Pigeon Network

After almost two months of perfect weather conditions the weekend for the Bank Holiday was always going to be a test in making the correct call. The Northern Ireland organisations were cross channel for the first time at Talbenny in South Wales. The NIPA reported a lot of rain in Wales early Saturday and no decision was expected before mid-day. The situation never improved and a Saturday release was ruled out. Sunday was a far better day, the only problem a fairly strong 11mph North West wind. The NIPA released at 9.00am and the leading birds into Mid Antrim took around five and a half hours for the approx 220 miles. Not all results were available when going to press early Monday. Not all the birds were home either.

Best reported bird in the race from Talbenny on Sunday 30th May was Alan Darragh from Cullybackey, his 2 year old blue cock was timed at 2.33pm recording velocity 1162 for the 220 miles. He wins 1st Mid Antrim Combine, Surgenor Bros of Kells were next best followed by Bertie Blair who had a good 1st & 2nd in Ballymena & Dist, Mrs Smyth 1st Broughshane & Dist and Robert Service 1st Harryville HPS for the second week with the same bird.

The Champions League is the big local story, following Talbenny (1) we reach the Quarter Final at Talbenny again, this weekend. Matches are Scott & Clements (Kells & Dist) v Surgenor Bros (Kells & Dist), A Darragh (Cullybackey) v W & J Smyth (Ballymena & Dist), Young McManus & Sons (Ahoghill) v A McBride (Harryville), H Smyth & Son (Broughshane & Dist) v M Graham (Ballymena & Dist). Remember Talbenny (2) is the first leg of the RPRA Meritorious Award for single bird performance over two races, Talbenny (2) & Penzance.

The Fermoy 5 Bird Classic bird’s payment will be collected on Thursday 10th June the night of Bude collection. Cullybackey HPS Clubrooms will be open from 8.30pm until 9.30pm, birds will be race marked in Cullybackey on Friday 11th June between 4.00pm and 6.30pm.

Mid Antrim Combine Talbenny (1) 107/1,592 – A Darragh Cullybackey 1162, Surgenor Bros Kells 1154, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1153, Blair & Rankin 1152, Mrs M Smyth Broughshane 1150, R Service & Son Harryville 1149, Russell Bros Cullybackey 1147, M Graham Ballymena 1146, W & J Smyth Ballymena 1146, S Millar Randalstown 1137, J & N Simpson Broughshane 1135, D Dixon Rasharkin 1134, R Service & Son 1132, J Millar & Son Harryville 1131, W & J Smyth 1131, S Steele Cullybackey 1130, J Devlin Ballymena 1130, R McFall & Son New Antrim 1130, T Picken & Son New Antrim 1129, T McMillan Randalstown 1129, A Darragh 1128, R McFall & Son 1128, D Dixon 1125, H Turkington Kells 1125, J Balmer Ahoghill 1123, J Balmer 1122, J Millar Randalstown 1121, S Millar 1120, Surgenor Bros 1118, A McBride Harryville 1118.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs Talbenny (1)

Cullybackey HPS 14/235 – A Darragh 1162, Russell Bros 1147, S Steele 1130, A Darragh 1128, J & J Greer 1116, A Darragh 1110, Russell Bros 1106, B Herbinson 1104, Reid Bros & McCloy 1103, Cochrane Bros 1096, B Herbinson 1090, Reid Bros & McCloy 1088. Russell Bros win £50 Special sponsored by Hayes Garage, Cullybackey.

Kells & Dist 11/142 – Surgenor Bros 1154, H Turkington 1125, Surgenor Bros 1118, Scott & Clements 1117, B Swann & Son 1112, Surgenor Bros 1090, 1084, Scott & Clements 1083. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Surgenor Bros 1154, H Boyd 1063. Gold Minute (31) won by Henry Turkington.

Ballymena & Dist 11/149 – Blair & Rankin 1153, 1152, M Graham 1146, W & J Smyth 1146, 1131, J Devlin 1130, M Graham 1111, J Devlin 1111, Blair & Rankin 1109, G Barr 1106.

Broughshane & Dist 10/138 – Mrs M Smyth 1150, J & N Simpson 1135, A Purvis 1111, G Connolly 1110, 1102, Mrs M Smyth 1090, H Smyth & Son 1090, J & N Simpson 1080.

Harryville HPS 17/261 – R Service & Son 1149, 1132, J Millar & Son 1131, A McBride 1118, R H Clements 1115, J Millar & Son 1114, G Price 1110, K & K Kernohan & Sons 1109, A McBride 1109, J Ramsey 1108.

