NIPA & AROUND

BY ADIE

ORCHARD COMBINE 3 IN 1 SUCCESS

The Orchard Combine CC Christmas Show was the usual 3 in 1 event with BIS set to collect a £100 Special. The event was held at the local Armagh Rugby Club which we had hoped to attend but had another meeting on the same day. Classes were Old Cock or Hen T/W, Young Cock or Hen T/W, Old Cock or Hen Handled, Young Cock or Hen Handled, Old Bird Eyesign and Young Bird Eyesign. The main sponsor was The Famous Grouse, Loughgall. The event was well supported, atmosphere was electric, and the room was buzzing with fun and laughter. Danny Gallagher & Son from Armagh HPS won Best in Show, Sonya Beattie from Charlemont took Best Opposite Sex and J Douglas from Lurgan had Best Young Bird.   Through Wires – 1st & Reserve D Gallagher & Son, 2nd J Douglas, 3rd S Corrigan, 4th & Commended C Shaw, VHC P Caughlan, HC Brown & Shaw, Special J Douglas. Judges – M Johnston & K Mawhinney. Handled – 1st, 3rd & VHC D Gallagher & Son, 2nd S Graham, 4th K Murphy, HC & Reserve S Beattie, Commended C Shaw, Special J Douglas . Judges – T Mawhinney & A Trimble. Eyesign – 1st G Swift, 2nd & Commended D Gallagher & Son, 3rd S Beattie, 4th Hawthorne & Prescott, VHC J Murphy, HC J Pearce, Reserve Brown & Shaw, Special J Douglas.   The club wish to thank a long list of sponsors including – Metro Cabs Armagh, Muldrew Butchers Markethill, Campbell Fuels Armagh, Bryan Hayes Lawnmowers Portadown, Liam Prunty Portadown, Drumcullan Motors, Pinkertons & Sons Armagh, Spar Annaghmore, Scotch St Filling Station Portadown, Chapman Fruit & Veg Portadown, Pigeon World Loughgall, M/M Telford Annaghmore, T & G Hawthorne Armagh and H Beattie & Son Laurelvale. They would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Orchard Combine fanciers and North Coast Classic for their donations. Thanks to P Kelly & Son for their trade stand and to Cyril & Hilary Beattie for running the raffle board in which they also donated the raffle money. Special thanks to the many sponsors, all the members who helped, all who attended and supported the event with bird entries and last but by no means least the team of judges. All the help and support was very much appreciated. Plans are already in place for another big event in 2009, and another big day in Armagh City .   

SHANKILL & DISTRICT PRESENTATION

The Shankill & District H.P.S. held their annual dinner and prize presentations night in their clubrooms in Bootle Street Belfast. After an excellent meal which was supplied by the local West End Caterers it was time to present the prizes won during the 2008 racing season. The clubs hardworking bar manager Joe Youle was asked to present the trophies plus a total of £3,420 in prizemoney.Top prizewinners were the partnership of J.Gibson & Son & Tosh as well as £856 in prizemoney they won OB Inland Points Ave, OB Channel Pts Ave, OB Combined Pts Ave, OB & Young Bird Combined Pts Ave, Equal 1st YB Pts Ave and the Taylor Memorial Shield. In the runner-up spot was D.Balloch who lifted £490 in prizemoney plus winning equal 1st YB Pts Ave. and the club Memorial Shield for the Most Pts. in the 2nd & 4th OB Channel races. Completing the top three was the loft of Smyth & Townsley whom along with £385 prizemoney won the T.Kell Memorial Trophy. The remainder of the prizewinners was as follows: 4th J.O,Boyle £317, 5th A.Taylor & Son £237, 6th W.Gilmore £228, 7th J.Wallace & Son £218, 8th Calderwood & Waite £187, 9th McAuley & Kell & Bowles £151,10th E.Drake £84, 11th Brown & Anderson £84, 12th J.& R.Newberry £51, 13th Miller & Coleman £49, 14th M.Simpson & Son £27, 15th D.Connor & Daughter £23, 16th A.Place £21, 17th J.Anderson & Son £12. One of the highlights of the season was Calderwood & Waite timing the first bird into the club from St. Malo to finish runner-up in the Ulster Fed OB Derby. Congratulations to all the winners.  

