Farming Life - Wednesday 31/11/10
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 4:35 pm
Despite the very poor weather conditions the Irish National Flying Club had a record attendance at the annual dinner and prize presentation held at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. Members and friends were present from across Ireland including a big crowd from both Dublin and Wexford. Chairman Eugene Fitzgerald welcomed the members and guests including from Peasedown St John Bath the former Kings Cup winners from Tarbes Catherine and Geoff Cooper. It was indeed a season of many records with Ron Williamson from Bondhill collecting 9 Major Cups and winning the National Championship for the third time. The Kings Cup was won in Dublin by Reilly & Martin of South End Bray, Alan Darragh had a fantastic 1st, 2nd & 3rd Open in the Yearling Nat from Sennen Cove regarded by many as the Result of the Year, Danny Dixon from Ballymoney won the Penzance YB Nat at the longest ever distance and Billy Cullimore from Wexford won both OB & YB Skibbereen.
The 2010 season was a record breaking one in many ways for the members in the Irish Nat FC, the main cups and trophies were well spread out with Wexford winning two Nationals, Dublin also collected two and the Northern lofts collected three. Ronnie Williamson of Bondhill has won the National Championship for the third time equalling the record of Kirkwood Bros. Ron wins the famous Erwin Cup for Best Ave in all INFC Races, successful in 1996, 2005 and now 2010. Kirkwood Bros for the record had wins in 1970, 1986 and 1995. Ace racer and former NI Fancier of the Year Ron Williamson has set a new INFC record winning nine cups having previously shared the record with Jackie Crossan (Downpatrick), Paddy Rock & Son (Dublin), and Glen Buckley & Son (Annaghmore) all having won seven.
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.
Larne Monster Show –
The Annual Monster Show staged by the Larne & District HPS took place on Saturday 27th November a fantastic effort by the Show Committee with just short of 500 birds penned. Classes were Old Cock, Old Hen, Young Cock, Young Hen and the OB & YB Eye-sign could be duplicated. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each class win Bag of Mixture. Judges were from top lofts in Northern Ireland, prizes for all cards and the Best in Show was £100, and Best Opposite Sex £50. Judging team included from Paisley in Scotland Paddy Doherty and Robert Armstrong and from the Mid Ulster area Willie Neill, Gerald Creaney, Willie Capper, plus Geordie Calvin and Chinky Calvin who covered Eye-sign. It was a big day for the visitors with Owen O’Neill & Son from Glenarm & Dist lifting Best in Show and S & C Withers from Lisburn the Best Opposite Sex. Stephen & Willie Gray from Larne & Dist won both Young Bird classes, Paul O’Connor from Coleraine Premier won the OB Eye-sign and Russell Bros from Cullybackey had the Red Card in YB Eye-sign. My thanks to Stephen Gray for the show info, and result.
Young Cocks (73 Birds) Judges W Neill & G Creaney. 1st S & W Gray, 2nd Beggs & Hall, 3rd L & S O'Neill & Sons, 4th S & W Gray, VHC W & N Gilbert, HC G, K & I Moxham. Young Hens (71 Birds) Judges W Capper & G Creaney. 1st S & W Gray, 2nd Russell Bros, 3rd S & W Gray, 4th L & S O'Neill & Sons, VHC G Mills, HC Ferguson & Crawford. Old Cocks (87 Birds) Judge R Armstrong. 1st S & C Withers, 2nd O O'Neill & Son, 3rd Brown & Shaw, 4th Bingham & Seaton, VHC S & C Withers, HC C Shaw. Old Hens (74 Birds) Judge P Doherty. 1st O O'Neill & Sons, 2nd S & C Withers, 3rd S & C Withers, 4th R Telford, VHC Brown & Shaw, HC D & P Harvey. Old Bird Eye-sign (103 Birds) Judge J & G Calvin. 1st P O'Connor, 2nd Steele & McLaughlin, 3rd S & C Withers, 4th Russell Bros, VHC Russell Bros, HC D & R Turkington. Young Birds Eye-sign (69 Birds) Judge J & G Calvin. 1st Russell Bros, 2nd S & W Gray, 3rd O O'Neill & Son, 4th D & R Turkington, VHC Russell & Bros, HC S & W Gray.
