The INFC Friendship was flown from St Malo (France) on Thursday 8th July, the convoy was released one day early due to terrible weather conditions forecast for the Friday. Liberation was at 8.45am wind Lt SE to be SSW en-route and strengthen.
A good entry of 881 birds, sent by 244 members were competing for £5,586 in pools and prizes. Some 14 gallant arrivals were recorded on the day – Phil Smith Stillorgan 18.12pm (373 Miles), N & C Shields Skerries 18.38pm (391 Miles), N Grant & Son Balbriggan 19.21pm & 19.44pm, J Doheny Malahide & Dist 18.50pm, Donnelly Bros Newry City 20.22pm & 20.35pm, R Williamson Bondhill 20.57pm & 21.38pm, C Camereon Ballyclare 21.27pm, J Sharkey Boyne Valley 21.21pm, O Monaghan Colin 21.48pm, R Shaw Corrigs 21.00pm, G Buckley Annaghmore 20.00pm, M Buckley 21.00pm.
All details are provisional, check back for further updates. Hours of Darkness are from 22.44pm until 4.53am. For second day arrivals both Banbridge and Lisburn will be open at 7.00pm Friday, for Muckamore contact Bobby Bethel Tel: 07732 653580.
Update at 21.45 on Friday 9th July
Friendship national St. Malo
At 21.00 hours to day ( Friday ) 80 pigeons have been recorded in the St. Malo race.
3rd day arrivals clock checking arrangements.
Muckamore centre19.00 hours.
Lisburn centre 19.00 hours
Banbridge contact Ivan on 07761229147
Balbriggan M Gorman
Stillorgan P Smith
1 N & C Shields Skerries 1160 2 P Smith & Son Stillorgan 1157 3 Joe Doheny Malahide 1111 4 N Grant & Son Balbriggan 1090
5 MBuckley Annaghmore 1086.8 6 Ron Williamson Bondhill 1086.2 7 G Buckley & Son Annaghmore 1082 8 Donnelly Bros Newry 1074
9 C Cameron Ballyclare 1066 10 Donnelly Bros Newry 1063.
Trevor Topping INFC Secretary.
St Malo Friendship Nat - Thur 08/07/10
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: St Malo Friendship Nat - Thur 08/07/10
INFC Friendship Nat St Malo 244/881 –
1-1S N & C Shields Skerries 1160 ABCDE & NOM £725, 2-2S P Smith & Son Stillorgan 1157 ABCDE £447, 3-3S J Doheny Malahide & Dist 1111 ABCDEF £508, 4-4S N Grant & Sons Balbriggan 1090 ABCDEF £445, 5-1N Donnelly Bros Newry City 1088 ABCDEF £383, 6-2N M Buckley Annaghmore 1086 CDE £118, 7-3N R Williamson Bondhill 1086 ABCDEF £255, 8-4N G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore 1082 DEF £231, 9-5N Donnelly Bros 1076 E £77, 10-6N C Cameron Ballyclare 1066 ABCDEF £192, 11-5S N Grant & Sons 1052 ABCDEF £153, 12-7N R Shaw Annsborough 1049 E £38, 13-8N R Williamson 1028 ABCDEF £136, 14-9N O & M Monaghan Colin 1011 ABCDEF £129, 15-6S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 956 ABCDE £59, 16-10N T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 890 £20, 17-11N S Corrigan Loughgall 880 ABCDF £103, 18-12N O Toal & Sons Armagh 831 ABCDF £65, 19-13N J Greenaway Bondhill 776 ABC £29, 20-14N M Conlon & Sons Banbridge 764 £20, 21-15N Brown & Anderson Shankill & Dist 755 ABF £44, 22-16N T Cairns & Sons Glengormley 751 F £40, 23-17N S McLaughlin & Sons Glenavy 745 £15, 24-18N R Duddy Ballyclare 738 £15, 25-19N J Scott Crumlin 722 F £40, 26-7S H Gilligan Sallynoggin 705 £15, 27-20N J McClenaghan Newtownards 693 F £40, 28-21N T Marshall & Son 693 £15, 29-22N N Black & Son Dromara 688 £15, 30-23N M McDowell & Son Markethill 686 £15, 31-24N R Duddy 685 £12, 32-25N G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 684 £12, 33-26N V Thom Cookstown 681 £12, 34-27N C & L Woodside Ballyclare 690 £12, 35-28N N Uprichard Crumlin 678 £12, 36-29N J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 675 £12, 37-30N J Greenaway Bondhill 675 £12, 38-31N Mooney Bros Millvale 669 £12, 39-32N D Croskery & Son Annsborough 669 £12, 40-33N M Conlon 667 £12, 41-34N Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 658 £12, 42-35N M Robinson Bondhill 654 £12, 43-36N H McKeown Glenavy 647 £12, 44-37N R Williamson 646 £12, 45-38N K Byrne & Sons Newry & Dist 644 £12, 46-39N T Marshall & Son 624 £12, 47-40N C McManus Corrigs & Dist 623 £12, 48-41N P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 621 £12, 49-42N A Darragh Cullybackey 620 £12, 50-43N G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 614 £12, 51-44N P Dunlop Edgarstown 609 £10, 52-45N J Burrows Eastway 607 £10, 53-8S P Rock & Son Skerries 587 £10, 54-46N C & L Woodside 585 £10, 55-47N Gallagher Bros Annsborough 580 £10, 56-48N m/M Magill Muckamore 573 £10, 57-49N R Duddy 566 £10, 58-50N W Gault & Son Kingsmoss 565 £10, 59-9S Gregory Bros Rathnew 560 £10, 60-51N G Buckley & Son 559 £10, 61-52N P Campbell & Sons Armagh 551 £10, 62-53N N Lusty Muckamore 549 £10, 63-54N A Galloway Lisburn & Dist 546 £10, 64-55N M/M Magill 545 £10, 65-56N C & L Woodside 544 £10, 66-57N Donnelly Bros 542 £10, 67-58N A Craig Tandragee 534 £10, 69-59N G Buckley & Sons 532 £10, 69-10S Graham Bros Graham Bros Balbriggan 518 £10, 70-60N R Williamson 516 £10, 71-61N T Marshall & Son 512 £10, 72-11S Cooley Bros Newtown Kilpeddar 510 £10, 73-62N McCracken Bros Banbridge 489 £10, 74-12S P Rock & Son 482 £10, 75-63N J Serplus Laurelvale 477 £10, 76-64N Speirs & Campbell 468 £10, 77-65N M Buckley 464 £10, 78-66N K Byrne & Sons 459 £10, 79-67N M Shaw Armagh 457 £10, 80-68N Shaw Bros Grosvenor 451 £10, 81-13S N Grant & Sons 435 £10, 82-14S P Rock & Son 335 £10, 83-69N Russell Bros Dromara 293 £10, 84-70N Houston & McDonald Moira 284 £10.