PORTADOWN INVITATION FC 2008 PRIZE WINNERS

Club members again enjoyed a very successful season with many top open positions achieved in the various competitions. Special guests at the prize distribution were Henry and Cyril Beattie. Henry, the former Kings Cup winner and of course senior partner in the H Beattie and Son firm who are widely known for the supply of pigeon and animal foods. The top prize winner in the club was the hard working Secretary/Treasurer Malcolm Livingstone. Malcolm won 6 x 1sts and 6 x 2nd  etc. His tops positions were 4th Open in the INFC Yearling National flown from Sennen cove 301 miles and the winner of the Unikon ETS system plus £810. He also finished 8th Open in the YB Roscrea, 15th Open in Fermoy 5 Bird and 10th Open in Mullingar along with other Open and Section positions. A great season by any standards and his success was richly deserved.   Eddie McKnight, after his National win last year, followed this up with more top performances. His club results included 4 x 1sts and 3 x 2nds etc. His favourite race is the Yearling National and invariably is 1st in the club but settled for 2nd Club this year but with a top INFC Open position of 5th plus £906. Again in the young bird Sennen Cove National he clocked 6 birds from an entry of 8 taking 79th Open, 81st Open and 112th Open.   The R and G & G Donaldson are never far from the top and the partners enjoyed many Open and Section successes including 2nd Open Talbenny and taking 1st Club, and 42nd Open YB National Sennen Cove. The partners won the RPRA award for the best bird in the whole of the NIPA in Talbenny and Sennen Cove.   Allan McDonald main success was in the Sennen Cove Classic were he finished 4th Open and also 5th Open in Sennen Cove with 8,740 birds competing. Following his win last year, Allan again won the Breeder/Buyer YB race from Fermoy and this was a sister to last years winner. He also was first in the 2 Bird Club with covers all the NIPA races.   Wayne Cannaway, who only joined the club 2 years ago was the star of the young bird racing and in only 11 races he took 5 x1sts and 4 x 2nds etc. Fantastic racing and he won 12 NIPA Diplomas. His best Open positions were, 9th Open Mullingar, 9th Open Tullamore, 14th Open Rosscarbery YB National, 30th Open Mullingar, 44th Open & 47th Open Fermoy. Wayne puts a lot of effort into keeping his birds fit and healthy and is a name to look out for in the future. All members won prize money and this is encouraging for the future success of the club. Finally the club would like to thank H Beattie and son for the sponsorship for the best Average in the Talbenny YB and Sennen Cove Yearling Nationals in 2009. My thanks to Allen McDonald for his reports over the season, this is how it is done, even if I forget on occasions.

LARNE & DISTRICT PRIZE DISTRIBUTION

Larne and District members sent 12,943 birds to the NIPA race programme and saw 13 different race winners by the end of the season. 37 lofts shared in over £8,600 of prizes. The highest overall winnings go to Beggs and Hall with over £1400, 2nd highest was Noel Ferguson & son with over £1100 and 3rd L&S O’Neill & sons with over £1000.  The old bird season brought 16 different races with 12 individual winners. The partnership of Beggs and Hall took a very impressive 4 wins and 3 other partnerships took 2 races each N Ferguson & son, Marshall & Wilson   and R Mills & son. N Ferguson & sons also took 1st section in these two races, 15th open in Rosscarbery and 5th open in Tullamore. There were 8 single wins - L&S O’Neill & sons, R Glass, R Fenton, R Smyth, G,K&I Moxham and B McCammon. The young bird season brought 10 races with Beggs and Hall clocking up another 2 races as did the partnership of N Ferguson & son. Individual wins were from R Mills & son, Ferguson & Crawford, Marshall & Wilson, Witherspoon & Rossborough, L&S O’Neill & sons, and Alister McNaghten.   The Irish National Flying Club programme saw two winners in the Larne and District Club, Beggs & Hall again in the Skibbereen Young bird national and  G,K& I Moxham in the skibbereen old bird and Sennen-cove yearling nationals. 
 
