Homer's Odyssey/BHW Plus - 04/12/09
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:59 pm
The annual Monster Show took place at the Larne & District HPS attracting the usual high standard of birds from some of the top lofts in the country. Judges on this occasion travelled from Tandragee in County Armagh and included Alan Craig, Kyle Dowie, Darren Thompson, Mark Johnston and John Dowie. Timmy & Kiera Mawhinney set the pace once again winning three of the six classes and Specials for Best in Show £100 and Best Opposite Sex £50. They won the Old Cock ahead of Brown & Shaw who won BIS at Dublin, Old Hen and Young Cocks. Montgomery & Kirk from Ballyclare had the Red Card in the Young Hens, Eamon Wright & Son from Moira had 1st Young Bird Eye-sign, and the big favorite Russell Bros from Cullybackey had 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the Old Bird Eye-sign.
Larne & District HPS would like to thank all the fanciers and friends who supported the annual Open Show on Sat 28th Nov and also the team of judges who had travelled up from County Armagh. Just over 270 birds were penned and a total of 416 entries including Eye-sign which was duplicated. They would like to congratulate all the winners and T & K Mawhinney who won both BIS & BOS. Special thanks as well to Morris Kelly, Larne Cash & Carry, Owen Donnelly, Joe McLaughlin, Brian McCammon, Willie Gray and Liam ONeill who donated prizes for the ballot and show. Christmas Draw Result: 1st Stena Line Return Ferry Crossing (Car & 4) won by Nicola Burnes (G Reid), 2nd £75 won by B McWhirter (W McWhirter), 3rd Hamper won by Jack Gribben (C Witherspoon), 4th 20lb Turkey won by L Witherspoon (C Witherspoon), 5th Bottle Brandy won by T Mills (T Mills), 6th Bottle Vodka won by Jodie Mills (T Mills), 7th Bottle Baileys won by I Masterson (Crawford & Robinson). £50 to Seller won by W McWhirter. The tickets were drawn by Homer & Rosie.
Old Cocks (78 Birds) 1st & 4rd T & K Mawhinney, 2nd Brown & Shaw, 4th & Commended A Neill, VHC Ferguson & Crawford, HC C Shaw. Judge D Thompson. Old Hens (67 Birds) 1st, 3rd & HC T & K Mawhinney, 2nd D & P Harvey, 4th E Wright & Son, VHC M/M C Hayes, Commended Montgomery & Kirk. Judge M Johnston. Young Cocks (47 Birds) 1st & 2nd T & K Mawhinney, 3rd, 4th & VHC E Wright & Son, HC D & P Harvey, Commended Montgomery & Kirk. Judge A Craig. Young Hens (56 Birds) 1st Montgomery & Kirk, 2nd & 4th T & K Mawhinney, 3rd & VHC S McGarel & Sons, HC E Wright & Son, Commended J & D McWhirter. Judge K Dowie. Young Bird Eye-sign (67 Birds) 1st E Wright & Son, 2nd S McGarel & Sons, 3rd & Commended T & K Mawhinney, 4th & HC Montgomery & Kirk, VHC Baxter & Holden. Judge K Dowie. Old Bird Eye-sign (101 Birds) 1st, 2nd, 3rd & VHC Russell Bros, 4th T & K Mawhinney, HC E Wright & Son, Commended D & P Harvey. Judge J Dowie.
Carrick & District HPS The latest classes were Eye-sign, M/M Reid had 1st Old Bird and S Beattie & Daughter 1st Young Bird. Next Show 01/12/09 is Old Cock & Old Hen Handled. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st & VHC M/M R Reid, 2nd R & H Hamilton, 3rd & Nom R & H Hamilton, 4th & Commended R & H Hamilton, VHC S Beattie & Daughter. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st, 4th & Commended S Beattie & Daughter, 2nd R & H Hamilton, 3rd, VHC & HC M/M R Reid. R & H Hamilton Nom.
North Antrim Show Dates & Results
Ballymoney HPS In the latest classes Danny Dixon won both Young Cock and Young Hen Handled, John Connolly had 1st Old Pieds. Friday OC & OH Handled and Young Pieds Through the Wires. Young Cocks Handled 1st & Special D Dixon, 2nd G Holmes, 3rd D Dixon, 4th J Connolly, Reserve D & G McMullan, VHC S Laverty, HC L Neill, Commended B & I Stewart. Young Hen Handled 1st D Dixon, 2nd D Gage, 3rd W & L McCaw, 4th D & G McMullan, Reserve L Neill, VHC G Holmes, HC S Laverty, Commended A Wilson. Old Pieds T/W 1st J Connolly, 2nd B & I Stewart, 3rd G Holmes, 4th D Dixon, Reserve & VHC B & I Stewart, HC L Neill, Commended D & G McMullan. Judges J Steele, D Mairs, S Milliken (Rasharkin & District).