Randalstown HPS 13/194 – S Millar 1137, T McMillan 1129, J Millar 1121, S Millar 1120, Stewart Bros 1117, 1110, T McMillan 1107, 1085.

New Antrim Amal 6/72 – R McFall & Son 1130, T Picken & Son 1129, R McFall & Son 1128, McFall & McManus 1116, M/M F Clarke 1106, R McFall & Son 1076, D Jackson & Son 1065.

Ahoghill FC 12/257 – J Balmer 1123, 1122, A & N Young 1118, J Smyth & Son 1116, J Balmer 1111, J Balmer & Son 1109, J Orr & Son 1106, A & N Young 1102, C Young 1102, J Balmer 1100. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – A & N Young 1102, J Balmer 1100.

Rasharkin & District 13/144 – J Robinson & Son 1112, W McFetridge 1096, J & D Surgenor 1092, J & M Milliken 1086, J & D Surgenor 1079, L McNeill 1078, J & M Milliken 1066, Milliken & Barkley 1060. Nom W Davidson. Race sponsored by Leck Scaffolding (NI). D Dixon – 1134, 1125.

The best bird in Coleraine from Talbenny was timed by Diamond Bros who had 1st Coleraine Premier doing velocity 1116, this loft has been on the move up in recent weeks. They are also highly involved in the North Coast Classic, a One Loft Race based in Coleraine running for the second year with a final race due later in the year from Cork City. I hope to provide updates of the Hot-Spot races etc and other news. Hanson & Harper from Coleraine Premier were next best and others well placed included G Donaghy Son & Grandson 1st Windsor Social and Terence McCrudden 1st Coleraine & County Derry RPS. From results at hand D & H Stuart from Ballymoney are best in the NIPA Sect B, their winner was timed at 14.57hrs flying 237 miles to record velocity 1168, they had 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Dervock.

Coleraine Triangle Talbenny (1) – Diamond Bros Coleraine Prem 1116, Hanson & Harper Coleraine Prem 1111, G Donaghy Son & Grandson Windsor Soc 1108, Hanson & Harper 1101, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1101, T McCrudden Coleraine & Co Derry 1097, Diamond Bros 1096, P O’Connor Coleraine Prem 1092, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1091, Diamond Bros 1083, A & R McAuley Ballymoney 1082, Hanson & Harper 1080, P O’Connor 1072, C Morrow & Son Windsor Soc 1070, Hanson & Harper 1069.

Orchard Combine Talbenny (1) – N Weir Loughgall 1189, I Parkes & Son Armagh 1175, E & M Curran Armagh 1168, N Weir 1165, N Weir 1162, E Grew Charlemont 1153, I Parkes & Son 1145, P Grew Charlemont 1140, E & M Curran 1140, P Duffy Armagh 1132, N Johnston Monaghan 1131, D & C McArdle Armagh 1128, P Grew 1125, P Tierney Monaghan 1116, G & A Campbell Armagh 1115, B Corley Monaghan 1114, N Weir 1111, E Grew 1110, P Grew 1107, G & A Campbell 1101.

Northsouth Federation Talbenny (1) 44/660 - Donnelly Bros Newry City 1218, Donnelly Bros 1215, Donnelly Bros 1175, Mark Maguire & Son Millvale 1167, R Black & Son Bessbrook 1161, Donnelly Bros 1158, Donnelly Bros 1158, Donnelly Bros 1156, Donnelly Bros 1151, R McKelvey Newry & Dist 1149.

N.I.P.A. Talbenny (1) 30/5/2010

N.I.P.A. Section A:

Coalisland&Dist 15/216 - 1st M&R Hamilton 1165, 2nd Karl Murphy 1165, 3rd K Carolan 1158, 4th Richard Corey 1152, 5th Michael McPhillips 1140, 6th K Carolan 1139, 7th David Abbott 1128, 8th Michael McPhillips 1123, 9th Sean Drain 1122, 10th Larmour Bros 1121.

Castledawson 5/78 - 1st T Leacock&Son 1125, 2nd Gilmour&Watson 1120, 3rd T Leacock&Son 1077, 4th Savage Bros 1067, 5th&6th Gilmour&Watson 1062,1056.

Coleraine Prem - 1st Diamond Bros 1116, 2nd&3rd Hanson&Harpur 1111,1101, 4th Diamond Bros 1096, 5th P O'Connor 1092, 6th J L Madden 1091, 7th Diamond Bros 1083, 8th Hanson&Harpur 1080, 9th P O'Connor 1072, 10th Hanson&Harpur 1069.

Cookstown Soc 8/129 - 1st K Morton&Sons 1111, 2nd V Thom 1104, 3rd&4th K Morton&Sons 1092,1092 5th G Marshall 1090, 6th K Morton&Sons 1081, 7th G&S Smith 1080, 8th Speirs&Campbell 1078, 9th G&S Smith 1076, 10th J McCormick 1056.

Windsor Soc 8/68 - 1st G Donaghey,Son&G/son 1108, 2nd R J Parke 1101, 3rd C Morrow&Son 1070, 4th R J Parke 1066, 5th G Donaghey,Son&G/son 1045, 6th Horner&Scott 1030, 7th&8th R&J Parke 1011,999, 9th E&J McGarry 999, 10th J Allen 971.

Coleraine & Co Derry - 1st T McCrudden 1097, 2nd W&W Murdock 1061, 3rd A McAuley 1034, 4th R J McAuley 1033. Terrence wins with a KoopmanxMarijke Vink. K Darragh gets the pools.

Dungannon&Dist 7/57 - 1st s Shannon 1077, 2nd&3rd J&J Sampson 1075,1062, 4th c Reid 1052, 5th G&H Boyd 1043, 6th J&J Sampson 1022.

N.I.P.A. Section B:

Ballymoney HPS 23/382 – D & H Stuart 1168, D Dixon 1134, 1125, R J Elliott 1119, 1117, W Blair 1108, D Dixon 1102, W Blair 1100, D Laverty 1098, J Connolly 1097, W Blair 1089, D Dixon 1086.

Dervock IPS 7/94 – D & H Stuart 1168, 1073, 1055, A & M Boyle 1053, D & H Stuart 1052, S Laverty 1037, D Devenney 1004, A & M Boyle 990, S Laverty 963, W & L McCaw 884.

Crumlin&Dist 8/145 - 1st,2nd&3rd M&B McConville 1163, 1141, 1131, 4th Fleming Bros 1130, 5th M&B McConville 1108, 6th J&N Lamb 1093, 7th G Grant 1079, 8th Fleming Bros 1082, 9th G Grant 1079, 10th GF Lindsay 1075.

Muckamore – D J Thompson 1150, T Yates 1120, 1115, J Patterson & Son 1093, J Sinton 1090, G Magill

Ballymoney West Combine 8/138 - 1st R J Elliott 1119, 2nd W Blair 1108, 3rd D Laverty 1098, 4th A Hill 1082, 5th B&I Stewart 1026, 6th L Neill 1008, 7th J McDowell&Sons 994, 8th D Gage 989.

Springvale Soc 7/105 - 1st R Scott 1133, 2nd,3rd&4th Turkington Bros 1132,1116,115, 5th&6th J Scott 1109,1086, 7th r Davidson&Sons 1080, 8th J Scott 1079, 9th r Scott 1078, 10th McGomery&Kirk 1060. Race was kindly sponsored by R Davidson&Sons.

N.I.P.A. Section D:

Glenavy&Dist 19/252 - 1st D Coulter 1184, 2nd I Gibb&Sons 1140, 3rd S McLaughlin&Sons 1140, 4th I Gibb&Sons 1137, 5th Johnston&McGrandles 1125, 6th I Gibb&Sons 1121, 7th DM Lilley Withers 1105, 8th J Harkness 1100, 9th F Denvir 1097, 10th M Taylor 1094.

Dromore 10/180 - 1st&2nd D&I Edgar 1163,1160 3rd J Greenaway 1154, 4th,5th&6th D&I Edgar 1147,1143,1123, 7th&8th B&M McCoriston 1120,1117, 9th J Greenaway 1105, 10th K Downey 1103.

Derek Edgar of D&I Edgar will be well placed in Sect D from Talbenny flying 189mls. In Dromore HPS 180 birds 1st 2nd 4th 5th 6th, the pigeon is a Janssen cock, flying on widowhood. He was a gift from older brother Don Edgar, Don races in the Banbridge area.
Lisburn&Dist 25/395 - 1st spence Bros 1162, 2nd C Coates 1153, 3rd W Dougherty 1152, 4th H Browne 1148, 5th&6th Spence Bros 1139,1132, 7th W Dougherty 1127, 8th I Magee&Son 1126, 9th C coates 1123, 10th G McMullan 1123.

Dromara Hps 10/191 - 1st McCleary Bros 1143, 2nd&3rd N Black&Son 1124,1104, 4th Mr&Mrs Stevenson 1099, 5th&6th Russell Bros 1089,1081. New member to Dromara HPS John McCleary wins his first race in the club with a two year old silver hen of Janseen breeding sitting eggs. 2nd and 3rd were N. Black & Son with two yearling widowhood hens, the consistent Mr & Mrs Stevenson were 4th.

Hills&Maze 7/150 - 1st S Grainger&Son 1134, 2ndthru5th C Lynos 1133,1126,1126,1114, 6th I Rollins 1100, 7th&8th E&K Lavery 1093,1084, 9th S Grainger 1081, 10th Lavery Bros 1032.

Ballynahinch Hps - 1st,2nd&3rd W Catherwood&Son 990,989,987, 4th S&P Logan&Ptrs 970, 5th r Hunter 964, 6th h Wallce 962, 7th,8th&9th R Hunter 960,952,947, 10th G Morrison&Dtrs 934.

N.I.P.A. Section E:

Wilton Cross - 1st G Douglas 1208, 2nd B Ferris 1159, 3rd Cooper&McGrath 1148, 4th M Wilkinson 1133, 5th T Fitzpatrick 1133, 6th Furphy&Cairns 1132.

Bondhill Soc - 1st Ron Williamson 1192, 2nd Capper Bros 1188, 3rd O Jackson 1187, 4th Capper Bros 1186, 5th W Neill 1184, 6ththru10th Ron Williamson 1180,1177,1164,1160,1159.

Loughgall - 1stthru10th Nelson Weir 1189,1165,1162,1111, 1097,1090,1085,1082,1079,1070.

Edgarstown 13/190 - 1st W&K Stewart 1186, 2nd&3rd T&A Ford 1175,1173, 4th,5th&6th G&C Simmons 1161,1156,1147, 7th P&D Stewart 1143, 8th J Robinson 1143, 9th R Cassells 1108, 10th K Best 1106.

Armagh Hps 15/194 - 1st I Parkes&Son 1175, 2nd E&M Curran 1168, 3rd I Parkes&Son 1145, 4th E&M Curran 1140, 5th P Duffy 1132, 6th G Steenson 1129, 7th D&C McArdle 1128, 8th&9th G&A Campbell 1115,1101, 10th M Shaw 1101.

Wilton Cross - 1st G Douglas 1208, 2nd B Ferris 1159, 3rd Cooper&McGrath 1148, 4th M Wilkinson 1133, 5th T Fitzpatrick 1133, 6th Furphy&Cairns 1132.

Portadown Inv - 1st Donaldson,Hagan&Rowney 1190, 2nd A Fearon 1145, 3rd e McKnight 1141, 4th M Livingstone 1134, 5th E McKnight 1129, 6th&7th Donaldson,Hagan&Rowney 1121,1119, 8th M Livingstone 1105, 9th A McDonald 1096, 10th M Livingstone 1096. Another great performance bt the Donaldson,Hagan&Rowney boys winning theclub by some 45 yards. A vel that should feature well in Section E.

Annaghmore 13/212 - 1st G Clvin&Son 1172, 2nd G Buckley&Son 1170, 3rd WG Neill 1167, 4th,5th&6th G Buckley&Son 1156,1150,1144, 7th T McClean 1143, 8th H Cordner 1142, 9th G Calvin&Son 1141, 10th H Cordner 1137.

Lurgan Amat – G & F Hall 1164.4, R Bothwell 1164.2, B Carson & Son 1153, R Bothwell 1144, 1133, D McBride 1121.

Gilford&Dist 24/329 - 1st Adamson&Anderson 1160, 2nd S Fiddes 1159, 3rd I Kidd 1145, 4th P Hoy&Son 1143, 5th T McKinstry 1130, 6th G O'Dowd 1122, 7th Adamson&Anderson 1119, 8th&9th S S Cairns 1118, 1118, 10th P Hoy&Son 1105.

Laurelvale 15/221 - 1st F McCann 1156, 2nd J Funston 1144, 3rd R K Abraham 1118, 4th G&C Topley 1115, 5th A Gittins 1101, 6th F McCann 1098, 7th A Gittins 1092, 8th J Dowey&Sons 1091, 9th Thompson Bros&Jameson 1085, 10th A Gittins 1085.

Lurgan Soc - 1st Furphy Bros 1137, 2nd J Douglas&Son 1131, 3rd B McNeice 1130, 4th Higginson&Johnston 1122, 5th S Curran 1109, 6th A Mallon 1104. Congrats to Joe on his DTW success.

Tandragee – Dillon & Morrow 1134, 1129, 1109, A Craig 1107,

Charlemont 4/52 – E Grew 1153, P Grew 1140, K Shannon 1133, P Grew 1125, K Shannon 1118, E Grew 1110.

Monaghan - 1st N Johnston 1131, 2nd P Tierney 1116, 3rd B Corley 1114, 4th Cooney Bros 1095, 5th N Johnston 1079, 6th P Tierney 1068.

South Belfast 7/81 - 1st Audley&Dougan 1126, 2nd R Fear 1091, 3rd&4th T G Casement 1070,1064, 5th R Kenna 1064.

Beech Park - 1st H Lynch&Son 1107, 2nd&3rd S&J Lynch 1102,1080, 4th G McEvoy 1078, 5th D Mawhinney&Son 1073. Congratulations to Eammon on winning his first race since joining Beechpark.

Markethill - 1st,2nd&3rd M McDowell&Son 1090,1081,1077, 4th Muldrew&Cummings 1076, 5th Philip McCall 1063, 6th Muldrew&Cummings 1049.

N.I.P.A. Section F:

Corrigs&Dist 9/228 - 1st Pritchard Bros 1148, 2ndthru6th R Shaw 1131,1120,1120,1120,1117,1102, 7th B Higgins 1069, 8th Pritchard Bros 1065, 9th W B Shaw 1033, 10th Pritchard Bros 1032.

Millisle&Dist 10/155 - 1st&2nd R Strain&Son 1134,1077, 3rd M&T Ferris 1072, 4th R Strain&Son 1057, 5th M&T Ferris 1042, 6th R N&I Brown 1037, 7th J Rankin 1036, 8th A&W Dorrian 1036, 9th&10th R Strain&Son 1031,1024.

Killyleagh&Dist - 1st T&C Kilpatrick 1121, 2ns,3rd&4th J&P Rice 1119,1089,1073.

Portavogie Hps 22/238 - 1st K Ambrose 1106, 2nd&3rd L Young 1042,1037, 4th G Bailey 1003, 5th Thompson Bailie&Son 1001, 6th N Lyness 1001.

Comber Cent 9/112 - 1st,2nd&3rd W&L Robinson 1078,1065,1053, 4th&5th N Thompson 1026,1025, 6th g Marshall 1021, 7th,8th&9th D George 1020,1017,1014, 10th Major JC McIntyre&Son 1005. Well done to Wesley, a great result on a very testing day, also winning both noms. Consistent racing all season.

Ards 12/182 - 1st Plunkett,Pollock&Nelson 1064, 2nd B Griffiths 1047, 3rd W Cleland 1044, 4th J McClenaghan 1039, 5th&6th C Stewart 1038,1037, 7th W Ennis 1029, 8th B Grifiths 1924, 9th W Ennis 1924, 10th Fulton&Dickson 1008. P.P.N. win with a blue W/hood cock bred by Harmony Lofts.

Kircubbin - 1st F McMaster 1038, 2nd J Hall&Son 1007, 3rd&4th F McMaster, 5th Arthurs&Smyth, 6th J Hall&Son.

Killyleagh Cent 7/67 - 1st C Healy 1032, 2nd,3rd&4th H McVeigh 1022,1010,1010, 5th C Healy 978, 6th&7th G R Connor 976,973, 8th&9th Murphy Bros 972,964, 10th McComb Bros 947.

Annalong 14/117 - 1st G Maginn 1006, 2nd&3rd Donnelly Bros 981,960, 4th J Newell 941, 5th K Rooney&Son 932, 6th J Newell 927, 7th S Ferguson&Son 924, 8th B McConnell 924, 9th McLoughlin Bros 922, 10th R McKibbin 915.

N.I.P.A. Section G:

Bessbrook PC 8/88 - 1st r Black&Son 1161, 2nd Cowan Bros 1125, 3rd M Fegan&Son 1117, 4th M/M Mallen 1114, 5th Cowan Bros 1043, 6th M Fegan&Son 1025.

Newry&Dist 14/185 - 1st R McKelvey 1149, 2nd M Maguire&Son 1142, 3rd G Dixon 1133, 4th M Maguire&Son 1130, 5th&6th B Woods&Son 1125,1120, 7th K Byrne&Sons 1099, 8th Niblock Bros 1097, 9th r McKelvey 1096, 10th Mark Maguire&Son 1090.

Ballyholland - 1st J Murtagh 1139, 2nd&3rd A McAteer 1118,1110, 4th&5th O Markey 1109,1109, 6th J Murtagh 1106, 7th T Gordon 1086, 8th A McAteer 1083, 9th A McDonald 1081, 10th T Gordon 1074.

