Homer's Odyssey/BHW Plus - 06/11/09

[willie reynolds]

Mathieu De Clippel from Belgium was the special guest at the annual presentation of awards sponsored by H Beattie & Son in conjunction with Versele Laga held at the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown on Thursday 22nd October. The Beattie Family through Henry and son Cyril are long time supporters of the local fancy, directly associated with sponsorship of the NIPA 5 Bird Mallow Championship, the NIPA Friendship OB Nat Picauville, Glenavy Gold Wing and for the first time last season the North Coast Classic the Coleraine based One Loft Race.

NIPA Mallow 5 Bird winners: Sect A – L Neill Ballymoney, Sect B – J Connolly Ballymoney, Sect C – S Rodney & Son Ballyclare, Sect D – J Greenaway Dromore, Sect E - B Corley Monaghan, Sect F – R Shaw Corrigs, Sect G – McAteer & Pearce Millvale, Sect H Quigley & Dunne Maiden City.

INFC Friendship Nat Picauville winners: 1st & 2nd M Maguire & Son Millvale, 3rd A Thompson Ballyclare, 4th & 5th C & L Woodside Ballyclare, 6th P McCullough & Daughter Downpatrick, 7th M Hughes Edgarstown, 8th P Rock & Son Skerries, 9th Mr & Mrs Magill Muckamore, 10th J Waring & Son Lisburn & Dist.

The Glenavy & District HPS Gold Wing Race sponsored by H Beattie & Son was flown on Wednesday 18th August from Mallow in County Cork, special race rings are purchased for the event and birds that complete the training and race programme in preparation go the final Gold Ring event. Some 60 members sent 273 birds competing for almost £6,000 in pools and prizes.

Overall winners were Cooney Bros from the Monaghan HPS recording velocity 1724 and winning £1,414 which included the £5 Nom and Ladies Nom plus the Gold Wing Trophy sponsored by H Beattie & Son from Tandragee. David Calvin from Bondhill was runner-up doing velocity 1720 and all pooled to collect £1,200 followed by Richard Mulligan from Monaghan, D Calvin with a second bird, David Mawhinney & Son from Beechpark in Lurgan and Sam Corrigan from Loughgall.

Glenavy Gold Wing Mallow 60/273 – Cooney Bros Monaghan 1724 ABCDE & Nom £1414, D Calvin Bondhill Social 1720 ABCDEFG £1201, R Mulligan Monaghan 1716 ABCDEFG £866, D Calvin 1699 ABCDEFG & Nom £631, D Mawhinney & Son Beechpark 1673 £200, S Corrigan Loughgall ABCDE £245, McAteer & Pearce Newry & Dist 1669 ABC £128, C & H Beattie Gilford 1560 ABC £128, E Murray Donacloney 1651 £100, E Murray 1651 £100, Joe Brown Dollingstown 1651 ABCDE £132, Joe Brown 1650 ABCD £108, Joe Brown 1649 ABCD £108, E McKnight Portadown Inv 1641 £60, D & B Lyness Lurgan 1643 ABCDE £115, Rafferty & Toman Gilford 1633 ABCD £71, G Douglas Wilton Cross 1623 ABCDE £83, D Calvin 1618 ABCDE £83, D Harbinson Glenavy & Dist 1610 £40, T McClean Annaghmore 1605 ABCDE £43, T McClean 1605 DE £17, T McClean 1605 DE £17, R Williamson Bondhill Soc 1605 E £9, T McClean 1604 E £9, T & K Mawhinney Donacloney 1596, D & J Armstrong & Son Carrick & Dist 1595, G & A Campbell Armagh 1593 E £9, D & B Lyness Lurgan Soc 1590, Donnelly Bros Newry City 1588, A Cousins & Sons Ballylesson 1588.

It was another very well attended night and a great credit to the Beattie Family who put in a big effort each year to present something different which is appreciated by everyone. President Diamond Carson did a very good job standing in for the NIPA Officials who were unable to attend, he confirmed that H Beattie & Son have signed up again for continued sponsorship over the next three seasons. Race Co-Ordinator Trevor Steele gave a report on a very good first season for the North Coast Classic and said the team would be present at all the major shows including Dublin, Belfast and Blackpool. Sam Porter and John Harkness attended for the Glenavy Gold Wing event won by Cooney Bros from Monaghan and John spoke well about an event that has been going strong for a number of seasons and will have some slight modifications for 2010. INFC officials present included Chairman Syd Collins and Patron Ronnie Johnston who as usual gave an excellent report covering both the past and present, no one can do this better.

