RPRA (Irish Region) - October Meeting 2025

[willie reynolds]

October Meeting RPRA (Itish Region) – The Autumn Meeting of the RPRA (Irish Region) was held on Saturday 4th October at Ballymac Hotel Stoneyford in Co Antrim starting at 1.00pm. Those attending included – President Sam Briggs Lisburn & District, Chairman Cormac O’Hare, Ballyhilland, Secretary Noel Higginson Ballyclare & District, Alan Larkin The Meadows, Billy Knowles Kingsmoss, Paul Gault Kingsmoss, Robert Turkington Doagh & District, Jim Serplus Laurelvale and Gary Donaldson Edgartown.

Ap0logies recorded for Gerald Delaney and Willie Reynolds.

Chairman Cormac O’Hare opened the meeting and asked the members to stand and observe a minutes silence in respect of those who had passed away including family members since the last meeting.

The Chairman then wen’t through the RPRA Accounts Budget as supplied by CEO Chris Sutton ho has turned things around regarding RPRA Finances and also including leadership of our own official Cormac O’Hare who at the last AGM was elected President of the RPRA, probably a first for the Irish Region.

After some discussion the suspension on Tom Nelson was lifted, Prop Billy Knowles and Sec al Larkin. This matter related to Mr Nelson not responding to a stray bird reported to him. A complaint by Cairan McVeigh against Eastway HPS was dealt with nest. Mr McVeigh was informed that his complaint was not a metter for the RPRA but a matter for civil investigation.This item had bee dealt with prior to the meeting.

Following a discussion about stray birds collected by by Kyle Douglas at Whitby Stray Center and by Gary Jacobs in Cornwall. It was Prop by Al Larkin and Sec by Dam Briggs that a donation of £500 be sent to each of them.

The voting was conducted regarding the Irish Region Mileage Awards for 2025. The decisions were as follows.

Old Birds: 0-250 Miles Owen Markey Ballyholland, 251-450 Miles Rob Straney Killyleagh and Arnold Thompson Ballyclare. Over 450 Miles John Murtagh Ballyholland. Best OB Performance D & J Campbell Eastwy also wins the new Jimmy Burrows Memorial Trophy. Best YB Performance Sam Ogle Drumnavaddy.

Young Fancier awards 2025: 0-250 Miles Mullen Bros Edgarstown, 251-450 Miles Mullen Bros Edgarstown. Young Fancier of the Year Millen Bros Edgarstown, Runner-up Ollie Hawthorne Millisle.

Under Any Other Business Sam Briggs informed the meeting he would be standing down as President. Cormac thanked Sam on behalf of the RPRA for his long years of service including as a Council Member for the Irish Region at the RPRA. With no other business the meeting concluded at 3.00pm.