Rasharkin & District Big result in the Young Hens T/W the top four to Jimmy Robinson & Son, judges were Cochrane Bros & Brian Herbinson (Cullybackey). Friday Old Cocks and Old Hens Handled. Young Hens T/W (74 Birds) 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th J Robinson & Son, Reserve & HC J & M Milliken, VHC J Robinson & Son, Commended A C & T Tweed.
Coleraine & County Derry RPS First show held on Friday 20th November judged by Ronald McCandless and the Nom winner was W & W Murdock. Young Cock T/W 1st N McKendry, 2nd W & W Murdock, 3rd D Platt, 4th D Tosh, Reserve T McCrudden, HC & Commended S McCormick. Young Hens T/W 1st, 2nd & 4th K Darragh, 3rd T McCrudden, Reserve & HC G Mitchell, Commended D Tosh. The Old Cocks and Old Hens classes were held on Friday 27th November, the judges were W Donaghy, J Morrow and Dylan Dysart. Thanks to the judges who presened a £10 Special for the 1st YB Nom in the 1st Mass Liberation. Kenny Darragh won the Nom. Old Cocks 1st & 3rd D Tosh, 2nd W & W Murdock, 3rd & VHC K Darragh, Reserve D Platt, Commended S McCormick. Old Hens 1st G Mitchell, 2nd & 4th W & W Murdock, 3rd T McCrudden, Reserve K Darragh, VHC R Montgomery, Commended D Tosh.
Mid Antrim Show Dates & Results
Ballymena & District Judges at the recent show included Jimmy Robinson and Harold Cubitt from Rasharkin, winners for the home club were Blair & Rankin plus Special and James Harris. Richmond Bros won the raffle. Old Cocks (40 Birds) 1st & Special Blair & Rankin, 2nd & HC Richmond Bros, 3rd & Commended B Herbinson, 4th J Harris, Reserve W & J Smyth, VHC J Letters. Old Hen (38 Birds) 1st & 2nd J Harris, 3rd & Commended Blair & Rankin, 4th J & B Balmer, Reserve W & J Smyth, VHC & HC B Herbinson.
Broughshane & District HPS Another good attendance from the members for these two shows which were judged this week by Robert Alexander and his young son Paul from Harryville. Its very heartening when you see a young boy so interested in the pigeons, and very encouraging for the sport in this area. Next weeks show Tuesday 1-12-2009 Old Cocks Handled and Young Cocks Handled. Last Show Tuesday 8-12-2009 Old Hens Handled and Young Hens Handled. The membership wish a speedy recovery to George Connolly who fell and broke a leg at the week-end. Were told that a chair and a cupboard was involved, but I,m sure George has a different story when he returns to The Ballymena Pigeon Supplies shop. Broughshane HPS will have an ETS demonstration in the clubrooms on Wed night 2nd Dec 2009 at 7.30pm by Keith Kernohan from Tipes, anyone who had contacted him, or anyone from other clubs can come along and get a full demo. Broughshane HPS Annual Dinner and Prize Distribution will be on Saturday night the 12th Dec 2009 in the Michelin Alhletic Cub anyone needing tickets to contact Harry Smyth. Old Bird Mated Pairs Handled 1st J McNaghten & Son, 2nd, 4th & Commended J & N Simpson, 3rd G & A Eagleson, Reserve, VHC & HC H Smyth & Son. Fancy Handled 1st, 3rd & Reserve H Smyth & Son, 2nd D Houston & Son, 4th Mrs Smyth, VHC G & A Eagleson, HC & Commended J & N Simpson.
Kells & District Old Hens had another very good entry of 130 birds, winner was McFarlane & Agnew. Wednesday Mated Pairs. Old Hens (130 Birds) 1st McFarlane & Agnew, 2nd H Fullerton & Son, 3rd & Reserve Surgenor Bros, 4th W McClure, VHC & Commended A Barkley & Son, HC H Boyd. Judges McLaughlin Family (Cushendall).
Harryville HPS Latest classes were old and young hens handled, it was Red Card success for local lofts with Robert & Paul Alexander 1st Old Hen and R H Clements 1st Young Hen. Old Hens Handled 1st R & P Alexander, 2nd R H Clements, 3rd Blair & Rankin, 4th G Connolly, Reserve R Service & Son, VHC J Millar & Son, HC G Price, Commended B Herbinson. Young Hens Handled 1st & Reserve R H Clements, 2nd & HC G Price, 3rd Blair & Rankin, 4th & VHC T Johnston & Son, Commended J Letters. Judges A Young & C Balmer (Ahoghill). Thursday OB & YB Eye-sign.