This year there were 21 races that attributed to the overall points cups. Two members had fantastic seasons and share the cup with 143 points each. They are Beggs & Hall and Marshall & Wilson.  Between them they took 7 first places, 6 seconds, 6 thirds and 3 fourths. Beggs & Hall took top 12 positions in 14 out of the 21 races and Marshall & Wilson took an impressive 18 top 12 positions. One other partnership took positions in 15 of the races, that’s R Mills & son who clocked up 1 first and 6 seconds. Congratulations to all the partnerships on their very successful 2008 seasons.   I would like to finish by congratulating all those who were successful in 2008 and wish everyone good health and good luck for the 2009 season.  

INFC BALMORAL SHOW   After a slow start and continued good weather the INFC Show attendance picked up giving a good afternoon crowd that no doubt pleased both the organizers and the many trade stands. The selection of birds for the Charity Sale were some of the best ever presented and with the decision to present this years funds to the INFC Transporter Fund I hear something in the order of £9,500 was raised, not bad in the present recession. The Show Specials were selected by Allan McDonald of Portadown Invitation and Carl Reynolds of Dollingstown. Best in Show was won by Roy Connor of Killyleagh Central with his Red Card in the Old Hen Flown Channel and BOS was won by E Wright & Son from Moira with the Red Card in the Old Cock Flown Channel. Simon Millar from Randalstown had the Best Young Bird with the winner in Young Hen Flown 150 Miles and Roy Connor had Most Points in Show. In the remainder of the classes Brown & Shaw from Dromore had 1st YB Eyesign, Roy Connor had 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Reserve OB Eyesign, former BIS Champion R Telford & Son from West Belfast had 1st & 2nd in Young Cocks and Simon Millar had 1st Young Hens. All told some 211 birds were penned, a big change from years gone bye. The INFC Charity Show has had a very proud history at the Kings Hall site and this will shortly change when the Balmoral Agricultural Show makes the move to the new Maze Stadium outside Lisburn.   

INFC Charity Show: Old Hens Flown Channel (63 Birds) – 1st R Connor, 2nd E Wright & Son, 3rd T & K Mawhinney, Reserve & HC R Moore & Son, VHC & Commended K Henderson & Son. Judge - Michael Concannon, Maiden City , Derry . Old Cocks Flown Channel (72 Birds) – 1st E Wright & Son, 2nd Christopher Shaw, 3rd G Benson, Reserve & HC Nevin Bros, VHC R Telford, Commended K Henderson & Son. Judge - Roger Hallsworth Nottingham , England . Young Cock Flown 150 Miles (34 Birds) – 1st & 2nd R Telford & Son, 3rd Christopher Shaw, Reserve & Commended T & K Mawhinney, VHC J Galbraith & Son, HC O O’Neill & Son. Judge – Peter Zygmuntowsky Selston NRFC, England . Young Hen Flown 150 Miles (42 Birds) – 1st S Millar, 2nd O O’Neill & Son, 3rd R Telford & Son, Reserve & Commended K Henderson & Son, VHC T & K Mawhinney, HC E Wright & Son. Judge – Robert Concannon, Maiden City , Derry . Young Bird Eyesign (76 Birds) – 1st & Commended Brown & Shaw, 2nd T & K Mawhinney, 3rd R Connor, Reserve R Telford & Son, VHC Christopher Shaw, HC O O’Neill & Son, Commended Brown & Shaw. Judge – Ralph Jepson, Underwood, Notts , England . Old Bird Eyesign (135 Birds) – 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Reserve R Connor, VHC A Thompson, HC E Wright & Son, Commended J Hoad. Judge – John Wheatcroft, Selston NRFC, Pinston, England.        Horseshoe HPS in Larne will hold its annual Open Show on Boxing Day. The classes will be as follows, Old Cocks handled, Old Hens handled, Young Cocks handled, Young Hens handled, Old Bird Eyesign, Young Bird Eyesign, with specials for Best in Show and Best Opposite Sex. Penning will be from 1.00pm till 3.00pm, Judging 3.00pm till 5.00pm with the Prize Distribution around 5.30pm. Hot and Cold refreshments will be available. During the day there will also be a Young Bird sale to be flown from Pilmore Beach or equivalent race point. If any fancier is interested in putting a young bird in the sale they can contact Joe Morrison Tel: 07723 313342. The club paid out £900 from this sale last year. So come along for a good day out.   

