Homer's Odyssey/BHW PLus - 29/10/10
Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 12:59 pm
A new venue has been agreed for the INFC Charity Show, it will take place in the Lagan Valley Leisureplex, broadly known as the Lisburn Leisure Centre on the same date, 11th December. Members of the Committee met with the management of the centre on site and are satisfied that the facilities available are of a high standard and meets the requirements. Unfortunately for this year only we are unable to stage the Show of Pigeons, this is solely due to logistical problems and all can be assured that the classes of birds will return for the 2011 Show, we trust the fanciers that have supported the Show classes in the past will understand the position that we are in. All the usual trade stands will be in attendance and I would remind all that shavings and sawdust will not be permitted under any circumstances. The sale of birds organised by Ronnie Johnston will go ahead as normal.
Within the Leisureplex there is a restaurant and there is also several other eating houses in the grounds of the Leisureplex. Food will not be permitted in the arena where the trade stands are sited.
The Lagan Valley Leisureplex is 5 minutes walk from Lisburn City Centre, no reason why it cannot be a family day out. Directions to the Show will be published at a later date or you can contact Ken McConaghie on 028 90644231.
The Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Council & Staff at the Kings Hall for the help and support given to us since 1977, the decision to move was not taken lightly, unfortunately the first letter we received did the damage and an alternative was sought and found. The Kings Hall did make an effort to facilitate us with a reduction in price but we were committed to the Leisureplex. Our thanks also to Dr. Logan and Bertie Morrow for taking the time to try and resolve the matter, it was much appreciated.
Fanciers have been urging the Committee to seek an alternative venue for many years, well, the move has been made and with your support this show can be a tremendous success and remain in Lisburn City for many years to come.
Finally, the Committee would like to wish their fellow Committee member Bertie Marshall a speedy recovery. Bertie underwent surgery on Monday of this week and has responded well. On my visit to see him all the talk was about pigeons, mainly the Show. It is hoped that Bertie will leave hospital today (Sunday) and back to Ryan Park. It is a good job he went in otherwise the car might not have got washed & valeted. Ken McConaghie (Chairman).
Fancier of the Year
The long wait is over and the NIPA Section winners can now be confirmed, there will be few surprises as each loft listed had outstanding race seasons during 2010. Winning lofts should send their season report with results and some bird detail plus if possible a photo to be included for publication.
Sect A – Karl Murphy (Coalisland), 209 Points. Sect B – Danny Dixon (Ballymoney), 574 Points. Sect C – D & J Campbell & Bigger (Glengormley), 773 Points. Sect D – Spence Bros (Lisburn & District), 674 Points. Sect E – Ron Williamson (Bondhill), 572 Points. Sect F – Jackie Rankin (Millisle), 548 Points. Sect G – Donnelly Bros (Newry City Invitation), 819 Points. Sect H – Ronnie Witherow (Limavady), 237 Points.
Springvale Social Golden Ring Result - 1st S Rodney & Son 1487 plus £750, 2nd A Gault 1467 plus £150, 3rd G & L Simpson 1435 plus £100. Many thanks to all involved with the Gold Ring Race, all those who supported the event from Rosscarbery and many congratulations to the various winners. We are all looking forward to the 2011 Golden Ring, just 100 rings will be sold at £20 each and £1,000 paid out in tree cuts with £750 to the winner. Contact Campbell McGrugan.
INFC 2010 Cup and Trophy Winners.
King George V Challenge Cup, Plaudren-Vannes, Old Bird National winner; Reilly&Martin ECF South End Bray, velocity 1263. Gilliand Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, first IHU member after winner in King's Cup race; B.W. Hoey, Ballymun velocity 1194. Nelson Vase Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, 1st RPRA member after winner in King's Cup race; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1239. East Down Combine Cup, Pludren-Vannes Old Bird 1st EDC member in King's Cup race; D&J Caskey, Bangor RPC, velocity 1154. Ulster Federation Cup Pludren-Vannes Old Bird, first Ulster Federation member i n King's Cup race; M. Black Grosvenor, velocity 1141. NIPA Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, first NIPA member in King's Cup race Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1239. Joe Cullan Memorial Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, first East Coast Federation member in the King's Cup race; Reilly&Martin, ECF South End Bray, velocity 1263. Harkness Rose Bowl, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, Best Two Bird Average King's Cup; C.O'Hare&Son, Ballyholland, velocity 1152. Joe Doheny Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, Single Bird Challenge Cup, P Dunlop, Edgarstown HPS, velocity 1145. Robinson Trophy, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, 14th King's Cup; G. McKenna, Eastway, velocity 1144. McCloud Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, 1st Yearling King's Cup; B. W. Hoey, Ballymun, velocity 1194.
Ronnie Johnston Challenge Cup, Skibbereen Old Bird Inland National; B. Cullimore, Wexford North&South, velocity 1260. Friendship Cup, St Malo Old Bird Friendship National; N&C Shields, ECF Balbriggan, velocity 1160. British Barcelona Club Trophy, St Malo Old Bird, 2nd Friendship National; P Smith&Son, ECF Stillorgan, velocity 1157. Henry Beattie&Son Trophy, St Malo Old Bird, Best Two Bird average Friendship National, Donnelly Brothers, Newry City, velocity 1081. Nelson Corry Trophy, Sennen Cove Yearling National; A Darragh, Cullybackey, velocity 958. Sam Buckley Memorial Cup, Best Tow-Bird Average Sennen Cove Yearling National; A Darragh Cullybackey, velocity. 958. Darragh Challenge Cup, Penzance Old Hens National; Gregg Beos&McCandless, Ligoniel HPS velocity 1334.
J.M.K. McGugan Perpetual Cup, Penzance Young Bird Channel National; D Dixon, Ballymoney, velocity 1311. William Erwin Memorial Cup, Penzance 1st South Section Channel Young Bird National; N Deegan, Finglas RPC, velocity 1246. De-Scheemaecker Trophy, Penzance Young Bird Best Two-Bird Average in Channel Young Bird National; S. McLaughlin&Sons, Glenavy&Dist HPS velocity 1260. Tom Marshall Trophy Skibbereen Young Bird Inland National; B Cullimore, Wexford North&South, velocity 1288.
J Gilmour Memorial Cup, Best average Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird Sennen cove Yearling Nationals; Ron Williamson, Bondhill, velcoity 1092. Irvine Trophy, Best Average Old Bird Nationals St Malo and Plaudren Vannes; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1160. Jarvis Cup, Best average Penzance and Skibbereen Young Bird Nationals; D Dixon, Ballymoney, velocity 1222. Rhead Trophy, Best Average Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird and Penzance Young Bird Natiolas; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1224. R Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1127. Harkers Trophy, Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance Young Bird Nationals; A Darragh Cullybackey, velocity 1083. Robin Duddy Trophy, Best average Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance Young Bird National (three-bird nomination) D Croskery&Son Annsborough, velocity961. Charles Hunniford Memorial Trophy Best Average (North Section) Skibbereen Old Bird and Young Bird Nationals; Mr&Mrs Stevenson, Dromara, velocity 1182. The New North Cup, Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling, Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup, St Malo Friendship and Penzance Young Bird Nationals; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1115. President's Cup, Best Average Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup, Sennen Cove Yearling, Penzance Young Bird and Skibbereen Young Bird Nationals; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1120. Erwin Trophy, Best Average All National Races (excluding old hens); Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1127.
Hall Of Fame Diplomas won by; J Waring&Son Lisburn&Dist, blue cheq cock GB03L2844; 2005 24th, 2006 53rd and 201025th. D Croskery&Son, Annaborough white hen IHU05N11429: 2006 140th, 2009 193rd and 2010 89th. W McClure Kells&Dist , blue cheq hen GB02K09025: 2005 13th, 2009 156th and 2010 122nd.
Triple Crown Award, Freamed Diploma. G Buckley&Son, Annaghmore, blue whit flight hen GB08A 31264: 2008 Sennen Cove Young Bird 134th Open, 2009 Sennen Cove Yearling 29th Open and 2010 Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup201st Open. W G Neill Annaghmore, blue hen GB08R48706: 2008 Sennen Cove Young Bird 89th Open, 2009 Sennen Cove Yearling 62nd Open and 2010 Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup 53rd Open. Ron Williamson, Bondhill, blue pied hen GB08B14063: 2008 Sennen Cove Young Bird 32nd Open, 2009 Sennen Cove Yearling 194th Open and 2010 Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup 72nd Open.
A Mid Antrim Delegate Meeting has been arranged for Harryville HPS on Wednesday 27th October at 8.00pm to discuss the season just past and plans for the new year. Two Delegates from each local club in the NIPA Sect B. Decisions made at this meeting will be raised with the NIPA.
The sale of birds and Mega System plus T3, baskets etc for the late Alfie Strawbridge will be held in the Coleraine Premier clubrooms soon, date to be confirmed. Around 18 birds in total, raced but only timed in the longer races and he scored there a number of times over the years including a recent top success from France. From Lamballe OB Nat in 2007 A Strawbridge scored 1st Club, 1st Sect A and 9th Open NIPA doing velocity 1023.
Local Show Scene around Mid Antrim
The Mid Antrim show season will commence shortly, Ballymena & Dist will operate on the usual Monday night, the opening classes on 1st November are Young Cock and Young Hen Through the Wires, penning from 7.00pm. Kells & Dist are the usual Wednesday starting on 10th November with Young Cock T/W. Harryville dates are the usual Thursday starting on 4th November with classes for Old Cock & Young Cock T/W to be followed by 11th Nov Old Hen & Young Hen T/T, 18th Nov OC & YC Handled, 25th Nov OH & YH Handled, 2nd Dec OB & YB Eye-sign, 9th Dec Old & Young Pairs, 16th Dec Card Winners & Fancy. Open Show will be held in Harryville HPS Clubrooms on Saturday 4th December, more on this later. Cullybackey HPS season will commence on Saturday 30th September, classes for Young Cock & Young Hen T/W. The Annual Open Show will be held the Saturday prior to Xmas, this year 18th December. Best wishes to James Anderson who at present is in hospital, get well soon. Mid Antrim fanciers were sad to learn about the passing of Davy Logan who raced in Randalstown and had a big result in recent seasons from France. Condolences to the family circle and brother Hubert who is Ring Secretary in Cullybackey.
Lurgan Social are running a series of shows commencing Monday 1st November, Any Age Cock or Hen judged Through the Wires. Special for Best Young Bird, penning from 7.15pm, entry 50p per bird.
KELLS & DISTRICT HPS – For the first time Kells & Dist will host a Pigeon Moot/Quiz in the Dunsilly Hotel Antrim (just off the M2 Dunsilly Roundabout). A perfect venue for such an event to be held on Friday 5th November entry £10 to include Hot Buffett Meal or £5 without the meal. Due to start at 8.00pm the evening will include presentation of Kells & Dist awards. INFC President Syd Collins will chair an all star panel which will include Ronnie Johnston, Roy Irwin, Anthony McDonnell, Alan Darragh, and Peter Martin. The Annual Open Show will be held again on Boxing Day, this year on Monday 27th December.
The popular Dublin Show will be held at the Kennel Club close to the Dublin Airport on Saturday 6th November, the show birds are penned the night previous.
One of the top sales of the season in the winter of 2010 will be on behalf of the Beattie Family and the late Henry Beattie who was a pigeon legend in his lifetime. He had one of the best long distance lofts in Ireland and race records to match, one of the very few to win both the INFC Friendship Nat and the Kings Cup from France. Henry has blended his old Harkness bloodlines with pigeons from Kings Cup winners Davie Black and Alan Darragh plus National Champions C & L Woodside. The present team are about the best he has ever had over the last 50 years and will leave their mark in the years to come. The sale of his birds will take place in Glenavy on Saturday 23rd October and one week later at the same venue. Remember the dates 23rd and 30th October, it will be packed out. Auctioneer is the long time family friend Ronnie Johnston, for further details and Sale List Tel: (028) 90 483625, or Cyril Beattie Tel: (028) 38 840486. Watch Press for updates.
Ronnie Johnston Sale Dates: 30th October Henry Beattie (Glenavy), 1st November Tommy Lillie is a Complete Removal Sale (Newtownbreda), 8th November M/M Clayburn Soontjens for A Cousins & Son (Glenavy). A slight correction to the sale for Tommy Lillie, owing to the property being sold it’s a Complete Removal Sale. If he is able to get a house that has a garden, he would like to start again.
EMERALD CLASSIC http://www.emeraldclassic .co.uk
ANOTHER FIRST: For what many regard as the best "International One Loft Race" in the United Kingdom & Ireland and hopefully soon Europe. Having just returned from a weekend meeting in Brussels with the Federation Colombophile Internationale, I can now announce that as a result of our resounding success over the past 3 years and recognition of our ability to run a first class event professionally, the "Emerald Classic" has been invited to host a Grand Prix round of the FCI World Championship for 2011 and 2012. Full details of this exciting event will follow on line shortly and I would like to thank all who have sent messages of congratulations.
The auctions have started on line at www.emeraldclassic.co.uk/auction
with the Top 20 birds going on PIPA on 12th October.
It’s early yet but with rings going to be available early in the New Year and a lot of fanciers making arrangements for early December mating, others will be looking to purchase kits of birds ready made. Many good offers are available and Joe Brown has informed me that he will take orders for Kits of 6 or 10 and payments weekly/monthly between now and delivery. Tel Joe Brown (028) 38 328293 or Mobile: 07709077266.
Ireland’s Own Pigeon Auctions have some sales arranged over the coming weeks, watch press for all the latest news or contact Homer Tel: 07538 238364. Sarsfield will host a Van Loon Spectacular for Mr & Mrs David Coward-Talbot, Danny Dalton had a top winner from stock purchased last year. From Northern Ireland we have a first time sale for Kevin Rooney & Son from Annalong and then Danny Dixon from Ballymoney, also first time. The Rooney partnership have set aside a select team of mature youngsters bred from their top lines of Linderlauf, Maria Vink and Staf Van Reet, parents purchased regardless of cost. Just recently Patrick Brown won 1st North Sect in the INFC Skibbereen bred from a SVR/Janssen pair of birds on loan. The early dates for Sarsfield are Friday 29th October for Coward-Talbot and Monday 1st November for K Rooney & Son. D Dixon who had a record breaking race season including 1st YB Nat Penzance will be late November with a special draft of his winning bloodlines, this is another loft that has purchased stock regardless of cost. Danny races with Rasharkin & Dist but the birds go through Ballymoney HPS where he had 20 x 1sts, he was indeed the loft to beat, 9 x 1sts Mid Antrim Combine, 6 x 1st NIPA Section B, Fancier of the Year in Sect B, Meritorious Award in Sect B and Best Overall in NIPA, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th Open Roscrea NIPA, 4th & 6th Open Rosscarbery OB Inland Nat NIPA, 11th Open Bude NIPA, 2nd Open Penzance NIPA, 2nd Open Penzance OB Classic NIPA, 6th Open Yearling Cock Rosscarbery NIPA, 4th Open Yearling Hen Rosscarbery NIPA, 2nd Open Talbenny YB Nat NIPA, 1st Open INFC Penzance YB Nat. All the latest news, sale list etc is listed at www.pigeonnetwork.com
The INFC dinner and prize presentation will be held in the Stormont Hotel on Friday 26th November, main guests are Geoff & Catherine Cooper. Cups and trophies need returned ASAP. As an extra event this year the committee have agreed that Syd Collins and Ronnie Johnston arrange an INFC Moot/Quiz and night of general information and promotion to take place at the Dunsilly Hotel (Antrim) on Friday 7th January 2011. The evening will include the presentation of the Merit Diplomas awarded for birds twice in the result of the two races from France, ie. Friendship Nat and the Kings Cup. After excellent races over the last couple of years 29 birds have qualified for the new Merit Diploma which will not include a photo of the bird. I believe the French Diploma will be presented as well and if a success might be repeated in other parts of the country. Entry will be £10 and that will include Buffett etc, Syd and Ronnie have all the details.
The NIPA Ladies Night will be held at the Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick on Friday 12th November, tickets at £30 should be ordered from Fred Russell. All cups and trophies should be returned ASAP to allow time for engraving etc. The Bronze/Silver Diploma List has been published, if you are not listed place your claim with Fred Russell immediately.
HOMER.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com
Within the Leisureplex there is a restaurant and there is also several other eating houses in the grounds of the Leisureplex. Food will not be permitted in the arena where the trade stands are sited.
The Lagan Valley Leisureplex is 5 minutes walk from Lisburn City Centre, no reason why it cannot be a family day out. Directions to the Show will be published at a later date or you can contact Ken McConaghie on 028 90644231.
The Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Council & Staff at the Kings Hall for the help and support given to us since 1977, the decision to move was not taken lightly, unfortunately the first letter we received did the damage and an alternative was sought and found. The Kings Hall did make an effort to facilitate us with a reduction in price but we were committed to the Leisureplex. Our thanks also to Dr. Logan and Bertie Morrow for taking the time to try and resolve the matter, it was much appreciated.
Fanciers have been urging the Committee to seek an alternative venue for many years, well, the move has been made and with your support this show can be a tremendous success and remain in Lisburn City for many years to come.
Finally, the Committee would like to wish their fellow Committee member Bertie Marshall a speedy recovery. Bertie underwent surgery on Monday of this week and has responded well. On my visit to see him all the talk was about pigeons, mainly the Show. It is hoped that Bertie will leave hospital today (Sunday) and back to Ryan Park. It is a good job he went in otherwise the car might not have got washed & valeted. Ken McConaghie (Chairman).
Fancier of the Year
The long wait is over and the NIPA Section winners can now be confirmed, there will be few surprises as each loft listed had outstanding race seasons during 2010. Winning lofts should send their season report with results and some bird detail plus if possible a photo to be included for publication.
Sect A – Karl Murphy (Coalisland), 209 Points. Sect B – Danny Dixon (Ballymoney), 574 Points. Sect C – D & J Campbell & Bigger (Glengormley), 773 Points. Sect D – Spence Bros (Lisburn & District), 674 Points. Sect E – Ron Williamson (Bondhill), 572 Points. Sect F – Jackie Rankin (Millisle), 548 Points. Sect G – Donnelly Bros (Newry City Invitation), 819 Points. Sect H – Ronnie Witherow (Limavady), 237 Points.
Springvale Social Golden Ring Result - 1st S Rodney & Son 1487 plus £750, 2nd A Gault 1467 plus £150, 3rd G & L Simpson 1435 plus £100. Many thanks to all involved with the Gold Ring Race, all those who supported the event from Rosscarbery and many congratulations to the various winners. We are all looking forward to the 2011 Golden Ring, just 100 rings will be sold at £20 each and £1,000 paid out in tree cuts with £750 to the winner. Contact Campbell McGrugan.
INFC 2010 Cup and Trophy Winners.
King George V Challenge Cup, Plaudren-Vannes, Old Bird National winner; Reilly&Martin ECF South End Bray, velocity 1263. Gilliand Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, first IHU member after winner in King's Cup race; B.W. Hoey, Ballymun velocity 1194. Nelson Vase Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, 1st RPRA member after winner in King's Cup race; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1239. East Down Combine Cup, Pludren-Vannes Old Bird 1st EDC member in King's Cup race; D&J Caskey, Bangor RPC, velocity 1154. Ulster Federation Cup Pludren-Vannes Old Bird, first Ulster Federation member i n King's Cup race; M. Black Grosvenor, velocity 1141. NIPA Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, first NIPA member in King's Cup race Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1239. Joe Cullan Memorial Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, first East Coast Federation member in the King's Cup race; Reilly&Martin, ECF South End Bray, velocity 1263. Harkness Rose Bowl, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, Best Two Bird Average King's Cup; C.O'Hare&Son, Ballyholland, velocity 1152. Joe Doheny Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, Single Bird Challenge Cup, P Dunlop, Edgarstown HPS, velocity 1145. Robinson Trophy, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, 14th King's Cup; G. McKenna, Eastway, velocity 1144. McCloud Cup, Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird, 1st Yearling King's Cup; B. W. Hoey, Ballymun, velocity 1194.
Ronnie Johnston Challenge Cup, Skibbereen Old Bird Inland National; B. Cullimore, Wexford North&South, velocity 1260. Friendship Cup, St Malo Old Bird Friendship National; N&C Shields, ECF Balbriggan, velocity 1160. British Barcelona Club Trophy, St Malo Old Bird, 2nd Friendship National; P Smith&Son, ECF Stillorgan, velocity 1157. Henry Beattie&Son Trophy, St Malo Old Bird, Best Two Bird average Friendship National, Donnelly Brothers, Newry City, velocity 1081. Nelson Corry Trophy, Sennen Cove Yearling National; A Darragh, Cullybackey, velocity 958. Sam Buckley Memorial Cup, Best Tow-Bird Average Sennen Cove Yearling National; A Darragh Cullybackey, velocity. 958. Darragh Challenge Cup, Penzance Old Hens National; Gregg Beos&McCandless, Ligoniel HPS velocity 1334.
J.M.K. McGugan Perpetual Cup, Penzance Young Bird Channel National; D Dixon, Ballymoney, velocity 1311. William Erwin Memorial Cup, Penzance 1st South Section Channel Young Bird National; N Deegan, Finglas RPC, velocity 1246. De-Scheemaecker Trophy, Penzance Young Bird Best Two-Bird Average in Channel Young Bird National; S. McLaughlin&Sons, Glenavy&Dist HPS velocity 1260. Tom Marshall Trophy Skibbereen Young Bird Inland National; B Cullimore, Wexford North&South, velocity 1288.
J Gilmour Memorial Cup, Best average Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird Sennen cove Yearling Nationals; Ron Williamson, Bondhill, velcoity 1092. Irvine Trophy, Best Average Old Bird Nationals St Malo and Plaudren Vannes; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1160. Jarvis Cup, Best average Penzance and Skibbereen Young Bird Nationals; D Dixon, Ballymoney, velocity 1222. Rhead Trophy, Best Average Plaudren-Vannes Old Bird and Penzance Young Bird Natiolas; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1224. R Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1127. Harkers Trophy, Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance Young Bird Nationals; A Darragh Cullybackey, velocity 1083. Robin Duddy Trophy, Best average Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance Young Bird National (three-bird nomination) D Croskery&Son Annsborough, velocity961. Charles Hunniford Memorial Trophy Best Average (North Section) Skibbereen Old Bird and Young Bird Nationals; Mr&Mrs Stevenson, Dromara, velocity 1182. The New North Cup, Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling, Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup, St Malo Friendship and Penzance Young Bird Nationals; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1115. President's Cup, Best Average Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup, Sennen Cove Yearling, Penzance Young Bird and Skibbereen Young Bird Nationals; Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1120. Erwin Trophy, Best Average All National Races (excluding old hens); Ron Williamson Bondhill, velocity 1127.
Hall Of Fame Diplomas won by; J Waring&Son Lisburn&Dist, blue cheq cock GB03L2844; 2005 24th, 2006 53rd and 201025th. D Croskery&Son, Annaborough white hen IHU05N11429: 2006 140th, 2009 193rd and 2010 89th. W McClure Kells&Dist , blue cheq hen GB02K09025: 2005 13th, 2009 156th and 2010 122nd.
Triple Crown Award, Freamed Diploma. G Buckley&Son, Annaghmore, blue whit flight hen GB08A 31264: 2008 Sennen Cove Young Bird 134th Open, 2009 Sennen Cove Yearling 29th Open and 2010 Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup201st Open. W G Neill Annaghmore, blue hen GB08R48706: 2008 Sennen Cove Young Bird 89th Open, 2009 Sennen Cove Yearling 62nd Open and 2010 Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup 53rd Open. Ron Williamson, Bondhill, blue pied hen GB08B14063: 2008 Sennen Cove Young Bird 32nd Open, 2009 Sennen Cove Yearling 194th Open and 2010 Plaudren-Vannes King's Cup 72nd Open.
A Mid Antrim Delegate Meeting has been arranged for Harryville HPS on Wednesday 27th October at 8.00pm to discuss the season just past and plans for the new year. Two Delegates from each local club in the NIPA Sect B. Decisions made at this meeting will be raised with the NIPA.
The sale of birds and Mega System plus T3, baskets etc for the late Alfie Strawbridge will be held in the Coleraine Premier clubrooms soon, date to be confirmed. Around 18 birds in total, raced but only timed in the longer races and he scored there a number of times over the years including a recent top success from France. From Lamballe OB Nat in 2007 A Strawbridge scored 1st Club, 1st Sect A and 9th Open NIPA doing velocity 1023.
Local Show Scene around Mid Antrim
The Mid Antrim show season will commence shortly, Ballymena & Dist will operate on the usual Monday night, the opening classes on 1st November are Young Cock and Young Hen Through the Wires, penning from 7.00pm. Kells & Dist are the usual Wednesday starting on 10th November with Young Cock T/W. Harryville dates are the usual Thursday starting on 4th November with classes for Old Cock & Young Cock T/W to be followed by 11th Nov Old Hen & Young Hen T/T, 18th Nov OC & YC Handled, 25th Nov OH & YH Handled, 2nd Dec OB & YB Eye-sign, 9th Dec Old & Young Pairs, 16th Dec Card Winners & Fancy. Open Show will be held in Harryville HPS Clubrooms on Saturday 4th December, more on this later. Cullybackey HPS season will commence on Saturday 30th September, classes for Young Cock & Young Hen T/W. The Annual Open Show will be held the Saturday prior to Xmas, this year 18th December. Best wishes to James Anderson who at present is in hospital, get well soon. Mid Antrim fanciers were sad to learn about the passing of Davy Logan who raced in Randalstown and had a big result in recent seasons from France. Condolences to the family circle and brother Hubert who is Ring Secretary in Cullybackey.
Lurgan Social are running a series of shows commencing Monday 1st November, Any Age Cock or Hen judged Through the Wires. Special for Best Young Bird, penning from 7.15pm, entry 50p per bird.
KELLS & DISTRICT HPS – For the first time Kells & Dist will host a Pigeon Moot/Quiz in the Dunsilly Hotel Antrim (just off the M2 Dunsilly Roundabout). A perfect venue for such an event to be held on Friday 5th November entry £10 to include Hot Buffett Meal or £5 without the meal. Due to start at 8.00pm the evening will include presentation of Kells & Dist awards. INFC President Syd Collins will chair an all star panel which will include Ronnie Johnston, Roy Irwin, Anthony McDonnell, Alan Darragh, and Peter Martin. The Annual Open Show will be held again on Boxing Day, this year on Monday 27th December.
The popular Dublin Show will be held at the Kennel Club close to the Dublin Airport on Saturday 6th November, the show birds are penned the night previous.
One of the top sales of the season in the winter of 2010 will be on behalf of the Beattie Family and the late Henry Beattie who was a pigeon legend in his lifetime. He had one of the best long distance lofts in Ireland and race records to match, one of the very few to win both the INFC Friendship Nat and the Kings Cup from France. Henry has blended his old Harkness bloodlines with pigeons from Kings Cup winners Davie Black and Alan Darragh plus National Champions C & L Woodside. The present team are about the best he has ever had over the last 50 years and will leave their mark in the years to come. The sale of his birds will take place in Glenavy on Saturday 23rd October and one week later at the same venue. Remember the dates 23rd and 30th October, it will be packed out. Auctioneer is the long time family friend Ronnie Johnston, for further details and Sale List Tel: (028) 90 483625, or Cyril Beattie Tel: (028) 38 840486. Watch Press for updates.
Ronnie Johnston Sale Dates: 30th October Henry Beattie (Glenavy), 1st November Tommy Lillie is a Complete Removal Sale (Newtownbreda), 8th November M/M Clayburn Soontjens for A Cousins & Son (Glenavy). A slight correction to the sale for Tommy Lillie, owing to the property being sold it’s a Complete Removal Sale. If he is able to get a house that has a garden, he would like to start again.
EMERALD CLASSIC http://www.emeraldclassic .co.uk
ANOTHER FIRST: For what many regard as the best "International One Loft Race" in the United Kingdom & Ireland and hopefully soon Europe. Having just returned from a weekend meeting in Brussels with the Federation Colombophile Internationale, I can now announce that as a result of our resounding success over the past 3 years and recognition of our ability to run a first class event professionally, the "Emerald Classic" has been invited to host a Grand Prix round of the FCI World Championship for 2011 and 2012. Full details of this exciting event will follow on line shortly and I would like to thank all who have sent messages of congratulations.
The auctions have started on line at www.emeraldclassic.co.uk/auction
with the Top 20 birds going on PIPA on 12th October.
It’s early yet but with rings going to be available early in the New Year and a lot of fanciers making arrangements for early December mating, others will be looking to purchase kits of birds ready made. Many good offers are available and Joe Brown has informed me that he will take orders for Kits of 6 or 10 and payments weekly/monthly between now and delivery. Tel Joe Brown (028) 38 328293 or Mobile: 07709077266.
Ireland’s Own Pigeon Auctions have some sales arranged over the coming weeks, watch press for all the latest news or contact Homer Tel: 07538 238364. Sarsfield will host a Van Loon Spectacular for Mr & Mrs David Coward-Talbot, Danny Dalton had a top winner from stock purchased last year. From Northern Ireland we have a first time sale for Kevin Rooney & Son from Annalong and then Danny Dixon from Ballymoney, also first time. The Rooney partnership have set aside a select team of mature youngsters bred from their top lines of Linderlauf, Maria Vink and Staf Van Reet, parents purchased regardless of cost. Just recently Patrick Brown won 1st North Sect in the INFC Skibbereen bred from a SVR/Janssen pair of birds on loan. The early dates for Sarsfield are Friday 29th October for Coward-Talbot and Monday 1st November for K Rooney & Son. D Dixon who had a record breaking race season including 1st YB Nat Penzance will be late November with a special draft of his winning bloodlines, this is another loft that has purchased stock regardless of cost. Danny races with Rasharkin & Dist but the birds go through Ballymoney HPS where he had 20 x 1sts, he was indeed the loft to beat, 9 x 1sts Mid Antrim Combine, 6 x 1st NIPA Section B, Fancier of the Year in Sect B, Meritorious Award in Sect B and Best Overall in NIPA, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th Open Roscrea NIPA, 4th & 6th Open Rosscarbery OB Inland Nat NIPA, 11th Open Bude NIPA, 2nd Open Penzance NIPA, 2nd Open Penzance OB Classic NIPA, 6th Open Yearling Cock Rosscarbery NIPA, 4th Open Yearling Hen Rosscarbery NIPA, 2nd Open Talbenny YB Nat NIPA, 1st Open INFC Penzance YB Nat. All the latest news, sale list etc is listed at www.pigeonnetwork.com
The INFC dinner and prize presentation will be held in the Stormont Hotel on Friday 26th November, main guests are Geoff & Catherine Cooper. Cups and trophies need returned ASAP. As an extra event this year the committee have agreed that Syd Collins and Ronnie Johnston arrange an INFC Moot/Quiz and night of general information and promotion to take place at the Dunsilly Hotel (Antrim) on Friday 7th January 2011. The evening will include the presentation of the Merit Diplomas awarded for birds twice in the result of the two races from France, ie. Friendship Nat and the Kings Cup. After excellent races over the last couple of years 29 birds have qualified for the new Merit Diploma which will not include a photo of the bird. I believe the French Diploma will be presented as well and if a success might be repeated in other parts of the country. Entry will be £10 and that will include Buffett etc, Syd and Ronnie have all the details.
The NIPA Ladies Night will be held at the Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick on Friday 12th November, tickets at £30 should be ordered from Fred Russell. All cups and trophies should be returned ASAP to allow time for engraving etc. The Bronze/Silver Diploma List has been published, if you are not listed place your claim with Fred Russell immediately.
HOMER.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com