Ahoghill Flying Club The Old Cock and Old Hen winners wewre W Livingstone and Balmer Young & Sons. Judges were Timmy Mawhinney (Donacloney) and Simon Millar (Randalstown). Friday Young Pairs & Fancy. Old Cock Handled 1st & Special W Livingstone, 2nd Balmer Young & Sons, 3rd & Reserve J Orr & Son, 4th & Commended Young McManus & Sons, VHC J Balmer, Commended T & G Balmer. Old Hen Handled 1st & Special Balmer Young & Sons, 2nd Young McManus & Sons, 3rd D Lowry & Sons, 4th & Reserve A & N Young, VHC J Balmer, HC J & B Balmer, Commended T & G Balmer.
Cullybackey HPS Old Hens and Fancy were the latest classes judged by D Turkington, C McGrugan and R Turkington from Springvale. Judges the week previous were George Eagleson and George Connolly. Many thanks Steven for the info. Sat 5th Dec OB & YB Eye-sign. The big Open Show will take place on Sat 19th December - Nominated birds at Open Show are eligible to compete for the 2 sponsored £50 prizes in 2 nominated races next season, more details of races when the season starts. Old Hens Handled 1st & Reserve J & J Greer, 2nd & Commended B Herbinson, 3rd & VHC Russell Bros, 4th Reid Bros & McCloy, HC J & B Balmer. Fancy 1st & 2nd Reid Bros & McCloy, 3rd, Reserve & Commended J & B Balmer, 4th & HC B Herbinson.
Due to pressure of work and re-structure Homer (Willie Reynolds) in the future will manage both the Pigeonnetwork website and the Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions which will take place at various sites across Ireland, some of the old spots and a number of new ones. We are pleased to announce that Auctioneers are to include Henry Byrne for the South and Wesley Sawyers for the North, as I have said Homer will be dealing with all future queries. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683, Mobile: 07939 684876. E-Mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
The 32nd Annual INFC Charity Show will take place on Saturday 12th December 2009 in the Balmoral Hall which is cited within the Kings Hall Complex. There will be 6 classes in the show as follows. Old Cocks, Old Hens, and an Old Bird Eye-sign, all birds entered in the Old Cocks & Hens classes will be judged for Eye-sign. There will also be Young Cocks, Young Hens, and again all birds entered in these classes will be judged for YB Eye-sign. The judges this year will be from England & Scotland thanks to the assistance of Lisburn fanciers Herbie Phillips and David Coburn in this respect. There will be monetary prizes plus a rosette with every card. Pens for the Show will be erected on Thursday 10th from 6.00pm and help would be very welcome.
Kingswood HPS New members in the NIPA, are based in East Belfast at 172 Albertbridge Road. They will be hosting an OPEN to all Boxing Day Show on Saturday 26th December with penning 12 to 2.00pm. The three classes - Any Age Cock, Any Age Hen and Eye-sign and cost shall be £1 per bird. Among other prizes Best In Show prize £50. There shall also be a small number of 2010 Young Birds for sale - monies from this shall go towards a racing special to be competed for from the INFC Young Bird Skibbereen. Lofts who enter show that day shall be entitled to free race entry, entrys to race shall be pro rata ie. The more you enter in show the more free entrys to race !! Also anyone donating or buying a young bird that day, shall also be welcome to free entry to the race. Anyone wishing further information, or directions, phone Joe on 07840 405876.
Birds for Sale: John Lowry from Crumlin & Dist has a number of birds available at reasonable prices, the birds are listed on www.pigeonnetwork.com see Public Auction News. Further details Tel: 07710 447262. The officials and members of Crumlin & Dist send congratulations to Fleming Bros on winning a record number of 1sts in 2009 and also the NIPA Sect B Fancier of the Year in both 08 & 09 seasons. A young fancier in the Banbridge area had planned to start racing and had purchased some stock including Lindelaufs and Staf Van Reet from Louella. Racing is not now possible and he has a small number of birds for sale Tel: 07746 092104. Martin Graham from Ballymena & Dist has had a best ever racing season and he bred the winner of the Galway Plate for Adie McCormick a bird now named Cool Lass for those with a bad memory. Martin himself had a top class young bird season and in the old birds he scored through to France. He has some surplus stock available for sale, now is the time to make a purchase. Tel: (028) 25 637929.
Drumnavaddy HPS The latest Big Show will be held at the local clubrooms behind the British Legion Hall in Banbridge. Thursday 10th December classes Through the Wires penning 7-8.00pm Special for Best YB in each class and prizes for all cards. One week later another Big Show this time Handled with penning from 6.30-7.30pm. Special for Best YB in each class, Best in SAhow etc. All fanciers will be made welcome, more details Tel: 07737 521355.
Annaghmore HPS Thanks to the judges Eric Buckley and Paul Dunlop. Results from Annaghmore Show on 26th November 2009. 1st W R Capper, 2nd R Telford, 3rd G Calvin, 4th R Telford, Reserve W R Capper, VHC W R Capper, Highly Commended F & D McNeice
Commended T McClean. Best Blue won by W R Caper.
Lisburn & District 3rd show in the series is on 5/12/09, time 7-7.30 penning for y/cock, y/hen & colour class. First part of A.G.M will be on 8/12/09 at 8.00pm sharp in the big clubs own clubrooms. Please try and attend this important night for the club.
Ards HPS Annual Show held at Portavoige Club AAC 1st K Ambrose 2nd Plunkett& Pollock&Nelson 3rdJ&I Moore 4th & 5th G Coffey 6th Stewart&Horne 7th Plunkett&Pollock&Nelson 8th Stewart&Horne AAH 1 2 3 Stewart&Horne 4th W Cleland 5th & 6th C Hutchinson 7th Stewart&Horne 8th C Hutchinson Eyesign 1st J McClenaghan 2nd& 3rd Stewart&Horne 4th Plunkett&Pollock&Nelson 5th&6th Stewart&Horne 7th N McMaster 8th G Hawthorne Best in show Ken Ambrose A big thanks to the judges R Shaw T Maquire E McGaw.
Alan Darragh was the Top Prize-winner at Cullybackey followed by Russell Bros, Gary Gibson, Sammy Steele, H & R McCloy, Scott & Spratt, Des Robinson, J & J Greer, Reid Bros & McCloy and D Robinson & Son.
Alan topped the Mid Antrim Combine on two occasions both with INFC, his top results included 1st Comb, 9th North Sect & 11th Open INFC Kings Cup Plaudren/Vannes recording velocity 1362 at 513 miles. In the hard Old Hens Nat from Penzance the loft finished 10th Open INFC doing velocity 820. With the NIPA he collects yet another Bronze Diploma for dual single bird performance in the OB National, 7th Sect B & 43rd Open NIPA St Malo in 2008 and 26th Sect B & 150th Open NIPA St Malo 2009.
The two top lofts have previously won the Northern Ireland Fancier of the Year award, Russell Bros almost won the race from St Malo with a single entry to finish 1st Comb, 1st Sect B & 3rd Open NIPA doing velocity 1257 plus £1,185. In Mid Antrim they win the McIlhagga Memorial Cup and in the NIPA the Les Mairs Memorial Cup for 1st Sect B and also the Harper Cup for best Average in the two main races ie. St Malo Old Bird Nat and Talbenny Young Bird Nat.
The Chairman, young Harry McCloy is also getting better every year and with a new modern loft installed at The Rock, the famous location of the Reid Bros will be looking for results across the race programme. The top result last year was recording an arrival in the very hard Friendship Nat only 22 birds home. In the race from Picauville 437 miles the loft finished 1st Comb (only bird) & 13th Open INFC on velocity 521. The club set the standard in Mid Antrim as far as the major races and France go, the 2009 season was as good as any. Winner of 1st Combine (9 clubs) in all three races from France, Russell Bros tops in the NIPA St Malo with a bird that the year previous won 1st Comb, 12th North Sect & 15th Open INFC Yearling Nat Sennen Cove winning close to £650. The Kings Cup was flown for the first time in three seasons and former winner Alan Darragh had another race to remember. Sent six, timed four in the money with the first bird 1st Comb, 9th North Sect & 11th Open INFC Plaudren/Vannes at 513 miles. This bird was also runner-up in the INFC Single Bird Challenge.
Looking in more detail at this Blue Riband event the club had eight birds placed, just behind Alan Darragh was Willard Reid who finished a good 15th Open INFC collecting close to £800. In last seasons NIPA St Malo Willard timed three good birds and his winner finished 1st Comb, 1st Sect & 3rd Open NIPA the all pool winner collecting close to £1,200. It has been a great two seasons for a small loft, birds are all one family that they have been racing for years with great success. Reid Bros & McCloy had two birds home and I am sure more is to follow, and Russell Bros were also placed, always in contention. When I was working on the Cullybackey results I updated Mid Antrim Combine on the www.pigeonnetwork.com website which as the banner says has something new every day.
Let me now quickly look at some other results covering firstly the INFC season, the opening race was Skibbereen and the best club bird was timed by Alan Darragh, this loft can go through the complete programme. Des Robinson had the top bird in the Sennen Cove Yearling Nat finishing 2nd Combine, 33rd North Sect & 65th Open INFC plus £196, J & J Greer recent Kings Cup winners had two birds placed. The two races from France I have already covered, The Kings Cup which was an outstanding race and then the more difficult Friendship Nat, only 22 birds home and just one in Mid Antrim timed by Reid Bros & McCloy. We will long remember the return to Penzance, a very hard YB Nat with only three birds into Mid Antrim. Released at the same time the Old Hens Nat was not much better, former winner Alan Darragh had two good birds for 1st & 2nd Combine, Russell Bros also had two birds, only five birds timed in Mid Antrim. Last seasons star loft Gary Gibson timed four birds in Skibbereen, 3 in the MAC Top 10 and the winner finished 102nd Open INFC.
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
Larne & District HPS would like to thank all the fanciers and friends who supported the annual Open Show on Sat 28th Nov and also the team of judges who had travelled up from County Armagh. Just over 270 birds were penned and a total of 416 entries including Eye-sign which was duplicated. They would like to congratulate all the winners and T & K Mawhinney who won both BIS & BOS. Special thanks as well to Morris Kelly, Larne Cash & Carry, Owen Donnelly, Joe McLaughlin, Brian McCammon, Willie Gray and Liam ONeill who donated prizes for the ballot and show. Christmas Draw Result: 1st Stena Line Return Ferry Crossing (Car & 4) won by Nicola Burnes (G Reid), 2nd £75 won by B McWhirter (W McWhirter), 3rd Hamper won by Jack Gribben (C Witherspoon), 4th 20lb Turkey won by L Witherspoon (C Witherspoon), 5th Bottle Brandy won by T Mills (T Mills), 6th Bottle Vodka won by Jodie Mills (T Mills), 7th Bottle Baileys won by I Masterson (Crawford & Robinson). £50 to Seller won by W McWhirter. The tickets were drawn by Homer & Rosie.
Old Cocks (78 Birds) 1st & 4rd T & K Mawhinney, 2nd Brown & Shaw, 4th & Commended A Neill, VHC Ferguson & Crawford, HC C Shaw. Judge D Thompson. Old Hens (67 Birds) 1st, 3rd & HC T & K Mawhinney, 2nd D & P Harvey, 4th E Wright & Son, VHC M/M C Hayes, Commended Montgomery & Kirk. Judge M Johnston. Young Cocks (47 Birds) 1st & 2nd T & K Mawhinney, 3rd, 4th & VHC E Wright & Son, HC D & P Harvey, Commended Montgomery & Kirk. Judge A Craig. Young Hens (56 Birds) 1st Montgomery & Kirk, 2nd & 4th T & K Mawhinney, 3rd & VHC S McGarel & Sons, HC E Wright & Son, Commended J & D McWhirter. Judge K Dowie. Young Bird Eye-sign (67 Birds) 1st E Wright & Son, 2nd S McGarel & Sons, 3rd & Commended T & K Mawhinney, 4th & HC Montgomery & Kirk, VHC Baxter & Holden. Judge K Dowie. Old Bird Eye-sign (101 Birds) 1st, 2nd, 3rd & VHC Russell Bros, 4th T & K Mawhinney, HC E Wright & Son, Commended D & P Harvey. Judge J Dowie.
Carrick & District HPS The latest classes were Eye-sign, M/M Reid had 1st Old Bird and S Beattie & Daughter 1st Young Bird. Next Show 01/12/09 is Old Cock & Old Hen Handled. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st & VHC M/M R Reid, 2nd R & H Hamilton, 3rd & Nom R & H Hamilton, 4th & Commended R & H Hamilton, VHC S Beattie & Daughter. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st, 4th & Commended S Beattie & Daughter, 2nd R & H Hamilton, 3rd, VHC & HC M/M R Reid. R & H Hamilton Nom.
North Antrim Show Dates & Results
Ballymoney HPS In the latest classes Danny Dixon won both Young Cock and Young Hen Handled, John Connolly had 1st Old Pieds. Friday OC & OH Handled and Young Pieds Through the Wires. Young Cocks Handled 1st & Special D Dixon, 2nd G Holmes, 3rd D Dixon, 4th J Connolly, Reserve D & G McMullan, VHC S Laverty, HC L Neill, Commended B & I Stewart. Young Hen Handled 1st D Dixon, 2nd D Gage, 3rd W & L McCaw, 4th D & G McMullan, Reserve L Neill, VHC G Holmes, HC S Laverty, Commended A Wilson. Old Pieds T/W 1st J Connolly, 2nd B & I Stewart, 3rd G Holmes, 4th D Dixon, Reserve & VHC B & I Stewart, HC L Neill, Commended D & G McMullan. Judges J Steele, D Mairs, S Milliken (Rasharkin & District).
Rasharkin & District Big result in the Young Hens T/W the top four to Jimmy Robinson & Son, judges were Cochrane Bros & Brian Herbinson (Cullybackey). Friday Old Cocks and Old Hens Handled. Young Hens T/W (74 Birds) 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th J Robinson & Son, Reserve & HC J & M Milliken, VHC J Robinson & Son, Commended A C & T Tweed.