Kells & District HPS: The annual Open Show 3 in 1 will be held as usual on Boxing Day, £1 per bird and prizes for all cards in the six classes. Penning until 2.00pm.   Carrick & District HPS: The Annual Open Show will be held as usual on New Years Day Thursday 1st January 2009. Penning will be from 1.00pm until 2.00pm at £1 per bird. Classes are Old Hen Handled, Old Cock Handled, Young Hen Handled, Young Cock Handled, YB Eyesign and OB Eyesign. Prizes with all cards won. The breeder & Buyer Sale will be held during the show £500 prize money open to all NIPA members. The race will be Fermoy RPRA Licence No. IR/03-09. Winner/Buyer will get 60% and Breeder 40%, all rings numbers to be with Secretary Robert Reid before 1st Old Bird race.   Springvale Social: Watch out for the new season Gold Ring Race to be flown in the NIPA Inland YB Nat open to all lofts in the NIPA Sections B & C covering all the top lofts in the hot bed of Mid & East Antrim. Rings at £20 each will be available in early January. RPRA Licence No. IR/02-09. Contact any of the following – Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 or Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228. Rings will be available from early January 2009.   Doagh & District: A date for the diary for early in the new year, on Friday 9th January an all star Pigeon Moot with the guests confirmed later, all proceeds to the Caron Keating Foundation. Its always a big night in McConnells Lounge.

Latest show results.    Young Cocks Handled – 1st F Simpson, 2nd  F Simpson, 3rd J & A Wilson & Sons, 4th R Wilson, Reserve T Elliott , VHC Collins & Pursley, HC J Blair, Commended R Wilson. Judge Brian Swann (Kells & District). Young Hens Handled – 1st Collins & Pursley, 2nd F Simpson, 3rd F Simpson, 4th Collins & Pursley, Reserve F Simpson, VHC A & N Lewis, HC Collins & Pursley, Commended Mr & Mrs D Suitters. Judge - Jackie Graham (Kingsmoss). Old Cocks Handled – 1st F Simpson, 2nd J & A Wilson & Sons, 3rd W Cowan, 4th & Reserve F Simpson, VHC, HC & Commended J & A Wilson & Sons. Judges - Hugh Bigger and Ivan Walker (Glengormley). Old Hens Handled – 1st & 2nd Mr & Mrs D Suitters, 3rd W Cowan, 4th A & N Lewis, Reserve, VHC & HC J & A Wilson & Sons, Commended W Cowan. Judges - Davy Campbell and Alister Campbell (Glengormley).

