Pigeon Network

With a lot of overcast conditions across many parts of Southern Ireland last weekend organizations had to work hard at getting a liberation, almost all managed to get away. Following two races from Tullamore the NIPA birds had moved on to Roscrea in County Tipperary. Liberation was again at mid-day in a helping SSE wind. Best reported bird was in Coalisland & Dist with the high flying Henry McLaughlin doing velocity 1744. Not far away Danny Dixon who had a fantastic card racing into Dunloy in County Antrim, his first three arrivals were doing 1739, 1739 and 1738. He is more than pleased with that result and will top the Mid Antrim Sect B for the second time this year.

In the Coleraine Area the best weekend bird was timed by the top team of Hanson & Harpur who had a super card in the Coleraine Premier. Doing velocity 1722 they were ahead of Kenny Darragh who had 1st Coleraine & County Derry (1718). T & J McDonald had 1st Bushmills Inv (1706) and Kenny Glass has his first success of the year in Windsor Soc (1677) with a 2 year old cheq cock bred by Harry Hearn from Newcastle on Tyneside.

Coleraine Triangle Roscrea – Hanson & Harpur Coleraine Prem 1722, K Darragh Coleraine & Co Derry 1718, Hanson & Harpur 1717, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1706, Hanson & Harpur 1700, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1699, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1698, A & R McAuley 1692, J L Madden 1691, S & B Cummins Coleraine Prem 1686, Hanson & Harpur 1684, T & J McDonald 1683, W & W Murdock Coleraine & Co Derry 1683, T McCrudden 1681, K Glass Windsor Soc 1677.

Roscrea 25/4/2010

N.I.P.A. Section A:

Coalisland & Dist 14/371 - 1st Henry McLaughlin 1744, 2nd Kevin Carlan 1676, 3rd Sean Drain 1667, 4th Kevin Carolan 1676, 5th&6th Karl Murphy 1665,1664, 7th Joe Devlin 1664, 8th M&R Hamilton 1661, 9th Richard Corey 1657, 10th Kevin Carolan 1653.

Coleraine Prem Hps - 1st&2nd Hanson&Harpur 1722,1717, 3rd T&J McDonald 1706, 4th Hamson&Harpur 1700, 5th&6th J L Madden 1698,1691, 7th S&B Cummins 1686, 8th Hanson&Harpur 1684, 9th T&J McDonald 1663, 10th S Walker 1658.

Coleraine & Co Derry - 1st K Darragh 1718, 2nd T McCrudden 1696, 3rd W&W Murdock 1683, 4th T McCrudden 1681. Kenny wins with a Van DerhreexVan Meldret. Winky wins the pools.

Bushmills Inv - 1st T&J McDonald 1706, 2nd K Glass 1677, 3rd,4th&5th T&J McDonald 1663,1655,1642.

Castledawson Hps 4/87 - 1st,2nd&3rd T Leacock&Son 1690,1675,1669, 4th Savage Bros 1626, 5th T Leacock&Son 1625, 6th S K Watson 1606.

Cookstown Social 10/258 - 1st K Morton&Sons 1686, 2nd S&G Smith 1671, 3rd G&S Smith 1667, 4th S Marshall 1661, 5th Speirs&Campbell 1660, 6th G Marshall 1659, 7th G&S Smith 1655, 8th&9th J McCormick 1651,1637, 10th G Marshall 1637.

Windsor Social 11/236 - 1st K Glass 1677, 2nd G Donaghey Son&G/son 1660, 3rd K Glass 1636, 4th M Simpson 1626, 5th R&J Parke 1619, 6th&7th E&J McGarry 1616,1609, 8th Horner&Scott 1605, 9th C Morrow&Son 1596, 10th R&J Parke 1596. Kenny wins this week's race with a two year old cock bred by Harry Hearn, Newcastle.

Dungannon & Dist Hps 8/108 - 1st&2nd J&J Sampson 1637,1630, 3rd W Leckey&Son 1628, 4th J&J Sampson 1623, 5th W Leckey&Son 1591, 6th J&J Sampson 1575.

N.I.P.A. Section B:

Ballymoney Hps 30/986 - 1st&2nd D Dixon 1739,1739, 3rd D&H Stuart 1732, 4th J McDowell&Sons 1722, 5th&6th A&R McAuley 1699,1692, 7th&8th A&M Boyle 1684,1684, 9th M Gamble 1677, 10th D&G McMullan 1674. Danny dixon leads the way in Ballymoney and is looking good for top position in Section B.

Dervock Rps 11/379 - 1st D&H Stuart 1732, 2nd&3rd A&M Boyle 1684,1684, 4th D&G McMullan 1674, 5th S Laverty 1664, 6th D Devenney 1654, 7th D&H Stuart 1644, 8th&9th J Hutchinson&Son 1597,1597, 10th W&L McCaw 1576.

Ballymoney West Combine - 1st J McDowell&Sons 1722, 2nd W Blair 1642, 3rd D Laverty 1642, 4th B&I Stewart 1636, 5th R J Ellioo 1629, 6th L Neill 1622, 7th J Hutchinson&Son 1597, 8th C Henry 1567, 9th D Gage 1496. J McDowell and sons make an impressive start to the season winning the first three races.

Ahoghill FC 14/354 - 1st Young&McManus&Sons 1702, 2nd A&N Young 1653, 3rd Young&McManus&Sons 1645, 4th A&N Young 1635, 5th&6th Young&McManus&Sons 1626,1623, 7th T&G Cotter 1604, 8th J Smyth&Son 1600, 9th Mr&Mrs Robinson 1592, 10th J Smyth&Son 1585.

Randalstown Hps 14/316 - 1st&2nd Stewart Bros 1685,1627, 3rd S Millar 1625, 4th&5th S Murphy 1625,1624, 6th Houston Bros 1611, 7th J Millar 1610, 8th Houston Bros 1604.

Cullybackey Hps 17/475 - 1st&2nd Reid Bros&H McCloy 1678,1669, 3rd A Darragh 1649, 4th H&R McCloy 1641, 5th Scott&Sprat 1640, 6th Russell Bros 1639, 7th H&R McCloy 1639, 8th Scott&Sprat 1619, 9th Russell Bros 1594, 10th A Darragh 1594.

Rasharkin & Dist Hps 14/261 - 1st Milliken&Barkley 1677, 2nd Steele&McNeill 1668, 3rd Lucas McBeill 1662, 4th W McFetridge 1658, 5th J&D Surgenor 1646, 6th Steele&McNeill 1640, 7th J&M Milliken 1640, 8th Lucas McNeill 1623, 9th Milliken&Barkley 1587, 10th A& C Tweed 1578. Milliken&Barkley win another tight finish from Steele&McNeill, Lucas McNeill thirs. Nom Steele&McNeill. D Dixon 1739,1739,1738,1723,1688. Race kindly sponsored by J F Car Sales (Ballymoney)

Windsor Social 11/236 - 1st K Glass 1677, 2nd G Donaghey Son&G/son 1660, 3rd K Glass 1636, 4th M Simpson 1626, 5th R&J Parke 1619, 6th&7th E&J McGarry 1616,1609, 8th Horner&Scott 1605, 9th C Morrow&Son 1596, 10th R&J Parke 1596. Kenny wins this week's race with a two year old cock bred by Harry Hearn, Newcastle.

Ballymena & Dist Hps 13/271 - 1st McAlonan Bros 1670, 2nd M Graham 1655, 3rd Blair&Rankin 1648, 4th W&J Smyth 1635, 5th J Harris 1629, 6th J Devlin 1626, 7th M Graham 1622, 8th W&J Smyth 1622, 9th B O'Rawe 1619, 10th M Graham 1615.

