Farming Life - Wed 07/04/10
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 10:42 am
Weather wise the long winter break is complete, although you would hardly think it, and the pigeon racing season is getting ready for the off. The opening race of the NIPA old bird programme will be flown from Tullamore in County Offaly on Saturday 10th April. Training, weather permitting, was in full swing over the Easter Holiday period. Fanciers have had plenty to talk about, what about the new GB Rings?? Then of course the position of the pads within traps, and the interpretation of the rule having a variation depending on who you speak to. Now I hear the next thing is updates to ETS Systems, are some going to be charged a Maintenance Fee?? As far as I can see the whole thing is becoming a total nightmare, and modern technology is not helping when fanciers have the option of placing points of view on websites for all to read, helping keep the debate going, on and on. Take it from me, the vast majority just wish to send their birds, get a result, and look forward to the next race.
Member clubs need to be aware of a number of changes that have been put in place to make the running of this massive organization a little easier for Secretary Fred Russell. Help will be supplied to clubs to enable them to submit an official copy of the Race Result by Fax over Saturday & Sunday which will hopefully enable a result to be made available on the Sunday evening to be used in the pigeon publicity over the next week. Please Note – Fax Number (028) 92 693913. An important part of all this is that clubs use the new, (Big White Envelope) for crate carriage, Transporter Only Envelope, to be handed to the driver on the Friday night collection. A properly signed cheque enclosed and filled out on the front of the envelope giving entry details, crates, members and birds competing etc. All information will be logged and cheques got ready for the bank early Saturday and everything in place waiting for club results on a Saturday evening. The Transporter Only Envelope is not to be mixed up with anything else, it alone with cheque and all information filled out, and handed to the driver during the club collection. No Envelope or cheque supplied to the driver, no collection the following week. No more posting your cheque. No more enclosing it in your duplicate envelopes.
While I am on the subject of envelopes, please use the correct envelope. If it says duplicates only, please only duplicates in the envelope. Rubber rings only, please only rubber rings in the envelope. Race results only, please only race results in the envelope and finally, transport charges only, please only your Club Cheque in the envelope. Far too many are simply using the first envelope they put their hands on. All these envelopes are designed to assist the Secretary and Fred would appreciate your assistance.
At the AGM the General Rule 62 was changed to read.
Confirmation of club result must be faxed to the NIPA Secretary on the Official Result Form, within 24 hours of the race. The result envelope must be posted to the Secretary to arrive not later than four days after the race.
This means that unlike last year when information was returned on the next week’s transporter collection run, the business must be put in the post to arrive no later than Wednesday, assuming the race was flown on the Saturday.
With the Easter Holiday and the weather the way it has been some clubs have indicated they will not be sending the first race, any club not sending the first week should contact Ivan Mawhinney Tel: (028) 38 882322. I have a number of contact numbers for Secretary Fred Russell. From 9.00am until 4.00pm Tel: (028) 90 234805. From 8.00pm any night Tel: (028) 92 693913. Mobile: 07833 070371. Only these numbers to be used, no others, thank you.
When the season starts clubs should furnish their results to me as in the past for general publicity, if you can supply extra details that will help a lot, as will the odd photo. We have always relied on a number of area scribes to supply local news for various publications, including weekly newspapers and the fancy press as well. This as usual will be listed in the organisation report for each race, and remember we work to very tight deadlines. There is more to do than will ever be possible to be done, we can only try our best, to ensure your result is listed get the details to Homer, space is also available for all club’s to list results at no charge on www.pigeonnetwork.com
Northern Ireland Channel Federation
– COPD Charity Race.
Following the death of my father John “Rocky” Reid on 8th December 2009, I will be organising a fund raiser for COPD (British Lung Foundation). John was a keen pigeon fancier and he was secretary of the Northern Ireland Channel Fed and Drumcree HPS for many years and also served time running the NIPA Centre in Edgarstown HPS along with the late Mervyn Maben. Over the last few years John’s health had deteriorated quite rapidly, but he didn’t let it stop him from watching the pigeons and doing his duties as secretary. During and up until the death of my father, the care in which he received from the COPD Nurses was second to none and he had asked me to raise some money to show our appreciation.
COPD is a term for a group of lung diseases that include chronic bronchitis, emphysema and small airways disease, which causes Lung damage over a long period of time and impairs the flow of air in and out of the lungs and causes breathlessness. This is a condition that any one of us in the pigeon sport can inherit, which is why we need to support the British Lung Foundation (COPD).
The race will be flown under the Northern Ireland Channel Fed name and will be held in the Edgarstown HPS clubrooms on Sunday 25th April, race point to be confirmed. The race will be opened to Sections A, E & G. I would like to take the opportunity in thanking Edgarstown members for use of the clubrooms and Ronnie Williamson for the Transporter. All donations are very welcome. More details will follow over the next few weeks. I can be contacted on 07810 435225 or email colly_reid@hotmail.com. Thanks Colum Reid.
Carrickfergus Prizes in 2009
Carrick & District held their annual dinner and prize-night in the local clubrooms, as usual the invited guests included the officials of Carrick Social. Homer & Rosie were invited once again to take a few photos and give a little coverage to one of the hot-spots in the East Antrim Section C area. Mrs Reid presented the awards and also the NIPA France Diplomas won by Carrickfergus Lofts during another successful season racing. Secretary Robert Reid is always up to date and has the awards for the year released within two weeks of the final race.
The Carrick & District HPS 2009 winners were:
Elliott Bros won – McGifford Cup Cross Channel Ave, Graham Cup OB Ave, E Tierney Cup Best OB Ave Penzance, S Murphy Cup Penzance Old Bird, J Tierney Cup Best Ave Talbenny (1) & (2), Phil Canny Trophy NIPA St Malo OB Nat, T Binding Cup Best Ave Penzance & St Malo, McAllister Cup Lowest Winning Velocity, M/M Reid Trophy Rosscarbery OB Inl Nat, Stocker Cup Combine Ave, G McAllister Cup Bude Old Bird.
Mr & Mrs G Robinson won – Morrow Cup YB Points, Stroller Cup Young Bird Ave, E Skelton Cup Highest Winning Velocity, R Bowen & Sons Cup Best Ave all Fermoy Races, M Tierney Cup 6th Race OB Clonmel (1), J Tierney Cup Best Performance YB, H Hamilton Cup 1st YB Talbenny and race before, A Patton Cup YB Knock-Out, R Surgenor Memorial Shield 5th YB Race.
D & J Armstrong & Son won – Elmhurst Cup Old Bird Points, M/M Reid Trophy Penzance Classic, D Tierney Cup Same Bird Talbenny (2) & Penzance, Hamilton Memorial Trophy Rosscarbery Nat & Skibb Nat INFC, R & H Hamilton Shield YB Inl Nat INFC, Shankill Cup Inland Points Ave Old Bird.
T Creighton & Son won E Burgess Cup Best Ave YB Nat, Turner Cup Talbenny YB Nat, E Gilliland Cup 1st YB Race.
T Thomas won – J Clawson Cup Rosscarbery YB Nat, McMahon Cup NIPA Rosscarbery Nat both clubs.
R McIlroy & Son won – Vint Cup OB Nat INFC, T Creighton Memorial Cup OB Nat INFC both clubs.
Not Won in 2009 – W Colwell Cup Penzance YB Nat and T Tierney Cup YB Novice Ave.
In the NIPA Jeff McMaw won the Silver Diploma and Bronze Diplomas were won by the ever consistent Elliott Bros and Mr & Mrs George Robinson who had a best ever racing season in 2009.
In 2009 Silver Diplomas were won by –
Jeff McMaw Carrick & Dist 29th Sect C & 99th Open NIPA Lamballe 07, 10th Sect C & 32nd Open NIPA St Malo 08, 15th Sect C & 106th Open NIPA St Malo 09.
In 2009 Bronze Diplomas were won by –
Elliott Bros Carrick & Dist 7th Sect C & 29th Open NIPA St Malo 08, 2nd Sect C & 29th Open NIPA St Malo 09.
M/M G Robinson Carrick & Dist 23rd Sect C & & 74th Open NIPA St Malo 08, 20th Sect C & 131st Open NIPA St Malo 09.
Race Dates
The agreed race programmes are as follows.
NIPA 2010
Old Birds: 10th April Tullamore, 17th April Tullamore, 24th April Roscrea, 1st May Clonmel, 8th May Clonmel, 15th May Fermoy, 22nd May Rosscarbery OB Inland Nat, 29th May Talbenny, 5th June Talbenny, 5th June Fermoy, 12th June Bude, 12th June Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, 19th June Penzance, 19th June Penzance OB Classic, 25th June St Malo OB Nat (France), 26th June Yearling Cock/Hen Nationals.
Young Birds: 10th July Training Toss Mullingar (2 Liberations) ie Top Half Clubs above 54:36, Bottom Half Clubs below 54:36. 17th July Tullamore Official Race (2 Liberations, as above), 24th July Tullamore (Mass Liberation), 31st July Roscrea, 7th August Roscrea, 14th August Clonmel, 21st August Fermoy, 28th August Talbenny YB Nat, 28th August Tullamore, 4th September Fermoy, 4th September Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, 11th September Rosscarbery YB Inland National.
The proposed race programme for the INFC in 2010 is as follows. Skibbereen OB Inland Nat Tuesday 25th May (race mark Monday), Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 9th June (race mark Monday), Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup Friday 2nd July (race mark Tuesday), St Malo Friendship Nat Friday 9th July (race mark Tuesday), Penzance YB Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Penzance Old Hens Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Skibbereen YB Inland Nat Saturday 18th September (race mark Friday).
Irish South Road Federation 2010
Old Birds: 10th April Thurles, 17th April Fermoy, 24th April Mallow, 1st May Skibbereen, 8th May Skibbereen Open, 15th May Thurles, 22nd May Fermoy, 22nd May Bude, 29th May Mallow, 29th May Sennen Cove Open, 5th June Skibbereen, 5th June Bude, 12th June Mallow, 12th June Sennen Cove Open, 18th June Lamballe Open, 19th June Skibbereen, 26th June Skibbereen Open.
Young Birds: 10th July Thurles, 17th July Thurles, 24th July Fermoy, 31st July Mallow, 7th August Skibbereen, 14th August Skibbereen Open, 21st August Thurles, 28th August Fermoy, 28th August Bude Open, 4th September Mallow, 11th September Skibbereen, 18th September Skibbereen Open.
Ulster Federation 2010
Old Birds: 17th April Kildare, 24th April Kildare, 1st May Thurles, 8th May Thurles, 15th May Fermoy, 22nd May Skibbereen Championship, 29th May Talbenny, 5th June Talbenny, 12th June Bude, 19th June Penzance Championship, 25th June St Malo OB Derby.
Young Birds: 10th July Navan, 17th July Navan, 24th July Kildare, 31st July Thurles, 7th August Thurles, 14th August Fermoy, 21st August Fermoy 5 Bird, 28th August Talbenny YB Derby, 28th August Kildare, 4th September Mallow, 11th September Skibbereen YB Derby.
East Down Combine 2010
Old Birds: 10th Mullingar, 17th April Tullamore, 24th April Mount Charles, 1st May Mount Charles, 8th May Fermoy, 15th May Skibbereen Classic, 22nd May Fermoy, 29th May Talbenny, 5th June Talbenny, 5th June Derek Wishard Fermoy, 12th June Bude, 19th June Penzance, 19th June Penzance Classic, 25th June St Malo OB Derby.
Young Birds:17th July Navan, 24th July Navan, 31st July Mullingar, 7th August Tullamore, 14th August Tyone Mills, 21st August Fermoy, 28th August Talbenny YB Derby, 28th August Skibbereen YB Derby, 4th September Tyone Mills, 11th September Skibbereen YB Derby.
* The date for the Olympiad in Poznan (Poland) has been changed to Friday 28th January to Sunday 30th January 2011.
Sale Season
* The sale was held as planned in the Larne & District HPS Clubrooms in support of Brian & Val Derbyshire who tragically lost their grand-son following an accident in Australia. The sale lifted over £1200, could I ask that you would thank all those who very kindly had donated pigeons, all who bought pigeons and/or made cash donations. A big thank-you to Noel Ferguson and Adrian Beggs who donated the prize fund for Fermoy race and also to the lads from the North Coast Classic One Loft race at Coleraine who generously gave a free race entry as a ballot prize. The ballot was won by Russell McAlary, one of the visitors. Many thanks as well to William Gray who sent me the news.
Ballycarry & District will hold a Young Bird weekly sale to be raced from the first five mass lib young bird races, This sale will be held in the clubrooms on Wednesday 7th April @ 7.30pm, sale open to members in Carrick Social RPC, Carrick & District HPS & Ballycarry HPS.
Ballynure & District will have the annual Breeder & Buyer Sale in the Larne & Dist HPS Clubrooms, Glenarm Road in Larne on Wednesday 7th April, penning at 7.30 and sale at 8.00pm. The race will be the Rosscarbery YB National, £600 has been paid out each year and all fanciers are welcome.
Ronnie Johnston will auction birds at two sales that have been arranged on behalf of Allanah Donnelly who is just 7 years old and a Leukaemia Sufferer. Dates are Thursday 8th April in the Banbridge British Legion and Monday 12th April in the Newtownbreda Clubrooms. Fantastic selection of top quality Young Birds direct from some of Ireland’s leading lofts, these will be ready to race. Alannah is the grand-daughter of Mr & Mrs Stevenson of Dromara club. So far young birds from leading Ulster Federation, East Down Combine and NIPA lofts have been promised, anybody who would like to donate a young bird can contact me, David Black, on Tel: 07876 157706.
Glenarm & District HPS will have their annual Breeder & Buyer Sale in the Larne & Dist HPS on Thursday 15th April at 8.00pm. The race will be Fermoy and prizes £100 for Breeder and £250 for the Buyer. All fanciers welcome.
A Building Fund Sale in aid of Downpatrick HPS will take place in the Newtownbreda Clubrooms on Monday 19th April at 8.00pm. The club have a top selection of youngsters promised from top lofts, penning is from 7.00pm.
Cullybackey HPS secretary Edrick Davidson has informed me that long time member Hugh Glass has passed away at an advanced age, he raced in the Glass, son & Weir partnership and will be sadly missed.
Springvale Social intend to once again promote a Gold Ring Race in 2010, rings at £20 each are available now. Open to lofts competing in the NIPA Sections B & C the race will be as last year flown in conjunction with the NIPA Rosscarbery National. Prizes will be 1st £750, 2nd £150 and 3rd £100 and the contact numbers are as follows. Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 and Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.
Lost: In the Crumlin area Blue cock GB07C 45220, Tel: Tel: (028) 94 459014 or Mobile: 07710 447262. Found: Dead at Larne Harbour IHU10S 52849.
Member clubs need to be aware of a number of changes that have been put in place to make the running of this massive organization a little easier for Secretary Fred Russell. Help will be supplied to clubs to enable them to submit an official copy of the Race Result by Fax over Saturday & Sunday which will hopefully enable a result to be made available on the Sunday evening to be used in the pigeon publicity over the next week. Please Note – Fax Number (028) 92 693913. An important part of all this is that clubs use the new, (Big White Envelope) for crate carriage, Transporter Only Envelope, to be handed to the driver on the Friday night collection. A properly signed cheque enclosed and filled out on the front of the envelope giving entry details, crates, members and birds competing etc. All information will be logged and cheques got ready for the bank early Saturday and everything in place waiting for club results on a Saturday evening. The Transporter Only Envelope is not to be mixed up with anything else, it alone with cheque and all information filled out, and handed to the driver during the club collection. No Envelope or cheque supplied to the driver, no collection the following week. No more posting your cheque. No more enclosing it in your duplicate envelopes.
While I am on the subject of envelopes, please use the correct envelope. If it says duplicates only, please only duplicates in the envelope. Rubber rings only, please only rubber rings in the envelope. Race results only, please only race results in the envelope and finally, transport charges only, please only your Club Cheque in the envelope. Far too many are simply using the first envelope they put their hands on. All these envelopes are designed to assist the Secretary and Fred would appreciate your assistance.
At the AGM the General Rule 62 was changed to read.
Confirmation of club result must be faxed to the NIPA Secretary on the Official Result Form, within 24 hours of the race. The result envelope must be posted to the Secretary to arrive not later than four days after the race.
This means that unlike last year when information was returned on the next week’s transporter collection run, the business must be put in the post to arrive no later than Wednesday, assuming the race was flown on the Saturday.
With the Easter Holiday and the weather the way it has been some clubs have indicated they will not be sending the first race, any club not sending the first week should contact Ivan Mawhinney Tel: (028) 38 882322. I have a number of contact numbers for Secretary Fred Russell. From 9.00am until 4.00pm Tel: (028) 90 234805. From 8.00pm any night Tel: (028) 92 693913. Mobile: 07833 070371. Only these numbers to be used, no others, thank you.
When the season starts clubs should furnish their results to me as in the past for general publicity, if you can supply extra details that will help a lot, as will the odd photo. We have always relied on a number of area scribes to supply local news for various publications, including weekly newspapers and the fancy press as well. This as usual will be listed in the organisation report for each race, and remember we work to very tight deadlines. There is more to do than will ever be possible to be done, we can only try our best, to ensure your result is listed get the details to Homer, space is also available for all club’s to list results at no charge on www.pigeonnetwork.com
Northern Ireland Channel Federation
– COPD Charity Race.
Following the death of my father John “Rocky” Reid on 8th December 2009, I will be organising a fund raiser for COPD (British Lung Foundation). John was a keen pigeon fancier and he was secretary of the Northern Ireland Channel Fed and Drumcree HPS for many years and also served time running the NIPA Centre in Edgarstown HPS along with the late Mervyn Maben. Over the last few years John’s health had deteriorated quite rapidly, but he didn’t let it stop him from watching the pigeons and doing his duties as secretary. During and up until the death of my father, the care in which he received from the COPD Nurses was second to none and he had asked me to raise some money to show our appreciation.
COPD is a term for a group of lung diseases that include chronic bronchitis, emphysema and small airways disease, which causes Lung damage over a long period of time and impairs the flow of air in and out of the lungs and causes breathlessness. This is a condition that any one of us in the pigeon sport can inherit, which is why we need to support the British Lung Foundation (COPD).
The race will be flown under the Northern Ireland Channel Fed name and will be held in the Edgarstown HPS clubrooms on Sunday 25th April, race point to be confirmed. The race will be opened to Sections A, E & G. I would like to take the opportunity in thanking Edgarstown members for use of the clubrooms and Ronnie Williamson for the Transporter. All donations are very welcome. More details will follow over the next few weeks. I can be contacted on 07810 435225 or email colly_reid@hotmail.com. Thanks Colum Reid.
Carrickfergus Prizes in 2009
Carrick & District held their annual dinner and prize-night in the local clubrooms, as usual the invited guests included the officials of Carrick Social. Homer & Rosie were invited once again to take a few photos and give a little coverage to one of the hot-spots in the East Antrim Section C area. Mrs Reid presented the awards and also the NIPA France Diplomas won by Carrickfergus Lofts during another successful season racing. Secretary Robert Reid is always up to date and has the awards for the year released within two weeks of the final race.
The Carrick & District HPS 2009 winners were:
Elliott Bros won – McGifford Cup Cross Channel Ave, Graham Cup OB Ave, E Tierney Cup Best OB Ave Penzance, S Murphy Cup Penzance Old Bird, J Tierney Cup Best Ave Talbenny (1) & (2), Phil Canny Trophy NIPA St Malo OB Nat, T Binding Cup Best Ave Penzance & St Malo, McAllister Cup Lowest Winning Velocity, M/M Reid Trophy Rosscarbery OB Inl Nat, Stocker Cup Combine Ave, G McAllister Cup Bude Old Bird.
Mr & Mrs G Robinson won – Morrow Cup YB Points, Stroller Cup Young Bird Ave, E Skelton Cup Highest Winning Velocity, R Bowen & Sons Cup Best Ave all Fermoy Races, M Tierney Cup 6th Race OB Clonmel (1), J Tierney Cup Best Performance YB, H Hamilton Cup 1st YB Talbenny and race before, A Patton Cup YB Knock-Out, R Surgenor Memorial Shield 5th YB Race.
D & J Armstrong & Son won – Elmhurst Cup Old Bird Points, M/M Reid Trophy Penzance Classic, D Tierney Cup Same Bird Talbenny (2) & Penzance, Hamilton Memorial Trophy Rosscarbery Nat & Skibb Nat INFC, R & H Hamilton Shield YB Inl Nat INFC, Shankill Cup Inland Points Ave Old Bird.
T Creighton & Son won E Burgess Cup Best Ave YB Nat, Turner Cup Talbenny YB Nat, E Gilliland Cup 1st YB Race.
T Thomas won – J Clawson Cup Rosscarbery YB Nat, McMahon Cup NIPA Rosscarbery Nat both clubs.
R McIlroy & Son won – Vint Cup OB Nat INFC, T Creighton Memorial Cup OB Nat INFC both clubs.
Not Won in 2009 – W Colwell Cup Penzance YB Nat and T Tierney Cup YB Novice Ave.
In the NIPA Jeff McMaw won the Silver Diploma and Bronze Diplomas were won by the ever consistent Elliott Bros and Mr & Mrs George Robinson who had a best ever racing season in 2009.
In 2009 Silver Diplomas were won by –
Jeff McMaw Carrick & Dist 29th Sect C & 99th Open NIPA Lamballe 07, 10th Sect C & 32nd Open NIPA St Malo 08, 15th Sect C & 106th Open NIPA St Malo 09.
In 2009 Bronze Diplomas were won by –
Elliott Bros Carrick & Dist 7th Sect C & 29th Open NIPA St Malo 08, 2nd Sect C & 29th Open NIPA St Malo 09.
M/M G Robinson Carrick & Dist 23rd Sect C & & 74th Open NIPA St Malo 08, 20th Sect C & 131st Open NIPA St Malo 09.
Race Dates
The agreed race programmes are as follows.
NIPA 2010
Old Birds: 10th April Tullamore, 17th April Tullamore, 24th April Roscrea, 1st May Clonmel, 8th May Clonmel, 15th May Fermoy, 22nd May Rosscarbery OB Inland Nat, 29th May Talbenny, 5th June Talbenny, 5th June Fermoy, 12th June Bude, 12th June Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, 19th June Penzance, 19th June Penzance OB Classic, 25th June St Malo OB Nat (France), 26th June Yearling Cock/Hen Nationals.
Young Birds: 10th July Training Toss Mullingar (2 Liberations) ie Top Half Clubs above 54:36, Bottom Half Clubs below 54:36. 17th July Tullamore Official Race (2 Liberations, as above), 24th July Tullamore (Mass Liberation), 31st July Roscrea, 7th August Roscrea, 14th August Clonmel, 21st August Fermoy, 28th August Talbenny YB Nat, 28th August Tullamore, 4th September Fermoy, 4th September Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, 11th September Rosscarbery YB Inland National.
The proposed race programme for the INFC in 2010 is as follows. Skibbereen OB Inland Nat Tuesday 25th May (race mark Monday), Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 9th June (race mark Monday), Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup Friday 2nd July (race mark Tuesday), St Malo Friendship Nat Friday 9th July (race mark Tuesday), Penzance YB Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Penzance Old Hens Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Skibbereen YB Inland Nat Saturday 18th September (race mark Friday).
Irish South Road Federation 2010
Old Birds: 10th April Thurles, 17th April Fermoy, 24th April Mallow, 1st May Skibbereen, 8th May Skibbereen Open, 15th May Thurles, 22nd May Fermoy, 22nd May Bude, 29th May Mallow, 29th May Sennen Cove Open, 5th June Skibbereen, 5th June Bude, 12th June Mallow, 12th June Sennen Cove Open, 18th June Lamballe Open, 19th June Skibbereen, 26th June Skibbereen Open.
Young Birds: 10th July Thurles, 17th July Thurles, 24th July Fermoy, 31st July Mallow, 7th August Skibbereen, 14th August Skibbereen Open, 21st August Thurles, 28th August Fermoy, 28th August Bude Open, 4th September Mallow, 11th September Skibbereen, 18th September Skibbereen Open.
Ulster Federation 2010
Old Birds: 17th April Kildare, 24th April Kildare, 1st May Thurles, 8th May Thurles, 15th May Fermoy, 22nd May Skibbereen Championship, 29th May Talbenny, 5th June Talbenny, 12th June Bude, 19th June Penzance Championship, 25th June St Malo OB Derby.
Young Birds: 10th July Navan, 17th July Navan, 24th July Kildare, 31st July Thurles, 7th August Thurles, 14th August Fermoy, 21st August Fermoy 5 Bird, 28th August Talbenny YB Derby, 28th August Kildare, 4th September Mallow, 11th September Skibbereen YB Derby.
East Down Combine 2010
Old Birds: 10th Mullingar, 17th April Tullamore, 24th April Mount Charles, 1st May Mount Charles, 8th May Fermoy, 15th May Skibbereen Classic, 22nd May Fermoy, 29th May Talbenny, 5th June Talbenny, 5th June Derek Wishard Fermoy, 12th June Bude, 19th June Penzance, 19th June Penzance Classic, 25th June St Malo OB Derby.
Young Birds:17th July Navan, 24th July Navan, 31st July Mullingar, 7th August Tullamore, 14th August Tyone Mills, 21st August Fermoy, 28th August Talbenny YB Derby, 28th August Skibbereen YB Derby, 4th September Tyone Mills, 11th September Skibbereen YB Derby.
* The date for the Olympiad in Poznan (Poland) has been changed to Friday 28th January to Sunday 30th January 2011.
Sale Season
* The sale was held as planned in the Larne & District HPS Clubrooms in support of Brian & Val Derbyshire who tragically lost their grand-son following an accident in Australia. The sale lifted over £1200, could I ask that you would thank all those who very kindly had donated pigeons, all who bought pigeons and/or made cash donations. A big thank-you to Noel Ferguson and Adrian Beggs who donated the prize fund for Fermoy race and also to the lads from the North Coast Classic One Loft race at Coleraine who generously gave a free race entry as a ballot prize. The ballot was won by Russell McAlary, one of the visitors. Many thanks as well to William Gray who sent me the news.
Ballycarry & District will hold a Young Bird weekly sale to be raced from the first five mass lib young bird races, This sale will be held in the clubrooms on Wednesday 7th April @ 7.30pm, sale open to members in Carrick Social RPC, Carrick & District HPS & Ballycarry HPS.
Ballynure & District will have the annual Breeder & Buyer Sale in the Larne & Dist HPS Clubrooms, Glenarm Road in Larne on Wednesday 7th April, penning at 7.30 and sale at 8.00pm. The race will be the Rosscarbery YB National, £600 has been paid out each year and all fanciers are welcome.
Ronnie Johnston will auction birds at two sales that have been arranged on behalf of Allanah Donnelly who is just 7 years old and a Leukaemia Sufferer. Dates are Thursday 8th April in the Banbridge British Legion and Monday 12th April in the Newtownbreda Clubrooms. Fantastic selection of top quality Young Birds direct from some of Ireland’s leading lofts, these will be ready to race. Alannah is the grand-daughter of Mr & Mrs Stevenson of Dromara club. So far young birds from leading Ulster Federation, East Down Combine and NIPA lofts have been promised, anybody who would like to donate a young bird can contact me, David Black, on Tel: 07876 157706.
Glenarm & District HPS will have their annual Breeder & Buyer Sale in the Larne & Dist HPS on Thursday 15th April at 8.00pm. The race will be Fermoy and prizes £100 for Breeder and £250 for the Buyer. All fanciers welcome.
A Building Fund Sale in aid of Downpatrick HPS will take place in the Newtownbreda Clubrooms on Monday 19th April at 8.00pm. The club have a top selection of youngsters promised from top lofts, penning is from 7.00pm.
Cullybackey HPS secretary Edrick Davidson has informed me that long time member Hugh Glass has passed away at an advanced age, he raced in the Glass, son & Weir partnership and will be sadly missed.
Springvale Social intend to once again promote a Gold Ring Race in 2010, rings at £20 each are available now. Open to lofts competing in the NIPA Sections B & C the race will be as last year flown in conjunction with the NIPA Rosscarbery National. Prizes will be 1st £750, 2nd £150 and 3rd £100 and the contact numbers are as follows. Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 and Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.
Lost: In the Crumlin area Blue cock GB07C 45220, Tel: Tel: (028) 94 459014 or Mobile: 07710 447262. Found: Dead at Larne Harbour IHU10S 52849.