Coleraine & County Derry RPS First show held on Friday 20th November judged by Ronald McCandless and the Nom winner was W & W Murdock. Young Cock T/W 1st N McKendry, 2nd W & W Murdock, 3rd D Platt, 4th D Tosh, Reserve T McCrudden, HC & Commended S McCormick. Young Hens T/W 1st, 2nd & 4th K Darragh, 3rd T McCrudden, Reserve & HC G Mitchell, Commended D Tosh. The Old Cocks and Old Hens classes were held on Friday 27th November, the judges were W Donaghy, J Morrow and Dylan Dysart. Thanks to the judges who presened a £10 Special for the 1st YB Nom in the 1st Mass Liberation. Kenny Darragh won the Nom. Old Cocks 1st & 3rd D Tosh, 2nd W & W Murdock, 3rd & VHC K Darragh, Reserve D Platt, Commended S McCormick. Old Hens 1st G Mitchell, 2nd & 4th W & W Murdock, 3rd T McCrudden, Reserve K Darragh, VHC R Montgomery, Commended D Tosh.
Mid Antrim Show Dates & Results
Ballymena & District Judges at the recent show included Jimmy Robinson and Harold Cubitt from Rasharkin, winners for the home club were Blair & Rankin plus Special and James Harris. Richmond Bros won the raffle. Old Cocks (40 Birds) 1st & Special Blair & Rankin, 2nd & HC Richmond Bros, 3rd & Commended B Herbinson, 4th J Harris, Reserve W & J Smyth, VHC J Letters. Old Hen (38 Birds) 1st & 2nd J Harris, 3rd & Commended Blair & Rankin, 4th J & B Balmer, Reserve W & J Smyth, VHC & HC B Herbinson.
Broughshane & District HPS Another good attendance from the members for these two shows which were judged this week by Robert Alexander and his young son Paul from Harryville. Its very heartening when you see a young boy so interested in the pigeons, and very encouraging for the sport in this area. Next weeks show Tuesday 1-12-2009 Old Cocks Handled and Young Cocks Handled. Last Show Tuesday 8-12-2009 Old Hens Handled and Young Hens Handled. The membership wish a speedy recovery to George Connolly who fell and broke a leg at the week-end. Were told that a chair and a cupboard was involved, but I,m sure George has a different story when he returns to The Ballymena Pigeon Supplies shop. Broughshane HPS will have an ETS demonstration in the clubrooms on Wed night 2nd Dec 2009 at 7.30pm by Keith Kernohan from Tipes, anyone who had contacted him, or anyone from other clubs can come along and get a full demo. Broughshane HPS Annual Dinner and Prize Distribution will be on Saturday night the 12th Dec 2009 in the Michelin Alhletic Cub anyone needing tickets to contact Harry Smyth. Old Bird Mated Pairs Handled 1st J McNaghten & Son, 2nd, 4th & Commended J & N Simpson, 3rd G & A Eagleson, Reserve, VHC & HC H Smyth & Son. Fancy Handled 1st, 3rd & Reserve H Smyth & Son, 2nd D Houston & Son, 4th Mrs Smyth, VHC G & A Eagleson, HC & Commended J & N Simpson.
Kells & District Old Hens had another very good entry of 130 birds, winner was McFarlane & Agnew. Wednesday Mated Pairs. Old Hens (130 Birds) 1st McFarlane & Agnew, 2nd H Fullerton & Son, 3rd & Reserve Surgenor Bros, 4th W McClure, VHC & Commended A Barkley & Son, HC H Boyd. Judges McLaughlin Family (Cushendall).
Harryville HPS Latest classes were old and young hens handled, it was Red Card success for local lofts with Robert & Paul Alexander 1st Old Hen and R H Clements 1st Young Hen. Old Hens Handled 1st R & P Alexander, 2nd R H Clements, 3rd Blair & Rankin, 4th G Connolly, Reserve R Service & Son, VHC J Millar & Son, HC G Price, Commended B Herbinson. Young Hens Handled 1st & Reserve R H Clements, 2nd & HC G Price, 3rd Blair & Rankin, 4th & VHC T Johnston & Son, Commended J Letters. Judges A Young & C Balmer (Ahoghill). Thursday OB & YB Eye-sign.
Ahoghill Flying Club The Old Cock and Old Hen winners wewre W Livingstone and Balmer Young & Sons. Judges were Timmy Mawhinney (Donacloney) and Simon Millar (Randalstown). Friday Young Pairs & Fancy. Old Cock Handled 1st & Special W Livingstone, 2nd Balmer Young & Sons, 3rd & Reserve J Orr & Son, 4th & Commended Young McManus & Sons, VHC J Balmer, Commended T & G Balmer. Old Hen Handled 1st & Special Balmer Young & Sons, 2nd Young McManus & Sons, 3rd D Lowry & Sons, 4th & Reserve A & N Young, VHC J Balmer, HC J & B Balmer, Commended T & G Balmer.
Cullybackey HPS Old Hens and Fancy were the latest classes judged by D Turkington, C McGrugan and R Turkington from Springvale. Judges the week previous were George Eagleson and George Connolly. Many thanks Steven for the info. Sat 5th Dec OB & YB Eye-sign. The big Open Show will take place on Sat 19th December - Nominated birds at Open Show are eligible to compete for the 2 sponsored £50 prizes in 2 nominated races next season, more details of races when the season starts. Old Hens Handled 1st & Reserve J & J Greer, 2nd & Commended B Herbinson, 3rd & VHC Russell Bros, 4th Reid Bros & McCloy, HC J & B Balmer. Fancy 1st & 2nd Reid Bros & McCloy, 3rd, Reserve & Commended J & B Balmer, 4th & HC B Herbinson.
Due to pressure of work and re-structure Homer (Willie Reynolds) in the future will manage both the Pigeonnetwork website and the Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions which will take place at various sites across Ireland, some of the old spots and a number of new ones. We are pleased to announce that Auctioneers are to include Henry Byrne for the South and Wesley Sawyers for the North, as I have said Homer will be dealing with all future queries. Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683, Mobile: 07939 684876. E-Mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
The 32nd Annual INFC Charity Show will take place on Saturday 12th December 2009 in the Balmoral Hall which is cited within the Kings Hall Complex. There will be 6 classes in the show as follows. Old Cocks, Old Hens, and an Old Bird Eye-sign, all birds entered in the Old Cocks & Hens classes will be judged for Eye-sign. There will also be Young Cocks, Young Hens, and again all birds entered in these classes will be judged for YB Eye-sign. The judges this year will be from England & Scotland thanks to the assistance of Lisburn fanciers Herbie Phillips and David Coburn in this respect. There will be monetary prizes plus a rosette with every card. Pens for the Show will be erected on Thursday 10th from 6.00pm and help would be very welcome.
Kingswood HPS New members in the NIPA, are based in East Belfast at 172 Albertbridge Road. They will be hosting an OPEN to all Boxing Day Show on Saturday 26th December with penning 12 to 2.00pm. The three classes - Any Age Cock, Any Age Hen and Eye-sign and cost shall be £1 per bird. Among other prizes Best In Show prize £50. There shall also be a small number of 2010 Young Birds for sale - monies from this shall go towards a racing special to be competed for from the INFC Young Bird Skibbereen. Lofts who enter show that day shall be entitled to free race entry, entrys to race shall be pro rata ie. The more you enter in show the more free entrys to race !! Also anyone donating or buying a young bird that day, shall also be welcome to free entry to the race. Anyone wishing further information, or directions, phone Joe on 07840 405876.
Birds for Sale: John Lowry from Crumlin & Dist has a number of birds available at reasonable prices, the birds are listed on www.pigeonnetwork.com see Public Auction News. Further details Tel: 07710 447262. The officials and members of Crumlin & Dist send congratulations to Fleming Bros on winning a record number of 1sts in 2009 and also the NIPA Sect B Fancier of the Year in both 08 & 09 seasons. A young fancier in the Banbridge area had planned to start racing and had purchased some stock including Lindelaufs and Staf Van Reet from Louella. Racing is not now possible and he has a small number of birds for sale Tel: 07746 092104. Martin Graham from Ballymena & Dist has had a best ever racing season and he bred the winner of the Galway Plate for Adie McCormick a bird now named Cool Lass for those with a bad memory. Martin himself had a top class young bird season and in the old birds he scored through to France. He has some surplus stock available for sale, now is the time to make a purchase. Tel: (028) 25 637929.
Drumnavaddy HPS The latest Big Show will be held at the local clubrooms behind the British Legion Hall in Banbridge. Thursday 10th December classes Through the Wires penning 7-8.00pm Special for Best YB in each class and prizes for all cards. One week later another Big Show this time Handled with penning from 6.30-7.30pm. Special for Best YB in each class, Best in SAhow etc. All fanciers will be made welcome, more details Tel: 07737 521355.
Annaghmore HPS Thanks to the judges Eric Buckley and Paul Dunlop. Results from Annaghmore Show on 26th November 2009. 1st W R Capper, 2nd R Telford, 3rd G Calvin, 4th R Telford, Reserve W R Capper, VHC W R Capper, Highly Commended F & D McNeice
Commended T McClean. Best Blue won by W R Caper.
Lisburn & District 3rd show in the series is on 5/12/09, time 7-7.30 penning for y/cock, y/hen & colour class. First part of A.G.M will be on 8/12/09 at 8.00pm sharp in the big clubs own clubrooms. Please try and attend this important night for the club.
Ards HPS Annual Show held at Portavoige Club AAC 1st K Ambrose 2nd Plunkett& Pollock&Nelson 3rdJ&I Moore 4th & 5th G Coffey 6th Stewart&Horne 7th Plunkett&Pollock&Nelson 8th Stewart&Horne AAH 1 2 3 Stewart&Horne 4th W Cleland 5th & 6th C Hutchinson 7th Stewart&Horne 8th C Hutchinson Eyesign 1st J McClenaghan 2nd& 3rd Stewart&Horne 4th Plunkett&Pollock&Nelson 5th&6th Stewart&Horne 7th N McMaster 8th G Hawthorne Best in show Ken Ambrose A big thanks to the judges R Shaw T Maquire E McGaw.
Alan Darragh was the Top Prize-winner at Cullybackey followed by Russell Bros, Gary Gibson, Sammy Steele, H & R McCloy, Scott & Spratt, Des Robinson, J & J Greer, Reid Bros & McCloy and D Robinson & Son.
Alan topped the Mid Antrim Combine on two occasions both with INFC, his top results included 1st Comb, 9th North Sect & 11th Open INFC Kings Cup Plaudren/Vannes recording velocity 1362 at 513 miles. In the hard Old Hens Nat from Penzance the loft finished 10th Open INFC doing velocity 820. With the NIPA he collects yet another Bronze Diploma for dual single bird performance in the OB National, 7th Sect B & 43rd Open NIPA St Malo in 2008 and 26th Sect B & 150th Open NIPA St Malo 2009.
The two top lofts have previously won the Northern Ireland Fancier of the Year award, Russell Bros almost won the race from St Malo with a single entry to finish 1st Comb, 1st Sect B & 3rd Open NIPA doing velocity 1257 plus £1,185. In Mid Antrim they win the McIlhagga Memorial Cup and in the NIPA the Les Mairs Memorial Cup for 1st Sect B and also the Harper Cup for best Average in the two main races ie. St Malo Old Bird Nat and Talbenny Young Bird Nat.
The Chairman, young Harry McCloy is also getting better every year and with a new modern loft installed at The Rock, the famous location of the Reid Bros will be looking for results across the race programme. The top result last year was recording an arrival in the very hard Friendship Nat only 22 birds home. In the race from Picauville 437 miles the loft finished 1st Comb (only bird) & 13th Open INFC on velocity 521. The club set the standard in Mid Antrim as far as the major races and France go, the 2009 season was as good as any. Winner of 1st Combine (9 clubs) in all three races from France, Russell Bros tops in the NIPA St Malo with a bird that the year previous won 1st Comb, 12th North Sect & 15th Open INFC Yearling Nat Sennen Cove winning close to £650. The Kings Cup was flown for the first time in three seasons and former winner Alan Darragh had another race to remember. Sent six, timed four in the money with the first bird 1st Comb, 9th North Sect & 11th Open INFC Plaudren/Vannes at 513 miles. This bird was also runner-up in the INFC Single Bird Challenge.
Looking in more detail at this Blue Riband event the club had eight birds placed, just behind Alan Darragh was Willard Reid who finished a good 15th Open INFC collecting close to £800. In last seasons NIPA St Malo Willard timed three good birds and his winner finished 1st Comb, 1st Sect & 3rd Open NIPA the all pool winner collecting close to £1,200. It has been a great two seasons for a small loft, birds are all one family that they have been racing for years with great success. Reid Bros & McCloy had two birds home and I am sure more is to follow, and Russell Bros were also placed, always in contention. When I was working on the Cullybackey results I updated Mid Antrim Combine on the www.pigeonnetwork.com website which as the banner says has something new every day.
Let me now quickly look at some other results covering firstly the INFC season, the opening race was Skibbereen and the best club bird was timed by Alan Darragh, this loft can go through the complete programme. Des Robinson had the top bird in the Sennen Cove Yearling Nat finishing 2nd Combine, 33rd North Sect & 65th Open INFC plus £196, J & J Greer recent Kings Cup winners had two birds placed. The two races from France I have already covered, The Kings Cup which was an outstanding race and then the more difficult Friendship Nat, only 22 birds home and just one in Mid Antrim timed by Reid Bros & McCloy. We will long remember the return to Penzance, a very hard YB Nat with only three birds into Mid Antrim. Released at the same time the Old Hens Nat was not much better, former winner Alan Darragh had two good birds for 1st & 2nd Combine, Russell Bros also had two birds, only five birds timed in Mid Antrim. Last seasons star loft Gary Gibson timed four birds in Skibbereen, 3 in the MAC Top 10 and the winner finished 102nd Open INFC.
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