Harryville Hps 17/434 - 1st A McBride 1661, 2nd R Service&Son 1621, 3rd&4th J Ramsey 1619,1617, 5th KKK Kernohan&Sons 1616, 6th,7th&8th R H Clements 1607,1607,1606, 9th G Price 1602, 10th A McBride 1598. Two in a row, Allen is the man to beat.

Broughshane Hps 13/311 - 1st H Smyth&Son 1666, 2nd&3rd G Connolly 1648,1622, 4th D Houston&Son 1620, 5th H Smyth&Son 1615, 6th J&N Simpson 1608, 7th D Houston&Son 1606, 8th J Getty 1600. Harry's bird was 2nd Club the week before, 2year old blue cock on roundabout.Off a pair of Lindelaufs from Foxwood lofts on loan from an old friend in Portadown at the time.

New Antrim Amal - 1st C Magill 1660, 2nd R McFall & Son 1618, 3rd C Magill 1612, 4th C Moore 1608, 5th D Jackson&Son 1607, 6th&7th C Magill 1600,1598, 8th Rankin&Richards 1598.

Crumlin&Dist Hps 12/324 - 1st P McClarence 1654, 2nd M&B McConville 1634, 3rd,4th&5th Fleming Bros 1633,1631,1627, 6th P McClarence 1627, 7th Fleming Bros 1626, 8th&9th M&B McConville 1623, 1620, 10th J&A Galloway 1598.

Chimney Corner - 1st,2nd&3rd McDonald&Wilkinson 1611,1610,1600.

Larne & District just short of 1,000 birds

From Roscrea when 42 members sent 959 birds, G,K&I Moxham takes the red card with a direct daughter off their national winner ‘Millbrae Boy’ when paired to another of their good Williamson hens on 1650 and for good measure they also take fifth on 1626. Second goes to S&W Gray with their R&B Smyth Van Reet, this yearling cock on 1635 was a winner as a young bird and was well fancied. Third goes to Marshall & Wilson with a three year old Van Loon on 1634. A S McNaghten is fourth on 1631 with the same hen who took first last week. Baxter & Holden take sixth on 1620.

The early bird from Roscrea which was the third race of the old bird season was timed in Glengormley by the Campbell & Bigger team who have raced exceedingly well over the last few seasons and won the NI Fancier of the Year award in 2009. Liberation was at mid-day and Campbell & Bigger timed their Blue cock which has won 1st Sect before at 14.32hrs to record velocity 1651 for the 142 miles. It was a very tight finish at the top of Sect C, the East Antrim lofts are all geared up for top success. Doing velocity 1650 we had B & M Gilmore 1st Ballyclare & Dist, Owen O'Neill & Son 1st Glenarm & District and G K & I Moxham 1st Larne & District and best in town. Colin Campbell was winning Horseshoe for the second time. The D & J Armstrong & Son team win both clubs in Carrickfergus while in Doagh & Dist Mr & Mrs McNeilly have won all three starts in 2010.

N.I.P.A. Section C:

Glengormley Hps 14/310 - 1st&2nd D&J Campbell&Bigger 1651,1649, 3rd&4th G&M Atcheson 1638,1628, 5th A Kerry 1627, 6th&7th Bingham&Seaton 1622,1620, 8th A Kerry 1609.

Ballyclare & Dist Hps 17/559 - 1st B&M Gilmore 1650, 2nd S Rodney&Son 1640, 3rd G&R Lawrie 1638, 4th B&M Gilmore 1630, 5th S Rodney&Son 1626, 6th Turkington&Robinson 1604, 7th J&R Blair 1601, 8th T H Gibson 1601, 9th A Agnew 1598, 10th V Thompson 1598.

Glenarm & District 9/155 - O O'Neill & Son 1650, R Robinson & Son 1629, N O'Boyle 1604, O O'Neill & Son 1595, McMullan Bros 1586, O O'Neill & Son 1586, G McWhirter 1585, 1583. The winner a Blue Ch cock on widowhood was timed at 14.50hrs flying almost 160 miles for velocity 1650. This Soontjen had been coming well taking 4th and 5th in the races from Tullamore, this time he will be well placed in Sect C.

Larne & Dist 42/959 - 1st G K&I Moxham 1650, 2nd S&W Gray 1635, 3rd Marshall&Wilson 1634, 4th AS McNaghten 1631, 5th G K&I Moxham 1626, 6th Baxter&Holden 1620, 7th Beggs&Hall 1620, 8th J McAuley 1620, 9th Baxter&Holden 1619, 10th R Fenton 1617. 2-Bird 1st S&W Gray, 2nd Marshall&Wilson.

Carrick Social RPC 22/510 1st,2nd&3rd D&J Armstrong&son 1646,1635,1633, 4th J McILheron 1619, 5th R S Jackson 1614, 6th T Peel 1606, 7th Mr&Mrs Robinson 1602, 8th J McMaw 1602, 9th&10th Mr&Mrs Robinson 1602,1598.

Horseshoe Hps 20/432 - 1st&2nd C Campbell&Son 1645,1637, 3rd Marshall&Wilson 1634, 4th&5th C Campbell&Son 1624,1624, 6th D&P Harvey 1623, 7th S McGarel&Sons 1623, 8th D&P Harvey 1621, 9th C Campbell&Son 1612, 10th H&I Agnew 1612. Show specials won by C Campbell & Son. J Morrison wins nom.

Doagh & Dist Hps 17/378 - 1st&2nd Mr&Mrs B McNeilly 1643,1643, 3rd W Cowan 1640, 4th P&S Lorimer 1620, 5th Wilson, Sons&Smyth 1619, 6th S&A Leitch 1610, 7th Mr&Mrs D Suitters 1607, 8th A&N Lewis 1605, 9th J McGrugan&Son 1604, 10th D Tweedie 1589. Race sponsors B Leitch & J McConnell. Three in a row for Mr & Mrs McNeilly, super flying.

Carrick & Dist 20/424 - 1st&2nd D&J Armstrong&Son 1635,1633, 3rd Mr&Mrs Reid 1626, 4th,5th&6th D&J Armstrong&Son 1611,1608,1606, 7th Mr&Mrs Reid 1603, 8th Mr&Mrs G Robinson 1602, 9th Elliott Bros 1602, 10th Mr&Mrs G Robinson 1602.

Carrick & District HPS 20/424 - D & J Armstrong & Son 1635 DTW, D & J Armstrong & Son 1633, M/M R Reid 1626, D & J Armstrong & Son 1611, 1608, 1606, M/M R Reid 1603, M/M G Robinson 1602, J McMaw 1602, M/M G Robinson 1602, Elliott Bros 1602, M/M G Robinson 1598 ABCDEF & Nom. Armstrong & Son 1584 SP. J McMaw 1592 ABCDEF. Winning Minute (39) won by c/o A Hamilton.

Ballycarry & Dist Hps 8/141 - 1st&2nd Arthurs&George 1635,1619, 3rd A Cooke 1614, 4th&5th N J Arthurs 1613,1609, 6th&7th A Cooke 1604,1598, 8th M Delaney 1597, 9th N J Arthurs 1596, 10th Lynch Bros&Thompson 1590.

Eastway Hps 16/453 - 1st Whiteside Bros 1632, 2nd M&A Pearson 1630, 3rd M&T Griffith 1629, 4th G McKenna 1627, 5th J Burrows 1623, 6th Whiteside Bros 1623.

Ballynure & Dist - 1st Davidson& McIroy 1632, 2nd,3rd&4th Rea&Magill 1622,1617,1617.

Springvale Social 8/163 - 1st Turkington Bros 1627, 2nd A C McGrugan 1618, 3rd Turkington Bros 1609, 4th J Scott 1598, 5th Montgomery&Kirk 1592, 6th Turkington Bros 1590, 7th I Horner 1779. The race was kindly sponsored by G M Landscapes.

Kingsmoss Hps 11/309 - 1st&2nd R McMeekin 1623,1614, 3rd Knowles&Hill 1605, 4th J&S Graham 1604, 5th W Gault&Son 1602, 6th R Lillie&Son 1595, 7th T Lillie 1590, 8th J&S Graham 1577, 9th T Lillie 1573, 10th R Lillie&Son 1566.

Cushendall HPS 9/145 - M & S McDonnell 1609, 1601, 1581, L McKeegan 1578, A McNaughten 1573, M & S McDonnell 1559.

N.I.P.A Section D:

Dromore Hps 16/625 - 1st Doonan&McGuinness 1662, 2nd P&J Boal 1651, 3rd Doonan&McGuinness 1648, 4ththru7th Mr&Mrs G Delaney 1646,1645,1645,1644, 8th&9th J Greenaway 1628,1627, 10th H&H Hodgen 1621.

Glenavy & Dist Hps 22/546 - 1st E Russell 1650, 2nd D Coulter 1639, 3rd I Gibb&Sons 1630, 4th M Taylor 1629, 5th E Russell 1626, 6th G Parker&Son 1612, 7th P McGarrity 1612, 8th G Parker&Son 1609, 9th S McLoughlin&Son 1602, 10th P McGarrity 1596. WELL DONE TO EDWIN RUSSELL ON HIS FIRST WIN OF 2010 SEASON
WITH THE GLENAVY & DIST HPS
1st T/B CLUB D Coulter
2nd T/B CLUB A McAllister
3rd T/B CLUB T&G Kennedy
GLENAVY GOLD RING TICKETS SALES CLOSE ON THE 30/04/2010
YOUR LAST CHANCE TO BUY TICKETS FOR THIS SUPER Y/B RACE
CONTACT H BEATTIE & SON OR ANY GLENAVY MEMBER ASAP

Colin Hps 12/256 - 1st,2nd&3rd J Gregory&Sons 1649,1638,1629, 4th S Rice 1625, 5th,6th&7th J Gregory&Sons 1613,1613,1612, 8th&9th O&M Monaghan 1605,1604, 10th D McParland 1603.

Lisburn & Dist Hps 33/690 - 1st Spence Bros 1639, 2nd S Briggs 1630, 3rd A&J Houston 1626, 4th M Laffin 1618, 5th&6th I Magee&Son 1605,1605, 7th S Briggs 1593, 8th J MCready 1591, 9th W dougherty 1585, 10th H Mackin&Son 1584. belgium 2 year old cock wins the big club for the spence loft ,his brother also a winner&section winner as a yearling.

Derriaghy Hps - 1st&2nd I Gibb&Sons 1630,1629, 3rd I Kennedy 1612, 4th&5th I Gibb&Sons 1603,1597, 6th I Kennedy 1596.

Kingswood Hps - 1st R&J Conlane 1624, 2nd W&R Eavans&Leahy 1617, 3rd R&J Conlane 1597, 4th E Burton 1594, 5th R&J Conlane 1594, 6th&7th C&J Long&Son 1591,1588, 8th E Burton 1586, 9th A Gorman&Son 1569, 10th C&J Long&Son 1568.

South Belfast 9/163 - 1st T G Casement 1621, 2nd Audley&Dougan 1609, 3rd&4th R Fear 1609,1608, 5th J Pollins 1600.

Dunedin FC 10/272 - 1st&2nd A&J Brown 1615,1587, 3rd Myles&McBride 1587, 4th&5th Kincaid&McCann 1579,1576, 6th G McCartney&Son 1576, 7th Paul McClean 1575, 8th&9th Colin Coates&Son 1573,1571, 10th G McCartney&Son 1570. Alan Clocked a Wal Zoontjen Hen well in front for the top prize, both the parents being direct from Wal Zoontjens.

The Sire being a direct Son of the "Chateauroux" who was winner of 1st National and the dam a daughter of the

"Donkere As & Vivian his number one stock pair.

Hills&Maze 10/277 - 1st&2nd A&R Milliken 1601,1601, 3rd&4th C&E Mallon 1588,1586, 5th Lavery Bros 1586, 6th C Lyons 1584, 7th S Grainger&Son 1583, 8th A&R Milliken 1582, 9th Lavery Bros 1573, 10th E&K Lavery 1570.

Kingswood 2-Bird Club 17/311 - 1st R&J Conlane 1594, 2nd H Patton 1501.

Dromara Hps - 1st&2nd Cromie&Magee&Son 1594,1591, 3rd Russell Bros 1565, 4th N Black&Son 1549, 5th R Hunter 1529, 6th McKinstry Bros 1526.

The Orchard Combine

From Roscrea at the weekend following the mid-day liberation the top bird was again recorded in Monaghan, Nicky Johnston recorded his 2 year old Cheq hen racing natural to eggs at 13.39hrs flying 96 miles to record velocity 1703. For good measure he had a second arrival doing 1702, just ahead of Paddy Grew who had 1st Charlemont (1696). Many congratulations to Brendan Corley from Monaghan who won 1st Open NIPA from Tullamore (1).

Orchard Combine Roscrea – N Johnston Monaghan 1703, N Johnston 1702, P Grew Charlemont 1696, Cooney Bros Monaghan 1689, G Swift Monaghan 1685, N Weir Loughgall 1684, S O’Brien Monaghan 1684, A Geraghty Armagh 1681, Cooney Bros 1672, P Tierney Monaghan 1669, G & A Campbell Armagh 1668, B Corley Monaghan 1664, N Weir 1664, N Weir 1663, D & C McArdle Armagh 1660, M McGlinchey Charlemont 1657, P Coughlan Monaghan 1654, P Coughlan 1654, W Walker Monaghan 1651, N Johnston 1649.

The Fanciers Combine - An Open Race will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May from Kildare. Ringing will take place on the morning of the race in Edgarstown HPS Club Rooms, Portadown from 07.30am to 09.00am. Racers are £1 per bird no limit, trainers 30p. A £5 Nomination, 2 cuts 60%, 40%. Prize-money pro rata to the number of entries. Open to all organisations, and all fanciers very welcome.

N.I.P.A. Section E:

The Orchard Combine - 1st&2nd N Johnston 1703,1702, 3rd Cooney Bros 1689, 4th G Swift 1685, 5th N Weir 1684, 6th S O'Brein 1684, 7th A Geraghty 1681, 8th Cooney Bros 1672, 9th P Tierney 1669, 10th G&A Campbell 1668.

Monaghan Hps 12/284 - 1st N Johnston 1703, 2nd Cooney Bros 1689, 3rd G Swift 1685, 4th S O'Brien 1684, 5th Cooney Bros 1672, 6th P Tierney 1669.

Charlemont Hps - 1st P Grew 1696, 2nd K Shannon 1657, 3rd M McGlinchey 1657, 4th K Shannon 1641, 5th E Grew 1638, 6th K Shannon 1636, 7th M McGlinchey 1632, 8th&9th K Shannon 1631,1627, 10th E Grew 1597.

Loughgall - 1stthru7th Nelson Weir 1684,1664,1663,1643,1642,1641,1639, 8th&9th Sam Corrigan 1635,1617, 10th William Corrigan 1614.

Armagh Hps 16/324 - 1st A Geraghty 1681, 2nd G&A Campbell 1668, 3rd D&C McArdle 1660, 4th&5th E&M Curran 1645,1645, 6th I Parkes&Son 1644, 7th M Killen 1637, 8th D&C McArdle 1633, 9th E&M Curran 1623, 10th I Parkes&Son 1620.

Bondhill Social - 1st J Greenaway 1683, 2nd&3rd R Williamson 1668,1667, 4th D Calvin 1654, 5th&6th R Williamson 1643,1643, 7th Capper Bros 1626, 8th D Beattie 1511.

Annaghmore Hps 15/425 - 1st G Calvin&Son 1674, 2nd R Telford 1652, 3rd G Buckley&Son 1648, 4th&5th WG Neill 1636,1635, 6th F&D McNeice 1634, 7th&8th G Calvin&Son 1629,1628, 9th T McClean 1626, 10th G Calvin&Son 1623.

Gilford & Dist Hps - 1st J Rafferty&B Toman 1667, 2nd,3rd&4th T Wilson 1639,1634,1632, 5th T McKinstry 1624, 6th C&H Beattie 1623, 7th&8th T Wilson 1615,1611, 9th I Kidd 1603, 10th G O Dowd 1603.

Beech Park - 1st D Mawhinney&Son 1661, 2nd I Mawhinney&Son 1609, 3rd C Reynolds 1579, 4th R Russell 1573, 5th D Mawhinney&Son 1572, 6th G McEvoy 1565.

Wilton Cross Hps 14/309 - 1st Furphy&Cairns 1640, 2nd Toman&Hamill 1604, 3rd&4th G Douglas 1603,1603, 5th&6th M Rice 1595,1592.

Portadown Inv Fc 8/198 - 1st W Cannaway 1637, 2nd E McKnight 1636, 3rd P Breen 1633, 4th A McDonald 1630, 5th M Livingstone 1625, 6th E McKnight 1616, 7th P Breen 1607, 8th W Cooke 1603, 9th&10th W Cannaway 1592,1592. Wayne returns to top spot this week making it two wins out of three. Hot on his heels is close friend Eddie McKnight.

Lurgan Social 13/410 - 1st Sean Curran 1635, 2nd Kevin Henderson 1633, 3rd Sean Curran 1628, 4th J Douglas&Son 1606, 5th Kevin Henderson 1605, 6th J Douglas&Son 1604, 7th Furphy Bros 1603.

Moira Hps 6/216 - 1st E Russell 1634, 2nd Turner Bros 1632, 3rd E Russell 1630, 4th G&H McCartney 1625, 5th Turner Bros 1608, 6th E Russell 1559, 7th G&H McCartney 1557, 8th R Kennedy 1510. well done Ned wins DTW and joint nom competition which is run for between Moira Club and Hills & Maze.

Edgarstown Hps 13/302 - 1st&2nd T&A Ford 1627,1625, 3rd G&T Ritchie 1619, 4th&5th T&A Ford 1605,1603, 6th G&T Ritchie 1602.

Tandragee - 1st Dillon&Morrow 1626, 2nd A Craig 1625, 3rd Dillon&Morrow 1596, 4th A Craig 1566, 5th Moody&Edwards 1566, 6th A Craig 1562, 7th Dillon&Morrow 1558, 8th Thompson Bros&Jameson Bros 1551, 9th Dillon&Morrow 1551, 10th J Dowey&Sons 1547.

Lurgan Amateur – D McBride 1623, G Gillespie & Son 1621, G & F Hall 1616, G Gillespie & Son 1610, R Bothwell 1596. Three wins on the trot for Derek McBride.

Laurelvale Hps 16/305 - 1st W Gillis&Sons 1605, 2nd J Downey&Sons 1599, 3rd G&C Topley 1588, 4th&5th A Gittings 1575,1572, 6th S&N Lester 1570, 7th A Neill 1568, 8th J Serplus 1557, 9th C Duke&Sons 1552, 10th J Funston 1552.

Markethill Hps - 1st D Linden 1577, 2nd K&R Black 1571, 3rd M McDowell&Son 1558, 4th M McDowell 1588, 5th&6th K&R Black 1553,1533.

N.I.P.A. Section F:

Comber Central 11/137 - 1st Alex Crawford 1598, 2nd&3rd W&L Robinson 1521,1502, 4th,5th&6th David George 1495,1468,1467, 7th G Marshall 1464, 8th Morman Thompson 1449, 9th P&C Johnston 1445, 10th Major JC McIntyre&Son 1443. Well done Alex, a great start.

Millisle & Dist Hps 14/375 - 1st M&T Ferris 1588, 2nd J&J Hollinger 1554, 3rd M&T Ferris 1553, 4th J Rankin 1552, 5th&6th R Strain&Son 1547,1547, 7th J Rankin 1541, 8th R Strain&Son 1541, 9th J Rankin 1534, 10th M&T Ferris 1529.

Ards 14/323 - 1st,2nd&3rd McGimpsey Bros 1554,1552,1551, 4th&5th B Griffiths 1551,1550, 6th McGimpsey Bros 1549, 7th C Stewart&Son 1546, 8th J Orr 1537, 9th McGimpsey Bros 1536, 10th Mr&Mrs McPeake 1535.

Corrigs & Dist 10/325 - 1st A Murray&Son 1548, 2nd Pritchard Bros 1525, 3rd R&M Young 1524, 4th A Murray&Son 1520, 5th R&M Young 1506, 6th Benson Bros 1495, 7th&8th B Higgins 1491,1489, 9th A Murray&Son 1487, 10th R&M Young 1487. Pools&Nom won by R&M Young.

Killyleagh&Dist - 1st T&C Kilpatrick 1546, 2nd,3rd&4th J&P Rice 1538,1538,1538.

Killyleagh Central 7/117 - 1st McComb Bros 1540, 2nd H McVeigh 1537, 3rd Murphy Bros 1530, 4th,5th&6th McComb Bros 1526,1524,1507, 7th C Healy 1499, 8th&9th Murphy Bros 1491,1484, 10th McComb Bros 1481.

Portavogie Hps - 1st,2nd&3rd Thompson Bros&Bailie 1537,1537,1526, 4th J&R Young&Sons 1519, 5th H&J Kelly&Sons/J&M Palmer 1516, 6th Thompson Bros& Bailie 1516.

Kircubbin Hps - 1st&2nd Arthurs&Smyth 1532,1518, 3rd J Hall&Son 1515, 4th Arthurs&Smyth 1498, 5th J Hall&Son 1492, 6th Arthurs&Smyth 1488.

Downpatrick - 1st J Crossan 1528, 2nd Telford Bros 1526, 3rd J Crossan 1517, 4th P Clark 1516. Three in a row for Jackie Crossan.

Annalong Hps 15/339 - 1st&2nd Donnelly Bros 1418,1418, 3rd&4th K Rooney&Son 1415,1410, 5th Donnelly Bros 1410, 6th B McConnell 1409, 7th C McVeigh 1389, 8th J Newell 1388, 9th McLoughlin Bros 1387, 10th B McConnell 1373.

N.I.P.A. Section G:

NorthSouth Federation 52/1513 - 1st&2nd R McKelvey 1641,1637, 3rd Donnelly Bros 1624, 4th G Hughes 1623, 5th&6th M Maguire&Son 1612,1612, 7th R Black&Son 1611, 8th&9th R McKelvey 1610,1610, 10th A McAteer&Sons 1607.

Newry & Dist 18/469 - 1st&2nd R McKelvey 1641,1637, 3rd G Hughes 1623, 4th M Maguire&Son 1612, 5th&6th R McKelvey 1610,1610, 7th&8th M Maguire & Son 1584,1582, 9th L Falloon&Son 1576, 10th J F McCabe 1575.

Drumnavady Inv 8/184 - 1st&2nd LF&B McGrath 1622, 3rdthru7th J Smyth&Sons 1601,1600,1600,1599,1599 8th S Ogle 1588, 9th&10th J Smyth&Sons 1584,1584.

Banbridge Social 8/159 - T Lennon & Son 1614, 1613, 1594, C McArdle & Son 1588, G Martin 1587, C McArdle & Son 1578. Good win for club Treasurer Terence Lennon and son Thomas.

Bessbrook PC - 1st R Black&Son 1611, 2nd Cowan Bros 1606, 3rd M/M Mallen 1560, 4th E Niblock 1557, 5th R McMinn&Dtr 1516, 6th M Fegan&Son 1512.

Ballyholland - 1st A McAteer 1607, 2nd C O'Hare 1599, 3rd T Gordon 1597, 4th&5th C O'Hare 1584,1584, 6th M Peters 1583, 7ththru10th O Markey 1579,1576,1574,1573.

N.I.P.A. Section H:

Foyle Rps 29/322 - 1st Jim&Gary Ramsey 1710, 2nd Mr James Page&Son 1691, 3rd Mr Mickey Jones, 4th Mr B&K Reid, 5th Mr James McLaughlin,6th Mr&Mrs Paul Maxwell, 7th Mr Sean Duffy, 8th Mr Noel&Sean McGrotty, 9th Mr Jim Diamond, 10th Mr B&K Reid.

Maiden City 19/290 - 1st P Cregan 1707, 2nd Dunne&Quigley 1682, 3rd&4th Pat McLaughlin 1676,1634, 5th S McGrotty 1626, 6th F Ramsey 1591, 7th D Friel 1570, 8th Coyle Bros 1651, 9th Borland&Kelly 1558, 10th A Lyle 1546. PAT CREGAN PROVES LAST WEEKS SECOND PLACE WAS NO FLASH IN THE PAN.MORE RENOWNED AS A DISTANCE FLYER HIS TEAM OF SPINTERS WHICH HE PAID BIG MONEY FOR (RUMOUR HAS IT THAT HE PAID A TENNER EACH FOR THE PARENTS) ARE PROVING TO BE A SOUND INVESTMENT. THIS COUPLED WITH HIS VINEGAR RECIPE HE IS SHOWING THE REST HOW THINGS ARE DONE.

Londonderry Rps 17/217 - 1st D&P Wick 1696, 2nd P Breslin&Son 1683, 3rd J&D Kelly 1683, 4th T&M Gallagher&Son 1632, 6th N Murray 1612, 7th N McClay 1600, 8th D&P Wick 1590, 9th D Simpson 1585, 10th P Breslin&Son 1584. Congratulations and a well deserved win to hard working club man Davy Wick taking the top spot in the club this week.

Limavady RPS 11/252 - 1st B Mailey 1683, 2nd R Witherow 1668, 3rd W McILmoyle 1616, 4th B Mailey 1609, 5th R Witherow 1604, 6th&7th W McILmoyle 1592,1577, 8th J Crawford 1530, 9th R McILmoyle 1471, 10th H Crawford 1470. Winning bird is a blue cheq cock, a present from Alan Graham Cleator Moor.

Strabane RPC 12/169 - 1st&2nd T Conway 1656,1616, 3rd G Quinn 1614, 4th,5th&6th T Conway 1590,1580,1564. Tony Wins again making it three in a row. This weeks winner is the same winning pigeon as last week a Charlie Maples Busschaert

Omagh & Dist Hps 8/158 - 1st A Hall 1596, 2nd&3rd S Gilmore 1515,1476, 4th, A Hall 1471, 5th&6th A Kelly 1459,1450.

Almost 3,000 birds compete in the Mid Antrim Combine

Following two races from Tullamore the local birds moved on to Roscrea in Tipperary, released again at mid-day in a helping south east wind. Danny Dixon had the Card of the Day to take the top four places in the Mid Antrim Combine with almost 3,000 birds competing. He will top the Combine & Sect B for the second time this season and his early birds will be up at the top of the NIPA. His winner was a Black w/f cock a pure Lambrechts racing on widowhood, he has already topped Mid Antrim Combine the day the loft had the Top 8 and this same bird won the Ballymena Ring Nom from Fermoy. This could be another Champion in the Making. Young McManus & Sons have won all three races into Ahoghill and Stewart Bros make it two in a row in Randalstown. Reid Bros & McCloy have 1st Cullybackey (1678), McAlonan Bros 1st Ballymena & Dist (1670), H Smyth & Son have 1st Broughshane (1666), this bird was runner-up the week previous and Allen McBride has two in a row in Harryville (1661). The 2 year old Blue cock is a full brother to last weeks winner, the sire a son of Spartacus paired to a hen bred from a sister of Champion Strauss paired to son of Diamonte. They have now bred 9 x 1sts, what a fantastic winning line the very best Soontjen x Hartog. Conor Magill wins two on the trot in New Antrim (1660).

Mid Antrim Combine Roscrea 126/2,952 – D Dixon Rasharkin 1739, D Dixon 1739, D Dixon 1738, D Dixon 1723, Young McManus & Sons 1702, D Dixon 1688, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1685, Reid Bros & McCloy Cullybackey 1678, Milliken & Barkley Rasharkin 1677, McAlonan Bros Ballymena 1670, Reid Bros & McCloy 1669, Steele & McNeill Rasharkin 1668, H Smyth & Son Broughshane 1666, L McNeill Rasharkin 1662, A McBride Harryville 1661, C Magill New Antrim 1660, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1658, M Graham Ballymena 1655, A & N Young Ahoghill 1653, A Darragh Cullybackey 1649, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1648, G Connolly Broughshane 1648, J & D Surgenor Rasharkin 1646, Young McManus & Sons 1645, G McDowell Kells 1642, Scott & Clements Kells 1641, Surgenor Bros Kells 1641, H & R McCloy Cullybackey 1641, Steele & McNeill 1640, J & M Milliken 1640.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs Roscrea –

Ahoghill Flying Club 14/354 – Young McManus & Sons 1702, A & N Young 1653, Young McManus & Sons 1645, A & N Young 1635, Young McManus & Sons 1626, 1623, T & G Cotter 1604, J Smyth & Son 1600, M/M Robinson 1592, J Smyth & Son 1585.

Randalstown HPS 14/316 – Stewart Bros 1685, 1627, S Millar 1625, S Murphy 1625, 1624, Houston Bros 1611, J Millar 1610, Houston Bros 1604.

Cullybackey HPS 17/475 – Reid Bros & McCloy 1678, 1669, A Darragh 1649, H & R McCloy 1641, Scott & Spratt 1640, Russell Bros 1639, H & R McCloy 1639, Scott & Spratt 1619, Russell Bros 1594, A Darragh 1594.

Rasharkin & District 14/261 – Milliken & Barkley 1677, Steele & McNeill 1668, L McNeill 1662, W McFetridge 1658, J & D Surgenor 1646, Steele & McNeill 1640, J & M Milliken 1640, L McNeill 1623, Milliken & Barkley 1587, A C & T Tweed 1578. D Dixon – 1739, 1739, 1738, 1723, 1688.

Ballymena & District 13/271 – McAlonan Bros 1670, M Graham 1655, Blair & Rankin 1648, W & J Smyth 1635, J Harris 1629, J Devlin 1626, M Graham 1622, W & J Smyth 1622, B O’Rawe 1619, Blair & Rankin 1612.

Broughshane & District 13/311 – H Smyth & Son 1666, G Connolly 1648, 1622, D Houston & Son 1620, H Smyth & Son 1615, J & N Simpson 1608, D Houston & Son 1606, J Getty 1600.

Harryville HPS 17/434 – A McBride 1661, R Service & Son 1621, J Ramsey 1619, 1617, K & K Kernohan & Sons 1616, R H Clements 1607, 1607, 1606, G Price 1602, A McBride 1598.

New Antrim Amalgamated 9/190 – C Magill 1660, R McFall & Son 1618, C Magill 1612, C Moore 1608, D Jackson & Son 1607, C Magill 1600, 1598, Rankin & Richards 1598.

Kells & District 15/340 – G McDowell 1642, Scott & Clements 1641, Surgenor Bros 1641, G McDowell 1640, H Boyd 1637, G McDowell 1618, 1617, Scott & Clements 1613, 1612, Surgenor Bros 1610. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – A Barkley & Son 1606, T & M Morrow 1576. Gold Minute (34) won by Alan Shanks.

The Champions League competition has been running for two races.

Group 1 – D Lowry & Son, M Graham, D Houston & Son, S Steele, J Rock, Scott & Clements, Stewart Bros, L McNeill and C Magill. Group 2 – T & G Cotter, J Devlin, H Smyth & Son, H & R McCloy, A McBride, Surgenor Bros, Houston Bros, D Dixon and D Jackson. Group 3 – Young McManus & Sons, W & J Smyth, A Purvis, Russell Bros, J Millar & Son, G McDowell, S Millar, Milliken & Barkley and McFall & McManus. Group 4 – A & N Young, Blair & Rankin, J & N Simpson, A Darragh, R H Clements, H Boyd, T McMillan and C Moore.

Positions after Week 1: Group (1) Stewart Bros 27, C Magill 21, M Graham 8, Scott & Clements 1. Group (2) A McBride 26, H Smyth & Son 18, Surgenor Bros 14. Group (3) A Purvis 24, Young McManus & Sons 23, G McDowell 20. Group (4) Harry Boyd 25, J & N Simpson 17.

Positions after Week 2: Group (1) Stewart Bros 48, C Magill 33, M Graham 18, L McNeill 14, Scott & Clements 3. Group (2) A McBride 39, H Smyth & Son 33, D Dixon 27, Surgenor Bros 15. Group (3) Young McManus & Sons 46, A Purvis 24, G McDowell 23, Milliken & Barkley 19. Group (4) Harry Boyd 25, J & N Simpson 17, A & N Young 9, A Darragh 8, Blair & Rankin 7.

Adie’s NIPA Section D Round-Up

Following an ever increasing number of requests for my pen to come back out a bit more regular, I have decided with the approval first of all from the official NIPA Press Officer Willie Reynolds to do a small report on my local Section D area of the NIPA each week during the racing seasons. And will start my first report of 2010 looking at the first three races which the members of Section D have flown, with the Mighty NIPA starting with a look around this weeks results from Roscrea.

The top velocity recorded from Roscrea as we go to press in Section D was by the partnership of Doonan & McGuinness who race with the Dromore HPS. I called to the lofts on Sunday morning sited on the Drumbroneth Road area of the town and was met by Rowan Doonan and his son Wayne who runs the very successful Cock Crow Stud containing many of the modern day families sourced from the best that money can buy. They have a superb modern set-up and since my last visit now have a new substantial loft erected for the Y/Bird race programme this season measuring some 30ft by 8ft divided into three sections and kitted out with all the mod cons, and as Wayne commented if you are going to do something you might as well do it right and going by the new loft put in place for the youngsters this will likely be the first of many winning visits to the father and son team before the end of September 2010. Dromore HPS 16 members sent 625 pigeons 1st Doonan & McGuinness 1662, 2nd P & J Boal 1651, 3rd Doonan & McGuinness 1648, 4th Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1646, 5th Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1645, 6th Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1645, 7th Mr & Mrs Gerald Delaney 1644, 8th Jeff Greenaway 1628, 9th Jeff Greenaway 1627 and 10th H & H Hodgen 1621. Doonan & McGuinness timed a yearling Blue Bar Widowhood Cock who was only on his third race of his career two races as a youngster and the first race of 2010. Timed at 2.09pm flying 121 miles the partnership look very good for top Section D honours. The pigeon is in fact a G/Son of the famous “Dutch Master” bred from the excellent lines of Herman Cuesters when paired into the excellent lines of Marijka Vink, this line of pigeons are just not winning for Wayne and father Rowan but a number of fanciers especially in the Section D area of the NIPA. This will in fact be seven Section Winners bred by Wayne Doonan of the Cock Crow Stud direct from this line of pigeons. With 30 pigeons sent by the father and son team to Roscrea it was a super performance to come out in front, especially in front of close neighbour and club mate Philip Boal of the P & J Boal team who finished 2nd Club and also 2nd Section D with the brothers having won the Section last week finishing 2nd Open NIPA Tullamore with 24,776 pigeons competing. Philip and Joe Boal have had a wonderful start to the 2010 O/Bird season.

They were off to a flyer from Tullamore in the first week of the campaign with over 422 pigeons competing in the Club the loft finished 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th with the first couple finishing 5th & 6th in the strong Section D of the mighty NIPA with 2,093 pigeons competing. The leading pigeon was a Kees Bosua/Willy Van Herck coming direct from a son of the ‘Kannibal’ when paired to a daughter direct from Philip & Joe’s No 1 Willy Van Herck pair, the loft which is racing Old Hens for the first time in recent years, which I am personally glad to see after years of pleading with Philip, although talk is cheap, as with Phil working in the building industry he is away most mornings from 7am until teatime five days a week and that small gap before leaving for work, unfortunately wasn’t adequate time for both cocks and hens to be race prepared. This year for the first time he has decided to fly the cocks in the morning only, for the maximum time prior to work with them going out again on return from work, but not for so long with an hour allocated for the hens, off course as we all know this is the time of the year that youngsters will also be schooled, so all go, so to speak for the working fancier. Last week from Tullamore (2) flying just a few yards short of 103 miles the loft of P & J Boal seen the first major dividends from starting to race hens as the first four arrivals where all hens with the loft finishing 1st, 14th, 15th, 40th, 41st & 42nd Section D and 2nd, 54th, 57th, 150th and 165th Open with 24,000 + pigeons competing. Philip timed his Dark Cheq Yearling Widowhood Hen at 1.50pm flying 103 miles the second pigeon timed was third to the loft last week sure signs of a team in fine form. The winning pigeon in question this week was a pure Frans Van Tilbourg bred pigeon and also a winner of 72nd Open from Fermoy with 11,979 pigeons competing last year as a Y/Bird. I hear you ask WHO, well Philip has purchased no less than 26 direct from this fancier who is entering his 86th year of age and still winning on average some 25 x 1st’s per year, on top of that Ace Y/Bird and Ace O/Birds in his Federation against some 2,000 fanciers, a number of top European Stables have now sourced the Van Tilbourg bloodlines. The P & J Boal team as far back as this time last year talked about their excitement of bringing what they classed as the most exciting family of Sprint/Middle Distance pigeons into Ireland on their own website and considering the winning they and many others done with the Willy Van Herck family including myself, I have a very strong feeling we will be reading much more about the Fran Van Tilbourg strain. Now back to this weeks race and 2nd Club, 2nd Section D the pigeon timed is the G/Son of the ‘Kannibal’ which won the Club for Philip & Joe the first week of racing also finished 5th Club and 41st Section and 165th Open NIPA last week.

The Colin HPS is next up and with the result emailed by the reliable Eamon Gregory it was to be the turn of the Gregory loft to come out in front somewhere they have proved to be very familiar with over recent years. Colin HPS 12 members sent 256 birds – 1st J Gregory and sons 1649, 2nd J Gregory and sons 1638, 3rd J Gregory and sons 1629, 4th S Rice 1625, 5th J Gregory and sons 1613, 6th J Gregory and sons 1613, 7th J Gregory and sons 1612, 8th O and M Monaghan 1605, 9th O and M Monaghan 1604, 10th D Mc Parland 1603. Super result for the Gregory loft from Roscrea with 6 of the first 10 in the Club including the first three which will all be well placed in the NIPA Section result. Lost in the Belfast area - NEHU 08 GF 5044 if found please contact 07967976589.

Lisburn & District HPS 33/690 – 1st Spence Bros 1639, 2nd S G Briggs 1630, 3rd A T & J Houston 1626, 4th Mark Laffin 1618, 5th L Magee & Son 1605, 6th L Magee & Son 1605, 7th S G Briggs 1593, 8th J McCready 1591, 9th W Dougherty 1585, 10th H Mackin & Son 1584. Well done to the father and son team Brian & Roy for yet another win against strong birdage in the Big Club as its known. They timed a 2 Year Old Belg a line they have had good joy with, a full brother of this weeks winner also topped the Club as a yearling.

Derriaghy HPS – 1st Ian Gibb & Sons 1630, 2nd Ian Gibb & Sons 1629, 3rd Ian Kennedy 1612, 4th Ian Gibb & Sons 1603, 5th Ian Gibb & Sons 1597, 6th Ian Kennedy 1596. Winner this week for the ever consistent Gibb team is a Lambrecht direct from Belgium. Ian Gibb who races along with his son Peter in the Derriaghy HPS and also are competing in the Glenavy HPS for the first time this year. I have had the great pleasure of visiting many of the European elite with Ian over the last three years and in more instances than not huge sums of money have changed hands to bring the best back to Ireland including more recently Van Den Brande and Alfon Slaets, but as stated earlier to name all the fanciers to which the Gibb & Byrne Stud have put their faith and money in would be more than I would have time and space to mention they own without doubt one if not the biggest Studs in Ireland and with such investment you will strive for results. Of course not easy working full-time firstly then managing a Stud and feeding business before you contemplate racing pigeons but Ian assisted with son Peter make a fine attempt at mastering it all. I am currently putting the finishing touches to a loft profile on the Gibb & Byrne team for the Racing Pigeon Pictorial but to mention just the results Ian Gibb & son Peter have achieved in the first couple of weeks on the 2010 season. From the first race from Tullamore they could not have asked for a better start finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Club Derriaghy also topping Section D of the Mighty NIPA with a Soontjen remembering that the Gibb & Byrne stud own one of the finest collections of Soontjen pigeons anywhere in Europe this winner being a direct son of the famous ‘Willy Wonka’ a winner on the road before stock of 1st Club, 3rd Section D and 52nd Open NIPA, also 2nd Club U/Federation Navan also 2nd Open Ulster Federation, 3rd Club Thurles and 4th Club Navan. He is direct from a son of the ‘Wazir’ when paired to a direct daughter of the famous ‘Shadow’. ‘Willy Wonka’ to produce the NIPA Section D Winner from Tullamore for Ian & Peter was paired to a G/Daughter of the famous ‘Strauss’ a winner of 4 x RPRA Awards and now owned by Gibb & Byrne. Well that was last week, this week from the same race point the loft continued in their fine form even with wind conditions against them from the off, six pigeons arrived together at the Gibb lofts from Tullamore a distance of 112 miles to the lofts sited on the Old Park Road area of Lisburn. In all the father and son team recorded 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Club Derriaghy with the wining pigeon a Van Loon gifted to the boys from Willie Neill of Annaghmore. The runner-up in the Club was bred by the boys themselves from the best of the Marijka Vink stock with the third in the Club containing once again the best of the Vink bloodlines when paired to one of their top Kees Bosua Stock. As for their performance in the Glenavy HPS the second Club the partnership now race in, well they take 1st and 2nd Club their as well with the winner being a direct son of last weeks NIPA Section Winner for the loft from Tullamore, 2nd pigeon over the ETS Pad was direct from their excellent family of Geert Van Hove Uytterhoeven pigeons purchased at vast cost direct from all their champions. With third pigeon in the Clock for Glenavy containing all the top bloodlines of the ‘Hollywood Hen’ of Mike Ganus one that has proved its worth at stock, with six together really any of the aforementioned could have had Red Card honours. It turned out to be a super weekend for the Gibb lofts as good friend Robert Gore racing along with father Ashley topped the Ulster Federation affiliated Lagan Valley RPC with one bred from them this containing all the best of the Marijka Vink Bloodlines once again, these bloodlines also responsible for the same lofts joy from the Y/Bird Derby event with the Ulster Federation in 2009 also sourced from the Gibb & Byrne Lofts.

Kingswood HPS 17/311 – 1st R & J Conlane 1624, 2nd W & R Evans & Leahy 1617, 3rd R & J Conlane 1597, 4th Eddie Burton 1594, 5th R & J Conlane 1594, 6th C & J Long & Son 1591, 7th C & J Long & Son 1588, 8th Eddie Burton 1586, 9th A Gorman & Son 1569, 10th C & J Long & Son 1568. Excellent result this week for the Conlane loft with three in the first five, nice to see the Evans and Leahy partnership creeping up the leader board after a very sound season last year. Colin Long had a super race last week topping the Club and finishing 3rd Section D and 18th Open NIPA against 24,776 pigeons.

Kingswood HPS 2 Bird – 1st R & J Conlane 1594 and runner-up H Patten on 1501.

South Belfast HPS 9/163 – 1st T G Casement 1621, 2nd Audley & Dougan 1609, 3rd Rab Fear 1609, 4th Rab Fear 1608, 5th J Pollins 1600. Excellent win for the Casement loft this week from Roscrea following a tremendous result last week for Rab Fear from Tullamore who finished 2nd Section behind Philip & Joe Boal taking 6th Open NIPA. The Audley & Dougan partnership are starting to make moves up the leader board.

Dunedin HPS 10/272 – 1st A & J Brown 1615, 2nd A & J Brown 1587, 3rd Myles & McBride 1587, 4th Kincaid & McCann 1579, 5th Kincaid & McCann 1576, 6th G McCartney & Son 1576, 7th Paul McClean 1575, 8th Colin Coates & Son 1573, 9th Colin Coates & Son 1571, 10th G McCartney & Son 1570. The Brown team have come out with a very strong performance this week from Roscrea with a good arrival out on its own.

Hills & Maze 10/277 – 1st A & R Milliken 1601, 2nd A & R Milliken 1601, 3rd C & E Mallon 1588, 4th C & E Mallon 1586, 5th Lavery Bros 1586, 6th C Lyons 1584, 7th S Grainger & Son 1583, 8th A & R Milliken 1582, 9th Lavery Bros 1573, 10th E & R Lavery 1570. Well done to Andy & Ryan on a good performance from Roscrea.

Dromara HPS – 1st Cromie & Magee & Son 1594, 2nd Cromie & Magee & Son 1591, 3rd Russell Bros 1565, 4th N Black & Son 1549, 5th Rab Hunter 1529, 6th McKinstry Bros 1526. Excellent result for the Cromie & Magee team.

To finish I would like to extend my congratulation to Paul Frazer on topping the local Lagan Valley RPC at the weekend lifting the pools and the DTW I hear one yard ahead of Robert Gore who timed last weeks winner once again, containing all the best of the Marijka Vink bloodlines sourced from good friend Ian Gibb.

The Fanciers Combine

An open race will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May from Kildare. Ringing will take place on the morning of the race in Edgarstown HPS Club Rooms, Portadown from 07.30am to 09.00am. Racers £1 per bird no limit, trainers 30p each. £5 Nom, 2 cuts 60%, 40%. Prize money pro rata to the number of entries. Open to all organisations, all fanciers welcome.

East Down Combine at Fort Charles

For the third race the East Down birds were released at Fort Charles, close to the old point of Nenagh at 12.30pm in a SSE wind. What a result for Mark McClure who had two birds together recording velocity 1569 for 1st & 2nd Open. From the same club W White & Son had a good card with five birds placed in the Top 10. Other top winners included Roy Irwin 1st Dundonald (1562) and A Cousins & Sons 1st Ballylesson (1561). Best in the East Sect were D & K McCutcheon of Donaghadee doing velocity 1533.

