereen YB National winner 2009 was close up for the award and believe it or not this was Hutchinson Bros third INFC National win, Yearling National, Skibbereen Inland OB National and Skibbereen YB National. The Lewis Bros can look back with pride on what they achieved, the three lofts they beat to win the Charles Hunniford Memorial Cup are all former National winners.

INFC Framed Diploma

In 2006 a new Diploma was added to the INFC Prize list. Twice a prize winner (single bird) from the Kings Cup or Friendship National from France would be awarded a Framed Diploma. Trevor Topping the INFC Secretary has had only a single claim from top National flyer Sam Corrigan Loughgall with pigeon rung 03 19924 199th Open 2006 and 43rd Open 2009, with no Kings Cup in 2007 and 2008 Sam has done well to keep him in fighting shape at six years of age. Any other claims must be with Trevor before the end of October.

National Dinner

Tickets for the National Dinner are being booked fast with over half already being reserved, with seating for about 250 people I would advise to get them ordered soon. Once again super value at 26 pounds for a 4-Star Hotel. The Stormont Hotel are offering overnight accommodation, a double room Bed and Breakfast for 75 pounds and they already have 30 double rooms booked up. This is a beautiful part of Belfast with the Stromont Estate directly in front of the hotel. Book from Trevor or Ronnie Johnston.
When I started out with the National Dinner I looked after 10 trophies, in 2009 the total is now 37.