Drumnavady Inv 9/93 - 1st&2nd G I McBride 1128,1127, 3rd J Baird 1089, 4th S Ogle 1086, 5th&6th E Mallon&Son 1082,1074, 7th J Beck 1059, 8th E Mallon&Son 1052, 9th M EWbanks 1049, 10th S Ogle 1045.

Bandbridge Soc 6/88 - 1st D Winters 1119, 2nd G McGrath&Son 1109, 3rd&4th D Winters 1105,1088, 5th G McGrath&Son 1083, 6th T Lennon&Son 1076.

N.I.P.A. Section H:

Omagh&Dist - 1st thru4th A Hall 1148,1089,1019,1018, 5th S Gilmore 1017, 6th&7th A Hall 1008,1001.

Limavady RPS 7/63 - 1st H Crawford 1086, 2nd&3rd R Witherow 1083,1051, 4th Kearney&O'Hara 1047, 5th R Witherow 1025, 6th H Crawford 1015.

Foyle Rps 23/129 - 1st raymond O'Reilly 1038, 2nd Cooley Bros 1026, 3rd J Gallagher 1003, 4th J McLaughlin 997, 5th Paul&Elaine Maxwell 986, 6th Cooley Bros 945, 7th Noel McGrotty 933, 8th Raymond O'Reilly 930, 9th&10th John McLaughlin 912,878.

Strabane RPC 12/92 1st G Quinn 962, 2nd T McAteer 954, 3rd G Quinn 943, 4th T McAteer 894, 5th D Sales 865, 6th G McGavigan 851.

Maiden City 17/83 - 1st P Cregan 930, 2nd S McGrotty 909, 3rd B Ogilvie 881, 4th B Page 837, 5th Coyle Bros 834, 6th A Lyle 817, 7th Dunne&Quigley 816, 8th P McLaughlin 703. Very tough race at this end. Pat Cregan claims his second win of the season and will be looking forward to the French races next month.

Rock 11/62 - 1st&2nd M McCloskey 883,883, 3rd M Harkin 869, 4th M McCloskery 867, 5th W&D Hamilton 866, 6th McCloskery Bros 863.

Londonderry Rps 7/43 - 1st D Simpson 868, 2nd L Flanagan&Son 834, 3rd P Breslin&Son 691, 4th N Murray 687. Club chairman Derek will be delighted with this win after all the hard work preparing his team for the channel races. His winner is bred from stock obtained from J Ellis of Wellbank lines. Congrats Derek.

The Fanciers Combine held a race last Bank Holiday Monday from Kildare which turned out to be a glorious day with a south east wind which the birds used to romp home in fine style. Congratulations to winner Steven Cairns of the Gilford club who had a clear cut win with a velocity of 1739. Second place was taken by M Rice of the Wilton Cross HPS with a velocity of 1724. The next three places were taken by the crack Gilford partnership of Rafferty and Toman.

Fanciers Combine Kildare – S S Cairns 1739, M Rice 1724, Rafferty & Toman 1723, 1721, 1710, T Wilson 1700, I Rollins & Son 1699 Nom, G & C Simmons 1699, R Major 1693, T Wilson 1672, C & H Beattie 1659, M McDowell & Son 1655.

Williamson & Calvin Transporter will be training each Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. From this week the Tuesday and Wednesday will be from Laytown, Sunday from Balbriggan and Rush, same lifting points. Birds can be hampered the night before or up to 7.50am on morning of toss at 23 Farra Road, phone Ron Williamson Yard (028) 38 339320 or Mobile: 07841 762399. Collection Points as before: Annaghmore Clubrooms 8.05am, Ballyoran Hill 8.20am, Edgarstown 8.40am, Laurelvale HPS Clubrooms 9.00am, Markethill Corner 9.30am, Newry Playing Fields 9.50am.

Kenny Mallen from Banbridge will be training from Balbriggan every Sunday. Pick up at Coach Car Park between 7.00am and 8.15am and in Newry at 8.45am. Tel: 07737 521355.

John Lowry from Crumlin will train on Sunday from Balbriggan and Dundalk, during the week Tuesday & Wednesday training is from Dundalk. Tel: 07710 447262.

The East Down Combine were in Talbenny for the first cross channel event, held on Sat due to poor weather the birds were released on Sunday at 7.45am with a north west wind en-route. Mickey Croskery from Annsborough won 1st Open doing velocity 1067 and John Patterson the winner of the West Sect was runner-up on 1064, the ace Ballylesson loft is on the move.

East Down Combine Talbenny (1) Open – M Croskery Annsborough 1067, J Patterson Ballylesson 1064, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1050, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1049, P Brown Annsborough 1049, K & B McConaghie Ballylesson 1036, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1036, D & D Chew Newtownbreda 1030, E Murray Comber Soc 1030, J McGreevy Crossgar 1029, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1026, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1025, J Young & Partners 1023, M Foulis Dundonald 1022, B Knight Annsborough 1020, Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee 1016, M Croskery 1016, P Brown 1015, J McGreevy 1015, McCartan & Woodsides 1015, P Brown 1015, M Jennings Annsborough 1014, D Croskery & Son Annsborough 1014, D Croskery & Son 1014, D & K McCutcheon Donaghadee 1013, S Brown & Sons 1012, J Cleland Annsborough 1011, J Cleland 1011, E & A Rogan Newcastle 1009, R & R Lambe Newtownbreda 1008, K & B McConaghie 1006, McCartan & Woodsides 1006, McCartan & Woodsides 1006, McCartan & Woodsides 1006, McCartan & Woodsides 1006, J Patterson 1005, A Edgar & Son Comber Soc 1004, J Cleland 1004, G Maginn Annalong 1004, B & H Marshall Newtownbreda 1004.

EDC West Sect - J Patterson Ballylesson 1064, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1050, C & D Smyth & Sons Ballylesson 1049, K & B McConaghie Ballylesson 1036, T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 1036, D & D Chew Newtownbreda 1030, E Murray Comber Soc 1030, J McGreevy Crossgar 1029, S Brown & Sons Dundonald 1026, J Young & Partners Dundonald 1025, J Young & Partners 1023, M Foulis Dundonald 1022, J McGreevy 1015, McCartan & Woodsides 1015, P Brown 1015, R & R Lambe Newtownbreda 1008, K & B McConaghie 1006, McCartan & Woodsides 1006, McCartan & Woodsides 1006, McCartan & Woodsides 1006.

EDC East Sect - M Croskery Annsborough 1067, P Brown Annsborough 1049, B Knight Annsborough 1020, Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee 1016, M Croskery 1016, P Brown 1015, P Brown 1015, M Jennings Annsborough 1014, D Croskery & Son Annsborough 1014, D Croskery & Son 1014, D & K McCutcheon Donaghadee 1013, J Cleland Annsborough 1011, J Cleland 1011, E & A Rogan Newcastle 1009, J Cleland 1004, G Maginn Annalong 1004, Ferguson & Wilkinson Donaghadee 1002, R J Keown Annsborough 1000, H McVeigh Killyleagh Cent 994, M Croskery 993.

EDC Clubs Talbenny (1) 30/5/2010

Annsborough 17/298 - 1st M Croskery 1067, 2nd P Brown 1049, 3rd B Knight 1020, 4th M Croskery 1016, 5th&6th P Brown 1015,1015, 7th M Jennings 1014, 8th&9th D Croskery&Son 1014,1014, 10th J Cleland 1011.

Ballyleson 15/237 - 1st J Patterson 1064, 2nd C&D Smyth&Sons 1049, 3rd&4th K&B McConaghie 1036,1006, 5th J Patterson 1005, 6th C&D Smyth&Sons 995, 7th&8th A Crawford 980,965, 9th A Cousins&Sons 964, 10th Mackey&Lockhart 962. Great win for JP timing a yearly blue hen with C&D taking second place with a blue pied cock and K&B third and fourth.

Crossgar 9/182 - 1st McCartan&Woodsides 1050, 2nd&3rd J McGreevy 1029,1015, 4ththru8th McCartan&Woodsides 1015,1006,1006,1006,1006, 9th J McGreevy 1000, 10th S&K Duke 1000.

Newtownbreda 8/114 - 1st T Marshall&Son 1036, 2nd D&D Chew 1030, 3rd R&R Lambe 1008, 4th B&H Marshall 1004, 5th T Marshall&Son 1001, 6th B&H Marshall 998, 7th T Marshall&Son 994, 8th D&D Chew 988, 9th&10th W White&Son 981,980.

Dundonald Hps - 1st S Brown&Sons 1026, 2nd&3rd J Young&Ptrns 1025,1023, 4th M Foulis 1022, 5th S Brown&Sons 1012, 6th&7th M Foulis 990,982, 8th&9th S Brown&Sons 981,971 10th M Foulis 965.

Killyleagh Cent 13/114 - 1st H McVeigh 994, 2nd N&W Hagen 991, 3rd G r Connor 985, 4th C healy 984, 5th Morrow Bros 965, 6th N&W Hagen 958, 7th H McVeigh 953, 8th C Healy 943, 9th&10th McComb Bros 929,928.

Tyrella 7/66 - 1st S&E McGaw 976, 2nd&3rd D McNabb&Ptrs 965,906, 4th Mr&Mrs Irvine 906, 5th s Halpin&Sons 902, 6th Mr&Mrs Irvine 895, 7th&8th D McNabb&Ptrs 890,889, 9th C Fitzimmons&Sons 879, 10th P&C Quinn 879.

Drumaness Mills - 1st C Lavery&Dtr 960, 2nd&3rd Burns&O'Neill 955,938, 4th C Lavery&Dtr 925, 5th G Hillen&Ptrs 924, 6th P O'Connor&Dtr 889, 7ththru10th C Lavery&Dtr 881,881,872,835.

Dundrum - 1st J Maguire&Ptrs 880, 2nd a Murray&Son 848, 3rd A McNamara&Ptrs 847, 4th J Ringland&Son 838, 5th&6th J Maguire&Ptrs 823,818, 7th A McNamara&Ptrs 778, 8th J Ringland&Son 741, 9th A McNamara&Ptrs 638, 10th s Foster,Connor&Parry 596.

The opening race of the season for the Irish Nat FC was flown from Skibbereen on Tuesday, the Wexford area enjoyed top success with Billy Cullimore the winner doing velocity 1260. In the North Sect Dromore lofts fill the top two places, P & J Boal ahead of Jeff Greenaway. Liberation in Skibbereen has been confirmed as 10.00am in a Lt NE wind to turn North en route. 489 members sent 3,754 birds competing for £16,848 in pools and prizes. In the race last year the entry was very similar 492/3,755, won by Cromie & Magee & Son of Ballynahinch recording vel 1650 for the 243 miles. Birds had been released at 10.30hrs in a Lt south-west wind.

Francis Scullion the Vet who sponsors health checks in the INFC Penzance race has approached the Secretary Trevor Topping to try and obtain 25 young pigeons for research into the health problems in young birds. We are asking for fanciers to donate a few young pigeons they do not need to be rung as they will not be raced. Any help will be appreciated to assist in this project.

INFC Skibbereen Open 489/3754 – B Cullimore Wexford North & South 1260, B Cullimore 1260, R & M Hillis Wexford North & South 1218, G Furlong Wexford North & South 1213, T Hore Wexford North & South 1212, G Furlong 1212, P & J Boal Dromore 1207, G Furlong 1205, B Smith Wexford North & South 1203, J Greenaway Dromore 1198.

INFC North Sect – P & J Boal Dromore 1207, J Greenaway Dromore 1198, P McGarrity Glenavy 1191, A Crawford Ballylesson 1187, Doonan & McGuinness Dromore 1187, R Williamson Bondhill 1185.

Mid Antrim Combine Skibbereen – A Darragh Cullybackey 1159, G Connolly Broughshane 1142, G Connolly 1138, D Houston & Son Broughshane 1123, G Connolly 1107, M Graham Ballymena 1105, G Connolly 1102, G Connolly 1101, Houston Bros Randalstown 1098, M Graham 1098, A Darragh 1095, M Graham 1095, G Connolly 1090, A Darragh 1089, G Connolly 1089, J Orr & Son Ahoghill 1089, G Connolly 1086, McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1082, M Graham 1079, J Orr & Son 1077, Houston Bros 1067, G Connolly 1056, A Darragh 1053, M Graham 1049, A Darragh 1048, W Ramsey Harryville 1047, M Graham 1045, G & A Eagleson Broughshane 1037, W Ramsey 1032, D Houston & Son 1030.

East Antrim Skibbereen Inl Nat – M & A Pearson Eastway 1179, D & J Campbell & Bigger Glengormley 1176, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1165, Whiteside Bros Eastway 1164, Connor Bros Kingsmoss 1162, J Courtney Muckamore 1160, S Rodney & Son Ballyclare 1159, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1154, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1149, S Rodney & Son 1145, Whiteside Bros 1144, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1140, Grattan Bros Eastway 1139, Grattan Bros 1139, J Courtney 1138, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1132, S Rodney & Son Ballyclare 1131, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1131, J Burrows Eastway 1130, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 1129, Collins & Pursley Doagh & Dist 1126, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1125, D & J Campbell & Bigger 1125, L & S O’Neill & Sons Larne & Dist 1122, G & L Simpson Ligoniel 1122, T Creighton & Son Carrick & Dist 1118, R McMeekin Kingsmoss 1114, A & E Bell Muckamore 1113, M/M R Reid Carrick & Dist 1112, R Duddy Ballyclare 1111.