The INFC Friendship was flown from St Malo (France) on Thursday 8th July, the convoy was released one day early due to terrible weather conditions forecast for the Friday. Liberation was at 8.45am wind Lt SE to be SSW en-route and strengthen. A good entry of 881 birds, were sent by 244 members and competing for £5,586 in pools and prizes. Some 14 gallant arrivals were recorded on the day and it turned out a fairly difficult race.
The leading lofts in the Friendship Nat were all based in the South Sect, overall winners were the husband and wife team of Noel & Catherine Shields from the top racing club Skerries. It gives the East Coast Federation a great racing double from France with the Kings Cup won the week previous by Reilly & Martin of South End Bray. I was in Dublin last week but unfortunately the couple were on a well deserved holiday to Canada, I would hope to catch up with them later. I did find out that the bird was a gift from Wall Bros of the Cork North West club who fly in the Cork Federation. The winner on both the sire and dam side contains the best bloodlines of ace racer Gary Inkley who I have met at Blackpool. The sire is a full brother to his own Classic winner from Tours and the dam is a grand-daughter of “Enigma” the winner of 1st Open Dax. As Mick Crean said when offering congratulations on behalf of the fanciers in Cork City, it was Fairytale stuff! I understand Noel looks after the liberations for the East Coast Fed and while on holiday Phil Smith was standing in, it was Phil himself who was runner up. He needs no introduction one of the top workers for the fancy in Dublin and in the wider field has strong connections with the British Barcelona Club and had a fantastic result last season in the Sun City Million Dollar Race. Phil never misses a meeting and is a regular visitor at each race marking in Lisburn, as I have said a totally dedicated worker for the sport.
1st Open and 1st South Section N & C Shields, Skerries Vel 1160.
The winning of the Friendship Nat from St Malo in France was a well deserved and highly popular success for Noel and Catherine. The winner timed at 18.38hrs was flying 391 miles and records velocity 1160 well pooled to collect £725. I will get more details when the partners return from holiday and hopefully persuade them to pen a Year Book article. A delay due to computer problems gave me some additional time and immediately on return from holiday Noel Shields sent me the following report about “Corky”
Blue Cheq Cock was Bred by Wall bros Cork. It is of Gary Inkley Breeding on both Sire and dam.The sire has bred 5 1st federation winners and is a full brother to Garys Open winner from Tours.The dam is a grand daughter of Enigma 1st open Dax,and this goes back to Faith
dam of countless winners for Eddie Newcome. His racing record is Tramore 24 April 2nd club 5 th Fed 4300 birds .22 may 6th club Rosscarberry 332 birds.He was then sent to Talbenny open as our Fancy bird,as he now had took control of the loft floor, but never homed until the morning of the Bude race. when i went to let him in he was in a sorry state. He was got ready for Penzance open and duly came that evening after the clock was gone to the open center and i was in Waterford. He was then given plenty of short tosses and started to take over the floor again.He was to high for the Kings cup so he was got ready for the Friendship.On the Sunday before the race i went check the ETS as to what time he came from bray , and found that his ring did not register .The ETS ring was took of and he was raced the old way for the race .He dropped out of the Sky in about four beats of his wing and was in the loft like a rocket. After about 10 minutes i rang Mick Gorman who looks after our center and he told me that Phil Smith was in on the south side of the City at 6 12 and we were in at 6 38. Ivan then rang to tell me about Phils bird and i told him that we were in .Some single birds came in from the sea later but it then started to rain then .When we went to the center later on little did i realise that we were going to win the fed or the national ,the lads already new Phils velocety and taught that i might come second Fed to him. Martin Rock rang at about 10.30 to tell me that i was well in the hunt for the National ..I then rang Anthony wall to tell him the news.this year the old birds have been on fire .In the first race we took 6 out of the 10 positions and topped the fed as well .then we go to Pilmore and we are 1st and 2nd ,on to Rosscarberry and we take 1st and 6 positions ..the old bird national from Skibbereen 1st club we were 150 open 7th fed then on to Talbenny where we took 31st open.then to Bude 4th open and 13th open .Sennan cove Yearling national 320 open. Penzance 13th open. St Malo 20 open second day bird, this hen was 4th open last year .We never got our bird in the kings cup which had great form coming up to it.Then the Frendship to put the Iceing on the cake.The loft has won Dinard open in 1991 and Topped the section from the yearling national.We would like to thank Leslie woodside for good birds over the years and to Joe Doheny to go for National racing.
This bird was bred by Wall Bros of Cork. In 2008 Anthony and Dennis lost a few youngsters and with only needing 30 y.birds I sent them down a few. At this time Anthony was the Liberator of the Cork Fed and I used to talk to him most Saturdays as I am the liberator of the East Coast Federation and used to swap notes on the weather and Lib times. Not really interested in young bird racing, he was raced as a youngster twice and then put away as most of my young birds are.
He started the old bird season by taking 2 club 5th Fed from 4300 birds from Tramore.then on to Rosscarberry and took 4th club 432 bird,.as he was in such good form coming to Talbenny open he was our fancy bird but never came .On the morning of Bude open he appeared at about 10.30 from the north and was a sorry sight .He was cleaned up and then put back on the road from Penzance open and was our third bird .We then started to get him ready for the kings cup but he was to high coming up to it ,so we kept him for St Malo national and clocked him at 6 38.and little did we think we would win.
The sire of this bird has now bred 5 first Fed winners for Wall Bros and now 1st National. The bird is from Gary Inkley lines. The sire is a full brother to Garys classic winner from Tours .The Dam is a granddaughter of Enigma 1st open from Dax.This the 5th old bird win this year for the lofts. Previous wins include old bird derby Dinard and 1st south section yearling national Sennen Cove,18th open Friendship National .
2nd Open and 2nd South Section Phil Smith & Son, Stillorgan Vel 1157.
I had arranged to meet Phil when in Dublin and he was to make arrangements to supply the bird details, they duly arrived the next week. His “Gaelic Star” was a yearling hen that had seven races as a young bird and five races as a yearling which included Bude before going to France. Her preparation was like many others, kept with the young birds, not paired and flew round the loft and trained along with the youngsters. The sire flew Pottiers France in 2009 bred by Brian Denny it was paired to a hen purchased at the McMullan Clearance Sale. The dam was on loan from J & H Hooper of Cardiff the bloodlines of this Peter Titmus and a bird given to Phil as a present from one of the top Irish lofts, Joe Doheny.
3rd Open and 3rd South Section Joe Doheny, Malahide & District Vel 1111.
Joe Doheny, one of the most consistent National racers over the past 30 years is 3rd South section, 3rd Open Friendship National this year. Joe won the King’s Cup twice in 1982 and again in 2002, to make him one of very few double King’s Cup winners. He was also 3rd Open in the Friendship National in 2005 and has taken 4 or 5 other top ten positions from the Friendship race. One of his other top performances in the Irish national Flying Club was when he was 2nd Open in a difficult Young Bird National from Penzance. Joe won the Fancier of the Year twice in the Flying Club and reckons this is as hard if not harder to win than the King’s Cup.
The pigeon timed here to take 3rd Open was clocked at 6.50pm and is a two-year-old widowhood cock. When asked about the breeding of the pigeon, Joe said that it went right back to the birds he obtained from Billy Walkingshaw, Killyleagh in 1962. There have been a few introductions since then but this is the basis of his pigeons. Joe added that the breeding could be best described as “Survivors of the Basket”. Joe is of the opinion that pedigrees count for little but that the basket is the only way to sort out pigeons. This two-year-old cock has been a consistent racer and flew the channel as a yearling and was raced through to Penzance this year.
4th Open and 4th South Section N Grant & Sons, Balbriggan Vel 1090.
For the second time this season I cover the loft of Noel Grant and son Balbriggan R.P.C, the following few lines were sent by Adrian. This 2y.old Pied cock was well fancied to do well from this race his DAM was 1st club 20th NAT from this race in 09. Raced on celebete up the land then Bude to be 11th club. Paired and sent sitting 15 days and very keen he contains the blood of Crathorne and Parrott Kiln Lofts. My next bird timed 25mins later to be 2nd club 5th E.C.F. 11th NAT was also 6th club 17th open E.C.F. Penzance and 4th club 14th E.C.F
Pilmore and is down from Matt Wray Ballymena and P.Rock and Son Skerries timed a third bird on 2nd day to be 4th club. 81st Nat. 3 from 4 home.
5th Open and 1st North Section Donnelly Bros, Newry City Vel 1088.
Another great result here for the outstanding partnership of Donnelly Bros, Newry City, winners of the race with Lily from Quimper in 2008 only bird on the day, this time they have 1st North Sect. This bird is a two-year-old hen sent sitting on a pair of 4 day-old young birds. The dam is from ‘Iron Lady’ bloodlines, a Hall Of Fame winner for John Greenaway, Bondhill. The sire is a son of ‘Ballybay Destroyer’, who was the sire of their Penzance National winner. Therefore the sire of the bird timed here is a half sister of the Penzance National winner – what great lines. The grand dam on this side is a daughter of ‘Oisin’s First’, Terence McCrudden’s winner of four sections on the channel. This hen was bought at the INFC Charity Sale at the King’s Hall. The pigeon timed here at 8.27pm was raced to Penzance last year when she was in the clock. This year she was raced as far as the 2nd Talbenny before being set up for this race. Her nestmate was high up the YB National result in 2008 and was timed in the Old Hens race last year.
6th Open and 2nd North Section M Buckley, Annaghmore Vel 1086.
Maurice timed a two-year-old cock at 9pm to take 2nd North section, 6th Open Friendship National. The pigeon timed is from his own family of pigeons and the bloodlines contain the best of Frank Sheaders Busscaherts, Louella Janssens and Louella Jan Arden. This bird had all four channel races in preparation for this race and was 3rd section, 6th Open NIPA from Bude for another excellent performance.
This two-year-olde cock was raced on the roundabout all year and was given hids hen on the morning of basketing. Maurice then turned over the nest bowl and put in a bit of straw to keep the bird motivated. Maurice timed another pigeon in the race on the second evening to take 65th north section, 77th Open. Maurice has decided to take a short break from the sport but I hope we see him back very soon.
7th Open and 3rd North Section Ron Williamson, Bondhill Vel 1086.
The pigeon timed here is a two-year-old blue cock on the roundabout. The Sire is from ‘Lady Helen’ winner of the Friendship National in 2004. The dam is down from ‘5 times a Lady’ winner of the Hall of Fame and the Gold Medal for 4 times in the prizes from the King’s Cup. This pigeon just missed out on making the positions 5 times as she was 202nd in a year when there were only 200 prizes and only 204 birds home in race time, a truly remarkable pigeon, and once again wonderful breeding lines. This bird was raced through to Penzance this year from where he made the Open result.
8th Open and 4th North Section Glen Buckley & Sons, Annaghmore Vel 1082
This two-year-old hen was timed at 8.00pm on the day to take 4th North section, 8th Open King’s Cup. Like their King’s Cup pigeon she too was raced on the roundabout. The breeding of this one is Soontjens x Hartog. The Hartogs are from Henry McLaughlin Coalisland while the Soontjens is from their own Soontjens stock, which originated from Frank Sheader. The pigeon timed here was 1st Club, 7th Section E and 21st Open Penzance Classic with the NIPA three weeks prior to the Friendship National. In a race where only 84 birds were timed Glen and John did well to have three in the result.
9th Open and 5th North Section Donnelly Bros, Newry City Vel 1076.
This bird timed at 8.35pm to make Richard and John the two bird average winners. This two-year-old hen has had numerous section and Open results.
She was sent to the Friendship National in the same nest condition as the hen at 5th Open, sitting on a pair of 4 day-old young ones. Her last race prior to the National was Bude when she was their fourth bird home. The sire is the pigeon that won the 5 Bird Mallow for them. He is also responsible for the cock that 1st Open NIPA from Bude in 2008 and another that was 3rd Open Talbenny this year. The dam is a daughter of ‘Scarecrow’ winner of 3 NIPA Opens for them.
10th Open and 6th North Section C Cameron, Ballyclare Vel 1066.
Long time fancier Cyril kept the flag flying for Ballyclare best in the East Antrim area with a 2 year old Blue cock that was only racing in 2010, a late bred he was only trained last year. This season he had 4 races on the land and Bude before going to St Malo on eggs due to hatch. Bloodlines are the best of Brian Denny who needs no introduction to those interested in long distance racing. The cock is a grand-son of the famous Tuff Nutt and the dam who finished 30th Open in the Friendship Nat two years ago before going to stock has the top bloodlines of Wolliss of Grimsby who themselves have topped the same Sect as Brian Denny. I met the man himself at the RPRA Gala Night in Blackpool two years ago and he was staying in the same hotel. His distance record and the awards won are something very special. Cyril has been getting in at the distance for years and over some troubled times had fantastic help from Leslie Woodside, keeping his interest going in the sport. The 1973 season stands out with 5th NIPA Dinard and then 6th in the Friendship Nat, he also won the NIPA Bronze & Silver Diplomas around the same time as the late James Logan. Ballyclare is a top pigeon area and this time Cyril Cameron leads the way.
INFC Friendship Nat St Malo 244/881 –
1-1S N & C Shields Skerries 1160 ABCDE & NOM £725, 2-2S P Smith & Son Stillorgan 1157 ABCDE £447, 3-3S J Doheny Malahide & Dist 1111 ABCDEF £508, 4-4S N Grant & Sons Balbriggan 1090 ABCDEF £445, 5-1N Donnelly Bros Newry City 1088 ABCDEF £383, 6-2N M Buckley Annaghmore 1086 CDE £118, 7-3N R Williamson Bondhill 1086 ABCDEF £255, 8-4N G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore 1082 DEF £231, 9-5N Donnelly Bros 1076 E £77, 10-6N C Cameron Ballyclare 1066 ABCDEF £192, 11-5S N Grant & Sons 1052 ABCDEF £153, 12-7N R Shaw Annsborough 1049 E £38, 13-8N R Williamson 1028 ABCDEF £136, 14-9N O & M Monaghan Colin 1011 ABCDEF £129, 15-6S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 956 ABCDE £59, 16-10N T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 890 £20, 17-11N S Corrigan Loughgall 880 ABCDF £103, 18-12N O Toal & Sons Armagh 831 ABCDF £65, 19-13N J Greenaway Bondhill 776 ABC £29, 20-14N M Conlon & Sons Banbridge 764 £20, 21-15N Brown & Anderson Shankill & Dist 755 ABF £44, 22-16N T Cairns & Sons Glengormley 751 F £40, 23-17N S McLaughlin & Sons Glenavy 745 £15, 24-18N R Duddy Ballyclare 738 £15, 25-19N J Scott Crumlin 722 F £40, 26-7S H Gilligan Sallynoggin 705 £15, 27-20N J McClenaghan Newtownards 693 F £40, 28-21N T Marshall & Son 693 £15, 29-22N N Black & Son Dromara 688 £15, 30-23N M McDowell & Son Markethill 686 £15, 31-24N R Duddy 685 £12, 32-25N G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 684 £12, 33-26N V Thom Cookstown 681 £12, 34-27N C & L Woodside Ballyclare 690 £12, 35-28N N Uprichard Crumlin 678 £12, 36-29N J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 675 £12, 37-30N J Greenaway Bondhill 675 £12, 38-31N Mooney Bros Millvale 669 £12, 39-32N D Croskery & Son Annsborough 669 £12, 40-33N M Conlon 667 £12, 41-34N Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 658 £12, 42-35N M Robinson Bondhill 654 £12, 43-36N H McKeown Glenavy 647 £12, 44-37N R Williamson 646 £12, 45-38N K Byrne & Sons Newry & Dist 644 £12, 46-39N T Marshall & Son 624 £12, 47-40N C McManus Corrigs & Dist 623 £12, 48-41N P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 621 £12, 49-42N A Darragh Cullybackey 620 £12, 50-43N G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 614 £12, 51-44N P Dunlop Edgarstown 609 £10, 52-45N J Burrows Eastway 607 £10, 53-8S P Rock & Son Skerries 587 £10, 54-46N C & L Woodside 585 £10, 55-47N Gallagher Bros Annsborough 580 £10, 56-48N m/M Magill Muckamore 573 £10, 57-49N R Duddy 566 £10, 58-50N W Gault & Son Kingsmoss 565 £10, 59-9S Gregory Bros Rathnew 560 £10, 60-51N G Buckley & Son 559 £10, 61-52N P Campbell & Sons Armagh 551 £10, 62-53N N Lusty Muckamore 549 £10, 63-54N A Galloway Lisburn & Dist 546 £10, 64-55N M/M Magill 545 £10, 65-56N C & L Woodside 544 £10, 66-57N Donnelly Bros 542 £10, 67-58N A Craig Tandragee 534 £10, 69-59N G Buckley & Sons 532 £10, 69-10S Graham Bros Graham Bros Balbriggan 518 £10, 70-60N R Williamson 516 £10, 71-61N T Marshall & Son 512 £10, 72-11S Cooley Bros Newtown Kilpeddar 510 £10, 73-62N McCracken Bros Banbridge 489 £10, 74-12S P Rock & Son 482 £10, 75-63N J Serplus Laurelvale 477 £10, 76-64N Speirs & Campbell 468 £10, 77-65N M Buckley 464 £10, 78-66N K Byrne & Sons 459 £10, 79-67N M Shaw Armagh 457 £10, 80-68N Shaw Bros Grosvenor 451 £10, 81-13S N Grant & Sons 435 £10, 82-14S P Rock & Son 335 £10, 83-69N Russell Bros Dromara 293 £10, 84-70N Houston & McDonald Moira 284 £10.
Around the hot-bed of East Antrim Ballyclare again dominated the result in a major race from France, Cyril Cameron was to time his single entry only bird on the day at 21.27pm to record velocity 1066 for the 461 miles. Former Kings Cup winners T Cairns & Sons from Glengormley were next best with a bird early on the second day followed by Robin Duddy from Ballyclare who had three birds home and from the same club the former INFC Nat Champions C & L Woodside. The Moxham team had the only bird into Larne, the consistent Jimmy Burrows was 1st Eastway, W Gault & Son were 1st Kingsmoss and Noel Lusty of Muckamore made the frame.
East Antrim St Malo Friendship Nat – C Cameron Ballyclare 1066, T Cairns & Sons Glengormley 751, R Duddy Ballyclare 738, R Duddy 685, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 680, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 614, J Burrows Eastway 607, C & L Woodside 585, R Duddy 566, W Gault & Son Kingsmoss 565, N Lusty Muckamore 549, C & L Woodside 544.
What a fantastic season it has been for Gary McAllister & Sons of Randalstown, winners of 1st MAC in the Kings Cup from Vannes, they follow that up with 1st MAC St Malo. That will be a week to remember for a long time, this follows the very good result for Simon Millar of the same club who won 1st MAC, 1st Sect & 6th Open NIPA St Malo OB Nat. All three races from France won by Randalstown, has one club ever won all three races previously. Alan Darragh from Cullybackey had the only other bird, his is always the local loft to beat. While on the subject of records I had some interesting correspondence from Mervyn Eagleson who I am glad to say still reads the notes. I had thought that Danny Dixon has set a Mid Antrim Combine winning record, it appears not, well not yet anyhow. Mervyn wrote to say in 1991 Johnston Eagleson & Sons had 7 individual 1st Combine, 6 with the NIPA and 1 with the INFC. The Eagleson loft also have 6 x 1st Sections which still is a record, again in 1991. I still read your reports and think you still do a super job for the sport, where do you get the time. Kind Regards Mervyn.
Mid Antrim Combine St Malo Friendship Nat – G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 684, A Darragh Cullybackey 620.
Thanks again to all those involved with the Friendship Nat, at the race marking, clock setting and checking and all those who assisted with the race report especially Brendan McLoughlin who followed up and penned various reports. Race sponsors were Versele-Laga with 1st winning 8 bags mixture, 2nd 6 bags, 3rd 3 bags, 4th 2 bags and 1 bag each for 5th to 10th. The Friendship Cup is won by N & C Shields, British Barcelona Cup for runner-up to Phil Smith, and Henry Beattie & Son Trophy for the Best 2 Bird Average won by Donnelly Bros of Newry City.
1-1S N & C Shields Skerries 1160 ABCDE & NOM £725, 2-2S P Smith & Son Stillorgan 1157 ABCDE £447, 3-3S J Doheny Malahide & Dist 1111 ABCDEF £508, 4-4S N Grant & Sons Balbriggan 1090 ABCDEF £445, 5-1N Donnelly Bros Newry City 1088 ABCDEF £383, 6-2N M Buckley Annaghmore 1086 CDE £118, 7-3N R Williamson Bondhill 1086 ABCDEF £255, 8-4N G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore 1082 DEF £231, 9-5N Donnelly Bros 1076 E £77, 10-6N C Cameron Ballyclare 1066 ABCDEF £192, 11-5S N Grant & Sons 1052 ABCDEF £153, 12-7N R Shaw Annsborough 1049 E £38, 13-8N R Williamson 1028 ABCDEF £136, 14-9N O & M Monaghan Colin 1011 ABCDEF £129, 15-6S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 956 ABCDE £59, 16-10N T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 890 £20, 17-11N S Corrigan Loughgall 880 ABCDF £103, 18-12N O Toal & Sons Armagh 831 ABCDF £65, 19-13N J Greenaway Bondhill 776 ABC £29, 20-14N M Conlon & Sons Banbridge 764 £20, 21-15N Brown & Anderson Shankill & Dist 755 ABF £44, 22-16N T Cairns & Sons Glengormley 751 F £40, 23-17N S McLaughlin & Sons Glenavy 745 £15, 24-18N R Duddy Ballyclare 738 £15, 25-19N J Scott Crumlin 722 F £40, 26-7S H Gilligan Sallynoggin 705 £15, 27-20N J McClenaghan Newtownards 693 F £40, 28-21N T Marshall & Son 693 £15, 29-22N N Black & Son Dromara 688 £15, 30-23N M McDowell & Son Markethill 686 £15, 31-24N R Duddy 685 £12, 32-25N G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 684 £12, 33-26N V Thom Cookstown 681 £12, 34-27N C & L Woodside Ballyclare 690 £12, 35-28N N Uprichard Crumlin 678 £12, 36-29N J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 675 £12, 37-30N J Greenaway Bondhill 675 £12, 38-31N Mooney Bros Millvale 669 £12, 39-32N D Croskery & Son Annsborough 669 £12, 40-33N M Conlon 667 £12, 41-34N Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 658 £12, 42-35N M Robinson Bondhill 654 £12, 43-36N H McKeown Glenavy 647 £12, 44-37N R Williamson 646 £12, 45-38N K Byrne & Sons Newry & Dist 644 £12, 46-39N T Marshall & Son 624 £12, 47-40N C McManus Corrigs & Dist 623 £12, 48-41N P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 621 £12, 49-42N A Darragh Cullybackey 620 £12, 50-43N G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 614 £12, 51-44N P Dunlop Edgarstown 609 £10, 52-45N J Burrows Eastway 607 £10, 53-8S P Rock & Son Skerries 587 £10, 54-46N C & L Woodside 585 £10, 55-47N Gallagher Bros Annsborough 580 £10, 56-48N m/M Magill Muckamore 573 £10, 57-49N R Duddy 566 £10, 58-50N W Gault & Son Kingsmoss 565 £10, 59-9S Gregory Bros Rathnew 560 £10, 60-51N G Buckley & Son 559 £10, 61-52N P Campbell & Sons Armagh 551 £10, 62-53N N Lusty Muckamore 549 £10, 63-54N A Galloway Lisburn & Dist 546 £10, 64-55N M/M Magill 545 £10, 65-56N C & L Woodside 544 £10, 66-57N Donnelly Bros 542 £10, 67-58N A Craig Tandragee 534 £10, 69-59N G Buckley & Sons 532 £10, 69-10S Graham Bros Graham Bros Balbriggan 518 £10, 70-60N R Williamson 516 £10, 71-61N T Marshall & Son 512 £10, 72-11S Cooley Bros Newtown Kilpeddar 510 £10, 73-62N McCracken Bros Banbridge 489 £10, 74-12S P Rock & Son 482 £10, 75-63N J Serplus Laurelvale 477 £10, 76-64N Speirs & Campbell 468 £10, 77-65N M Buckley 464 £10, 78-66N K Byrne & Sons 459 £10, 79-67N M Shaw Armagh 457 £10, 80-68N Shaw Bros Grosvenor 451 £10, 81-13S N Grant & Sons 435 £10, 82-14S P Rock & Son 335 £10, 83-69N Russell Bros Dromara 293 £10, 84-70N Houston & McDonald Moira 284 £10.
The INFC Friendship was flown from St Malo (France) on Thursday 8th July, the convoy was released one day early due to terrible weather conditions forecast for the Friday. Liberation was at 8.45am wind Lt SE to be SSW en-route and strengthen. A good entry of 881 birds, were sent by 244 members and competing for £5,586 in pools and prizes. Some 14 gallant arrivals were recorded on the day and it turned out a fairly difficult race.
The leading lofts in the Friendship Nat were all based in the South Sect, overall winners were the husband and wife team of Noel & Catherine Shields from the top racing club Skerries. It gives the East Coast Federation a great racing double from France with the Kings Cup won the week previous by Reilly & Martin of South End Bray. I was in Dublin last week but unfortunately the couple were on a well deserved holiday to Canada, I would hope to catch up with them later. I did find out that the bird was a gift from Wall Bros of the Cork North West club who fly in the Cork Federation. The winner on both the sire and dam side contains the best bloodlines of ace racer Gary Inkley who I have met at Blackpool. The sire is a full brother to his own Classic winner from Tours and the dam is a grand-daughter of “Enigma” the winner of 1st Open Dax. As Mick Crean said when offering congratulations on behalf of the fanciers in Cork City, it was Fairytale stuff! I understand Noel looks after the liberations for the East Coast Fed and while on holiday Phil Smith was standing in, it was Phil himself who was runner up. He needs no introduction one of the top workers for the fancy in Dublin and in the wider field has strong connections with the British Barcelona Club and had a fantastic result last season in the Sun City Million Dollar Race. Phil never misses a meeting and is a regular visitor at each race marking in Lisburn, as I have said a totally dedicated worker for the sport.
1st Open and 1st South Section N & C Shields, Skerries Vel 1160.
The winning of the Friendship Nat from St Malo in France was a well deserved and highly popular success for Noel and Catherine. The winner timed at 18.38hrs was flying 391 miles and records velocity 1160 well pooled to collect £725. I will get more details when the partners return from holiday and hopefully persuade them to pen a Year Book article. A delay due to computer problems gave me some additional time and immediately on return from holiday Noel Shields sent me the following report about “Corky”
Blue Cheq Cock was Bred by Wall bros Cork. It is of Gary Inkley Breeding on both Sire and dam.The sire has bred 5 1st federation winners and is a full brother to Garys Open winner from Tours.The dam is a grand daughter of Enigma 1st open Dax,and this goes back to Faith
dam of countless winners for Eddie Newcome. His racing record is Tramore 24 April 2nd club 5 th Fed 4300 birds .22 may 6th club Rosscarberry 332 birds.He was then sent to Talbenny open as our Fancy bird,as he now had took control of the loft floor, but never homed until the morning of the Bude race. when i went to let him in he was in a sorry state. He was got ready for Penzance open and duly came that evening after the clock was gone to the open center and i was in Waterford. He was then given plenty of short tosses and started to take over the floor again.He was to high for the Kings cup so he was got ready for the Friendship.On the Sunday before the race i went check the ETS as to what time he came from bray , and found that his ring did not register .The ETS ring was took of and he was raced the old way for the race .He dropped out of the Sky in about four beats of his wing and was in the loft like a rocket. After about 10 minutes i rang Mick Gorman who looks after our center and he told me that Phil Smith was in on the south side of the City at 6 12 and we were in at 6 38. Ivan then rang to tell me about Phils bird and i told him that we were in .Some single birds came in from the sea later but it then started to rain then .When we went to the center later on little did i realise that we were going to win the fed or the national ,the lads already new Phils velocety and taught that i might come second Fed to him. Martin Rock rang at about 10.30 to tell me that i was well in the hunt for the National ..I then rang Anthony wall to tell him the news.this year the old birds have been on fire .In the first race we took 6 out of the 10 positions and topped the fed as well .then we go to Pilmore and we are 1st and 2nd ,on to Rosscarberry and we take 1st and 6 positions ..the old bird national from Skibbereen 1st club we were 150 open 7th fed then on to Talbenny where we took 31st open.then to Bude 4th open and 13th open .Sennan cove Yearling national 320 open. Penzance 13th open. St Malo 20 open second day bird, this hen was 4th open last year .We never got our bird in the kings cup which had great form coming up to it.Then the Frendship to put the Iceing on the cake.The loft has won Dinard open in 1991 and Topped the section from the yearling national.We would like to thank Leslie woodside for good birds over the years and to Joe Doheny to go for National racing.
This bird was bred by Wall Bros of Cork. In 2008 Anthony and Dennis lost a few youngsters and with only needing 30 y.birds I sent them down a few. At this time Anthony was the Liberator of the Cork Fed and I used to talk to him most Saturdays as I am the liberator of the East Coast Federation and used to swap notes on the weather and Lib times. Not really interested in young bird racing, he was raced as a youngster twice and then put away as most of my young birds are.
He started the old bird season by taking 2 club 5th Fed from 4300 birds from Tramore.then on to Rosscarberry and took 4th club 432 bird,.as he was in such good form coming to Talbenny open he was our fancy bird but never came .On the morning of Bude open he appeared at about 10.30 from the north and was a sorry sight .He was cleaned up and then put back on the road from Penzance open and was our third bird .We then started to get him ready for the kings cup but he was to high coming up to it ,so we kept him for St Malo national and clocked him at 6 38.and little did we think we would win.
The sire of this bird has now bred 5 first Fed winners for Wall Bros and now 1st National. The bird is from Gary Inkley lines. The sire is a full brother to Garys classic winner from Tours .The Dam is a granddaughter of Enigma 1st open from Dax.This the 5th old bird win this year for the lofts. Previous wins include old bird derby Dinard and 1st south section yearling national Sennen Cove,18th open Friendship National .
2nd Open and 2nd South Section Phil Smith & Son, Stillorgan Vel 1157.
I had arranged to meet Phil when in Dublin and he was to make arrangements to supply the bird details, they duly arrived the next week. His “Gaelic Star” was a yearling hen that had seven races as a young bird and five races as a yearling which included Bude before going to France. Her preparation was like many others, kept with the young birds, not paired and flew round the loft and trained along with the youngsters. The sire flew Pottiers France in 2009 bred by Brian Denny it was paired to a hen purchased at the McMullan Clearance Sale. The dam was on loan from J & H Hooper of Cardiff the bloodlines of this Peter Titmus and a bird given to Phil as a present from one of the top Irish lofts, Joe Doheny.
3rd Open and 3rd South Section Joe Doheny, Malahide & District Vel 1111.
Joe Doheny, one of the most consistent National racers over the past 30 years is 3rd South section, 3rd Open Friendship National this year. Joe won the King’s Cup twice in 1982 and again in 2002, to make him one of very few double King’s Cup winners. He was also 3rd Open in the Friendship National in 2005 and has taken 4 or 5 other top ten positions from the Friendship race. One of his other top performances in the Irish national Flying Club was when he was 2nd Open in a difficult Young Bird National from Penzance. Joe won the Fancier of the Year twice in the Flying Club and reckons this is as hard if not harder to win than the King’s Cup.
The pigeon timed here to take 3rd Open was clocked at 6.50pm and is a two-year-old widowhood cock. When asked about the breeding of the pigeon, Joe said that it went right back to the birds he obtained from Billy Walkingshaw, Killyleagh in 1962. There have been a few introductions since then but this is the basis of his pigeons. Joe added that the breeding could be best described as “Survivors of the Basket”. Joe is of the opinion that pedigrees count for little but that the basket is the only way to sort out pigeons. This two-year-old cock has been a consistent racer and flew the channel as a yearling and was raced through to Penzance this year.
4th Open and 4th South Section N Grant & Sons, Balbriggan Vel 1090.
For the second time this season I cover the loft of Noel Grant and son Balbriggan R.P.C, the following few lines were sent by Adrian. This 2y.old Pied cock was well fancied to do well from this race his DAM was 1st club 20th NAT from this race in 09. Raced on celebete up the land then Bude to be 11th club. Paired and sent sitting 15 days and very keen he contains the blood of Crathorne and Parrott Kiln Lofts. My next bird timed 25mins later to be 2nd club 5th E.C.F. 11th NAT was also 6th club 17th open E.C.F. Penzance and 4th club 14th E.C.F
Pilmore and is down from Matt Wray Ballymena and P.Rock and Son Skerries timed a third bird on 2nd day to be 4th club. 81st Nat. 3 from 4 home.
5th Open and 1st North Section Donnelly Bros, Newry City Vel 1088.
Another great result here for the outstanding partnership of Donnelly Bros, Newry City, winners of the race with Lily from Quimper in 2008 only bird on the day, this time they have 1st North Sect. This bird is a two-year-old hen sent sitting on a pair of 4 day-old young birds. The dam is from ‘Iron Lady’ bloodlines, a Hall Of Fame winner for John Greenaway, Bondhill. The sire is a son of ‘Ballybay Destroyer’, who was the sire of their Penzance National winner. Therefore the sire of the bird timed here is a half sister of the Penzance National winner – what great lines. The grand dam on this side is a daughter of ‘Oisin’s First’, Terence McCrudden’s winner of four sections on the channel. This hen was bought at the INFC Charity Sale at the King’s Hall. The pigeon timed here at 8.27pm was raced to Penzance last year when she was in the clock. This year she was raced as far as the 2nd Talbenny before being set up for this race. Her nestmate was high up the YB National result in 2008 and was timed in the Old Hens race last year.
6th Open and 2nd North Section M Buckley, Annaghmore Vel 1086.
Maurice timed a two-year-old cock at 9pm to take 2nd North section, 6th Open Friendship National. The pigeon timed is from his own family of pigeons and the bloodlines contain the best of Frank Sheaders Busscaherts, Louella Janssens and Louella Jan Arden. This bird had all four channel races in preparation for this race and was 3rd section, 6th Open NIPA from Bude for another excellent performance.
This two-year-olde cock was raced on the roundabout all year and was given hids hen on the morning of basketing. Maurice then turned over the nest bowl and put in a bit of straw to keep the bird motivated. Maurice timed another pigeon in the race on the second evening to take 65th north section, 77th Open. Maurice has decided to take a short break from the sport but I hope we see him back very soon.
7th Open and 3rd North Section Ron Williamson, Bondhill Vel 1086.
The pigeon timed here is a two-year-old blue cock on the roundabout. The Sire is from ‘Lady Helen’ winner of the Friendship National in 2004. The dam is down from ‘5 times a Lady’ winner of the Hall of Fame and the Gold Medal for 4 times in the prizes from the King’s Cup. This pigeon just missed out on making the positions 5 times as she was 202nd in a year when there were only 200 prizes and only 204 birds home in race time, a truly remarkable pigeon, and once again wonderful breeding lines. This bird was raced through to Penzance this year from where he made the Open result.
8th Open and 4th North Section Glen Buckley & Sons, Annaghmore Vel 1082
This two-year-old hen was timed at 8.00pm on the day to take 4th North section, 8th Open King’s Cup. Like their King’s Cup pigeon she too was raced on the roundabout. The breeding of this one is Soontjens x Hartog. The Hartogs are from Henry McLaughlin Coalisland while the Soontjens is from their own Soontjens stock, which originated from Frank Sheader. The pigeon timed here was 1st Club, 7th Section E and 21st Open Penzance Classic with the NIPA three weeks prior to the Friendship National. In a race where only 84 birds were timed Glen and John did well to have three in the result.
9th Open and 5th North Section Donnelly Bros, Newry City Vel 1076.
This bird timed at 8.35pm to make Richard and John the two bird average winners. This two-year-old hen has had numerous section and Open results.
She was sent to the Friendship National in the same nest condition as the hen at 5th Open, sitting on a pair of 4 day-old young ones. Her last race prior to the National was Bude when she was their fourth bird home. The sire is the pigeon that won the 5 Bird Mallow for them. He is also responsible for the cock that 1st Open NIPA from Bude in 2008 and another that was 3rd Open Talbenny this year. The dam is a daughter of ‘Scarecrow’ winner of 3 NIPA Opens for them.
10th Open and 6th North Section C Cameron, Ballyclare Vel 1066.
Long time fancier Cyril kept the flag flying for Ballyclare best in the East Antrim area with a 2 year old Blue cock that was only racing in 2010, a late bred he was only trained last year. This season he had 4 races on the land and Bude before going to St Malo on eggs due to hatch. Bloodlines are the best of Brian Denny who needs no introduction to those interested in long distance racing. The cock is a grand-son of the famous Tuff Nutt and the dam who finished 30th Open in the Friendship Nat two years ago before going to stock has the top bloodlines of Wolliss of Grimsby who themselves have topped the same Sect as Brian Denny. I met the man himself at the RPRA Gala Night in Blackpool two years ago and he was staying in the same hotel. His distance record and the awards won are something very special. Cyril has been getting in at the distance for years and over some troubled times had fantastic help from Leslie Woodside, keeping his interest going in the sport. The 1973 season stands out with 5th NIPA Dinard and then 6th in the Friendship Nat, he also won the NIPA Bronze & Silver Diplomas around the same time as the late James Logan. Ballyclare is a top pigeon area and this time Cyril Cameron leads the way.
INFC Friendship Nat St Malo 244/881 –
1-1S N & C Shields Skerries 1160 ABCDE & NOM £725, 2-2S P Smith & Son Stillorgan 1157 ABCDE £447, 3-3S J Doheny Malahide & Dist 1111 ABCDEF £508, 4-4S N Grant & Sons Balbriggan 1090 ABCDEF £445, 5-1N Donnelly Bros Newry City 1088 ABCDEF £383, 6-2N M Buckley Annaghmore 1086 CDE £118, 7-3N R Williamson Bondhill 1086 ABCDEF £255, 8-4N G Buckley & Sons Annaghmore 1082 DEF £231, 9-5N Donnelly Bros 1076 E £77, 10-6N C Cameron Ballyclare 1066 ABCDEF £192, 11-5S N Grant & Sons 1052 ABCDEF £153, 12-7N R Shaw Annsborough 1049 E £38, 13-8N R Williamson 1028 ABCDEF £136, 14-9N O & M Monaghan Colin 1011 ABCDEF £129, 15-6S J Sharkey Boyne Valley 956 ABCDE £59, 16-10N T Marshall & Son Newtownbreda 890 £20, 17-11N S Corrigan Loughgall 880 ABCDF £103, 18-12N O Toal & Sons Armagh 831 ABCDF £65, 19-13N J Greenaway Bondhill 776 ABC £29, 20-14N M Conlon & Sons Banbridge 764 £20, 21-15N Brown & Anderson Shankill & Dist 755 ABF £44, 22-16N T Cairns & Sons Glengormley 751 F £40, 23-17N S McLaughlin & Sons Glenavy 745 £15, 24-18N R Duddy Ballyclare 738 £15, 25-19N J Scott Crumlin 722 F £40, 26-7S H Gilligan Sallynoggin 705 £15, 27-20N J McClenaghan Newtownards 693 F £40, 28-21N T Marshall & Son 693 £15, 29-22N N Black & Son Dromara 688 £15, 30-23N M McDowell & Son Markethill 686 £15, 31-24N R Duddy 685 £12, 32-25N G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 684 £12, 33-26N V Thom Cookstown 681 £12, 34-27N C & L Woodside Ballyclare 690 £12, 35-28N N Uprichard Crumlin 678 £12, 36-29N J Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 675 £12, 37-30N J Greenaway Bondhill 675 £12, 38-31N Mooney Bros Millvale 669 £12, 39-32N D Croskery & Son Annsborough 669 £12, 40-33N M Conlon 667 £12, 41-34N Speirs & Campbell Cookstown 658 £12, 42-35N M Robinson Bondhill 654 £12, 43-36N H McKeown Glenavy 647 £12, 44-37N R Williamson 646 £12, 45-38N K Byrne & Sons Newry & Dist 644 £12, 46-39N T Marshall & Son 624 £12, 47-40N C McManus Corrigs & Dist 623 £12, 48-41N P Murtagh & Son Ballyholland 621 £12, 49-42N A Darragh Cullybackey 620 £12, 50-43N G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 614 £12, 51-44N P Dunlop Edgarstown 609 £10, 52-45N J Burrows Eastway 607 £10, 53-8S P Rock & Son Skerries 587 £10, 54-46N C & L Woodside 585 £10, 55-47N Gallagher Bros Annsborough 580 £10, 56-48N m/M Magill Muckamore 573 £10, 57-49N R Duddy 566 £10, 58-50N W Gault & Son Kingsmoss 565 £10, 59-9S Gregory Bros Rathnew 560 £10, 60-51N G Buckley & Son 559 £10, 61-52N P Campbell & Sons Armagh 551 £10, 62-53N N Lusty Muckamore 549 £10, 63-54N A Galloway Lisburn & Dist 546 £10, 64-55N M/M Magill 545 £10, 65-56N C & L Woodside 544 £10, 66-57N Donnelly Bros 542 £10, 67-58N A Craig Tandragee 534 £10, 69-59N G Buckley & Sons 532 £10, 69-10S Graham Bros Graham Bros Balbriggan 518 £10, 70-60N R Williamson 516 £10, 71-61N T Marshall & Son 512 £10, 72-11S Cooley Bros Newtown Kilpeddar 510 £10, 73-62N McCracken Bros Banbridge 489 £10, 74-12S P Rock & Son 482 £10, 75-63N J Serplus Laurelvale 477 £10, 76-64N Speirs & Campbell 468 £10, 77-65N M Buckley 464 £10, 78-66N K Byrne & Sons 459 £10, 79-67N M Shaw Armagh 457 £10, 80-68N Shaw Bros Grosvenor 451 £10, 81-13S N Grant & Sons 435 £10, 82-14S P Rock & Son 335 £10, 83-69N Russell Bros Dromara 293 £10, 84-70N Houston & McDonald Moira 284 £10.
Around the hot-bed of East Antrim Ballyclare again dominated the result in a major race from France, Cyril Cameron was to time his single entry only bird on the day at 21.27pm to record velocity 1066 for the 461 miles. Former Kings Cup winners T Cairns & Sons from Glengormley were next best with a bird early on the second day followed by Robin Duddy from Ballyclare who had three birds home and from the same club the former INFC Nat Champions C & L Woodside. The Moxham team had the only bird into Larne, the consistent Jimmy Burrows was 1st Eastway, W Gault & Son were 1st Kingsmoss and Noel Lusty of Muckamore made the frame.
East Antrim St Malo Friendship Nat – C Cameron Ballyclare 1066, T Cairns & Sons Glengormley 751, R Duddy Ballyclare 738, R Duddy 685, C & L Woodside Ballyclare 680, G K & I Moxham Larne & Dist 614, J Burrows Eastway 607, C & L Woodside 585, R Duddy 566, W Gault & Son Kingsmoss 565, N Lusty Muckamore 549, C & L Woodside 544.
What a fantastic season it has been for Gary McAllister & Sons of Randalstown, winners of 1st MAC in the Kings Cup from Vannes, they follow that up with 1st MAC St Malo. That will be a week to remember for a long time, this follows the very good result for Simon Millar of the same club who won 1st MAC, 1st Sect & 6th Open NIPA St Malo OB Nat. All three races from France won by Randalstown, has one club ever won all three races previously. Alan Darragh from Cullybackey had the only other bird, his is always the local loft to beat. While on the subject of records I had some interesting correspondence from Mervyn Eagleson who I am glad to say still reads the notes. I had thought that Danny Dixon has set a Mid Antrim Combine winning record, it appears not, well not yet anyhow. Mervyn wrote to say in 1991 Johnston Eagleson & Sons had 7 individual 1st Combine, 6 with the NIPA and 1 with the INFC. The Eagleson loft also have 6 x 1st Sections which still is a record, again in 1991. I still read your reports and think you still do a super job for the sport, where do you get the time. Kind Regards Mervyn.
Mid Antrim Combine St Malo Friendship Nat – G McAllister & Sons Randalstown 684, A Darragh Cullybackey 620.
Thanks again to all those involved with the Friendship Nat, at the race marking, clock setting and checking and all those who assisted with the race report especially Brendan McLoughlin who followed up and penned various reports. Race sponsors were Versele-Laga with 1st winning 8 bags mixture, 2nd 6 bags, 3rd 3 bags, 4th 2 bags and 1 bag each for 5th to 10th. The Friendship Cup is won by N & C Shields, British Barcelona Cup for runner-up to Phil Smith, and Henry Beattie & Son Trophy for the Best 2 Bird Average won by Donnelly Bros of Newry City.