Homer's Odyssey/BHW Plus - 08/01/10
Posted: Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:59 am
The annual Open Show and Sale was held for the Carrick & District HPS at the North Road Clubrooms on New Years Day, despite the poor weather conditions it turned out a fantastic day. The club wish to thank a number of sponsors for help with the prize ballot and the members themselves many of whom put birds forward for the Breeder & Buyer Sale. Thanks to Doagh Farm Feeds, H Beattie & Son, O Donnelly, R Fenton, W Ferguson, Horseshoe HPS, A C McGrugan, D & P Harvey, Mrs Greenfield, and the club members with a special mention for Nigel Arthurs and Billy Elliott who supplied the crates for each class winner. The show pens were loaned by Ballycarry HPS. Visitors took the top awards with Russell Bros from Cullybackey winning Best in Show and Montgomery & Kirk from Springvale Best Opposite Sex. The class winners were: Old Hens Handled Russell Bros (Cullybackey), Old Cock Handled Mr & Mrs R Reid (Carrick & Dist), Young Cock Handled Montgomery & Kirk (Springvale), Young Hens Handled D & J Harvey (Horseshoe), Young Bird Eye-sign T & K Mawhinney (Donacloney), Old Bird Eye-sign P R Wilson (Ballyclare). The judges from Lurgan and Portadown included Geoffrey Douglas, Rafferty & Toman, Tom Wilson, Syd Collins and Roy Bothwell.
Results: Old Hens Handled 1st Russell Bros, 2nd E Gilliland, 3rd & 4th D & P Harvey, VHC R Telford & Son, HC M/M R Reid, Commended P R Wilson. Old Cocks Handled 1st & 3rd M/M R Reid, 2nd Russell Bros, 4th & HC T & K Mawhinney, VHC R Telford & Son, Commended Brown & Shaw. Young Cock Handled 1st & HC Montgomery & Kirk, 2nd Turkington Bros, 3rd & Commended T & K Mawhinney, 4th N J Arthurs, VHC D & P Harvey. Young Hens Handled 1st D & J Harvey, 2nd & 4th T & K Mawhinney, 3rd D & P Harvey, VHC & HC E Gilliland, Commended R Telford & Son. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st T & K Mawhinney, 2nd Turkington Bros, 3rd M/M R Reid, 4th P R Wilson, VHC & HC Russell Bros, Commended Montgomery & Kirk. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st, 2nd & 4th P R Wilson, 3rd D & P Harvey, VHC E Gilliland, HC & Commended T & K Mawhinney.
Ballylesson HPS held a series of Winter Shows, judges at the first one included S Logan, G Morrison and D Grieves from the Killyleagh area. John Patterson had the Red Card in the Young Cock Handled and A Cousins & Sons won both the Young Hen Handled and Eye-sign.
Results: Young Cocks Handled 1st & Commended J Patterson, 2nd, 4th & VHC A Cousins & Sons, 3rd A Crawford, Reserve K & B McConaghie, HC C & D Smyth & Sons. Young Hens Handled 1st, 3rd, VHC & Commended A Cousins & Sons, 2nd & Reserve J Patterson, 4th H Patterson & Son, HC Massey Bros. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st, 3rd & Reserve, 2nd J Patterson, 4th H Patterson & Son, VHC K & B McConaghie, HC H Ballantyne, Commended C & D Smyth & Sons. Judges for the old birds included Sammy Briggs and Gary Benson from Lisburn, many thanks to them for the generous Special, 1st Yearling Hen in the Skibbereen Classic. A Cousins & Sons had the Red Card in the Old Cock Handled and John Patterson won both Old Hen Handled and Eye-sign. Results: Old Cocks Handled 1st, 3rd, HC & Commended A Cousins & Sons, 2nd C & D Smyth & Sons, 4th, Reserve & VHC J Patterson. Old Hen Handled 1st & VHC J Patterson, 2nd H Patterson & Son, 3rd J & S Albert & Sons, 4th P & C Johnston, Reserve, HC & Commended A Cousins & Sons. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st & HC J Patterson, 2nd, 4th, & Reserve C & D Smyth & Sons, 3rd H Patterson & Son, VHC A Crawford, Commended A Cousins. At the New Years Day Show John Patterson won both BIS and BOS, Fleming Keery had Best YB Eye-sign. John Patterson won three classes and Fleming Keery the Eye-sign, judges included Paul McCartan, Gerald Adair, and Paddy McComb. Results: Old Cocks Handled 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Reserve J Patterson, 4th & VHC F Keery, HC Mackey & Lockhart, Commended A Cousins & Sons. Old Hens Handled 1st & Reserve J Patterson, 2nd H Patterson & Son, 3rd J & S Albert & Sons, 4th Mackey & Lockhart, VHC, HC & Commended A Cousins & Sons. Young Bird Handled 1st & 2nd J Patterson, 3rd A Cousins & Sons, 4th & HC Mackey & Lockhart, Reserve K & B McConaghie, VHC F Keery, Commended A Crawford. Eye-sign 1st, VHC, HC & Commended F Keery, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & Reserve J Patterson.