Springvale Social: Victor Montgomery won all four classes of the most recent show. Young Hens T/W – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & VHC V Montgomery, Reserve I Horner, HC A C McGrugan, Commended J Scott. Young Hens Handled – 1st, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC, HC & Commended V Montgomery, 2nd J Scott. Old Hens T/W – 1st, VHC & HC V Montgomery, 2nd I Horner, 3rd, 4th & Reserve J Scott, Commended A C McGrugan. Old Hens Handled – 1st, 2nd, HC & Commended V Montgomery, 3rd, Reserve & VHC J Scott, 4th I Horner. This week the show is Friday night, classes are Mated Pairs T/W and Handled. It will soon be time to order the rings for the 2011 Ring Nom Race to be flown from Rosscarbery with the NIPA. Payout is £1,000 with the winner getting £750, contact Secretary Campbell McGrugan, its open to lofts in Sect B & C.
INFC CHARITY SHOW at Lisburn
Raffle Tickets: Would all clubs that have received raffle tickets for the Charity Show please return all sold books to Mrs Helen Marshall. 38, Ryan Park, Castlereagh, Belfast. BT5 7TY asap please. Clubs that have not yet sold their tickets if they could do so it would be much appreciated as it would lighten the workload for Helen on the day of the Charity Show. Everything is on course for the show and the Committee are now looking forward to you support on 11th December in the Lagan Valley Leisureplex, Lisburn. To try and stop the rumours that are circulating around the country, " PIGEONS WILL BE PRESENT ON THE TRADESTANDS" and the usual stallholders selling them, will be there. Anyone requiring clarification on any matter relating to the Show contact Ken McConaghie on (028) 90 644231.
Local Show Results –
Ballymena & District HPS: Judges for the most recent show were from Rasharkin & Dist Drew Surgenor and Jimmy Robinson, winners for Old Cock & Hen Handled were Blair & Rankin who won the Special and Jack Balmer. Old Cock Handled (24 Birds) – 1st & 3rd J & B Balmer, 2nd & VHC B Herbinson, 4th & HC W & J Smyth, Reserve & Commended Blair & Rankin. Old Hen Handled (24 Birds) – 1st & Special Blair & Rankin, 2nd W & J Smyth, 3rd & 4th B Herbinson, Reserve W & N Gilbert, VHC & HC J & B Balmer, Commended Blair & Rankin. Raffle won by Drew Surgenor. Show Dates – 29/12 Young Pairs & Fancy, 05/12 Old Pairs, Late Bred & Card Winners, 12/12 OB & YB Eye-sign. Indoor Car Boot Sale to be held in Broughshane Community Centre on Thursday 16/12 from 7.00pn till 9.00pm. Tables at £5 can be booked with President Billy Smyth Tel: (028) 25652604. An Open Show will be held on New Years Day in Ballymena & Dist, 3 in 1 and Eye-sign can be duplicated. Specials for BIS, BOS and Most Points. Any member donating prizes or arranging sponsorship should contact either Billy Smyth or Willie Reynolds. Due to pressure on space the Open Show is for lofts in Mid Antrim & Sect B only. More details later, Ballymena & Dist always had the New Years Day date and maybe it can become an annual event again.
Broughshane & District: The latest classes for OB Mated Pairs and Any Age Fancy were judged by the Rasharkin pair of Jimmy Robinson and Stephen Milliken. J & N Simpson lifter the Red Card in both classes and John Getty was runner-up. Old Bird Mated Pairs – 1st & Commended J & N Simpson, 2nd & 3rd J Getty, 4th, Reserve VHC & HC A Purvis. Any Age Fancy – 1st J & N Simpson, 2nd, 3rd & 4th J Getty, Reserve & VHC T & E Service, HC & Commended H Smyth & Son. Raffle winner Allister Purvis. Tuesday – Old Cocks Handled and Young Cocks Handled.
Rasharkin & District: Harry Smyth from Broughshane was the judge last Friday, both classes for old birds handled were won by A C & T Tweed. Old Cocks Handled – 1st, 3rd & HC A C & T Tweed, 2nd, 4th, Reserve & Commended J Robinson & Son, VHC Steele & McNeill. Old Hens Handled – 1st, 3rd & HC A C & T Tweed, 2nd, 4th & Commended Steele & McNeill, Reserve J & D Surgenor, VHC J Robinson & Son. Friday – Young Cock & Young Hens Handled.
Cullybackey HPS: The latest Saturday Show was judged by Bertie Blair (Ballymena) and Jimmy Robinson (Rasharkin), both classes Old Cock Handled and Late Breds were won by the home team of J & J Greer. Old Cocks Handled – 1st, 3rd, Reserve, and VHC J & J Greer, 2nd & HC Russell Bros, 4th & Commended N & S Anderson. Late Breds – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC & Commended J & J Greer, HC Russell Bros. Saturday – Old Hen Handled & Fancy.
Ballylesson HPS: Ken McConaghie is keeping me up to date with Ballylesson in East Down Combine. The members of Ballylesson wish to thank judge’s Len McCavery, Brendan McLoughlin and David McConnell (Annalong), and Keith Maguire (Dundrum) for travelling in very poor conditions and giving their time to judge at the recent show. The members also thank them for their very generous special which will be competed for out of Penzance. The next show will be the New Year Show which will take place this year on Thursday 30th December. Class details and penning times will be forwarded to the membership. Young Cocks – 1st & 3rd J Patterson, 2nd, Reserve & VHC A Cousins & Sons, HC C & D Smyth & Sons, Commended Baillie & Smyth. Judge Keith Maguire. Young Hens – 1st, Reserve & VHC J Patterson, 2nd & HC K & B McConaghie, 3rd Mackey & Lockhart, 4th C & D Smyth & Sons, Commended A Cousins & Sons. Judge Brendan McLoughlin. Young Bird Eye-sign – 1st, 4th, Reserve & Commended A Cousins & Sons. 2nd A Crawford, 3rd J & S Albert & Sons, VHC C & D Smyth & Sons, HC Mackey & Lockhart. Judges Len McCavery & David McConnell. Show Cup winner John Patterson 53 Points, Runner-up A Cousins & Sons 46 Points. The week previous Ballylesson members wish to thank Mark Johnston and Timmy Mawhinney for giving their time to judge and doing a excellent job. Old Cocks – 1st, Reserve & Commended A Cousins & Sons, 2nd & 3rd K & B McConaghie, 4th & VHC Massey Bros, HC J Patterson. Judged by Mark Johnston. Old Hens – 1st, 3rd & Commended J Patterson, 2nd P & C Johnston, 4th, Reserve & HC A Crawford, VHC J & S Albert & Sons. Judge Timmy Mawhinney. Old Bird Eye-sign – 1st & VHC P & C Johnston, 2nd A Crawford, 3rd & Commended J Patterson, 4th C & D Smyth & Sons, Reserve J & S Albert & Sons, HC Massey Bros. Judges M Johnston & T Mawhinney.
Lisburn & District: The opening shows were held in the clubrooms at Market Square, Sect D Fancier of the Year Spence Bros had the Red Card in Any Age cock with a Blue Cheq Tip and Mark Laffin won the Any Age hen with a Blue Ch Tip. The big club invite the fanciers to pay a visit during the INFC Charity Show to be held in the local Leisure Centre on Saturday 11th December. Any Age cock – 1st Spence Bros, 2nd M Laffin, 3rd F Hanna, 4th R Topping & Son, Reserve Milliken & McCartney, VHC AT & J Houston, HC S Briggs, Commended S McAllister. Any Age hen – 1st M Laffin, 2nd & 4th R Topping & Son, 3rd J McKernan & Son, Reserve F Hanna, VHC & Commended Spence Bros, HC S Briggs.
Due to health reasons Bryan Rowney of Ballynure & District HPS will be having a Complete Clearance sale on Thursday 9th of December in Larne & District HPS. The sale will begin at 8 o'clock and the birds will be on view from 7 o'clock. They are mostly Janssens and Sootjens (from Russell of Moira). Also for auction will be a Unikon ETS with pocket clock and pads, a Junior T3, nest bowls, drinkers, feeders and hampers etc.
The 2010 season was a record breaking one in many ways for the members in the Irish Nat FC, the main cups and trophies were well spread out with Wexford winning two Nationals, Dublin also collected two and the Northern lofts collected three. Ronnie Williamson of Bondhill has won the National Championship for the third time equalling the record of Kirkwood Bros. Ron wins the famous Erwin Cup for Best Ave in all INFC Races, successful in 1996, 2005 and now 2010. Kirkwood Bros for the record had wins in 1970, 1986 and 1995. Ace racer and former NI Fancier of the Year Ron Williamson has set a new INFC record winning nine cups having previously shared the record with Jackie Crossan (Downpatrick), Paddy Rock & Son (Dublin), and Glen Buckley & Son (Annaghmore) all having won seven.
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.
Larne Monster Show –
The Annual Monster Show staged by the Larne & District HPS took place on Saturday 27th November a fantastic effort by the Show Committee with just short of 500 birds penned. Classes were Old Cock, Old Hen, Young Cock, Young Hen and the OB & YB Eye-sign could be duplicated. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each class win Bag of Mixture. Judges were from top lofts in Northern Ireland, prizes for all cards and the Best in Show was £100, and Best Opposite Sex £50. Judging team included from Paisley in Scotland Paddy Doherty and Robert Armstrong and from the Mid Ulster area Willie Neill, Gerald Creaney, Willie Capper, plus Geordie Calvin and Chinky Calvin who covered Eye-sign. It was a big day for the visitors with Owen O’Neill & Son from Glenarm & Dist lifting Best in Show and S & C Withers from Lisburn the Best Opposite Sex. Stephen & Willie Gray from Larne & Dist won both Young Bird classes, Paul O’Connor from Coleraine Premier won the OB Eye-sign and Russell Bros from Cullybackey had the Red Card in YB Eye-sign. My thanks to Stephen Gray for the show info, and result.
Young Cocks (73 Birds) Judges W Neill & G Creaney. 1st S & W Gray, 2nd Beggs & Hall, 3rd L & S O'Neill & Sons, 4th S & W Gray, VHC W & N Gilbert, HC G, K & I Moxham. Young Hens (71 Birds) Judges W Capper & G Creaney. 1st S & W Gray, 2nd Russell Bros, 3rd S & W Gray, 4th L & S O'Neill & Sons, VHC G Mills, HC Ferguson & Crawford. Old Cocks (87 Birds) Judge R Armstrong. 1st S & C Withers, 2nd O O'Neill & Son, 3rd Brown & Shaw, 4th Bingham & Seaton, VHC S & C Withers, HC C Shaw. Old Hens (74 Birds) Judge P Doherty. 1st O O'Neill & Sons, 2nd S & C Withers, 3rd S & C Withers, 4th R Telford, VHC Brown & Shaw, HC D & P Harvey. Old Bird Eye-sign (103 Birds) Judge J & G Calvin. 1st P O'Connor, 2nd Steele & McLaughlin, 3rd S & C Withers, 4th Russell Bros, VHC Russell Bros, HC D & R Turkington. Young Birds Eye-sign (69 Birds) Judge J & G Calvin. 1st Russell Bros, 2nd S & W Gray, 3rd O O'Neill & Son, 4th D & R Turkington, VHC Russell & Bros, HC S & W Gray.
Springvale Social: Victor Montgomery won all four classes of the most recent show. Young Hens T/W – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & VHC V Montgomery, Reserve I Horner, HC A C McGrugan, Commended J Scott. Young Hens Handled – 1st, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC, HC & Commended V Montgomery, 2nd J Scott. Old Hens T/W – 1st, VHC & HC V Montgomery, 2nd I Horner, 3rd, 4th & Reserve J Scott, Commended A C McGrugan. Old Hens Handled – 1st, 2nd, HC & Commended V Montgomery, 3rd, Reserve & VHC J Scott, 4th I Horner. This week the show is Friday night, classes are Mated Pairs T/W and Handled. It will soon be time to order the rings for the 2011 Ring Nom Race to be flown from Rosscarbery with the NIPA. Payout is £1,000 with the winner getting £750, contact Secretary Campbell McGrugan, its open to lofts in Sect B & C.
INFC CHARITY SHOW at Lisburn
Raffle Tickets: Would all clubs that have received raffle tickets for the Charity Show please return all sold books to Mrs Helen Marshall. 38, Ryan Park, Castlereagh, Belfast. BT5 7TY asap please. Clubs that have not yet sold their tickets if they could do so it would be much appreciated as it would lighten the workload for Helen on the day of the Charity Show. Everything is on course for the show and the Committee are now looking forward to you support on 11th December in the Lagan Valley Leisureplex, Lisburn. To try and stop the rumours that are circulating around the country, " PIGEONS WILL BE PRESENT ON THE TRADESTANDS" and the usual stallholders selling them, will be there. Anyone requiring clarification on any matter relating to the Show contact Ken McConaghie on (028) 90 644231.
Local Show Results –
Ballymena & District HPS: Judges for the most recent show were from Rasharkin & Dist Drew Surgenor and Jimmy Robinson, winners for Old Cock & Hen Handled were Blair & Rankin who won the Special and Jack Balmer. Old Cock Handled (24 Birds) – 1st & 3rd J & B Balmer, 2nd & VHC B Herbinson, 4th & HC W & J Smyth, Reserve & Commended Blair & Rankin. Old Hen Handled (24 Birds) – 1st & Special Blair & Rankin, 2nd W & J Smyth, 3rd & 4th B Herbinson, Reserve W & N Gilbert, VHC & HC J & B Balmer, Commended Blair & Rankin. Raffle won by Drew Surgenor. Show Dates – 29/12 Young Pairs & Fancy, 05/12 Old Pairs, Late Bred & Card Winners, 12/12 OB & YB Eye-sign. Indoor Car Boot Sale to be held in Broughshane Community Centre on Thursday 16/12 from 7.00pn till 9.00pm. Tables at £5 can be booked with President Billy Smyth Tel: (028) 25652604. An Open Show will be held on New Years Day in Ballymena & Dist, 3 in 1 and Eye-sign can be duplicated. Specials for BIS, BOS and Most Points. Any member donating prizes or arranging sponsorship should contact either Billy Smyth or Willie Reynolds. Due to pressure on space the Open Show is for lofts in Mid Antrim & Sect B only. More details later, Ballymena & Dist always had the New Years Day date and maybe it can become an annual event again.
Broughshane & District: The latest classes for OB Mated Pairs and Any Age Fancy were judged by the Rasharkin pair of Jimmy Robinson and Stephen Milliken. J & N Simpson lifter the Red Card in both classes and John Getty was runner-up. Old Bird Mated Pairs – 1st & Commended J & N Simpson, 2nd & 3rd J Getty, 4th, Reserve VHC & HC A Purvis. Any Age Fancy – 1st J & N Simpson, 2nd, 3rd & 4th J Getty, Reserve & VHC T & E Service, HC & Commended H Smyth & Son. Raffle winner Allister Purvis. Tuesday – Old Cocks Handled and Young Cocks Handled.
Rasharkin & District: Harry Smyth from Broughshane was the judge last Friday, both classes for old birds handled were won by A C & T Tweed. Old Cocks Handled – 1st, 3rd & HC A C & T Tweed, 2nd, 4th, Reserve & Commended J Robinson & Son, VHC Steele & McNeill. Old Hens Handled – 1st, 3rd & HC A C & T Tweed, 2nd, 4th & Commended Steele & McNeill, Reserve J & D Surgenor, VHC J Robinson & Son. Friday – Young Cock & Young Hens Handled.
Cullybackey HPS: The latest Saturday Show was judged by Bertie Blair (Ballymena) and Jimmy Robinson (Rasharkin), both classes Old Cock Handled and Late Breds were won by the home team of J & J Greer. Old Cocks Handled – 1st, 3rd, Reserve, and VHC J & J Greer, 2nd & HC Russell Bros, 4th & Commended N & S Anderson. Late Breds – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC & Commended J & J Greer, HC Russell Bros. Saturday – Old Hen Handled & Fancy.
Ballylesson HPS: Ken McConaghie is keeping me up to date with Ballylesson in East Down Combine. The members of Ballylesson wish to thank judge’s Len McCavery, Brendan McLoughlin and David McConnell (Annalong), and Keith Maguire (Dundrum) for travelling in very poor conditions and giving their time to judge at the recent show. The members also thank them for their very generous special which will be competed for out of Penzance. The next show will be the New Year Show which will take place this year on Thursday 30th December. Class details and penning times will be forwarded to the membership. Young Cocks – 1st & 3rd J Patterson, 2nd, Reserve & VHC A Cousins & Sons, HC C & D Smyth & Sons, Commended Baillie & Smyth. Judge Keith Maguire. Young Hens – 1st, Reserve & VHC J Patterson, 2nd & HC K & B McConaghie, 3rd Mackey & Lockhart, 4th C & D Smyth & Sons, Commended A Cousins & Sons. Judge Brendan McLoughlin. Young Bird Eye-sign – 1st, 4th, Reserve & Commended A Cousins & Sons. 2nd A Crawford, 3rd J & S Albert & Sons, VHC C & D Smyth & Sons, HC Mackey & Lockhart. Judges Len McCavery & David McConnell. Show Cup winner John Patterson 53 Points, Runner-up A Cousins & Sons 46 Points. The week previous Ballylesson members wish to thank Mark Johnston and Timmy Mawhinney for giving their time to judge and doing a excellent job. Old Cocks – 1st, Reserve & Commended A Cousins & Sons, 2nd & 3rd K & B McConaghie, 4th & VHC Massey Bros, HC J Patterson. Judged by Mark Johnston. Old Hens – 1st, 3rd & Commended J Patterson, 2nd P & C Johnston, 4th, Reserve & HC A Crawford, VHC J & S Albert & Sons. Judge Timmy Mawhinney. Old Bird Eye-sign – 1st & VHC P & C Johnston, 2nd A Crawford, 3rd & Commended J Patterson, 4th C & D Smyth & Sons, Reserve J & S Albert & Sons, HC Massey Bros. Judges M Johnston & T Mawhinney.
Lisburn & District: The opening shows were held in the clubrooms at Market Square, Sect D Fancier of the Year Spence Bros had the Red Card in Any Age cock with a Blue Cheq Tip and Mark Laffin won the Any Age hen with a Blue Ch Tip. The big club invite the fanciers to pay a visit during the INFC Charity Show to be held in the local Leisure Centre on Saturday 11th December. Any Age cock – 1st Spence Bros, 2nd M Laffin, 3rd F Hanna, 4th R Topping & Son, Reserve Milliken & McCartney, VHC AT & J Houston, HC S Briggs, Commended S McAllister. Any Age hen – 1st M Laffin, 2nd & 4th R Topping & Son, 3rd J McKernan & Son, Reserve F Hanna, VHC & Commended Spence Bros, HC S Briggs.
Due to health reasons Bryan Rowney of Ballynure & District HPS will be having a Complete Clearance sale on Thursday 9th of December in Larne & District HPS. The sale will begin at 8 o'clock and the birds will be on view from 7 o'clock. They are mostly Janssens and Sootjens (from Russell of Moira). Also for auction will be a Unikon ETS with pocket clock and pads, a Junior T3, nest bowls, drinkers, feeders and hampers etc.