Pigeon Network

Last weekend saw the completion of the NIPA Old Bird programme with the national being staged from St Malo in France, a distance of 500 plus miles to competing members. A total of 26 fanciers had entered 92 birds in this event and yet again a very difficult race ensued with the birds having to deal with high temperatures and little help by way of favourable winds. No day birds were recorded and the first bird timed was to veteran fancier Noel McGrotty who fly’s in partnership with his son Sean as members of the Foyle RPS. Noel timed a yearling cock bird to take the top spot in the Derry Fed, a great performance from a fancier who is now the elder statesman in the local sport. In runner up spot are Rock fanciers Cathal Fox and Hugh Hegarty who will see this result as a great finish to the hard work and preparation put in by this partnership during the season. 3rd position goes to another father and son partnership , Colm McConomy and Colm Junior who will take great pleasure in timing in what was an extremely difficult race.

City of Derry Federation St Malo 26/92 – N McGrotty & Son Foyle 629, Fox & Hegarty Rock 620, C McConomy & Son Foyle 504.

N.I.P.A. Section H:
Omagh&Dist - 1st AJ Kelly 867.