The members of Ballylesson wish to thank judges Gerald Adair, Paul McCartan, and Paddy McComb for coming and doing an excellent job on a bitter cold day. Word of advice for Paddy, Alex Crawford is still looking for you, watch out, the Grizzle is about. Our thanks also to Susan Albert and Caroline Johnston for supplying the food on the day, it was much appreciated by all. Thanks also to the members that donated specials and prizes.
Adie and Homer made the trip to the City of Derry on a cold, icy day with a lot of snow around on Sunday 27th December to attend the Northwest Show of the Year which was being held at Long Tower Youth Club at the Brandywell Showgrounds. We arrived just in time for the fund raising auction of gift birds donated by some of the top lofts in Northern Ireland. A small draft were put under the hammer by Johnny Killen of the Maiden City and they raised close to £1,000. The committee would like to thank everyone associated with what they hope will be an annual event, and why not?
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.
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 of 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, £5.00 per head to pay at door.
Recently the club held a series of shows for young birds, a 3 in 1 event for each and the judges from the Ballyclare area included Sammy & Alan Rodney, Bob McMeekin and Victor Thompson. Young Cocks T/W 1st, 3rd & Reserve M/M B McNeilly, 2nd R Wilson, 4th M/M D Suitters, VHC A & N Lewis, HC & Commended W McClelland. Young Cocks Handled 1st & Reserve F Simpson, 2nd & 3rd J Blair, 4th D & N Smyth, VHC M/M B McNeilly, HC W McClelland, Commended W Cowan. Young Cock Eye-sign 1st & VHC M/M B McNeilly, 2nd & Commended D & N Smyth, 3rd & Reserve J Blair, 4th W Cowan, HC A & N Lewis. Young Hens T/W 1st F Simpson, 2nd M/M D Suitters, 3rd D & N Smyth, 4th P & S Lorimer, Reserve R Wilson, VHC M/M B McNeilly, HC Collins & Pursley, Commended J & A Wilson & Sons. Young Hens Handled 1st Collins & Pursley, 2nd & Commended M/M B MeNeilly, 3rd & VHC A & N Lewis, 4th & Reserve M/M D Suitters, HC F Simpson. Young Hen Eye-sign 1st & HC D & N Smyth, 2nd J Blair, 3rd & Reserve M/M D Suitters, 4th J & A Wilson & Sons, VHC R Wilson, Commended A & N Lewis.
Judges for the old birds included Lawrence and Jim Milliken, Adie Hughes and Trevor McCartney from Largymore in Lisburn. Old Cocks T/W 1st & 4th J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd & Commended P & S Lorimer, 3rd & HC J Blair, Reserve & VHC M/M B McNeilly. Old Cocks Handled 1st D & N Smyth, 2nd & 4th M/M B McNeilly, 3rd & Commended J & A Wilson & Sons, Reserve W Cowan, VHC J Blair, HC F Simpson. Old Cocks Eye-sign 1st J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd P & S Lorimer, 3rd, Reserve & VHC M/M B McNeilly, 4th R Wilson, HC J Blair, Commended M/M D Suitters. Old Hens T/W 1st & Reserve J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd A & N Lewis, 3rd D & N Smyth, 4th M/M D Suitters, VHC W Cowan, HC S & A Leitch, Commended F Simpson. Old Hens Handled 1st & Commended J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd D & N Smyth, 3rd & Reserve F Simpson, 4th Collins & Pursley, VHC A & N Lewis, HC M/M B McNeilly. Old Hens Eye-sign 1st & 3rd J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd F Simpson, 4th D & N Smyth, Reserve M/M B McNeilly, VHC & Commended M/M D Suitters, HC S & A Leitch. Mr & Mrs Brian McNeilly win the J Gardiner Cup for Most Points in the Shows.
For as long as I can remember the Kells & Dist HPS have played host to the big Mid Antrim Show on Boxing Day, in the past hundreds of birds were penned in the local Orange Hall, now the event takes place in their own clubrooms in the centre of the village. Despite poor weather conditions some 250 birds were penned this year, judges travelled from Ballymoney and included Derek McMullan, Albert Tweed and Tommy Rouke. The event usually attracts a lot of visitors and this year was no exception Alwyn Neill from Lurgan won Best in Show for the second year on the trot and T & K Mawhinney from Donacloney won Best Opposite Sex. The Open Show was a 3 in 1 event and class winners were Alwyn Neill in Old Bird T/W, T & K Mawhinney Old Bird Handled, Russell Bros from Cullybackey won both Eye-sign classes, Montgomery & Kirk from Ballyclare had 1st Young Bird T/W and Brian Swann for the local club had the Red Card in Young Bird Handled. Club Chairman Brian Swann thanked everyone who supported the annual show, the judges and the sponsors of prizes for both the show and the raffle. He invited the Show Secretary Alan Barkley to present the Kells & Dist Show Cup to the seasons winner Jeff Surgenor.
Results: Old Bird Through Wires 1st & HC A Neill, 2nd A Barkley & Son, 3rd T & K Mawhinney, 4th T Shanks & Son, Reserve R Wylie, VHC W & W Gilbert, Commended J & B Balmer. Judge - T Rouke. Old Bird Handled 1st, 4th & Reserve T & K Mawhinney, 2nd T Shanks & Son, 3rd A Neill, VHC H Boyd, HC J & B Balmer, Commended W & W Gilbert. Judge - D McMullan. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC and Commended Russell Bros. Judge - A Tweed. Young Bird Through Wires 1st & 2nd Montgomery & Kirk, 3rd & Reserve T & K Mawhinney, 4th & VHC J & B Balmer, HC A Barkley & Son, Commended R Wilson. Judge - D McMullan. Young Bird Handled 1st B Swann & Son, 2nd & 4th T & K Mawhinney, 3rd & HC Montgomery & Kirk, Reserve J & B Balmer, VHC R Wilson, Commended A Neill. Judge - T Rouke. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st, 3rd, 4th & Reserve Russell Bros, 2nd Montgomery & Kirk, VHC W Cowan, HC N Percy & Son, Commended W & W Gilbert. Judge - A Tweed.
Wesley Sawyers will auction the birds of Will Patterson & Son in the Banbridge British Legion Hall on Thursday 7th January 2010 at 8.00pm, birds on view from 7.00pm. Top stock including distance Busschaerts obtained from the late Tommy Beckett, Donnelly Bros Newry City, Kilpatrick from T & N Boyd Dunfries, Gordon Kirkpatrick Lisburn, Andrew Lockhart from Larnarkshire, plus some Delbar and Janssen. Worth a visit, some fantastic bloodlines here and a good opportunity to purchase stock prior to Blackpool.
Blackpool Show of the Year at Winter Gardens The annual bus trip is being arranged at the present time, the usual two in East Antrim still have some seats available. Tel Robin Duddy (028) 93 340603 or Owen Donnelly for Larne & Dist (028) 93 260425. Over the weekend from Friday 15th January Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions will have a series of sales in Blackpool Football Club, Cliffs Hotel and the Claremont Hotel. Gary Gibson the Hartog Man from Cullybackey is having an Entire Clearance Sale, Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The Sale Lists/Photos for all sales are available to view at www.pigeonnetwork.com any further details, commission bids etc contact Homer Tel: 07939 684876.
It is my very sad duty to inform the fancy that Rosie McCloy from Cullybackey lost her fight for life after a period of illness being in and out of hospital over the last few months. She passed away at the Braid Valley in Ballymena and the funeral was held in Cullybackey on the last day of 2009. The local Methodist Church was filled to capacity including the Church Hall fanciers were present from far and wide, Rosie was held in very high esteem. It was one of the largest funerals I have ever attended. I met Rosie and husband Harry a few years back through a former acquaintance, no doubt covering one of the lofts (H & R McCloy) many racing achievements. Rosie herself was present for a short time at the Cullybackey Dinner & Prize night and the loft collected four cups. She was part of the Reid Family, the famous racers from The Rock and her son Harry the current Chairman at Cullybackey still races to the old site keeping up the top performances of a long history that includes France. It was a very sad time for the family and on behalf of the local fancy very sincere condolences to the large family circle at this time.
The annual dinner and prize night for Ballymena & District HPS will be held in the Adair Arms Hotel this Friday 8th January, members should contact either Billy Smyth or Martin Graham regarding tickets. The club AGM will be held in the local Clubrooms at Fountain Place on Monday 15th February at 8.00pm, Resolutions in writing must be with the Secretary Willie Reynolds no later than Saturday 30th January. The column next week will cover the full dinner presentation with pictures.
Homer.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07939 684876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
Results: Old Hens Handled 1st Russell Bros, 2nd E Gilliland, 3rd & 4th D & P Harvey, VHC R Telford & Son, HC M/M R Reid, Commended P R Wilson. Old Cocks Handled 1st & 3rd M/M R Reid, 2nd Russell Bros, 4th & HC T & K Mawhinney, VHC R Telford & Son, Commended Brown & Shaw. Young Cock Handled 1st & HC Montgomery & Kirk, 2nd Turkington Bros, 3rd & Commended T & K Mawhinney, 4th N J Arthurs, VHC D & P Harvey. Young Hens Handled 1st D & J Harvey, 2nd & 4th T & K Mawhinney, 3rd D & P Harvey, VHC & HC E Gilliland, Commended R Telford & Son. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st T & K Mawhinney, 2nd Turkington Bros, 3rd M/M R Reid, 4th P R Wilson, VHC & HC Russell Bros, Commended Montgomery & Kirk. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st, 2nd & 4th P R Wilson, 3rd D & P Harvey, VHC E Gilliland, HC & Commended T & K Mawhinney.
Ballylesson HPS held a series of Winter Shows, judges at the first one included S Logan, G Morrison and D Grieves from the Killyleagh area. John Patterson had the Red Card in the Young Cock Handled and A Cousins & Sons won both the Young Hen Handled and Eye-sign.
Results: Young Cocks Handled 1st & Commended J Patterson, 2nd, 4th & VHC A Cousins & Sons, 3rd A Crawford, Reserve K & B McConaghie, HC C & D Smyth & Sons. Young Hens Handled 1st, 3rd, VHC & Commended A Cousins & Sons, 2nd & Reserve J Patterson, 4th H Patterson & Son, HC Massey Bros. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st, 3rd & Reserve, 2nd J Patterson, 4th H Patterson & Son, VHC K & B McConaghie, HC H Ballantyne, Commended C & D Smyth & Sons. Judges for the old birds included Sammy Briggs and Gary Benson from Lisburn, many thanks to them for the generous Special, 1st Yearling Hen in the Skibbereen Classic. A Cousins & Sons had the Red Card in the Old Cock Handled and John Patterson won both Old Hen Handled and Eye-sign. Results: Old Cocks Handled 1st, 3rd, HC & Commended A Cousins & Sons, 2nd C & D Smyth & Sons, 4th, Reserve & VHC J Patterson. Old Hen Handled 1st & VHC J Patterson, 2nd H Patterson & Son, 3rd J & S Albert & Sons, 4th P & C Johnston, Reserve, HC & Commended A Cousins & Sons. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st & HC J Patterson, 2nd, 4th, & Reserve C & D Smyth & Sons, 3rd H Patterson & Son, VHC A Crawford, Commended A Cousins. At the New Years Day Show John Patterson won both BIS and BOS, Fleming Keery had Best YB Eye-sign. John Patterson won three classes and Fleming Keery the Eye-sign, judges included Paul McCartan, Gerald Adair, and Paddy McComb. Results: Old Cocks Handled 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Reserve J Patterson, 4th & VHC F Keery, HC Mackey & Lockhart, Commended A Cousins & Sons. Old Hens Handled 1st & Reserve J Patterson, 2nd H Patterson & Son, 3rd J & S Albert & Sons, 4th Mackey & Lockhart, VHC, HC & Commended A Cousins & Sons. Young Bird Handled 1st & 2nd J Patterson, 3rd A Cousins & Sons, 4th & HC Mackey & Lockhart, Reserve K & B McConaghie, VHC F Keery, Commended A Crawford. Eye-sign 1st, VHC, HC & Commended F Keery, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & Reserve J Patterson.
The members of Ballylesson wish to thank judges Gerald Adair, Paul McCartan, and Paddy McComb for coming and doing an excellent job on a bitter cold day. Word of advice for Paddy, Alex Crawford is still looking for you, watch out, the Grizzle is about. Our thanks also to Susan Albert and Caroline Johnston for supplying the food on the day, it was much appreciated by all. Thanks also to the members that donated specials and prizes.
Adie and Homer made the trip to the City of Derry on a cold, icy day with a lot of snow around on Sunday 27th December to attend the Northwest Show of the Year which was being held at Long Tower Youth Club at the Brandywell Showgrounds. We arrived just in time for the fund raising auction of gift birds donated by some of the top lofts in Northern Ireland. A small draft were put under the hammer by Johnny Killen of the Maiden City and they raised close to £1,000. The committee would like to thank everyone associated with what they hope will be an annual event, and why not?
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.
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 of 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, £5.00 per head to pay at door.
Recently the club held a series of shows for young birds, a 3 in 1 event for each and the judges from the Ballyclare area included Sammy & Alan Rodney, Bob McMeekin and Victor Thompson. Young Cocks T/W 1st, 3rd & Reserve M/M B McNeilly, 2nd R Wilson, 4th M/M D Suitters, VHC A & N Lewis, HC & Commended W McClelland. Young Cocks Handled 1st & Reserve F Simpson, 2nd & 3rd J Blair, 4th D & N Smyth, VHC M/M B McNeilly, HC W McClelland, Commended W Cowan. Young Cock Eye-sign 1st & VHC M/M B McNeilly, 2nd & Commended D & N Smyth, 3rd & Reserve J Blair, 4th W Cowan, HC A & N Lewis. Young Hens T/W 1st F Simpson, 2nd M/M D Suitters, 3rd D & N Smyth, 4th P & S Lorimer, Reserve R Wilson, VHC M/M B McNeilly, HC Collins & Pursley, Commended J & A Wilson & Sons. Young Hens Handled 1st Collins & Pursley, 2nd & Commended M/M B MeNeilly, 3rd & VHC A & N Lewis, 4th & Reserve M/M D Suitters, HC F Simpson. Young Hen Eye-sign 1st & HC D & N Smyth, 2nd J Blair, 3rd & Reserve M/M D Suitters, 4th J & A Wilson & Sons, VHC R Wilson, Commended A & N Lewis.
Judges for the old birds included Lawrence and Jim Milliken, Adie Hughes and Trevor McCartney from Largymore in Lisburn. Old Cocks T/W 1st & 4th J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd & Commended P & S Lorimer, 3rd & HC J Blair, Reserve & VHC M/M B McNeilly. Old Cocks Handled 1st D & N Smyth, 2nd & 4th M/M B McNeilly, 3rd & Commended J & A Wilson & Sons, Reserve W Cowan, VHC J Blair, HC F Simpson. Old Cocks Eye-sign 1st J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd P & S Lorimer, 3rd, Reserve & VHC M/M B McNeilly, 4th R Wilson, HC J Blair, Commended M/M D Suitters. Old Hens T/W 1st & Reserve J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd A & N Lewis, 3rd D & N Smyth, 4th M/M D Suitters, VHC W Cowan, HC S & A Leitch, Commended F Simpson. Old Hens Handled 1st & Commended J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd D & N Smyth, 3rd & Reserve F Simpson, 4th Collins & Pursley, VHC A & N Lewis, HC M/M B McNeilly. Old Hens Eye-sign 1st & 3rd J & A Wilson & Sons, 2nd F Simpson, 4th D & N Smyth, Reserve M/M B McNeilly, VHC & Commended M/M D Suitters, HC S & A Leitch. Mr & Mrs Brian McNeilly win the J Gardiner Cup for Most Points in the Shows.
For as long as I can remember the Kells & Dist HPS have played host to the big Mid Antrim Show on Boxing Day, in the past hundreds of birds were penned in the local Orange Hall, now the event takes place in their own clubrooms in the centre of the village. Despite poor weather conditions some 250 birds were penned this year, judges travelled from Ballymoney and included Derek McMullan, Albert Tweed and Tommy Rouke. The event usually attracts a lot of visitors and this year was no exception Alwyn Neill from Lurgan won Best in Show for the second year on the trot and T & K Mawhinney from Donacloney won Best Opposite Sex. The Open Show was a 3 in 1 event and class winners were Alwyn Neill in Old Bird T/W, T & K Mawhinney Old Bird Handled, Russell Bros from Cullybackey won both Eye-sign classes, Montgomery & Kirk from Ballyclare had 1st Young Bird T/W and Brian Swann for the local club had the Red Card in Young Bird Handled. Club Chairman Brian Swann thanked everyone who supported the annual show, the judges and the sponsors of prizes for both the show and the raffle. He invited the Show Secretary Alan Barkley to present the Kells & Dist Show Cup to the seasons winner Jeff Surgenor.
Results: Old Bird Through Wires 1st & HC A Neill, 2nd A Barkley & Son, 3rd T & K Mawhinney, 4th T Shanks & Son, Reserve R Wylie, VHC W & W Gilbert, Commended J & B Balmer. Judge - T Rouke. Old Bird Handled 1st, 4th & Reserve T & K Mawhinney, 2nd T Shanks & Son, 3rd A Neill, VHC H Boyd, HC J & B Balmer, Commended W & W Gilbert. Judge - D McMullan. Old Bird Eye-sign 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC and Commended Russell Bros. Judge - A Tweed. Young Bird Through Wires 1st & 2nd Montgomery & Kirk, 3rd & Reserve T & K Mawhinney, 4th & VHC J & B Balmer, HC A Barkley & Son, Commended R Wilson. Judge - D McMullan. Young Bird Handled 1st B Swann & Son, 2nd & 4th T & K Mawhinney, 3rd & HC Montgomery & Kirk, Reserve J & B Balmer, VHC R Wilson, Commended A Neill. Judge - T Rouke. Young Bird Eye-sign 1st, 3rd, 4th & Reserve Russell Bros, 2nd Montgomery & Kirk, VHC W Cowan, HC N Percy & Son, Commended W & W Gilbert. Judge - A Tweed.
Wesley Sawyers will auction the birds of Will Patterson & Son in the Banbridge British Legion Hall on Thursday 7th January 2010 at 8.00pm, birds on view from 7.00pm. Top stock including distance Busschaerts obtained from the late Tommy Beckett, Donnelly Bros Newry City, Kilpatrick from T & N Boyd Dunfries, Gordon Kirkpatrick Lisburn, Andrew Lockhart from Larnarkshire, plus some Delbar and Janssen. Worth a visit, some fantastic bloodlines here and a good opportunity to purchase stock prior to Blackpool.
Blackpool Show of the Year at Winter Gardens The annual bus trip is being arranged at the present time, the usual two in East Antrim still have some seats available. Tel Robin Duddy (028) 93 340603 or Owen Donnelly for Larne & Dist (028) 93 260425. Over the weekend from Friday 15th January Irelands Own Pigeon Auctions will have a series of sales in Blackpool Football Club, Cliffs Hotel and the Claremont Hotel. Gary Gibson the Hartog Man from Cullybackey is having an Entire Clearance Sale, Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The Sale Lists/Photos for all sales are available to view at www.pigeonnetwork.com any further details, commission bids etc contact Homer Tel: 07939 684876.
It is my very sad duty to inform the fancy that Rosie McCloy from Cullybackey lost her fight for life after a period of illness being in and out of hospital over the last few months. She passed away at the Braid Valley in Ballymena and the funeral was held in Cullybackey on the last day of 2009. The local Methodist Church was filled to capacity including the Church Hall fanciers were present from far and wide, Rosie was held in very high esteem. It was one of the largest funerals I have ever attended. I met Rosie and husband Harry a few years back through a former acquaintance, no doubt covering one of the lofts (H & R McCloy) many racing achievements. Rosie herself was present for a short time at the Cullybackey Dinner & Prize night and the loft collected four cups. She was part of the Reid Family, the famous racers from The Rock and her son Harry the current Chairman at Cullybackey still races to the old site keeping up the top performances of a long history that includes France. It was a very sad time for the family and on behalf of the local fancy very sincere condolences to the large family circle at this time.
The annual dinner and prize night for Ballymena & District HPS will be held in the Adair Arms Hotel this Friday 8th January, members should contact either Billy Smyth or Martin Graham regarding tickets. The club AGM will be held in the local Clubrooms at Fountain Place on Monday 15th February at 8.00pm, Resolutions in writing must be with the Secretary Willie Reynolds no later than Saturday 30th January. The column next week will cover the full dinner presentation with pictures.
Homer.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07939 684876
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com
www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk