In the show itself the entry was around 450 birds which were on display in the Sports Hall and plenty of space but not much heat which was suitable for the birds but the judges were well wrapped up. I never managed a group photo but the team of judges included Peter Martin and friends from Belfast, and Alan Hall and friends from Omagh including Jim Whiteside and Davy Booth. I never seen as many bags of feeding at one show and the top awards were won by T & K Mawhinney from Donacloney who penned the BIS, that had also won BIS at Hillfoot, with Best Opposite Sex and Best Young Bird penned by Richard Adams from Omagh.
Results: Eye-sign – 1st & HC Pat McLaughlin, 2nd Dunne & Quigley, 3rd S McGrotty, 4th T & K Mawhinney, VHC Buddy Gamble, Commended Mickey Concannon. Young Hens Handled – 1st R Adams, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & VHC T & K Mawhinney, HC D Kelly, Commended S McGrotty. Young Cocks Handled – 1st, 2nd & VHC T & K Mawhinney, 3rd G Page, 4th Sean Gallagher & Son, HC D Kelly, Commended T & M Gallagher. Old Hens Handled – 1st Brown & Shaw, 2nd & HC M Concannon, 3rd C Shaw, 4th & VHC J & D Kelly, Commended Dunne & Quigley. Old Cocks Handled – 1st & 2nd T & K Mawhinney, 3rd Brown & Shaw, 4th Paul Maxwell, VHC Quigley & Dunne, HC M Concannon, Commended S McGrotty.
Show Chairman Donal Kelly thanked all those who had supported the show and Martin Gallagher presented the prizes assisted by Gerry McLaughlin. It was a great event despite the very icy conditions and I hope the first of many to come. In the past Derry City always had a big Open to All event the late Sam Quigley was a big supporter in those days, keep it going lads. I asked Donal about his dad, Joe Kelly is Vice President of the NIPA. He is still ill in hospital and I am sure the fancy wish him well. Thanks as well to Sean Gallagher for the results.
Judges from Omagh & District included Jim Whiteside, Alan Hall,
Davy Booth and son Troy.
Peter Martin from the Fortfield in Belfast judges Eye-sign,
assisted by Brian from the Grosvenor.
From (l) Donal Kelly, Gerry McLaughlin, Timmy Mawhinney BIS,
Richard Adams BOS and Simon Millar.
Timmy Mawhinney from Donacloney won BIS with a bird
that had previously won Hillfoot.
Richard Adams from Omagh won BOS, Show Committee Chairman
Donal Kelly is (l) and Gerry McLaughlin is also included.
The BIS Special was sponsored by Majella Page,
presented by Donal Kelly and Gerry McLaughlin.
Pat McLaughlin (r) Secretary of the Londonderry RPS
won Eye-sign award presented by Martin Gallagher.
Brown & Shaw from Dromore won the Red Card in Old Hens Handled,
award presented by Martin Gallagher.
Martin Gallagher (l) Show Secty presents the Best in Show trophy
to Timmy Mawhinney, Simon Millar is included.
Martin Gallagher (l) presents the BOS and Best Young Bird awards
to Richard Adams from Omagh.
Sean Gallagher and son who race in the Londonderry RPS.