East Down Combine Fort Charles (1) – M McClure Newtownbreda 1569, M McClure 1569, R Irwin Dundonald 1562, W White & Son Newtownbreda 1561, A Cousins & Son Ballylesson 1561, W White & Son 1560, W White & Son 1560, W White & Son 1559, W White & Son 1559, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1550, W White & Son 1548, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1548, J Tumelty Newtownbreda 1547, J & S Albert & Sons Ballylesson 1546, A Cousins & Sons 1545, R Trimble Ballynahinch 1539, D & K McCutcheon Donaghadee 1533, C & D Smyth & Sons 1531, J Young & Partners 1530, C & D Smyth & Sons 1530, G Morrison & Daughter Ballynahinch 1525, D & J Caskey Bangor 1521, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1517, M & A Johnston Newtownbreda 1511, F Gilmore Comber Soc 1511, S & P Logan & Partners Ballynahinch 1507, Phillips Bros Bangor 1506, J & S Albert & Sons 1505, J & S Albert & Sons 1505, W White & Son 1503, W White & Son 1503, J & J Johnston Donaghadee 1503, R Irwin 1501, Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee 1500, R Trimble 1498, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1498, Burgess & Brennan Bangor 1497, B Hogg & Sons Newtownbreda 1496, S Regan Ballywalter 1495, R Irwin 1495.

EDC West Sect - M McClure Newtownbreda 1569, M McClure 1569, R Irwin Dundonald 1562, W White & Son Newtownbreda 1561, A Cousins & Son Ballylesson 1561, W White & Son 1560, W White & Son 1560, W White & Son 1559, W White & Son 1559, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1550, W White & Son 1548, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1548, J Tumelty Newtownbreda 1547, J & S Albert & Sons Ballylesson 1546, A Cousins & Sons 1545, R Trimble Ballynahinch 1539, C & D Smyth & Sons 1531, J Young & Partners 1530, C & D Smyth & Sons 1530, G Morrison & Daughter Ballynahinch 1525.

EDC East Sect - D & K McCutcheon Donaghadee 1533, D & J Caskey Bangor 1521, Lambert & Stewart Bangor 1517, M & A Johnston Newtownbreda 1511, F Gilmore Comber Soc 1511, Phillips Bros Bangor 1506, J & J Johnston Donaghadee 1503, Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee 1500, Burgess & Brennan Bangor 1497, S Regan Ballywalter 1495, R Irwin 1495, Gordon Bros & Sons Cloughey 1488, Ferguson & Wilkinson 1487, E D & K Allan & Sons Donaghadee 1487, R Moore & Son Bangor 1485, Ferguson & Wilkinson 1485, H Gordon & Partners Cloughey 1479, Ferguson & Wilkinson 1478, F Gilmore 1477, Gordon Bros & Sons 1477, McComb Bros Killyleagh Cent 1476.

EDC Clubs Fort Charles (1) 24/4/2010

Newtownbreda Hps 14/249 - 1st&2nd Mark McClure 1569,1569, 3rdthru8th W White&Son 1561,1560,15601559,1559,1548, 9th Jim Tumeity 1547, 10th M&A Johnston 1503. Well done Mark 1st&2nd top man with small team.
Dundonald Hps - 1st R Irwin 1562, 2nd&3rd J Young&Ptrs 1550,1530, 4ththru7th R Irwin 1501,1495,1494,1493, 8th M Foulis 1493, 9th&10th J Young&Ptrs 1490,1490.
Ballylesson 15/404 - 1st A Cousins&Sons 1561, 2nd C&D Smyth&Sons 1548, 3rd J&S Albert&Sons 1546, 4th A Cousins&Sons 1545, 5th&6th C&D Smyth&Sons 1531,1530, 7th&8th J&S Albert&Sons 1505,1505, 9th A Cousins&Sons 1486, 10th J Patterson 1485.
Ballynahinch Hps - 1st Robert Trimble 1539, 2nd G Morrison&Dtrs 1525, 3rd S&P Logan&Ptrs 1507, 4th Robert Trimble 1498, 5th R Hunter 1486, 6th S&P Logan&Ptrs 1483, 7th&8th R Hunter 1481,1480, 9th John Abernethy 1471, 10th Jim Gillespie 1471
Crossgar Hps 11/502 - 1st&2nd S&K Duke 1483,1483, 3rd McCartan&Woodsides 1478, 4th S McLoughlin 1477, 5th T Horner&Sons 1477, 6th&7th A&A Cheevers 1467,1464, 8th J McGreevy 1463, 9th C&G Adair 1460, 10th McCartan&Woodsides 1454.
Killyleagh Central 17/333 - 1st McComb Bros 1476, 2nd Gordon Bros 1468, 3rd T McKelvey 1464, 4th McComb Bros 1463, 5th Gordon Bros 1463, 6th H McVeigh 1459, 7th McComb Bros 1459, 8th Morrow Bros 1451, 9th C Healy 1451, 10th G&R Connor 1435.
Annsborough Hps 17/480 - 1st,2nd&3rd P McCartan 1472,1462,1461, 4th P Brown 1460, 5th Benson Bros 1456, 6th&7th J Cleland 1449,1436, 8th M Croskery 1428, 9th D Croskery&Son 1420, 10th R McDowell 1419.
Tyrella Hps 12/317 - 1st Mr&Mrs Irvine 1472, 2nd S Halpin&Sons 1447, 3rd G&B Feenan&Sons 1443, 4th Telford Bros 1443, 5th,6th&7th Mr&Mrs Irvine 1441,1434,1432, 8th S Milligan & Dtr 1431, 9th S Halpin&Sons 1425, 10th S Milligan&Dtr 1422.
Dundrum Hps - 1stthru7th A Murray&Son 1471,1470,1432,1420,1408,1407,1400,1399 9th&10th J Maguire&Partns 1395,1383.
Hillfoot Hps 8/100 - 1st T Farlow 1463, 2nd D&T Brennan 1454, 3rd T Farlow 1445, 4th H Flynn 1417, 5th J Scates&Sons 1414, 6th T Farlow 1412, 7th,8th&9th D Flynn 1412,1407,1405, 10th H Flynn 1399. Second win for Trevor.
Downpatrick - 1st Paddy Byrne&Son 1459, 2nd R Connolly 1436, 3rd&4th F Black&Son 1430,1424.
Drumaness Mills Hps - 1st&2nd J Kirk&Son 1436,1423, 3rd C Laverty 1418, 4th&5th J Kirk&Son 1403,1397, 6th G Hillen&Ptrs 1397, 7th C Laverty 1386, 8th J Kirk&Son 1382, 9th C Laverty 1380, 10th Burns&O'Neill 1369.
Killyleagh & Dist - 1st T&C Kilpatrick 1418, 2nd H McAllister 1414, 3rd T&C Kilpatrick 1413, 4th H McAllister 1410.

Brian Stewart sent me this photograph is of a local Castlerock business ,Pretty Crafty Design, which is situated in the Downhill forest, on the Springbank Road, just opposite the Lion’s Gate at Downhill. Jim and Lesley have entered a young bird into the North Coast Classic race to show support from the local business community. Jim’s father, Ricky Currie, raced pigeons in the Dundonald Club many years ago, so this gives Jim the chance to participate in our wonderful sport. Pretty Crafty design allows the public to experience both wild and tame birds, including peacocks, in a beautiful tranquil setting, where they can enjoy locally manufactured craft, art and excellent home cooked luches, snacks or a good cup of coffee. Jim and Lesley would love to welcome pigeon fanciers into their studio and who knows somebody might even remember Jim’s dad Ricky

craftydesign - The team from Pretty Crafty Design at Castlerock. They have entered a young bird with the North Coast Classic One Loft Race based in Coleraine.