Prizes in the raffle included young birds presented by M Maguire & Son, John Abernethey from Harmony Lofts and Gerald Delaney from Oroory Hill Stud plus free entries for the next North Coast Classic and the Belgium Masters. The event included visitors from Scotland and Ireland, getting more International every year.

Two young fanciers dominated the racing in the NIPA during 2009 season, it was a very tight decision for the overall prize which was won by Lucas McNeill of Rasharkin with 13 year old Jordan Scott from Springvale the runner-up this time.

NIPA Young Fancier of the Year 2009 (RPRA Irish Region Trophy) won by Lucas McNeill, Rasharkin & Dist. Runner-up NIPA Young Fancier of the Year 2009 (N Marshall Cup) Jordan Scott, Springvale.

The awards will be presented at the NIPA Annual Ladies Night to be held in Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick on Friday 13th November at 7.00pm sharp. Tickets can be ordered from Secretary Fred Russell, telephone (028) 92 692292 after 7.00pm, would all trophy winners please make a special effort to attend.

Sale Season Dates & Venues

A Complete Clearance Sale for Glen McNeilly Ballyclare will be held over two Saturday Dates in Glenavy, 14th & 21st. The McNeilly Family are moving to France. This is an outstanding team of mainly distance pigeons that have continued to score at the highest level, Blue Pied cock 8th Open Lamballe and Blue w/f cock 101st & 122nd Kings Cup two very good examples. Further details from Glen Tel: (028) 93324316, Commissions to RJ Tel: 90 483625.

Ireland’s Own Pigeon Auctions have started in the Sarsfield (Dublin) to continue with Entire Clearance Sale for Geoff Dickey (Ahoghill) on Friday 13th November. Prior to the sale you can bid online at www.pigeonnetwork.com and the closing bid there is the starting bid in the hall. Commission bids also welcome by telephone. Call Homer Tel: 07939 684876.

Doagh & District HPS will be having their annual Moot in McConnells of Doagh on the 8th January, a date for the diary. The panel will be Brian & Ricky Hogg of Newtownbreda, East Down Combine Fancier of the Year 2004 and 2005, J & J Hollinger (Millisle) one of Irelands top long distance fliers, and Davy Campbell (Campbell & Bigger, Glengormley), NIPA Section C Fancier of the Year 2008 and 2009. UK rep for Benzing will also be there giving a ETS demonstration and anyone wishing to purchase the Benzing ETS will be able to at the price of £198. There will also be a light supper and ballot, £5 per head to pay at door.

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Old Hand Staffy Carmichael proprietor of the famous Carmichael Public House in Ballyeaston, a very popular spot for the local East Antrim fancy and for many visitors from around the world. Staffy will be a sad loss, his Public House was a relic from the last century and a massive bit of local history has passed on. To the family circle very sincere condolences from the entire pigeon fancy.

It is also with some sadness we record the passing of John McMullan from Carnlough a fantastic fancier over many years that had a great long distance record. He was also associated with the famous bird Paddy, awarded the Dicken Medal during 2nd World War and John recently unveiled a plaque in his native Carnlough in memory of the event which has been news around the world. Until recently he still raced in Glenarm & Dist and enjoyed his pigeon racing, especially coming from 500 miles. Sincere sympathy to the family circle.

Lisburn & District – The opening show will be held on Saturday 14th November Any Age Cock/Hen with penning from 7.00pm until 7.30pm. Members must show a minimum of 6 birds per show to compete for Specials in 2010. Further shows will be held on 21st Nov, 5th Dec with the big New Year Special Show to be held on 2nd January. Special thanks to Sammy Briggs who is going to supply the prize for the ballot each week. Will members please note AGM is on 08/12/09 (Part 1).

Downpatrick HPS will have a YB Gold Ring Race to be flown from Mallow on 25th August 2010, the event only open to lofts competing in the NIPA Sect F and the East Down Combine Sect East. Rings must be purchased at £10 per ring with a 500 Bird limit, 70% of the fund will be paid in prizes. For all the details and ring orders Tel: 07809 746628 or Tel: 07596 042961.

East Antrim Show Scene Dates/Results

The Annual Monster Show staged by the Larne & District HPS will take place on Saturday 28th November with penning 10.00am until 1.00pm at £1.00 per bird. Classes are Old Cock, Old Hen, Young Cock, Young Hen and the OB & YB Eye-sign may be duplicated. Judges from top lofts, prizes for all cards and the Best in Show is £100, Best Opposite Sex £50. Further information contact Owen Donnelly Tel: (028) 28 260425 or 07816 910993.