Carrick & District HPS: Young Hen Handled – 1st & 2nd N J Arthurs, 3rd, 4th & VHC M/M R Reid, HC & Commended R & H Hamilton, Nom N J Arthurs. Young Cocks Handled – 1st, 2nd, 4th, VHC, HC, Commended & Nom M/M R Reid. Show Ave winner M/M R Reid, runner-up N J Arthurs.   Harryville HPS: Old Pairs – 1st & 4th W & N Gilbert, 2nd B Herbinson, 3rd, Reserve & VHC J & B Balmer, HC R & P Alexander, Commended G Price. Young Pairs – 1st & 4th W McIlveen , 2nd J Millar & Son, 3rd W & N Gilbert, Reserve & VHC J & B Balmer, HC S Johnston, Commended B Herbinson. Judges H Boyd & B Swann (Kells & District). Old Bird Eyesign (59 Birds) – 1st G Connolly, 2nd A McBride, 3rd, 4th, Reserve & Commended W & N Gilbert, VHC W McIlveen, HC B Herbinson. Young Bird Eyesign (60 Birds) – 1st, 2nd & 3rd A McBride, 4th W McIlveen, Reserve & VHC J Millar & Son, HC W & N Gilbert, Commended B Herbinson. Judges B Blair (Ballymena) and P McManus (Ahoghill).    Glenavy & District HPS: Gold Wing Race sponsored by H Beattie & Son will go ahead as before in 2009, rings will be available from 4th January. Contact Gordon Parker Tel: 07734 235965, John Withers Tel: 07752 430972, or H Beattie & Son Tel: (028) 38 840486. Race details and prizes later.     Young Cocks or Hens T/W – 1st G & S Owens, 2nd & 4th D Scott, 3rd, Reserve & Commended J Ross, VHC & HC D & M Lilley & Withers. Thanks to the  judges Benny McKeown and Denis Irwin. Penning every Wednesday night from 7pm to 8pm – Open show and all fanciers welcome.   Dromara HPS: Result of fourth double header show. Young Birds - 1st  T. & K. Mawhinney, 2nd T. & K. Mawhinney, 3rd T. & K. Mawhinney, 4th T. & K. Mawhinney, Reserve Brown & Shaw, VHC Brown & Shaw, HC H. Silcock, Commended, T. & K. Mawhinney. Old Birds - 1st Brown & Shaw, 2nd T. & K. Mawhinney, 3rd Brown & Shaw, 4th Brown & Shaw, Reserve T. & K. Mawhinney, VHC T. & K. Mawhinney, HC Brown & Shaw, Commended T. Marshall & Son. Don't forget Dromara Christmas Show 3 in 1 on Wednesday 17th December penning 6-7PM, thanking you David Black.   Horseshoe HPS: Young Hens Handled – 1st, HC & Commended D & P Harvey, 2nd S Burns, 3rd & Reserve S McGarel & Sons, 4th & VHC C Campbell & Son.  Old Hens Handled – 1st, 3rd, 4th & Commended S Burns, 2nd, Reserve & VHC D & P Harvey, HC C Campbell & Son. Judges – O O’Neill & Son & N O’Boyle (Glenarm & District). Horseshoe HPS in Larne will hold its annual Open Show on Boxing Day. The classes will be as follows, Old Cocks handled, Old Hens handled, Young Cocks handled, Young Hens handled, Old Bird Eyesign, Young Bird Eyesign, with specials for Best in Show and Best Opposite Sex. Penning will be from 1.00pm till 3.00pm, Judging 3.00pm till 5.00pm with the Prize Distribution around 5.30pm. Hot and Cold refreshments will be available. During the day there will also be a Young Bird sale to be flown from Pilmore Beach or equivalent race point. If any fancier is interested in putting a young bird in the sale they can contact Joe Morrison Tel: 07723 313342. The club paid out £900 from this sale last year. So come along for a good day out. 

Ligoniel & District HPS: Young Pairs T/W - 1st McCann & Crangle, 2nd Smyth & Wilson, 3rd & HC McClurkin & Morrison, 4th A Taylor & Son, VHC & Commended G Kincaid & Son & Daughter. Young Pairs Handled - 1st, 4th, & VHC E Heaney & Son, 2nd A Taylor & Son, 3rd,& HC McClurkin & Morrison, Commended G Kincaid & Son & Daughter. Judges – D Harbinson & G Parker (Glenavy & District).   Carrick Social RPC: The local club held their last show of the season on 6/12/08, this one being a double header, Eyesign and Young Hens handled. Congratulations to George and Hall who won both classes and collect the show averages once again, well done Elvis and Omar!! Young Hens Handled – 1st, 4th & 7th George & Hall, 2nd R & H Hamilton, 3rd & 8th J McAllister, 5th M/M Robinson, 6th E Gilliland . Judge – B Telford . Eyesign – 1st, 2nd & 5th George & Hall, 3rd & 7th E Gilliland, 4th & Nom M/M Robinson, 6th R & H Hamilton, 8th J McIlheron. Judge –  M Johnston.

Springvale Social: Watch out for the new season Gold Ring Race to be flown in the NIPA Inland YB Nat open to all lofts in the NIPA Sections B & C covering all the top lofts in the hot bed of Mid & East Antrim. Rings at £20 each will be available in early January. RPRA Licence No. IR/02-09. Contact any of the following – Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 or Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228. Rings will be available from early January 2009. Mated Pairs T/W – 1st & Commended Montgomery & Kirk, 2nd & 4th G Andrew, 3rd, Reserve & VHC R Scott, HC R Davidson & Sons. Mated Pairs Handled – 1st, 2nd, 3rd & HC Montgomery & Kirk, 4th & Reserve R Scott, VHC & Commended J Scott. Judges S Leitch & F Simpson (Doagh & Dist). Wednesday – Yearlings & Pieds.     Ballymena & District HPS: Old Pairs (56 Birds) – 1st & 3rd J Devlin, 2nd, Reserve & VHC B Herbinson, 4th Blair & Rankin, HC J Harris, Commended Richmond Bros. Late Breds (10 Birds) – 1st, 3rd & HC W & J Smyth, 2nd, Reserve, VHC & Commended Blair & Rankin, 4th B Herbinson. Card Winners (34 Birds) – 1st, Reserve & VHC J Devlin, 2nd B Herbinson, 3rd & Commended W & J Smyth, 4th & HC Richmond Bros. Special Joe Devlin. Judges – J Steele & H Cubitt (Rasharkin & District).   Ballymoney HPS: The final show of the year was the Annual 3 in 1 for Old Birds and Young Birds the judges included Alan shanks, Alan Barkley and Mervyn Gregg from Kells & Dist and Johnny Simpson from Broughshane & District. The D & G McMullan team had Most Points in Show with John Connolly the runner-up. In the weekly show series D & G McMullan scored a good double with Most Points, Danny Dixon was the runner-up here.   Old Bird T/W – 1st & 2nd D & G McMullan, 3rd W & L McCaw, 4th, Reserve & Commended D Dixon, VHC J Connolly, HC L Neill. Old Bird Handled – 1st & 2nd D & G McMullan, 3rd & HC D Dixon, 4th & Reserve L Neill, VHC J Connolly, Commended W & L McCaw. Old Bird Eyesign - 1st D & G McMullan, 2nd J Connolly, 3rd, 4th, Reserve, VHC & Commended D Dixon , HC S Laverty. Young Bird T/W – 1st & Reserve D & G McMullan, 2nd & 3rd J Connolly, 4th B & I Stewart, VHC S Laverty, HC W & L McCaw, Commended L Neill. Young Bird Handled – 1st & Commended S Laverty , 2nd & VHC D & G McMullan, 3rd, 4th, Reserve & HC J Connolly. Young Bird Eyesign – 1st D & G McMullan, 2nd, 3rd & 4th B & I Stewart, Reserve J Connolly, VHC L Neill, HC & Commended D Dixon .     Ballymena & District HPS: Young Pairs – 1st Richmond Bros, 2nd & Reserve J & B Balmer, 3rd J Devlin, 4th J Harris, VHC, HC & Commended Blair & Rankin. Fancy- 1st & Special J Devlin, 2nd, 3rd & HC J & B Balmer, 4th & Commended Richmond Bros, Reserve J Letters, VHC Blair & Rankin. Judges – E Davidson & T Taylor (Cullybackey).    Broughshane & District HPS: OB Eyesign – 1st & HC J & B Balmer, 2nd & Reserve H Smyth & Son, 3rd & Commended J Getty, 4th G & A Eagleson, VHC C Kennedy. Judge G Dickey (Ahoghill). YB Eyesign – 1st & 2nd J & N Simpson, 3rd, Reserve & VHC G & A Eagleson, 4th C Kennedy, HC H Smyth & Son, Commended D Houston & Son. Judge L Russell (Cullybackey). YB Mated Pairs – 1st I McNaghten & Son, 2nd, Reserve & VHC J & N Simpson, 3rd H Smyth & Son, 4th & HC D Houston & Son, Commended J & B Balmer. Judge G Gibson (Cullybackey). Old Cocks Handled – 1st & 2nd G & A Eagleson, 3rd & 4th T & E Service, Reserve & VHC D Houston & Son, HC I McNaghten & Son, Commended J & N Simpson. Judge J Greer (Cullybackey). Young Cocks Handled – 1st G & A Eagleson, 2nd & 4th J & N Simpson, 3rd H Smyth & Son, Reserve & VHC T & E Service, HC & Commended D Houston & Son. Judge A Darragh (Cullybackey). Tuesday – OH & YH Handled.   Kells & District HPS: Mated Pairs (106 Birds) – 1st, 4th, VHC & HC A Barkley & Son, 2nd & Reserve B Swann & Son, 3rd Surgenor Bros, Commended H Fullerton & Son. Judges – B Herbinson (Cullybackey) and J Balmer (Ballymena). Wednesday – Fancy & Eyesign. The annual Open Show 3 in 1 will be held as usual on Boxing Day, £1 per bird and prizes for all cards in the six classes. Penning until 2.00pm.   Harryville HPS: Old Cock Handled – 1st & VHC W McIlveen, 2nd & 3rd G Price, 4th & Reserve J & B Balmer, HC W & N Gilbert, Commended R Service. Young Cocks Handled – 1st & HC W McIlveen, 2nd, VHC & Commended J & B Balmer, 3rd K & K Kernohan & Sons, 4th J Millar & Son, Reserve R Service. Judges Gregg Bros (Kells & Dist). Old Hens Handled – 1st A McBride, 2nd G Connolly, 3rd, VHC, HC & Commended R & P Alexander, Reserve J & B Balmer. Young Hens Handled – 1st, VHC & HC A McBride, 2nd W McIlveen, 3rd, Reserve & Commended G Connolly, 4th K & K Kernohan & Sons. Judges G Dickey (Ahoghill) and D Scptt (Kells).    Ahoghill Flying Club: Young Bird Eyesign – 1st & VHC T & G Balmer, 2nd W Livingstone, 3rd & HC G Dickey & Son, 4th & Reserve W & N Gilbert, Commended A & N Young. Judge B Blair (Ballymena). Old Bird Eyesign – 1st W & N Gilbert, 2nd & Reserve C Young, 3rd & 4th A & N Young, VHC G Dickey & Son, HC J Orr, Commended W Livingstone. Judge P Hanlon (Harryville). Young Cocks T/W – 1st, 3rd & Commended Young McManus & Sons, 2nd & Reserve W & N Gilbert, 4th G Dickey & Son, VHC J & B Balmer, HC J Balmer. Judges – A C McGrugan & R Scott (Springvale). Young Hens T/W – 1st W Livingstone, 2nd J Balmer, 3rd Balmer Young & Sons, 4th A & N Young, Reserve Young McManus & Sons, VHC W & N Gilbert, HC J & B Balmer, Commended G Dickey & Son. Judge R Balmer (Cullybackey). Old Cocks T/W – 1st J Balmer, 2nd & HC D Stevenson, 3rd J Orr, 4th & VHC Balmer Young & Sons, Reserve & Commended Young McManus & Sons. Judge L Davidson (Rasharkin). Old Hens T/W – 1st, 2nd & Reserve J & B Balmer, 3rd J Orr, 4th G Dickey & Son, VHC Balmer Young & Sons, HC & Commended Young McManus & Sons. Judges D Scott & M Morrow (Kells & Dist). Young Cocks Handled – 1st, 2nd & 3rd Young McManus & Sons, 4th & VHC G Dickey & Son, Reserve Balmer Young & Sons, HC & Commended W Livingstone. Judges – R Alexander & A McBride (Harryville). Young Hens Handled – 1st & VHC W Livingstone, 2nd A & N Young, 3rd, 4th & Commended G Dickey & Son, Reserve J Orr, HC T & G Balmer. Judges – G Gibson & R Ross (Cullybackey).     Rasharkin & District: Old Cocks Handled (50 Birds) – 1st P McDonald, 2nd, VHC & Commended W McFetridge, 3rd Milliken & Barkley, 4th J Robinson & Son, Reserve C Tweed, HC J & D Surgenor. Judge J Devlin (Ballymena). Old Hens Handled (50 Birds) – 1st C Tweed, 2nd & HC W McFetridge, 3rd D Mairs, 4th J & M Milliken, Reserve J & D Surgenor, VHC Steele & McNeill, Commended J Robinson & Son. Judge T Picken (New Antrim). Young Cocks Handled (46 Birds) – 1st D Mairs, 2nd & 3rd L Davidson, 4th H Cubitt, Reserve & Commended J Robinson & Son, VHC & HC C Tweed. Judge L Russell (Cullybackey). Young Hens Handled (46 Birds) – 1st J Robinson & Son, 2nd L Davidson, 3rd, VHC & Commended D Mairs, 4th H Cubitt, Reserve J & M Milliken, HC C Tweed. Judge E Davidson (Cullybackey). This Week – Champions, Fancy, YB & OB Eyesign.      Ballymoney HPS: Old Cock Handled – 1st, 3rd, Reserve & VHC D Dixon, 2nd & 4th L Neill, HC B & I Stewart, Commended J Connolly. Old Hen Handled – 1st & Special J Connolly, 2nd & HC D Dixon, 3rd L Neill, 4th J Connolly, Reserve, VHC & Commended B & I Stewart. Young Pieds T/W – 1st, 2nd & 4th L Neill, 3rd & VHC D Dixon, Reserve & Commended B & I Stewart, HC D & G McMullan. Judges – J Harris & T McAlonan (Ballymena & District). Friday – Old Birds & Young Birds T/W, Handled and Eyesign.    