The birds were race marked in Lisburn on Tuesday for the seasons Blue Riband Kings Cup due to be flown from Plaudren (Vannes) on Friday 2nd July. It was fairly steady over the whole afternoon getting just a little busier after tea-time which is usual. The entry is similar to the season previous some 741 members have sent 2,514 birds. A yearling won the race last season from the same race-point for T & T Moorehouse of Rathnew in Dublin, his bird recorded velocity 1416 for 388 miles. Runner-up G Buckley & Sons from Annaghmore took 1st North Section, recording velocity 1390 for 488 miles. The convoy was released at 6.15hrs in a Lt West wind. Last season 770 members sent 2,619 pigeons. Best of luck to one and all, Friday looks like the day.
BIRDS HELD OVER ON FRIDAY - Weather problems in France and on the English Channel. Next Update Saturday.
CONFIRMED LIBERATION on Saturday 3rd July at 7.30am - Those timing birds should insert the correct distances for Plaudren, it's some 7 miles shorter than previous point at Vannes.
Liberation in Plaudren (France) has been confirmed as 7.30am in a Lt North wind to be SW around Penzance and strengthen on the route home. Birds were released in sunshine and blue skies. 741 members sent 2,512 birds competing for £35,775 in pools and prizes. Clocks should be returned to your usual centre for checking, in Northern Ireland that is either Banbridge, Lisburn or Muckamore. The Clock Centre officials are as before. Banbridge Ivan Mawhinney Tel: 07761 229147, Muckamore Bobby Bethel Tel: 07875 226141, Lisburn Mervyn Gibson Tel: (028) 92 604346. The Clock Centre contacts for Southern Ireland are. Balbriggan Mr M Gorman Tel: 0863205108, Stillorgan Mr P Smith Tel: 0864079345, Wexford Mr W Hore Tel: 0860526164.
The race we have all been waiting for is under-way, best of luck to all. Lofts in the Top 10 should contact Homer with details, and others winning Trophies or Diplomas etc. This will all help for the race report, we do need all the help we can get.
All the news will be listed here, early times, centre updates, area reports etc, send all info to Homer.
Homer Tel: 07538 238364.
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
Plaudren Kings Cup - Sat 03/07/10
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: Plaudren Kings Cup - Sat 03/07/10
Some early info - Bird into Bray County Wicklow for Reilly & Martin at 16.49hrs has set the pace, three other arrivals in the South Sect between 17.35hrs and 18.10. P Rock & Son Skerries at 19.03hrs flying 417 miles. Bird reported in Ballyholland (Newry) at 19.10hrs flying 468 miles, one into Belfast (Fortfield) at 20.21hrs approx miles 490. Muckamore Centre will be listed later tonight. Homer.
Muckamore Centre – G McKenna Eastway 1144, G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, B McGauley Fortfield 1120, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, H Boyd Kells & Dist 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena & Dist 1099, R Corley Coalisland 1077, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1073, J Burrows Eastway 1069, J Braniff Fortfield 1060, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989. Details subject to correction. Muckamore HPS open at 1.00pm Sunday for 2nd day birds. Lisburn Centre at 12 Noon and Banbridge at 2.00pm.
Approx 117 birds have been recorded on the day, overall winner is expected to be Reilly & Martin from South End Bray doing velocity 1263, runner-up Ron Williamson of Bondhill doing velocity 1238. This page will update on Sunday.
Latest Positions all subject to correction
Muckamore Centre – G McKenna Eastway 1144, G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, B McGauley Fortfield 1120, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, H Boyd Kells & Dist 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena & Dist 1099, R Corley Coalisland 1077, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1073, J Burrows Eastway 1069, J Braniff Fortfield 1060, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989, R Duddy Ballyclare 889, A Darragh Cullybackey 869, W McClure Kells & Dist 852, A Darragh 849, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 845, Grattan Bros Eastway 845, W McClure 840, D Dixon Rasharkin 828, J Harkness Glenavy 828, J Devlin Ballymena & Dist 827, A Thompson Ballyclare 825, W McCaw Ballymoney 823, T Picken & Son New Antrim 820, A & E Bell Muckamore 819, A & E Bell 819, T H Gibson Ballyclare 817, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 815, J & N Simpson Broughshane 813, W McCaw 812, R Duddy 808, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 807, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel 794, M/M Magill Muckamore 792, J Anderson Cullybackey 791, W Reid Cullybackey 771, R Telford & Son West Belfast 764, R Duddy 763, R J Elliott Ballymoney 759, J Braniff 752, G K Porter Glenavy 751, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 749, D Jackson New Antrim 743, D Jackson 742, D Dixon 742, E Logan Ballyclare 741. Details subject to correction.
East Antrim Plaudren - G McKenna Eastway 1144, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, J Burrows Eastway 1069, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989, R Duddy Ballyclare 889, Grattan Bros Eastway 845, A Thompson Ballyclare 825, A & E Bell Muckamore 819, A & E Bell 819, T H Gibson Ballyclare 817, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 815, R Duddy 808, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 807, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel 794, M/M Magill Muckamore 792, R Duddy 763, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 749, E Logan Ballyclare 741, T Creighton & Son Carrick & Dist 728, R Liddle Horseshoe 727, A Gault Ballyclare 715, R Duddy 712, F Simpson Doagh 707, N Lusty Muckamore 702, D McAtamney Carrick & Dist 673, M/M D Suitters 660, A & N Lewis 656.
Mid Antrim Combine Plaudren – G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, H Boyd Kells 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena 1099, A Darragh Cullybackey 869, W McClure Kells 852, A Darragh 849, W McClure 840, D Dixon Rasharkin 828, J Devlin Ballymena 827, T Picken & Son New Antrim 820, J & N Simpson Broughshane 813, J Anderson Cullybackey 791, W Reid 771, D Jackson New Antrim 743, D Jackson 742, D Dixon 742, J McNeill & Son Randalstown 732, D Jackson 707, S Steele Cullybackey 704, J & N Simpson 692, J Millar Randalstown 678, W Reid 668, C Young Ahoghill 619.
Muckamore Centre – G McKenna Eastway 1144, G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, B McGauley Fortfield 1120, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, H Boyd Kells & Dist 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena & Dist 1099, R Corley Coalisland 1077, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1073, J Burrows Eastway 1069, J Braniff Fortfield 1060, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989. Details subject to correction. Muckamore HPS open at 1.00pm Sunday for 2nd day birds. Lisburn Centre at 12 Noon and Banbridge at 2.00pm.
Approx 117 birds have been recorded on the day, overall winner is expected to be Reilly & Martin from South End Bray doing velocity 1263, runner-up Ron Williamson of Bondhill doing velocity 1238. This page will update on Sunday.
Latest Positions all subject to correction
Muckamore Centre – G McKenna Eastway 1144, G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, B McGauley Fortfield 1120, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, H Boyd Kells & Dist 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena & Dist 1099, R Corley Coalisland 1077, Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 1073, J Burrows Eastway 1069, J Braniff Fortfield 1060, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989, R Duddy Ballyclare 889, A Darragh Cullybackey 869, W McClure Kells & Dist 852, A Darragh 849, A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 845, Grattan Bros Eastway 845, W McClure 840, D Dixon Rasharkin 828, J Harkness Glenavy 828, J Devlin Ballymena & Dist 827, A Thompson Ballyclare 825, W McCaw Ballymoney 823, T Picken & Son New Antrim 820, A & E Bell Muckamore 819, A & E Bell 819, T H Gibson Ballyclare 817, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 815, J & N Simpson Broughshane 813, W McCaw 812, R Duddy 808, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 807, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel 794, M/M Magill Muckamore 792, J Anderson Cullybackey 791, W Reid Cullybackey 771, R Telford & Son West Belfast 764, R Duddy 763, R J Elliott Ballymoney 759, J Braniff 752, G K Porter Glenavy 751, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 749, D Jackson New Antrim 743, D Jackson 742, D Dixon 742, E Logan Ballyclare 741. Details subject to correction.
East Antrim Plaudren - G McKenna Eastway 1144, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, J Burrows Eastway 1069, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989, R Duddy Ballyclare 889, Grattan Bros Eastway 845, A Thompson Ballyclare 825, A & E Bell Muckamore 819, A & E Bell 819, T H Gibson Ballyclare 817, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 815, R Duddy 808, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 807, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel 794, M/M Magill Muckamore 792, R Duddy 763, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 749, E Logan Ballyclare 741, T Creighton & Son Carrick & Dist 728, R Liddle Horseshoe 727, A Gault Ballyclare 715, R Duddy 712, F Simpson Doagh 707, N Lusty Muckamore 702, D McAtamney Carrick & Dist 673, M/M D Suitters 660, A & N Lewis 656.
Mid Antrim Combine Plaudren – G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, H Boyd Kells 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena 1099, A Darragh Cullybackey 869, W McClure Kells 852, A Darragh 849, W McClure 840, D Dixon Rasharkin 828, J Devlin Ballymena 827, T Picken & Son New Antrim 820, J & N Simpson Broughshane 813, J Anderson Cullybackey 791, W Reid 771, D Jackson New Antrim 743, D Jackson 742, D Dixon 742, J McNeill & Son Randalstown 732, D Jackson 707, S Steele Cullybackey 704, J & N Simpson 692, J Millar Randalstown 678, W Reid 668, C Young Ahoghill 619.
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: Plaudren Kings Cup - Sat 03/07/10
INFC Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup 741/2512 –
1-1S S Reilly & Martin SE Bray 1263 ABCDE NOM OPQRS £2204, 2-1N R Williamson Bondhill 1239 ABCDE IJKLM £1491, 3-2N Belshaw & Anderson Derriaghy 1201 ABCDEF IJKLMN £1959, 4-2S B W Hoey Ind South 1484 ABCD £10 NOM OPQRST £2676, 5-3N C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 1172 £305, 6-4N N Black & Son Dromara 1164 ABCD IJKL £505, 7-5N G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore 1163 DEF £10 NOM LMN £2556, 8-6N D & I Edgar 1162 ABCDEF IJKLMN NOM £1468, 9-7N Mal Maguire & Son Millvale 1155 ABCDEF IJKLMN £983, 10-8N D & S Caskey Bangor 1154 ABCDE IJKLM £490, 11-3S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 1148 ABCDE OPQRS £173, £411, 12-9N W Corrigan Loughgall 1147 ABCDEF IJKLMN £725, 13-10N P Dunlop Edgarstown 1145 ABCDEF IJKLMN £677, 14-11N G McKenna Eastway 1144 ABCDE £163, 15-12N Rev TAB Sawyers & Son Banbridge 1144 £58, 16-13N Lavery Bros Hills & Maze 1143 ABCDEF IJKLMN £647, 17-14N M Ewbanks Drumnavaddy 1142 ABCDEF IJKLMN £634, 18-15N M Black Grosvenor 1141 ABCDEF £292, 19-16N N Thompson Comber Cent 1135 £58, 20-17N G McAllister Randalstown 1134 £58, 21-18N A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1134 CD KL £140, 22-19N C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 1133 £58, 23-20N A & R Milliken Lagan Valley 1133 DE IJKLM £361, 24-21N I Murray & Son Crossgar 1132 CDE KLM £232, 25-22N J Waring & Son Lisburn & Dist 1132 £58, 26-23N E McAlinden & Sons Drumnavaddy 1131 ABCDEF IJKLMN £531, 27-24N R Gray Kingsmoss 1130 ABCDE IJKLM £258, 28-4S G O’Reilly & Son Malahide & Dist 1129 ABC OPQ £141, 29-25N McCracken Bros Banbridge 1129 ABCDEF IJKLMN £531, 30-26N Capper Bros Bondhill 1123 CDEF KLMN £506. 31-27N R Telford Annaghmore 1122 LM £123, 32-28N Russell Bros Dromara 1120 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 33-29N B McGauley Fortfield 1120 IJK £77, 34-30N W D Moore Comber Social 1120 IJKLMN £246, 35-31N B.C.T. Foulis&Gill Dundonald 1118 ABCDE IJKLM £253, 36-32N M/M P Braniff Colin 1117 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 37-33N W Reid Cullybackey 1116 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 38-34N R McIIroy&Son Carrick&Dist 1116 ABDEF IJKLMN £458, 39-35N P Dunlop Edgarstown 1111 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 40-5S K Hughes Individual South 1110 ABCDE OPQRSNOM £452, 41-36N G&H McCartney Moira 1109 ABCDEF IJKLMN £443, 42-37N H Cordnor Annaghmore 1109 ABCDEF IJKLMN £436, 43-38N M Wilkinson Wilton Cross 1108 ABCDEF IJKLM £338, 44-39N R Bothwell Lurgan Amateur 1107 ABCDE IJKLM £207, 45-40N H Boyd Kells&Dist 1107 £53, 46-6S T Speers Malahide&Dist 1100 ABCD OPQR £157, 47-41N Smyth Bros Ballymena 1099 IJKLM £134, 48-7S M&J White Dublin North East 1097 ABCDE OPQRST £423, 49-42N J&D Braniff Wheatfield 1095 E M £121, 50-8S J Carey Malahide&Dist 1095 ABCDE OPQRST £385, 51-43N J Galbraith&Sons Kingswood 1091 M £75, 52-44N L Magee&Son Lisburn&Dist 1090 IJKLM £106, 53-45N W Neill 1084 ABCDE IJKLM £159, 54-46N T Mallon&Son Ashfield 1080 ABCDE IJKL £137, 55-47N R Corey Coalisland 1077 LM £88, 56-9S E E&S Kavannagh Arklow United RPC 1077 £61, 57-48N Spiers&Campbell Cookstown 1073 ABCDE IJKLM £153, 58-49N J Burrows Eastway 1069 ABCE IJKLM £138, 59-50N M/M P Braniff 1069 ABE IJKLM £131, 60-51N D Coulter Glenavy 1068 IJKLM £100, 61-10S Ingle Bros&Son Individual South 1067 ABE OPQRST £322, 62-52N M Robinson Bondhill 1063 AB IJKLM £100, 63-53N O&M Monaghan Colin 1061 IJK £58, 64-54N J Braniff Fortfield 1060 IJKM £80, 65-55N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son Bandbridge 1059 £46, 66-56N A Hughes&Sons Lisburn&Dist 1059 IJ $52, 67-11S P Rock&Son Skerries 1059 OPQRST £245, 68-57N T Marshall&Son Newtownbreda 1056 £46, 69-58N D Ferran&Son Fortfield 1056 IJ £52, 70-12S M/M Fitzsimons&Son Dublin North East 1054 OPQRST £200, 71-59N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 1052 £40, 72-60N R Williamson Bondhill 1050 IJ £52, 73-61N Watd&McIntosh Downpatrick 1040 £46, 74-62N J Greenaway Bondill 1037 £46, 75-63N R Williamson 1036 $43, 76-64N G Buckley&Sons Annaghmore 1036 £46, 77-13S J Doheny Malahide&Dist 1032 £46, 78-14S Walton Family Skerries 1030 OPQRST £191, 79-15S R Callan Castlebellingham 1029 OPQRST £182, 80-65N E Mallen&Son Drumnavady 1028 £46, 81-16S T Speers Malahide&Dist 1028 OPQR £70, 82-66N W Neill 1028 £46, 83-67N McGimpsey Bros Newtownards 1027 £46, 84-68N M/M G Mallen Bandbridge Soc 1026 £46, 85-17S P&J Jones Skerries OPQRS £90, 86-69N W Catherwood&Sons Ballynahinch 1019 £46, 87-70N W Neill Annaghmore 1018 £46, 88-71N D Croskery&Son Annaborough 1017 £46, 89-72N T Marshall&Son 1014 £46, 90-73N S G Briggs Lisburn&Dist 1011 £46, 91-74N A McDonald Portadown Inv 1010 £41, 92-75N McKee&Steele Larne&Dist 1009 £41, 93-76N G&C Lowry Glengormley 1004 £41, 94-77N Russell Bros Dromara £41, 95-78N Lambert&Stewart Bangor 995 £41, 96-79N W Catherwood&Sons 992 £41, 97-80N W Neil 990 £41, 98-81N A&N Lewis Doagh&Dist 989 £41, 99-18S P Rock&Son 984 RS £41, 100-19S L McCall Wicklow South Road 979 £58.101-20S T Harford&Son Balbriggan 979 £58, 102-82N Adamson&Anderson Gilford 979 £41, 103-83N E Niblock Bessbrook 975 £41, 104-21S L O'Grady Wicklow South Road 966 £38, 105-22S James Cullen Malahide&Dist 966 £30, 106-84N G&J O'Hare Crossgar 966 £41, 107-85N James Cleland Annsborough 964 £41, 108-86N D McShane&Son Lagan Valley 955 £41, 109-23S Walton Family ECF Skerries 949 £38, 110-87N Malachy Maguire&Son Millvale 942 £41, 111-24S P Rock&Son 941 £38, 112-88N N&A McCavera Downpatrick 932 £41, 113-25S James Cullen Malahide&Dist 931 £30, 114-89N A Hughes&Sons Lisburn&Dist 931 £41, 115-26S T Speers Malahide&Dist 922 £38, 116-27S A Kelly Skerries 921 £38, 117-90N R Duddy Ballyclare 913 £41, 118-91N A Benson Lagan Valley 910 £41, 119-92N A Darragh Cullybackey 892 £37, 120-28S M Matthews&Sons Sallynoggin £38, 121-93N R Williamson 872 £32, 122-94N W McClure Kells&Dist 872 £32, 123-95N A Darragh 870 £32, 124-96N A McDonald Portadown Inv 870 £32, 125-97N A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 863 £32, 126-98N W Catherwood&Sons 862 £32, 127-99N W McClure Kells&Dist 859 £32, 128-100N Kieran Shannon Charlemont 856 £33, 129-29S Doyle Bros Rathnew 855 £33, 130-30S Joe Fitzgerald Rathnew 853 £33, 131-101N Grattan Bros Eastway 852 £32, 132-102N M Robinson Bondhill 852 £32, 133-103N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 851 £32, 134-104N J McLoughin Andersonstown 849 £32, 135-105N John Harkness Glenavy 849 £32, 136-106N D Dixon Ballymoney 848 £32, 137-107N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 848 £32, 138-108N Ron williamson 846 £32, 139-109N W Neill 846 £32, 140-110N A Thompson Ballyclare 845 £32, 141-111N G Buckley&Sons 845 £32, 142-112N W Neill 844 £32, 143-113N J Greenaway Bondhill 843 £32, 144-114N W McCaw Ballymoney 842 332, 145-115N T McKinstry Gilford 842 332, 146-116N R Williamson 841 £32, 147-117N T Picken&Son New Antrim Amal 840 £32, 148-118N A&E Bell Muckamore 839 £25, 149-119N A&E Bell 839 £25, 150-120N Gibson Bros West End Dromore 839 332, 151-121N N Black&Son Dromara 838 £32, 152-31S P Rock&Son Skerries 838 £33, 153-122N T H Gibson Ballyclare 837 £32, 154-123N J&S Graham Kingsmoss 835 £32, 155-32S S O'Brien Monaghan 833 £32, 156-124N J&N Simpson Broughshane 832 £32, 157-125N B Hoy&Son Portavogie 832 £32, 158-126N J Capper Loughgall 831 £32, 159-127N W McCaw Ballymoney 831 £32, 160-128N B McNeice&Sons Lurgan Social £32, 161-129N R Williamson 831 £32, 162-130N T Strong Wheatfield 830 £32, 163-131N Spence Bros Lagan Valley 163-131N 332, 164-132N J Greenaway 828 £32, 165-133N R Duddy 828 £30, 166-134N T McKinstry Gilford 828 £30, 167-135N C&L Woodside Ballyclare 827 £30, 168-136N J Devlin Ballymena 827 £30, 169-137N J Mount&Son Milltown 825 £30, 170-138N J&D Braniff Wheatfield 823 £30, 171-139N J&D Braniff 821 £25, 172-140N J Ramsey&Son Grosvenor 821 £25, 173-141N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 820 £25, 174-142N G Douglas Wilton Cross 820 £25, 175-143N Malcahy Maguire&Son 818 £25, 176-144N R Williamson 816 £25, 177-145N R&M McAleenon Derriaghy 816 £25, 178-146N D McNabb&Patrs Tyrella 815 £25, 179-33S L McCall 815 £26, 180-34S Parkin&Cairns Castlebellingham 815 326, 181-147N G&H McCartney Moira 814 £25, 182-148N E&D McClurkin Ligoniel&Dist 814 £25, 183-149N A McAllister Glenavy 813 £25, 184-150N M/M Magill Muckamore 811 £25, 185-151N R Williamson 810 £25, 186-152N J Pearson Markethill 805 £25, 187-153N M Brady Lagan Valley 805 £25, 188-154N M Robinson Bondhill 804 £25, 189-155N P Elliott&Sons andersonstown 804 £25, 190-156N M/M P Braniff Colin 802 £25, 191-157N R Cassells Edgarstown 802 £25, 192-158N J McClenaghan Newtownards 801 £25, 193-159N D&B Lyness 800 £25, 194-160N W Catherwood&Sons Ballynahinch 799 £25, 195-161N J Waring&Son Lisburn&Dist 799 £25, 196-162N P Murtagh&Son Ballyhollland 798 £25, 197-163N O&M Monaghan 797 £25, 198-164N J Anderson Cullybackey 796 £25, 199-165N J Murtagh&Son 794 £25, 200-166N G Buckley&Son 791 £25, 201-167N J Tumelty Newtownbreda 791 £25, 202-168N Telford Bros Tyrella 790 £25, 203-169N R Bell&Sons Edgarstown £25, 204-170N W Reid Cullybackey 788 £25, 205-171N J&R Young&Sons Portavogie 787 £25, 206-172 Own Markey Ballyholland 785 £25, 207-173N G&J O'Hare Crossgar 785 £25, 208-174N J Rankin Millisle 784 £20, 209-175N R Telford&Son West Belfast 783 £20, 210-176N C&L Fryers Dromara £20, 211-177N Gallagher Bros Annsborough 782 £20, 212-178N R Duddy 780 £20, 213-179N Sam corrigan Loughgall 780 £20, 214-180N Mooney Bros Millvale 778 £20, 215-35S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 777 £26, 216-181N E Niblock Bessbrook 777 £20, 217-182N J Kelly&Sons Dromore 777 £20, 218-183N J Kelly&Sons 777 £20, 219-36S F&J Crowe Gorey 775 £26, 220-37S James Graham Monaghan 774 £20, 221-184N Donnelly Bros 774 £20, 222-185N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 770 £20, 223-186N Furphy&Cairns Wilton Cross 770 £20, 224-187N J Braniff Fortfield 769 £20, 225-188N G K Porter Glenavy 768 £20, 226-189N S&K Duke Crossgar 768 £20, 227-190N A Donaghy Dungannon 768 £20, 228-191N Rafferty&Toman Gilford 767 £20, 229-192N M/M D suitters Doagh&Dist 766 £20, 230-193N D&B Lyness Lurgan Soc 766 £20, 231-194N P&C Swindell Newry City 765 £20, 232-195N M Croskery Annsborough 765 £20, 233-196N R J Elliott Ballymoney 764 £20, 234-197N C Healy Killyleagh Cent 764 £20, 235-198N J Carson&Son Corcreeney 762 £20, 236-199N H McVeigh Killyleagh Cent 760 £20, 237-200N E Logan Ballyclare 759 £20, 238-201N B&M McCorriston 759 £20, 239-202N G&T Ritchie Edgarstown 759 £20, 240-203N R J Elliott 759 £20, 241-204N A Fearon Portadown Inv 758 £20, 242-205N D Dixon Ballymoney 758 £20, 243-206N J Ramsey&Son Grosvenor 757 £20, 244-207N D Jackson&Son New Antrim Amal 757 £20, 245-208N D Jackson&Son 756 £20, 246-751 Havern Bros Ballyholland 751 £20, 247-210N Havern Bros 750 £20, 248-211N Lavery Bros Hills&Maze 750 £20, 249-212N W D Moore Comber Soc 749 £20, 250-213N J Dowey&Sons Tandragee 746 £20, 251-38S R Matthews Sallynoggin 740 £6, 252-39S J Sharkey 722 £6, 253-40S Ingle Bros&Son Individual South 708 £6, 254-41S M/M J McMahon Balbriggan 697 £6, 255-42S P Rock&Son 687 £6, 256-43S Patrick Arthur Boyne Valley £6, 257-44S McKeown&McEvoy Castlebellingham 44S £6, 258-45S M Hughes Individual South 673 £6, 259-46S P Rock&Son Skerries 664 £6, 260-47S A Lacey Sallynoggin 650 £6, 261-48S T Spears Malahide&Dist 646 £6, 262-49S Parkin&Cairns Castlebellingham 642 £6, 263-50S P Kennedy&Sons Stillorgan 633 £6, 264-51S Mr G O'Reilly&Son Malahide&Dist 627 £6, 265-52S J sharkey Boyne Valley 623 £6, 266-53S Seamus Neary Gorey 612 £6, 267-54S Walton Family Skerries 612 £6, 268-55S G O'Reilly&Son 600 £6, 269-56S B Cahill Skerries 597 £6, 270-57S G O'Reilly&Son 596 £6,
The race all the long distance lofts and others were waiting for arrived at the end of the old bird programme, birds had been race marked in Lisburn by the usual team of hard and dedicated workers on Tuesday 29th June and were soon en-route to France for the Blue Riband race the Kings Cup. Race birds had been prepared to perfection over many weeks and a final total of 2,512 had been sent by 741 members across Ireland to compete for a grand total of £35,775 in pools and prizes and a host of awards, cups and diplomas etc. Some were to become new Champions of the Sport in Ireland. Friday was to be the day but a heavy band of rain in France and on the channel put paid to a release, liberation did take place in Plaudren close to Vannes on Saturday 3rd July at 7.30am in a Lt North wind to be SW around Penzance and then strengthen over the rest of the route home. It was just a case now of wait and see just where and at what time early arrivals would be reported.
A bird reported into Bray in Co Wicklow at 4.49pm set the pace and this one had all the experts working out what time they would need to clock, was the Bray time correct, what distance did they fly, all in all it looked to be a fantastic time of arrival. It proved to be a winner for Reilly & Martin on 1263, runner-up Ron Williamson of Bondhill was doing velocity 1238. Ron Williamson himself had a good time into Northern Ireland at Portadown his 7.03pm was also out on its own. This loft timed further arrivals at 9.08pm, 9.19pm, 5.51am, 6.20am, 6.27am, 6.39am, 6.58am, 7.06am, and 8.55am for a super team performance. He finished 2nd Open Kings Cup for the second time, on the previous occasion he failed by just a decimal point, this time the top two birds, were out on their own. Around 120 arrivals were confirmed on the day and over 400 by Sunday afternoon, a very good success. Hall of Fame Diplomas have been confirmed for J Waring & Son Lisburn & Dist, D Croskery & Son Annsborough and W McClure Kells & Dist.
1st Open & 1st South Sect - Reilly & Martin, Bray South End, 401 Miles, Vel 1263 plus £2,204.
It was another dream come true for another Dublin based loft with the East Coast Federation having the Kings Cup winner for the second year. Last time the race was won by T & T Moorehouse of Rathnew, this time it’s the Sammy Reilly & Jim Martin team racing in South End Bray. The first bird timed, a 2yo Blue cock was not caught and the Dublin loft were easy winners. I had early contact with the team and soon found out there was a bit of a story surrounding the winner. He was bred by Myles Taylor who lives in the Borough of Lisburn and races with Glenavy & District. The bird was lost racing in the early part of 2009, made its home in Bray and was transferred in time for racing this year. He won Bude three weeks prior to the Kings Cup, a real stinker of a race finishing 11th Open ECF. Next morning he had his bath and was chasing hens around the rooftops an hour later, in 50 years racing the partners have never seen any bird recover so well after races. He flew both Talbenny races clocked each time at 107 miles and also flew the Penzance Open taking 7th Club after 11 hours on the wing, another stinker of a race. He was rested for the week or so leading up to the France Classic, no further training. Again he recovered very well bouncing in two days and they had to make a decision whether to send or not send to the Kings Cup, was in fact sent sitting eggs and the rest is now history, we look forward to their report.
The partners would like to thank all the well wishers that have contacted them, just like to say it doesn’t get any better than this. It would seem he was 30 yards pm ahead of the next bird, we knew the pigeon has been in great form for the past few weeks, this just proves that he got his small slice of luck yesterday, and took advantage.
2nd Open & 1st North Sect – Ron Williamson, Bondhill, 488 Miles, Vel 1239 plus £1,491.
This is proving to be another wonderful season for Ron who from the four Old Bird Nationals so far has been 19th Open Skibbereen, 9th Open Yearling National, 2nd Open King’s Cup and 7th Open in the Friendship National. This year Ron has not been out of the top 20 in all Channel and National races.
The pigeon timed 2nd Open is a two-year-old hen from Ron’s own breeding and is much the same as all the pigeons he times from France. I notice he had eight pigeons in the Open result from the King’s Cup. The dam of the pigeon timed here is off the hen that was 8th and 114th Open from the King’s Cup, while the sire is down from the pigeon that was 2nd Open YB Penzance in 2002. A sister of the pigeon timed at 2nd Open this year was 10th Open last year. This bird was raced through to Bude before going to the King’s Cup sitting 13 to 14 days on eggs.
3rd Open & 2nd North Sect – Belshaw & Anderson, Derriaghy, 488 Miles, Vel 1201 plus £1,959.
Another famous loft from the Lisburn area Belshaw & Anderson from Derriaghy finished a good 2nd in the North Sect and 3rd Open, just two birds away and well pooled to collect almost £2,000. It was a return visit to Jim Belshaw in Lisburn having covered the Friendship Nat a couple of years ago, in fact his 8th Open winner is the dam of this bird. The lofts best ever performance was 2nd Open in the Friendship Nat, he came very close to having a better result when he had an early arrival in this seasons Kings Cup finishing 2nd North Sect & 3rd Open INFC. The 2yo Blue cock had a long fly in Penzance in 2009 and before France this year had Talbenny (1) & (2) and Bude. It was trained private by Benny McKeown a good racer himself, and sent on eggs 12 days. In has all his old distance lines Walkingshaw and Kilpatrick similar to the good Grizzle cock that had won the loft a Hall of Fame Diploma.
4th Open & 2nd South Sect – B W Hoey, Ind South, 416 Miles, Vel 1194 plus £2,676.
Brian’s pigeon is a yearling Frans Van Wildemeersch cock, the first yearling in the result and will win the McCloud Cup. Brian bought the parents, a matched pair at the Dublin Show where they had been presented by Moore Bros of the Up North Combine. Brian didn’t race this bird in the early part of the season and only started him in the inland races when the channel racing began. He was raced most weeks after that including the Valencia Open and was in Skibbereen (179miles) the Saturday before basketing for the King’s Cup. It was sent to the race sitting 10days on eggs. Brian timed this cock at 5.44pm on race day to take 2nd South section, 4th Open with winnings of £2,676.81.
5th Open & 3rd North Sect – C O’Hare & Son, Ballyholland, 467 Miles, Vel 1172 plus £305. Winner of the Harkness Rose Bowl for 2 Bird Average.
What a wonderful performance from Cormac O’Hare, Ballyholland to win the coveted Harkness Rose Bowl for the best two bird average in the King’s Cup. Many put winning this prize as the next best thing to actually winning the King’s Cup.
Cormac’s stock loft is based on Alan Darragh’s pigeons and it is no surprise to learn that both pigeons are pure Darragh. Both are two-year-old hens and both were clocked in the Penzance Classic last year. They were raced in the club programme up Ireland this year unpaired, and then were sent to the first Talbenny. They were stopped after this and trained and prepared for the King’s Cup. Cormac’s first pigeon was clocked at 7.11pm to take 3rd North section, 5th Open. This two-year-old hen’s eggs hatched the day after she went to the King’s Cup. This bird is line bred from ‘Ranger’, Alan’s King’s Cup winner, so well bred for the job at hand. Cormac’s second pigeon was timed at 7.35pm and was 19th North section, 22nd Open. This bird got into the young bird loft one day and took up with a young cock. Afterwards when Cormac tried to pair her to an older cock she showed no interest and every time she was out she headed to the young bird loft to seek out her young mate. This bird is a grand daughter of ‘Swallow Brae Lad’, Alan’s first yearling National winner.
6th Open & 4th North Sect – N Black & Son, Dromara, 479 Miles, Vel 1164 plus £505.
6th Open the previous winners N Black & Son of Dromara, this is the partnerships 13th time in the Top 10 of the King’s Cup, they have also won three Harkness Rose Bowls and two Hall of Fames. Their timer this time is a small three year old Blue Ch hen. She had two races as a young bird, Tullamore and Roscrea, as a yearling two Pilmore Beaches and Bude. The next year as a two year old Fermoy and Talbenny followed by Vannes where she came on the second day at 5.30pm. This year she had two races from Clonmel, Fermoy, two from Talbenny and Bude as preparation plus a few tosses from Castlebellingham and Donaghadee. She was sent sitting fourteen days on eggs. Her sire is a son of the partnership’s Hall of Fame Hen, 6th, 7th and 176th Rennes and the dam is a daughter of “Drumiller Hill Lad” and “Mother’s Pride”, 1st and 2nd Open King’s Cup respectively. The feeding is Frazers Continental Widowhood with Energy Mix. This result capped a great week for “Drumiller Hill Lad” as in the previous week’s race he was the grandsire of Tom Marshall & Son’s 1st East Down Combine winner out of St Malo and on the day of the King’s Cup he was also the grandsire of Ian Gill’s Barcelona Challenge winner. A fasntastic line of birds that go on and on.
7th Open & 5th North Sect – Glen Buckley & Sons, Annaghmore, 488 Miles, Vel 1163 plus £2,556.
News still pending but will appear next time with the Friendship Nat report where the loft finished 8th Open INFC. The really big news is that having been turned down for the Triple Crown award in 2009 because the race performance over YB Channel, Yearling and Kings Cup was achieved in two seasons instead of the three as it was supposed to be can be awarded now, the same bird was placed again in the Kings Cup and has brought great joy to Mid Ulster. What a bird this is and we will have full details next time. G Buckley & Son are one of the big stars in the racing scene in Northern Ireland, their CV is getting some size now.
Glen and John timed this three-year-old hen at 7.48pm to take 7th Open for another tremendous result, following their 2nd Open last year. This hen was racing on the roundabout system but they had thought about pairing the pigeons this year for the French races but in the end decided to continue with the roundabout as it had been so successful for them in recent years. The breeding is Soontjens with the sire being down from Alan Capper’s stock although there was some of their own bloodlines in this as they had given Alan a hen to put to one of his best cocks. The sire is Soontjens x Harthog, with the Soontjens on this side being off a daughter of a pigeon bought from Derek Parr, Portadown. The Harthogs originated from Alister Kerr, Scotland. These lines are the same lines as the winner of the Yearling Cocks National in the NIPA last year. The pigeon timed here was also in the money in the Yearling National in 2008, and was in the top 50 from St Malo Derby last year. She is just a good racing hen and was second club up Ireland this year. She was raced through to Bude before going to the Kings Cup.
8th Open & 6th North Sect – D & I Edgar, Dromore HPS, 481 Miles, Vel 1162 plus £1,468.
Best in Dromore County Down was the D & I Edgar team who timed their single entry at 7.38pm having flown 481 miles. Their Blue hen was a 7 year old having the best bloodlines of Cattrysse, Dordin & Janssen all famous strains. She flew the same race last season arriving on the second morning. In preparation for the big race in 2010 she has flown 5 inland and 3 cross channel races followed by single up training and flying with the young birds. She raced on roundabout and has been a very consistent racer over the years.
9th Open & 7th North Sect – Mal Maguire & Son, Millvale, 468 Miles, Vel 1155 plus £983.
Mal Maguire from Millvale always looks forward to the major races and is getting his fair share of big awards, a lovely Blue Pied “Show Hen” finished 9th Open in the Kings Cup. It flew France last year and had scored in the Old Hens National flown with the YB Penzance. Before France it had three cross channel races and was sent feeding its first youngsters of the year. Sire was the good Blue Jan Aarden cock obtained from Louella Pigeon World in 2003 and the dam is a full sister to “Just Perfect” winner of RPRA 251-450 Mileage Award & Best All Round Performance (Irish Region) and 2nd RPRA Middle-Distance 2009. She contains all the lofts best lines “Home Alone”, “Portavogie Lass” etc. M Maguire & Son are having a fantastic time and I am sure more is to come, dedicated racers again.
10th Open & 8th North Sect – D & S Caskey, Bangor, 489 Miles, Vel 1154 plus £490.
10th Open is D & J Caskey of Bangor RPC, they also win the East Down Combine Cup for the 1st Combine bird in the result. The performance is all the more remarkable as Drew only sent the one bird and also was his first attempt at the Blue Riband King’s Cup. The bird in question is a small two year old Blue Ch hen, as a young bird she had just two races, Navan and Tullamore, and as a yearling every inland plus the Yearling National. This year she had all inland races plus the Skibbereen Derby and then Penzance, after Penzance she was just flown with the young birds. She was sent on her first youngster of the year one day old after being on chipping eggs for the four previous days. The parents of Drew’s hen were both obtained from N Black & Son. The sire is a brother to N Black & Son’s “Annie Mary”, 4th and 8th Open Messac and the dam is a daughter to “Annie Mary”. The feeding is Frazer’s Best All Round Mixture, with some High Energy Mix its last couple of days before basketing. Well done Drew, a great result in your first Kings Cup.
Sponsorship is very important in any organisation and the Committee and Members of the INFC are very grateful to Bucktons Premium Pigeon Feeds for their sponsorship given to this particular race, the winning fanciers Reilly & Martin get 5 bags of mixture and 2 bags each to the next five Ron Williamson, Belshaw & Anderson, Brian Hoey, C O’Hare & Son and N Black & Son.
Some news regarding the Ulster Federation and the early arrivals in the Fortfield. Billy McGauley was 4th in the Muckamore Centre and finished 33rd Open with his Kees Bosuas. Jim Braniff timed at 21.04hrs a Busschaert that finished 64th Open INFC having been 52nd Open INFC in the 2008 YB Nat Sennen Cove. The parents of these birds were obtained from club-mate Peter Martin of No Mercy Lofts. In the Ulster Fed the best bird was timed by Martin Black of the Grosvenor, he records velocity 1141 for the 488 miles to finish 15th North Sect & 18th Open INFC.
Best in the East Antrim area in the Kings Cup Plaudren was Gary McKenna of Eastway, an ace long distance loft flying into Rathcoole on the outskirts of Belfast. Gary timed at 20.10hrs to record velocity 1144 for the 494 miles. He finished 14th Open and wins the Robinson Cup. Next best was Robert Gray from Kingsmoss who is having a France season to remember, in the recent Old Bird Nat from St Malo he won 1st Club Kingsmoss, 1st Sect C & 25th Open NIPA. Matt McIlroy from Carrick & Dist timed the same bird that was well placed last season R McIlroy & Son finished 27th Open to follow the 56th Open last time, another great result and in line now for a third time.
East Antrim Plaudren - G McKenna Eastway 1144, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, J Burrows Eastway 1069, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989, R Duddy Ballyclare 889, Grattan Bros Eastway 845, A Thompson Ballyclare 825, A & E Bell Muckamore 819, A & E Bell 819, T H Gibson Ballyclare 817, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 815, R Duddy 808, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 807, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel 794, M/M Magill Muckamore 792, R Duddy 763, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 749, E Logan Ballyclare 741, T Creighton & Son Carrick & Dist 728, R Liddle Horseshoe 727, A Gault Ballyclare 715, R Duddy 712, F Simpson Doagh 707, N Lusty Muckamore 702, D McAtamney Carrick & Dist 673, M/M D Suitters 660, A & N Lewis 656.
A fantastic result for Gary McAllister & Sons from Randalstown who were runner-up in the Muckamore Centre having timed at 20.33hrs flying 505 miles to record velocity 1134. He records 1st Club and 1st Mid Antrim Combine. The France Ace flyer Willard Reid fresh from success at St Malo was best again in Cullybackey recording velocity 1116 timed at 21.01hrs flying 514 miles followed by Harry Boyd 1st Kells & Dist and Smyth Bros 1st Ballymena & District. Just 4 Mid Antrim birds on the day.
Mid Antrim Combine Plaudren – G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, H Boyd Kells 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena 1099, A Darragh Cullybackey 869, W McClure Kells 852, A Darragh 849, W McClure 840, D Dixon Rasharkin 828, J Devlin Ballymena 827, T Picken & Son New Antrim 820, J & N Simpson Broughshane 813, J Anderson Cullybackey 791, W Reid 771, D Jackson & Son New Antrim 743, D Jackson & Son 742, D Dixon 742, J McNeill & Son Randalstown 732, D Jackson & Son 707, S Steele Cullybackey 704, J & N Simpson 692, J Millar Randalstown 678, W Reid 668, C Young Ahoghill 619, T Shanks & Son Kells 394.
Prov Result Single Bird Challenge flown in conjunction with the INFC Kings Cup.
1st Paul Dunlop, Edgarstown Vel. 1145, 13th Open winning Joe Doheny Trophy, Framed Diploma, £350. 2nd R. Gray, Kingsmoss Vel 1130, 27th Open winning
Framed Diploma, £250. 3rd M Wilkinson, Wilton Cross Vel 1308, 43th Open winning
Framed Diploma, £150. 4th P & K Braniff, Colin Vel 1069, 59th Open plus £70. 5th A. Hughes & Sons, Lisburn Vel 1059, 66th Open plus £50. 6th T. Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda Vel 1014, 89th Open plus £50. 7th Malachy Maguire & Son, Millvale Invitation Vel 942, 110th Open plus £50. 8th N. & A. McCavera, Downpatrick Vel 932, 112th Open plus £50.
Other Challenge birds timed in the Open result were, W. McClure, Kells, (Vel. 872, 122nd Open.), A. Thompson, Ballyclare, (Vel. 845, 140th Open.), W. McCaw, Ballymoney, (Vel. 831, 159th Open.), R. Duddy, Ballyclare, (Vel. 828, 165th Open.), J. McClenaghan, Ards, (Vel. 801, 192nd Open.), E. Niblock, Bessbrook, (Vel. 777, 216th Open.), Furphy & Cairns, Wilton Cross, (Vel. 770, 223rd Open.), A. Donaghy, Dungannon, (Vel. 768, 227th Open.), Mr & Mrs D. Suitters, Doagh, (Vel. 766, 229th Open.) and G. & T. Ritchie, Edgarstown, (Vel. 759, 239th Open.). Any Objections to Secretary Trevor Topping within 7 days.
D Croskery & Son, Annsborough – Hall of Fame Diploma
The Hall of Fame winner is a five-year-old White Busschaert hen bred by Tyrella’s D McNabb & Ptrs who are 202nd Open themselves in this race. In 2006 this bird was 140th Open, in 2009 she was 193rd Open and this year she was 88th Open. As a young bird she was badly busted up in a pre season training toss from Rathfriland but they managed to get her back on the road before the end of the young bird season and she got three young bird races. She has picked up a few other prizes along the way with the best being 6th South Down Federation in the Friendship National in 2007. This hen was sent to all her King’s Cup races sitting around 14 days on eggs, as this seems to suit her. When I was talking to Dolen and Dominic they were very quick to point out that this prize and the numerous others they have won would not be possible but for the attention that Josie (Dominic’s wife and Dolen’s mother) gives to the pigeons.
J Waring & Son, Lisburn & District HPS – Hall of Fame Diploma
Jackie Waring of Lisburn has been scoring at the distance for as long as I can remember and in 2010 wins a well deserved second Hall of Fame Diploma. The first occasion was back in 1995 and a lot has changed at the top of the INFC since that time. This bird was five times France, twice Dinard and three times Rennes in the Blue Riband Kings Cup. Always a very steady bird he never had an easy race. 1992 – 83rd Open on vel 476 1052/2,442, 1994 – 134th Open on vel 945 1032/2,420, 1995 – 149th Open on vel 509 1195/3,529. A lot of people say Rennes was one of our best points, J Waring & Son were flying 482 miles. His winner in 2010 is another super specimen recording a fantastic performance this year from Vannes at 487 miles finishing 22nd North Sect & 25th Open INFC at 7yo. The Cheq cock started out way back in 2005 with 21st North Sect & 24th Open INFC at 499 miles just 108 birds in race time. From Vannes in 2009 he scored 53rd Open and over the long period had been hawked twice, on one occasion very serious. It was so bad at one time he would not come out of the basket for training. This year he had just Fermoy and the Fermoy 5 Bird flying 5 hours, then trained private to Drogheda. A second arrival in the race has flown France 4 times now, from a hen that was also flown France on four occasions. Both birds from his old family of birds containing a lot of the old Walkingshaw lines were related, the grandsire of both were nest-mates. This man is a master of the trade, a top distance loft from Lisburn in County Antrim.
W McClure, Kells & District HPS – Hall of Fame Diploma
Bill just keeps a small team only interested in the distance events and has had a super 2010, my last occasion at this loft was the year he was 2nd Kings Cup to Tommy Speers, long time ago when my hair was a different colour. In the NIPA St Malo Bill was best in the Cullybackey Centre and finished 2nd Comb, 2nd Sect & 15th Open NIPA, only a handful of birds locally on the day. Two birds were sent to the Kings Cup and both were timed in minutes early on the second day at 6.34am and 6.50am. His first a Blue Cheq hen was scoring at 8yo for the third time 13th Open from Messac in 2005 at 521 miles and last year from Vannes was 156th and this year 122nd from 510 miles. This one was pure De Weert through good friend Willie Greer of Ahoghill the second bird this year finished 127th Open following up the 46th Open in 2009 and now hopefully in line for a Hall of Fame. This bird is from a De Weert cock paired to a daughter of J Patience Kings Cup winner. Billy keeps the flag flying for Mid Antrim at the distance, very consistent over many years.
INFC Framed Certificate
Birds placed twice in the result are awarded a Framed Certificate and these are usually presented at the Charity Show in December. I have some details of two birds timed by Billy McCaw from Ballymoney an area always involved with distance racing. Blue Cheq hen bred in 2007 from Ken Hine blood lines was not trained or raced as a young bird. 2008 trained as a yearling but not raced. 2009 flown three inland races and one Talbenny before being sent to the Kings cup to be timed on the day and was 127th Open INFC Vannes at 531mls. 2010 had flown four inland races before being sent to the Kings Cup, she was feeding a small youngster and was 159th Open INFC Vannes.
The second bird a Blue cock was bred in 2007 from a grand-daughter of Home Alone
when she was paired to Black w/f cock bred by Dave Delea who won 1st Open Pau National. We remember Home Alone won 1st Open INFC Friendship National from Sartilly for W & L McCaw. The Blue cock was not trained or raced as a young bird.
2008 trained as a yearling but not raced. 2009 he was the second of three birds timed from Vannes. 2010 he was the first bird timed to win 144th Open INFC Vannes.
Maiden City – Kings of France
John Killen sent me a bit of news from Derry City just ahead of Londonderry’s crowning as UK City of Culture title for 2013, great news for the whole country. In the enclosed photo we had Michael Concannon holding a Dark Cheq cock which flew St Malo Nat last year in 2009. GB07E88335. He was 8th Section x 229th Open.
Robert Concannon is holding the Kings Cup cock this year. Blue Cheq GB07E88386. He flew St Malo last year 2009 where he finished 4th Section x 153rd Open, and of course he timed him from the Kings Cup last week at 538miles. A real good un!
Mickey Coyle is holding his Kings Cup pigeon. Blue cock GB08K36732.Timed at 11.25am on the second morning from 535 miles doing velocity 700. This super pigeon was the first bird back in Derry. This bird also won a very testing 5 day holdover from Talbenny in 2009. Now nicknamed "Popeye Doyle" he is a real prospect for the future! Don Coyle is holding the Concannon’s 3rd French pigeon, A Red Cheq cock, GB08K36372, which flew the St Malo National a fortnight ago.
My many thanks again to all those who assisted with this race report, there were many and it’s all appreciated. I have said many times about the massive numbers involved in making each race a success, totally dedicated the lot of them all good and doing their own particular job. The report was a little delayed, due to a change with the young bird race programme my trip to Dublin was delayed one week. Thanks to all involved in Dublin as well, there really is a lot going on with the big races. The Friendship Nat report is well in hand, in no small measure to the amount of help and it will follow shortly. The Kings Cup report is wide ranging, not covering everyone, there were many performances of note but unfortunately not possible to cover the lot.
1-1S S Reilly & Martin SE Bray 1263 ABCDE NOM OPQRS £2204, 2-1N R Williamson Bondhill 1239 ABCDE IJKLM £1491, 3-2N Belshaw & Anderson Derriaghy 1201 ABCDEF IJKLMN £1959, 4-2S B W Hoey Ind South 1484 ABCD £10 NOM OPQRST £2676, 5-3N C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 1172 £305, 6-4N N Black & Son Dromara 1164 ABCD IJKL £505, 7-5N G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore 1163 DEF £10 NOM LMN £2556, 8-6N D & I Edgar 1162 ABCDEF IJKLMN NOM £1468, 9-7N Mal Maguire & Son Millvale 1155 ABCDEF IJKLMN £983, 10-8N D & S Caskey Bangor 1154 ABCDE IJKLM £490, 11-3S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 1148 ABCDE OPQRS £173, £411, 12-9N W Corrigan Loughgall 1147 ABCDEF IJKLMN £725, 13-10N P Dunlop Edgarstown 1145 ABCDEF IJKLMN £677, 14-11N G McKenna Eastway 1144 ABCDE £163, 15-12N Rev TAB Sawyers & Son Banbridge 1144 £58, 16-13N Lavery Bros Hills & Maze 1143 ABCDEF IJKLMN £647, 17-14N M Ewbanks Drumnavaddy 1142 ABCDEF IJKLMN £634, 18-15N M Black Grosvenor 1141 ABCDEF £292, 19-16N N Thompson Comber Cent 1135 £58, 20-17N G McAllister Randalstown 1134 £58, 21-18N A McAteer & Sons Ballyholland 1134 CD KL £140, 22-19N C O’Hare & Son Ballyholland 1133 £58, 23-20N A & R Milliken Lagan Valley 1133 DE IJKLM £361, 24-21N I Murray & Son Crossgar 1132 CDE KLM £232, 25-22N J Waring & Son Lisburn & Dist 1132 £58, 26-23N E McAlinden & Sons Drumnavaddy 1131 ABCDEF IJKLMN £531, 27-24N R Gray Kingsmoss 1130 ABCDE IJKLM £258, 28-4S G O’Reilly & Son Malahide & Dist 1129 ABC OPQ £141, 29-25N McCracken Bros Banbridge 1129 ABCDEF IJKLMN £531, 30-26N Capper Bros Bondhill 1123 CDEF KLMN £506. 31-27N R Telford Annaghmore 1122 LM £123, 32-28N Russell Bros Dromara 1120 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 33-29N B McGauley Fortfield 1120 IJK £77, 34-30N W D Moore Comber Social 1120 IJKLMN £246, 35-31N B.C.T. Foulis&Gill Dundonald 1118 ABCDE IJKLM £253, 36-32N M/M P Braniff Colin 1117 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 37-33N W Reid Cullybackey 1116 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 38-34N R McIIroy&Son Carrick&Dist 1116 ABDEF IJKLMN £458, 39-35N P Dunlop Edgarstown 1111 ABCDEF IJKLMN £458, 40-5S K Hughes Individual South 1110 ABCDE OPQRSNOM £452, 41-36N G&H McCartney Moira 1109 ABCDEF IJKLMN £443, 42-37N H Cordnor Annaghmore 1109 ABCDEF IJKLMN £436, 43-38N M Wilkinson Wilton Cross 1108 ABCDEF IJKLM £338, 44-39N R Bothwell Lurgan Amateur 1107 ABCDE IJKLM £207, 45-40N H Boyd Kells&Dist 1107 £53, 46-6S T Speers Malahide&Dist 1100 ABCD OPQR £157, 47-41N Smyth Bros Ballymena 1099 IJKLM £134, 48-7S M&J White Dublin North East 1097 ABCDE OPQRST £423, 49-42N J&D Braniff Wheatfield 1095 E M £121, 50-8S J Carey Malahide&Dist 1095 ABCDE OPQRST £385, 51-43N J Galbraith&Sons Kingswood 1091 M £75, 52-44N L Magee&Son Lisburn&Dist 1090 IJKLM £106, 53-45N W Neill 1084 ABCDE IJKLM £159, 54-46N T Mallon&Son Ashfield 1080 ABCDE IJKL £137, 55-47N R Corey Coalisland 1077 LM £88, 56-9S E E&S Kavannagh Arklow United RPC 1077 £61, 57-48N Spiers&Campbell Cookstown 1073 ABCDE IJKLM £153, 58-49N J Burrows Eastway 1069 ABCE IJKLM £138, 59-50N M/M P Braniff 1069 ABE IJKLM £131, 60-51N D Coulter Glenavy 1068 IJKLM £100, 61-10S Ingle Bros&Son Individual South 1067 ABE OPQRST £322, 62-52N M Robinson Bondhill 1063 AB IJKLM £100, 63-53N O&M Monaghan Colin 1061 IJK £58, 64-54N J Braniff Fortfield 1060 IJKM £80, 65-55N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son Bandbridge 1059 £46, 66-56N A Hughes&Sons Lisburn&Dist 1059 IJ $52, 67-11S P Rock&Son Skerries 1059 OPQRST £245, 68-57N T Marshall&Son Newtownbreda 1056 £46, 69-58N D Ferran&Son Fortfield 1056 IJ £52, 70-12S M/M Fitzsimons&Son Dublin North East 1054 OPQRST £200, 71-59N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 1052 £40, 72-60N R Williamson Bondhill 1050 IJ £52, 73-61N Watd&McIntosh Downpatrick 1040 £46, 74-62N J Greenaway Bondill 1037 £46, 75-63N R Williamson 1036 $43, 76-64N G Buckley&Sons Annaghmore 1036 £46, 77-13S J Doheny Malahide&Dist 1032 £46, 78-14S Walton Family Skerries 1030 OPQRST £191, 79-15S R Callan Castlebellingham 1029 OPQRST £182, 80-65N E Mallen&Son Drumnavady 1028 £46, 81-16S T Speers Malahide&Dist 1028 OPQR £70, 82-66N W Neill 1028 £46, 83-67N McGimpsey Bros Newtownards 1027 £46, 84-68N M/M G Mallen Bandbridge Soc 1026 £46, 85-17S P&J Jones Skerries OPQRS £90, 86-69N W Catherwood&Sons Ballynahinch 1019 £46, 87-70N W Neill Annaghmore 1018 £46, 88-71N D Croskery&Son Annaborough 1017 £46, 89-72N T Marshall&Son 1014 £46, 90-73N S G Briggs Lisburn&Dist 1011 £46, 91-74N A McDonald Portadown Inv 1010 £41, 92-75N McKee&Steele Larne&Dist 1009 £41, 93-76N G&C Lowry Glengormley 1004 £41, 94-77N Russell Bros Dromara £41, 95-78N Lambert&Stewart Bangor 995 £41, 96-79N W Catherwood&Sons 992 £41, 97-80N W Neil 990 £41, 98-81N A&N Lewis Doagh&Dist 989 £41, 99-18S P Rock&Son 984 RS £41, 100-19S L McCall Wicklow South Road 979 £58.101-20S T Harford&Son Balbriggan 979 £58, 102-82N Adamson&Anderson Gilford 979 £41, 103-83N E Niblock Bessbrook 975 £41, 104-21S L O'Grady Wicklow South Road 966 £38, 105-22S James Cullen Malahide&Dist 966 £30, 106-84N G&J O'Hare Crossgar 966 £41, 107-85N James Cleland Annsborough 964 £41, 108-86N D McShane&Son Lagan Valley 955 £41, 109-23S Walton Family ECF Skerries 949 £38, 110-87N Malachy Maguire&Son Millvale 942 £41, 111-24S P Rock&Son 941 £38, 112-88N N&A McCavera Downpatrick 932 £41, 113-25S James Cullen Malahide&Dist 931 £30, 114-89N A Hughes&Sons Lisburn&Dist 931 £41, 115-26S T Speers Malahide&Dist 922 £38, 116-27S A Kelly Skerries 921 £38, 117-90N R Duddy Ballyclare 913 £41, 118-91N A Benson Lagan Valley 910 £41, 119-92N A Darragh Cullybackey 892 £37, 120-28S M Matthews&Sons Sallynoggin £38, 121-93N R Williamson 872 £32, 122-94N W McClure Kells&Dist 872 £32, 123-95N A Darragh 870 £32, 124-96N A McDonald Portadown Inv 870 £32, 125-97N A McDonnell Coleraine Prem 863 £32, 126-98N W Catherwood&Sons 862 £32, 127-99N W McClure Kells&Dist 859 £32, 128-100N Kieran Shannon Charlemont 856 £33, 129-29S Doyle Bros Rathnew 855 £33, 130-30S Joe Fitzgerald Rathnew 853 £33, 131-101N Grattan Bros Eastway 852 £32, 132-102N M Robinson Bondhill 852 £32, 133-103N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 851 £32, 134-104N J McLoughin Andersonstown 849 £32, 135-105N John Harkness Glenavy 849 £32, 136-106N D Dixon Ballymoney 848 £32, 137-107N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 848 £32, 138-108N Ron williamson 846 £32, 139-109N W Neill 846 £32, 140-110N A Thompson Ballyclare 845 £32, 141-111N G Buckley&Sons 845 £32, 142-112N W Neill 844 £32, 143-113N J Greenaway Bondhill 843 £32, 144-114N W McCaw Ballymoney 842 332, 145-115N T McKinstry Gilford 842 332, 146-116N R Williamson 841 £32, 147-117N T Picken&Son New Antrim Amal 840 £32, 148-118N A&E Bell Muckamore 839 £25, 149-119N A&E Bell 839 £25, 150-120N Gibson Bros West End Dromore 839 332, 151-121N N Black&Son Dromara 838 £32, 152-31S P Rock&Son Skerries 838 £33, 153-122N T H Gibson Ballyclare 837 £32, 154-123N J&S Graham Kingsmoss 835 £32, 155-32S S O'Brien Monaghan 833 £32, 156-124N J&N Simpson Broughshane 832 £32, 157-125N B Hoy&Son Portavogie 832 £32, 158-126N J Capper Loughgall 831 £32, 159-127N W McCaw Ballymoney 831 £32, 160-128N B McNeice&Sons Lurgan Social £32, 161-129N R Williamson 831 £32, 162-130N T Strong Wheatfield 830 £32, 163-131N Spence Bros Lagan Valley 163-131N 332, 164-132N J Greenaway 828 £32, 165-133N R Duddy 828 £30, 166-134N T McKinstry Gilford 828 £30, 167-135N C&L Woodside Ballyclare 827 £30, 168-136N J Devlin Ballymena 827 £30, 169-137N J Mount&Son Milltown 825 £30, 170-138N J&D Braniff Wheatfield 823 £30, 171-139N J&D Braniff 821 £25, 172-140N J Ramsey&Son Grosvenor 821 £25, 173-141N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 820 £25, 174-142N G Douglas Wilton Cross 820 £25, 175-143N Malcahy Maguire&Son 818 £25, 176-144N R Williamson 816 £25, 177-145N R&M McAleenon Derriaghy 816 £25, 178-146N D McNabb&Patrs Tyrella 815 £25, 179-33S L McCall 815 £26, 180-34S Parkin&Cairns Castlebellingham 815 326, 181-147N G&H McCartney Moira 814 £25, 182-148N E&D McClurkin Ligoniel&Dist 814 £25, 183-149N A McAllister Glenavy 813 £25, 184-150N M/M Magill Muckamore 811 £25, 185-151N R Williamson 810 £25, 186-152N J Pearson Markethill 805 £25, 187-153N M Brady Lagan Valley 805 £25, 188-154N M Robinson Bondhill 804 £25, 189-155N P Elliott&Sons andersonstown 804 £25, 190-156N M/M P Braniff Colin 802 £25, 191-157N R Cassells Edgarstown 802 £25, 192-158N J McClenaghan Newtownards 801 £25, 193-159N D&B Lyness 800 £25, 194-160N W Catherwood&Sons Ballynahinch 799 £25, 195-161N J Waring&Son Lisburn&Dist 799 £25, 196-162N P Murtagh&Son Ballyhollland 798 £25, 197-163N O&M Monaghan 797 £25, 198-164N J Anderson Cullybackey 796 £25, 199-165N J Murtagh&Son 794 £25, 200-166N G Buckley&Son 791 £25, 201-167N J Tumelty Newtownbreda 791 £25, 202-168N Telford Bros Tyrella 790 £25, 203-169N R Bell&Sons Edgarstown £25, 204-170N W Reid Cullybackey 788 £25, 205-171N J&R Young&Sons Portavogie 787 £25, 206-172 Own Markey Ballyholland 785 £25, 207-173N G&J O'Hare Crossgar 785 £25, 208-174N J Rankin Millisle 784 £20, 209-175N R Telford&Son West Belfast 783 £20, 210-176N C&L Fryers Dromara £20, 211-177N Gallagher Bros Annsborough 782 £20, 212-178N R Duddy 780 £20, 213-179N Sam corrigan Loughgall 780 £20, 214-180N Mooney Bros Millvale 778 £20, 215-35S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 777 £26, 216-181N E Niblock Bessbrook 777 £20, 217-182N J Kelly&Sons Dromore 777 £20, 218-183N J Kelly&Sons 777 £20, 219-36S F&J Crowe Gorey 775 £26, 220-37S James Graham Monaghan 774 £20, 221-184N Donnelly Bros 774 £20, 222-185N Rev Tab Sawyers&Son 770 £20, 223-186N Furphy&Cairns Wilton Cross 770 £20, 224-187N J Braniff Fortfield 769 £20, 225-188N G K Porter Glenavy 768 £20, 226-189N S&K Duke Crossgar 768 £20, 227-190N A Donaghy Dungannon 768 £20, 228-191N Rafferty&Toman Gilford 767 £20, 229-192N M/M D suitters Doagh&Dist 766 £20, 230-193N D&B Lyness Lurgan Soc 766 £20, 231-194N P&C Swindell Newry City 765 £20, 232-195N M Croskery Annsborough 765 £20, 233-196N R J Elliott Ballymoney 764 £20, 234-197N C Healy Killyleagh Cent 764 £20, 235-198N J Carson&Son Corcreeney 762 £20, 236-199N H McVeigh Killyleagh Cent 760 £20, 237-200N E Logan Ballyclare 759 £20, 238-201N B&M McCorriston 759 £20, 239-202N G&T Ritchie Edgarstown 759 £20, 240-203N R J Elliott 759 £20, 241-204N A Fearon Portadown Inv 758 £20, 242-205N D Dixon Ballymoney 758 £20, 243-206N J Ramsey&Son Grosvenor 757 £20, 244-207N D Jackson&Son New Antrim Amal 757 £20, 245-208N D Jackson&Son 756 £20, 246-751 Havern Bros Ballyholland 751 £20, 247-210N Havern Bros 750 £20, 248-211N Lavery Bros Hills&Maze 750 £20, 249-212N W D Moore Comber Soc 749 £20, 250-213N J Dowey&Sons Tandragee 746 £20, 251-38S R Matthews Sallynoggin 740 £6, 252-39S J Sharkey 722 £6, 253-40S Ingle Bros&Son Individual South 708 £6, 254-41S M/M J McMahon Balbriggan 697 £6, 255-42S P Rock&Son 687 £6, 256-43S Patrick Arthur Boyne Valley £6, 257-44S McKeown&McEvoy Castlebellingham 44S £6, 258-45S M Hughes Individual South 673 £6, 259-46S P Rock&Son Skerries 664 £6, 260-47S A Lacey Sallynoggin 650 £6, 261-48S T Spears Malahide&Dist 646 £6, 262-49S Parkin&Cairns Castlebellingham 642 £6, 263-50S P Kennedy&Sons Stillorgan 633 £6, 264-51S Mr G O'Reilly&Son Malahide&Dist 627 £6, 265-52S J sharkey Boyne Valley 623 £6, 266-53S Seamus Neary Gorey 612 £6, 267-54S Walton Family Skerries 612 £6, 268-55S G O'Reilly&Son 600 £6, 269-56S B Cahill Skerries 597 £6, 270-57S G O'Reilly&Son 596 £6,
The race all the long distance lofts and others were waiting for arrived at the end of the old bird programme, birds had been race marked in Lisburn by the usual team of hard and dedicated workers on Tuesday 29th June and were soon en-route to France for the Blue Riband race the Kings Cup. Race birds had been prepared to perfection over many weeks and a final total of 2,512 had been sent by 741 members across Ireland to compete for a grand total of £35,775 in pools and prizes and a host of awards, cups and diplomas etc. Some were to become new Champions of the Sport in Ireland. Friday was to be the day but a heavy band of rain in France and on the channel put paid to a release, liberation did take place in Plaudren close to Vannes on Saturday 3rd July at 7.30am in a Lt North wind to be SW around Penzance and then strengthen over the rest of the route home. It was just a case now of wait and see just where and at what time early arrivals would be reported.
A bird reported into Bray in Co Wicklow at 4.49pm set the pace and this one had all the experts working out what time they would need to clock, was the Bray time correct, what distance did they fly, all in all it looked to be a fantastic time of arrival. It proved to be a winner for Reilly & Martin on 1263, runner-up Ron Williamson of Bondhill was doing velocity 1238. Ron Williamson himself had a good time into Northern Ireland at Portadown his 7.03pm was also out on its own. This loft timed further arrivals at 9.08pm, 9.19pm, 5.51am, 6.20am, 6.27am, 6.39am, 6.58am, 7.06am, and 8.55am for a super team performance. He finished 2nd Open Kings Cup for the second time, on the previous occasion he failed by just a decimal point, this time the top two birds, were out on their own. Around 120 arrivals were confirmed on the day and over 400 by Sunday afternoon, a very good success. Hall of Fame Diplomas have been confirmed for J Waring & Son Lisburn & Dist, D Croskery & Son Annsborough and W McClure Kells & Dist.
1st Open & 1st South Sect - Reilly & Martin, Bray South End, 401 Miles, Vel 1263 plus £2,204.
It was another dream come true for another Dublin based loft with the East Coast Federation having the Kings Cup winner for the second year. Last time the race was won by T & T Moorehouse of Rathnew, this time it’s the Sammy Reilly & Jim Martin team racing in South End Bray. The first bird timed, a 2yo Blue cock was not caught and the Dublin loft were easy winners. I had early contact with the team and soon found out there was a bit of a story surrounding the winner. He was bred by Myles Taylor who lives in the Borough of Lisburn and races with Glenavy & District. The bird was lost racing in the early part of 2009, made its home in Bray and was transferred in time for racing this year. He won Bude three weeks prior to the Kings Cup, a real stinker of a race finishing 11th Open ECF. Next morning he had his bath and was chasing hens around the rooftops an hour later, in 50 years racing the partners have never seen any bird recover so well after races. He flew both Talbenny races clocked each time at 107 miles and also flew the Penzance Open taking 7th Club after 11 hours on the wing, another stinker of a race. He was rested for the week or so leading up to the France Classic, no further training. Again he recovered very well bouncing in two days and they had to make a decision whether to send or not send to the Kings Cup, was in fact sent sitting eggs and the rest is now history, we look forward to their report.
The partners would like to thank all the well wishers that have contacted them, just like to say it doesn’t get any better than this. It would seem he was 30 yards pm ahead of the next bird, we knew the pigeon has been in great form for the past few weeks, this just proves that he got his small slice of luck yesterday, and took advantage.
2nd Open & 1st North Sect – Ron Williamson, Bondhill, 488 Miles, Vel 1239 plus £1,491.
This is proving to be another wonderful season for Ron who from the four Old Bird Nationals so far has been 19th Open Skibbereen, 9th Open Yearling National, 2nd Open King’s Cup and 7th Open in the Friendship National. This year Ron has not been out of the top 20 in all Channel and National races.
The pigeon timed 2nd Open is a two-year-old hen from Ron’s own breeding and is much the same as all the pigeons he times from France. I notice he had eight pigeons in the Open result from the King’s Cup. The dam of the pigeon timed here is off the hen that was 8th and 114th Open from the King’s Cup, while the sire is down from the pigeon that was 2nd Open YB Penzance in 2002. A sister of the pigeon timed at 2nd Open this year was 10th Open last year. This bird was raced through to Bude before going to the King’s Cup sitting 13 to 14 days on eggs.
3rd Open & 2nd North Sect – Belshaw & Anderson, Derriaghy, 488 Miles, Vel 1201 plus £1,959.
Another famous loft from the Lisburn area Belshaw & Anderson from Derriaghy finished a good 2nd in the North Sect and 3rd Open, just two birds away and well pooled to collect almost £2,000. It was a return visit to Jim Belshaw in Lisburn having covered the Friendship Nat a couple of years ago, in fact his 8th Open winner is the dam of this bird. The lofts best ever performance was 2nd Open in the Friendship Nat, he came very close to having a better result when he had an early arrival in this seasons Kings Cup finishing 2nd North Sect & 3rd Open INFC. The 2yo Blue cock had a long fly in Penzance in 2009 and before France this year had Talbenny (1) & (2) and Bude. It was trained private by Benny McKeown a good racer himself, and sent on eggs 12 days. In has all his old distance lines Walkingshaw and Kilpatrick similar to the good Grizzle cock that had won the loft a Hall of Fame Diploma.
4th Open & 2nd South Sect – B W Hoey, Ind South, 416 Miles, Vel 1194 plus £2,676.
Brian’s pigeon is a yearling Frans Van Wildemeersch cock, the first yearling in the result and will win the McCloud Cup. Brian bought the parents, a matched pair at the Dublin Show where they had been presented by Moore Bros of the Up North Combine. Brian didn’t race this bird in the early part of the season and only started him in the inland races when the channel racing began. He was raced most weeks after that including the Valencia Open and was in Skibbereen (179miles) the Saturday before basketing for the King’s Cup. It was sent to the race sitting 10days on eggs. Brian timed this cock at 5.44pm on race day to take 2nd South section, 4th Open with winnings of £2,676.81.
5th Open & 3rd North Sect – C O’Hare & Son, Ballyholland, 467 Miles, Vel 1172 plus £305. Winner of the Harkness Rose Bowl for 2 Bird Average.
What a wonderful performance from Cormac O’Hare, Ballyholland to win the coveted Harkness Rose Bowl for the best two bird average in the King’s Cup. Many put winning this prize as the next best thing to actually winning the King’s Cup.
Cormac’s stock loft is based on Alan Darragh’s pigeons and it is no surprise to learn that both pigeons are pure Darragh. Both are two-year-old hens and both were clocked in the Penzance Classic last year. They were raced in the club programme up Ireland this year unpaired, and then were sent to the first Talbenny. They were stopped after this and trained and prepared for the King’s Cup. Cormac’s first pigeon was clocked at 7.11pm to take 3rd North section, 5th Open. This two-year-old hen’s eggs hatched the day after she went to the King’s Cup. This bird is line bred from ‘Ranger’, Alan’s King’s Cup winner, so well bred for the job at hand. Cormac’s second pigeon was timed at 7.35pm and was 19th North section, 22nd Open. This bird got into the young bird loft one day and took up with a young cock. Afterwards when Cormac tried to pair her to an older cock she showed no interest and every time she was out she headed to the young bird loft to seek out her young mate. This bird is a grand daughter of ‘Swallow Brae Lad’, Alan’s first yearling National winner.
6th Open & 4th North Sect – N Black & Son, Dromara, 479 Miles, Vel 1164 plus £505.
6th Open the previous winners N Black & Son of Dromara, this is the partnerships 13th time in the Top 10 of the King’s Cup, they have also won three Harkness Rose Bowls and two Hall of Fames. Their timer this time is a small three year old Blue Ch hen. She had two races as a young bird, Tullamore and Roscrea, as a yearling two Pilmore Beaches and Bude. The next year as a two year old Fermoy and Talbenny followed by Vannes where she came on the second day at 5.30pm. This year she had two races from Clonmel, Fermoy, two from Talbenny and Bude as preparation plus a few tosses from Castlebellingham and Donaghadee. She was sent sitting fourteen days on eggs. Her sire is a son of the partnership’s Hall of Fame Hen, 6th, 7th and 176th Rennes and the dam is a daughter of “Drumiller Hill Lad” and “Mother’s Pride”, 1st and 2nd Open King’s Cup respectively. The feeding is Frazers Continental Widowhood with Energy Mix. This result capped a great week for “Drumiller Hill Lad” as in the previous week’s race he was the grandsire of Tom Marshall & Son’s 1st East Down Combine winner out of St Malo and on the day of the King’s Cup he was also the grandsire of Ian Gill’s Barcelona Challenge winner. A fasntastic line of birds that go on and on.
7th Open & 5th North Sect – Glen Buckley & Sons, Annaghmore, 488 Miles, Vel 1163 plus £2,556.
News still pending but will appear next time with the Friendship Nat report where the loft finished 8th Open INFC. The really big news is that having been turned down for the Triple Crown award in 2009 because the race performance over YB Channel, Yearling and Kings Cup was achieved in two seasons instead of the three as it was supposed to be can be awarded now, the same bird was placed again in the Kings Cup and has brought great joy to Mid Ulster. What a bird this is and we will have full details next time. G Buckley & Son are one of the big stars in the racing scene in Northern Ireland, their CV is getting some size now.
Glen and John timed this three-year-old hen at 7.48pm to take 7th Open for another tremendous result, following their 2nd Open last year. This hen was racing on the roundabout system but they had thought about pairing the pigeons this year for the French races but in the end decided to continue with the roundabout as it had been so successful for them in recent years. The breeding is Soontjens with the sire being down from Alan Capper’s stock although there was some of their own bloodlines in this as they had given Alan a hen to put to one of his best cocks. The sire is Soontjens x Harthog, with the Soontjens on this side being off a daughter of a pigeon bought from Derek Parr, Portadown. The Harthogs originated from Alister Kerr, Scotland. These lines are the same lines as the winner of the Yearling Cocks National in the NIPA last year. The pigeon timed here was also in the money in the Yearling National in 2008, and was in the top 50 from St Malo Derby last year. She is just a good racing hen and was second club up Ireland this year. She was raced through to Bude before going to the Kings Cup.
8th Open & 6th North Sect – D & I Edgar, Dromore HPS, 481 Miles, Vel 1162 plus £1,468.
Best in Dromore County Down was the D & I Edgar team who timed their single entry at 7.38pm having flown 481 miles. Their Blue hen was a 7 year old having the best bloodlines of Cattrysse, Dordin & Janssen all famous strains. She flew the same race last season arriving on the second morning. In preparation for the big race in 2010 she has flown 5 inland and 3 cross channel races followed by single up training and flying with the young birds. She raced on roundabout and has been a very consistent racer over the years.
9th Open & 7th North Sect – Mal Maguire & Son, Millvale, 468 Miles, Vel 1155 plus £983.
Mal Maguire from Millvale always looks forward to the major races and is getting his fair share of big awards, a lovely Blue Pied “Show Hen” finished 9th Open in the Kings Cup. It flew France last year and had scored in the Old Hens National flown with the YB Penzance. Before France it had three cross channel races and was sent feeding its first youngsters of the year. Sire was the good Blue Jan Aarden cock obtained from Louella Pigeon World in 2003 and the dam is a full sister to “Just Perfect” winner of RPRA 251-450 Mileage Award & Best All Round Performance (Irish Region) and 2nd RPRA Middle-Distance 2009. She contains all the lofts best lines “Home Alone”, “Portavogie Lass” etc. M Maguire & Son are having a fantastic time and I am sure more is to come, dedicated racers again.
10th Open & 8th North Sect – D & S Caskey, Bangor, 489 Miles, Vel 1154 plus £490.
10th Open is D & J Caskey of Bangor RPC, they also win the East Down Combine Cup for the 1st Combine bird in the result. The performance is all the more remarkable as Drew only sent the one bird and also was his first attempt at the Blue Riband King’s Cup. The bird in question is a small two year old Blue Ch hen, as a young bird she had just two races, Navan and Tullamore, and as a yearling every inland plus the Yearling National. This year she had all inland races plus the Skibbereen Derby and then Penzance, after Penzance she was just flown with the young birds. She was sent on her first youngster of the year one day old after being on chipping eggs for the four previous days. The parents of Drew’s hen were both obtained from N Black & Son. The sire is a brother to N Black & Son’s “Annie Mary”, 4th and 8th Open Messac and the dam is a daughter to “Annie Mary”. The feeding is Frazer’s Best All Round Mixture, with some High Energy Mix its last couple of days before basketing. Well done Drew, a great result in your first Kings Cup.
Sponsorship is very important in any organisation and the Committee and Members of the INFC are very grateful to Bucktons Premium Pigeon Feeds for their sponsorship given to this particular race, the winning fanciers Reilly & Martin get 5 bags of mixture and 2 bags each to the next five Ron Williamson, Belshaw & Anderson, Brian Hoey, C O’Hare & Son and N Black & Son.
Some news regarding the Ulster Federation and the early arrivals in the Fortfield. Billy McGauley was 4th in the Muckamore Centre and finished 33rd Open with his Kees Bosuas. Jim Braniff timed at 21.04hrs a Busschaert that finished 64th Open INFC having been 52nd Open INFC in the 2008 YB Nat Sennen Cove. The parents of these birds were obtained from club-mate Peter Martin of No Mercy Lofts. In the Ulster Fed the best bird was timed by Martin Black of the Grosvenor, he records velocity 1141 for the 488 miles to finish 15th North Sect & 18th Open INFC.
Best in the East Antrim area in the Kings Cup Plaudren was Gary McKenna of Eastway, an ace long distance loft flying into Rathcoole on the outskirts of Belfast. Gary timed at 20.10hrs to record velocity 1144 for the 494 miles. He finished 14th Open and wins the Robinson Cup. Next best was Robert Gray from Kingsmoss who is having a France season to remember, in the recent Old Bird Nat from St Malo he won 1st Club Kingsmoss, 1st Sect C & 25th Open NIPA. Matt McIlroy from Carrick & Dist timed the same bird that was well placed last season R McIlroy & Son finished 27th Open to follow the 56th Open last time, another great result and in line now for a third time.
East Antrim Plaudren - G McKenna Eastway 1144, R Gray Kingsmoss 1130, R McIlroy & Son Carrick & Dist 1116, J Burrows Eastway 1069, McKee & Steele Larne & Dist 1009, G & C Lowry Glengormley 1004, A & N Lewis Doagh & Dist 989, R Duddy Ballyclare 889, Grattan Bros Eastway 845, A Thompson Ballyclare 825, A & E Bell Muckamore 819, A & E Bell 819, T H Gibson Ballyclare 817, J & S Graham Kingsmoss 815, R Duddy 808, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 807, E & D McClurkin Ligoniel 794, M/M Magill Muckamore 792, R Duddy 763, M/M D Suitters Doagh & Dist 749, E Logan Ballyclare 741, T Creighton & Son Carrick & Dist 728, R Liddle Horseshoe 727, A Gault Ballyclare 715, R Duddy 712, F Simpson Doagh 707, N Lusty Muckamore 702, D McAtamney Carrick & Dist 673, M/M D Suitters 660, A & N Lewis 656.
A fantastic result for Gary McAllister & Sons from Randalstown who were runner-up in the Muckamore Centre having timed at 20.33hrs flying 505 miles to record velocity 1134. He records 1st Club and 1st Mid Antrim Combine. The France Ace flyer Willard Reid fresh from success at St Malo was best again in Cullybackey recording velocity 1116 timed at 21.01hrs flying 514 miles followed by Harry Boyd 1st Kells & Dist and Smyth Bros 1st Ballymena & District. Just 4 Mid Antrim birds on the day.
Mid Antrim Combine Plaudren – G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 1134, W Reid Cullybackey 1116, H Boyd Kells 1107, Smyth Bros Ballymena 1099, A Darragh Cullybackey 869, W McClure Kells 852, A Darragh 849, W McClure 840, D Dixon Rasharkin 828, J Devlin Ballymena 827, T Picken & Son New Antrim 820, J & N Simpson Broughshane 813, J Anderson Cullybackey 791, W Reid 771, D Jackson & Son New Antrim 743, D Jackson & Son 742, D Dixon 742, J McNeill & Son Randalstown 732, D Jackson & Son 707, S Steele Cullybackey 704, J & N Simpson 692, J Millar Randalstown 678, W Reid 668, C Young Ahoghill 619, T Shanks & Son Kells 394.
Prov Result Single Bird Challenge flown in conjunction with the INFC Kings Cup.
1st Paul Dunlop, Edgarstown Vel. 1145, 13th Open winning Joe Doheny Trophy, Framed Diploma, £350. 2nd R. Gray, Kingsmoss Vel 1130, 27th Open winning
Framed Diploma, £250. 3rd M Wilkinson, Wilton Cross Vel 1308, 43th Open winning
Framed Diploma, £150. 4th P & K Braniff, Colin Vel 1069, 59th Open plus £70. 5th A. Hughes & Sons, Lisburn Vel 1059, 66th Open plus £50. 6th T. Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda Vel 1014, 89th Open plus £50. 7th Malachy Maguire & Son, Millvale Invitation Vel 942, 110th Open plus £50. 8th N. & A. McCavera, Downpatrick Vel 932, 112th Open plus £50.
Other Challenge birds timed in the Open result were, W. McClure, Kells, (Vel. 872, 122nd Open.), A. Thompson, Ballyclare, (Vel. 845, 140th Open.), W. McCaw, Ballymoney, (Vel. 831, 159th Open.), R. Duddy, Ballyclare, (Vel. 828, 165th Open.), J. McClenaghan, Ards, (Vel. 801, 192nd Open.), E. Niblock, Bessbrook, (Vel. 777, 216th Open.), Furphy & Cairns, Wilton Cross, (Vel. 770, 223rd Open.), A. Donaghy, Dungannon, (Vel. 768, 227th Open.), Mr & Mrs D. Suitters, Doagh, (Vel. 766, 229th Open.) and G. & T. Ritchie, Edgarstown, (Vel. 759, 239th Open.). Any Objections to Secretary Trevor Topping within 7 days.
D Croskery & Son, Annsborough – Hall of Fame Diploma
The Hall of Fame winner is a five-year-old White Busschaert hen bred by Tyrella’s D McNabb & Ptrs who are 202nd Open themselves in this race. In 2006 this bird was 140th Open, in 2009 she was 193rd Open and this year she was 88th Open. As a young bird she was badly busted up in a pre season training toss from Rathfriland but they managed to get her back on the road before the end of the young bird season and she got three young bird races. She has picked up a few other prizes along the way with the best being 6th South Down Federation in the Friendship National in 2007. This hen was sent to all her King’s Cup races sitting around 14 days on eggs, as this seems to suit her. When I was talking to Dolen and Dominic they were very quick to point out that this prize and the numerous others they have won would not be possible but for the attention that Josie (Dominic’s wife and Dolen’s mother) gives to the pigeons.
J Waring & Son, Lisburn & District HPS – Hall of Fame Diploma
Jackie Waring of Lisburn has been scoring at the distance for as long as I can remember and in 2010 wins a well deserved second Hall of Fame Diploma. The first occasion was back in 1995 and a lot has changed at the top of the INFC since that time. This bird was five times France, twice Dinard and three times Rennes in the Blue Riband Kings Cup. Always a very steady bird he never had an easy race. 1992 – 83rd Open on vel 476 1052/2,442, 1994 – 134th Open on vel 945 1032/2,420, 1995 – 149th Open on vel 509 1195/3,529. A lot of people say Rennes was one of our best points, J Waring & Son were flying 482 miles. His winner in 2010 is another super specimen recording a fantastic performance this year from Vannes at 487 miles finishing 22nd North Sect & 25th Open INFC at 7yo. The Cheq cock started out way back in 2005 with 21st North Sect & 24th Open INFC at 499 miles just 108 birds in race time. From Vannes in 2009 he scored 53rd Open and over the long period had been hawked twice, on one occasion very serious. It was so bad at one time he would not come out of the basket for training. This year he had just Fermoy and the Fermoy 5 Bird flying 5 hours, then trained private to Drogheda. A second arrival in the race has flown France 4 times now, from a hen that was also flown France on four occasions. Both birds from his old family of birds containing a lot of the old Walkingshaw lines were related, the grandsire of both were nest-mates. This man is a master of the trade, a top distance loft from Lisburn in County Antrim.
W McClure, Kells & District HPS – Hall of Fame Diploma
Bill just keeps a small team only interested in the distance events and has had a super 2010, my last occasion at this loft was the year he was 2nd Kings Cup to Tommy Speers, long time ago when my hair was a different colour. In the NIPA St Malo Bill was best in the Cullybackey Centre and finished 2nd Comb, 2nd Sect & 15th Open NIPA, only a handful of birds locally on the day. Two birds were sent to the Kings Cup and both were timed in minutes early on the second day at 6.34am and 6.50am. His first a Blue Cheq hen was scoring at 8yo for the third time 13th Open from Messac in 2005 at 521 miles and last year from Vannes was 156th and this year 122nd from 510 miles. This one was pure De Weert through good friend Willie Greer of Ahoghill the second bird this year finished 127th Open following up the 46th Open in 2009 and now hopefully in line for a Hall of Fame. This bird is from a De Weert cock paired to a daughter of J Patience Kings Cup winner. Billy keeps the flag flying for Mid Antrim at the distance, very consistent over many years.
INFC Framed Certificate
Birds placed twice in the result are awarded a Framed Certificate and these are usually presented at the Charity Show in December. I have some details of two birds timed by Billy McCaw from Ballymoney an area always involved with distance racing. Blue Cheq hen bred in 2007 from Ken Hine blood lines was not trained or raced as a young bird. 2008 trained as a yearling but not raced. 2009 flown three inland races and one Talbenny before being sent to the Kings cup to be timed on the day and was 127th Open INFC Vannes at 531mls. 2010 had flown four inland races before being sent to the Kings Cup, she was feeding a small youngster and was 159th Open INFC Vannes.
The second bird a Blue cock was bred in 2007 from a grand-daughter of Home Alone
when she was paired to Black w/f cock bred by Dave Delea who won 1st Open Pau National. We remember Home Alone won 1st Open INFC Friendship National from Sartilly for W & L McCaw. The Blue cock was not trained or raced as a young bird.
2008 trained as a yearling but not raced. 2009 he was the second of three birds timed from Vannes. 2010 he was the first bird timed to win 144th Open INFC Vannes.
Maiden City – Kings of France
John Killen sent me a bit of news from Derry City just ahead of Londonderry’s crowning as UK City of Culture title for 2013, great news for the whole country. In the enclosed photo we had Michael Concannon holding a Dark Cheq cock which flew St Malo Nat last year in 2009. GB07E88335. He was 8th Section x 229th Open.
Robert Concannon is holding the Kings Cup cock this year. Blue Cheq GB07E88386. He flew St Malo last year 2009 where he finished 4th Section x 153rd Open, and of course he timed him from the Kings Cup last week at 538miles. A real good un!
Mickey Coyle is holding his Kings Cup pigeon. Blue cock GB08K36732.Timed at 11.25am on the second morning from 535 miles doing velocity 700. This super pigeon was the first bird back in Derry. This bird also won a very testing 5 day holdover from Talbenny in 2009. Now nicknamed "Popeye Doyle" he is a real prospect for the future! Don Coyle is holding the Concannon’s 3rd French pigeon, A Red Cheq cock, GB08K36372, which flew the St Malo National a fortnight ago.
My many thanks again to all those who assisted with this race report, there were many and it’s all appreciated. I have said many times about the massive numbers involved in making each race a success, totally dedicated the lot of them all good and doing their own particular job. The report was a little delayed, due to a change with the young bird race programme my trip to Dublin was delayed one week. Thanks to all involved in Dublin as well, there really is a lot going on with the big races. The Friendship Nat report is well in hand, in no small measure to the amount of help and it will follow shortly. The Kings Cup report is wide ranging, not covering everyone, there were many performances of note but unfortunately not possible to cover the lot.
Last edited by willie reynolds on Fri Nov 05, 2010 2:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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willie reynolds
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