Larne & District HPS – The Winter Show series will commence on Thursday 12th November with classes for Old Birds Through the Wires (Cocks & Hens), to be followed 19th Nov Old Bird Handled (Cocks & Hens), 26th Nov Young Birds Through the Wires (Cocks & Hens), 3rd December Young Birds Handled (Cocks & Hens).

Carrick Social – Results of the first two show nights held on Sat 24th & 31st October. Old Cocks T/W – 1st & Commended D Elliott & Grandson, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC & HC Mr & Mrs G Robinson. Old Hens T/W – 1st, VHC & Commended S Hendry & Son, 2nd & 4th J McAllister, 3rd & HC E Gilliland, Reserve Mr & Mrs G Robinson.

Mid Antrim Shows & Results

Ballymena & District HPS - Will operate on the usual Monday night, they started on 2nd November with classes for Young Cock & Young Hen Through the Wires to be followed on 9th Nov with Old Cocks & Old Hens Through the Wires.

Broughshane & District HPS - Show Series starts on the usual Tuesday slot, 3rd November with classes for Old Cock & Young Cock Through the Wires followed with 10th November Old Hens & Young Hens Through the Wires, 17th November Old Bird Eye-sign & Young Bird Eye-sign plus Y/Bird Mated Pairs, 24th November Old Bird Mated Pairs & Fancy Class, 1st December Old Cocks Handled & Young Cocks Handled, 8th December Old Hens Handled & Young Hens Handled. All outside members are very welcome to attend the shows. The Annual Dinner and Prize Distribution is Saturday 12th December in Michelin Club Ballymena.

Kells & Dist will start on Wednesday 4th November, penning in the local clubrooms until 8.00pm and all classes Through the Wires. The first class of Young Cocks will be followed on 11th Nov Young Hens, 18th Nov Old Cocks, 25th Nov Old Hens, 2nd December Mated Pairs and 9th December Eye-sign & Pieds. The Annual 3 in 1 Open Show will be held on Saturday 26th December, the usual big event for Boxing Day. A club meeting will be held on the night of the first show on Wednesday at 8.00pm, items for discussion include the Annual Dinner & Prize Night.

Randalstown HPS – The local shows make a return in 2009, penning 7.00pm until 8.00pm all classes in the clubrooms, and visitors welcome. The first classes are Young Cock and Young Hen Through the Wires on Thursday 5th November to be followed by 12th Nov – Old Hen & Old Cock T/W, 19th Nov - Young Hen & Young Cock Handled, 26th Nov – Old Hen & Old Cock Handled, 3rd December – Young Pairs Handled, 10th December Old Pairs Handled, 17th December – Eye-sign.

Ahoghill Flying Club continue with the local series held in the new clubrooms, penning 7.00pm until 8.00pm and visitors will be made very welcome. First night is this Friday 6th November with classes for Young Cock & Young Hen Through the Wires to be followed by 13th Nov OC & OH T/W, Nov 20th YC & YH Handled, 27th Nov OC & OH Handled.

Cullybackey HPS – Latest two classes were last Saturday for Old Cock & Old Hen T/W. The annual Dinner & Prize night will be held in the Michelin Athletic Club in Ballymena on Friday 6th November, cups and trophies should be returned immediately and tickets paid by Wednesday 4th November. Old Cocks T/W (72 Birds) – 1st, 2nd & HC Reid Bros & McCloy, 3rd & 4th J & B Balmer, Reserve E Davidson, VHC Blair & Rankin, Commended J & J Greer. Old Hens T/W (65 Birds) – 1st & 3rd Russell Bros, 2nd B Herbinson, 4th, HC & Commended J & B Balmer, Reserve & VHC Cochrane Bros. Judges Jimmy Robinson & Harold Cubitt (Rasharkin). Saturday – Old Pairs & Young Pairs T/W.

Ballymoney HPS – First show is penned in for Friday 13th November classes for Young Cock & Young Hen T/W and Old Bird Eye-sign to be followed on Friday 20th Nov with classes for Old Cock & Old Hen T/W and Young Bird Eye-sign. The Annual Dinner & Prize Distribution will be held in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine on Saturday 14th November.

Millisle & District – The Annual Show will be held at the Portavogie Clubrooms on Saturday 14th November with penning from 12.00pm until 2.00pm. Classes are Any Age Cock, Any Age Hen and Eye-sign. The Best in Show Special will be £50 with cash prizes for the winners of other classes. Following the show a sale of approx 10 x 2010 young birds donated by prominent lofts.

Willie Reynolds
NIPA Press Officer.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07939 684876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk