The Mid Ulster Federation moved on to Gowran Park on Sunday 9th August for the next race in the 2026 Young Bird Programme.
Following a Saturday night collection, the convoy was liberated at 11.00am on Sunday, with the birds racing home in a westerly wind.
A Special First Federation Win for Mason CalvinTaking top honours this week was Mason Calvin of the Hoggis Centre, recording an excellent 1st Federation with his youngster GB26B36584, on a velocity of 1622.729 ypm.
Making the achievement even more impressive, Mason sent an entry of just 28 young birds to Gowran Park, proving on the day that quality can certainly beat quantity.
This was a particularly special result for the young fancier, who is only in his first year racing pigeons. Having grown up watching his father, Davy Calvin, and grandfather, Ronnie Williamson, enjoy considerable success in the sport, Mason decided this year to give pigeon racing a go for himself — and he has certainly made his mark.
At Gowran Park, Mason broke his duck in style, timing just seconds ahead of his father Davy to claim his first Federation victory. Despite the achievement, Mason remained modest about his success, joking that it was “a bit of beginner’s luck.”
Mason would like to thank the Mid Ulster Federation for giving him such an enjoyable introduction to pigeon racing and the opportunity to compete alongside some of the finest fanciers in Northern Ireland.
He also wished to thank the many Federation members who helped him get started by giving him pigeons and offering advice and encouragement. Mason said the support he has received has been brilliant, with everyone going out of their way to help him during his first season.
It is fantastic to see another young fancier coming into the sport, and even better to see him enjoying success so early in his racing career. Everyone at the Mid Ulster Federation would like to congratulate Mason on his first Federation victory and wish him every success for the remainder of the season.
It was an incredibly close finish at the top, with Davy Calvin producing an outstanding team performance to take 2nd, 3rd and 4th Federation, recording velocities of 1621.194, 1620.029 and 1616.155 ypm respectively.
Centre Highlights
Hoggs Centre
A superb race for the Calvin lofts, with Mason Calvin taking 1st Centre and 1st Federation, closely followed by Davy Calvin at 2nd, 3rd and 4th Centre and Federation.
R. Buckley then put together an excellent run, taking 5th through 9th Federation, followed by G. Buckley & Son at 10th through 14th.
Some tremendous team performances from the Hoggis Centre this week.
Bleary Centre
Congratulations to C & H Beattie, who topped Bleary with GB26C43305, recording 1610.460 ypm and taking an excellent 5th Federation.
C & H Beattie were also 2nd Centre, while C. Duke & Sons followed in 3rd and 4th. Another strong showing from the Bleary lofts.
Meadows Centre
Congratulations to Larkin Bros, winners of the Meadows Centre with GB26S25374, recording 1572.076 ypm.
Joe Brown took 2nd Centre, with Aidan Mallon filling 3rd and 4th.
The Meadows had 5 members sending 136 birds.
Armagh Centre
Congratulations to A. Geraghty, who enjoyed a tremendous result in Armagh, taking the leading positions in the centre.
The winning youngster, GB26V62957, recorded 1581.157 ypm, with another arriving just two seconds later to record 1580.767 ypm.
Federation Top 101st – Mason Calvin, hoggs – 1622.729 ypm
2nd – Davy Calvin, hoggs – 1621.194 ypm
3rd – Davy Calvin, hoggs – 1620.029 ypm
4th – Davy Calvin, hoggs – 1616.155 ypm
5th – C & H Beattie, Bleary – 1610.460 ypm
6th – R. Buckley, hoggs – 1601.729 ypm
7th – R. Buckley, hoggs – 1601.729 ypm
8th – R. Buckley, hoggs – 1601.348 ypm
9th – R. Buckley, hoggs – 1600.399 ypm
10th – R. Buckley, Hoggs – 1599.450 ypm
Another very competitive Gowran Park race, with some particularly impressive team performances throughout the Federation.
Special congratulations must go to Mason Calvin on securing his first ever Federation victory in his first season in the sport. With an entry of just 28 youngsters, it was a memorable result and a tremendous way to open his Federation-winning account.
Well done also to Davy Calvin, C & H Beattie and everyone who featured on the result.
A big thank you goes to this week’s race sponsor, Ballymore Inn, Tandragee, for their generous support and donation of the prize money. Sponsorship such as this is greatly appreciated by everyone within the Mid Ulster Federation.
Thanks, as always, to everyone involved in getting the race away — from collection and transportation through to the officials and volunteers working at each centre.
Congratulations to all the prize winners, and best of luck to everyone as the 2026 young bird season continues.