Ashfield HPS: Annual Xmas Show in the Dromore HPS Clubrooms on Saturday 20th December penning from 11.00am until 1.00pm for 3 in 1. Entry is £1 per bird with prizes for all cards. The usual Specials, BIS, BOS, Best YB etc  and thanks to Secretary Joe Topley for the info.   Dromara HPS Christmas Show will be held on Wednesday 17th December, Handled, Eyesign and Through the Wires with prizes for all cards. Penning will be between 6pm and 7pm. The show is open to everyone and supper will be provided. For more details contact David Black Tel: 07876 157706. Result of Dromara HPS third double header show, judged by Gregory McAvoy, Dromore. Any Age Cock - 1st  T. & K. Mawhinney, 2nd N. Black & Son, 3rd, T. & K. Mawhinney, 4th Brown & Shaw, VHC, Russell Bros, HC, Mr & Mrs Stevenson, C, Mr & Mrs Stevenson. Any Age Hen, 1st, Russell Bros, 2nd, Brown & Shaw, 3rd, T. & K. Mawhinney, 4th, McKinstry Bros., VHC, H. Silcock, HC, N. Black & Son, C, N. Black & Son.   Millisle & District HPS: The local East Down Combine club held the Xmas Show in the Portavogie Clubrooms on Saturday 6th December, the club would like to thank auctioneer John Hollinger, and all those who kindly donated young birds and sponsored the show. Thanks again to Portavogie HPS for the generous use of the clubrooms for the afternoon. Best in Show was won by the Newtownards loft of Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson with Best Opposite Sex going to local ace James Bunting. AAC Handled – 1st J Bunting, 2nd Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson, 3rd J Rankin, 4th H & S Muckle, Reserve & HC P P Nelson, VHC A McDowell, Commended Ferguson & Wilkinson. Judge Young & McCormick. AAH Handled – 1st Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson, 2nd & 4th J Rankin, 3rd & Reserve A McDowell, VHC Ferguson & Wilkinson, HC & Commended N & T McMaster. Judge K McCutcheon. Eyesign – 1st, Reserve, HC & Commended N & T McMaster, 2nd J Orr, 3rd J Keenan & Sons, 4th H & S Muckle, VHC Plunkett, Pollock & Nelson. Judge F Gilmore. Thanks to Secretary Adam Muckle for the info.      Portavogie HPS: YB Eyesign 1st & Reserve H & A Keenan & Partners, 2nd Agar Bros, 3rd & Commended B & G Cochrane, 4th G Hawthorne, VHC G Coffey, HC W & N Cully. OB Eyesign – 1st G Coffey, 2nd & 3rd N & T McMaster, 4th & HC B & G Cochrane, Reserve J & R Young & Sons, VHC L Young, Commended J Keenan & Sons. Judge Roy Warke. Next Show Friday 12/12/08 is AACH, AAHH, and Eyesign.   Top fanciers from across the UK, Ireland plus some of the top lofts in Europe have confirmed entries for the new North Coast Classic based in the Coleraine area setting up a One Loft Race to be one of the richest events held in this part of the world. Cork City to Coleraine at 240 miles, RPRA Licence No IR01/09. Event organisers are Sean Diamond and Trevor Steele who were overwhelmed with the amount of interest shown  as they have travelled to events across Ireland . I met up with the partners during their travels including the first time out at the Dublin Show where I must say  I was more than impressed with the entire set-up and indeed presentation. Congratulations to young Christopher Tweed from Ballymoney who won a free entry for the 2009 North Coast Classic in the draw at the Dublin Show, Robert Trimble from Ballynahinch won the prize at the Orchard Combine Show in Armagh and local fancier Robert Glass won the prize in Larne. Sponsors to date include H Beattie & Son Versele Laga & TauRIS Ets, John Millar Logistics, Colin Richmond & Son of Coleraine, Medpet and Barnsley Loft Pigeon Supplies. Race Office Tel: (028) 70 326460, Mobile : 07651 063236. This column will be keeping the fancy up to date on developments as will www.pigeonnetwork.com

Entries are now coming in at a steady rate and the response from fanciers at Belfast Show in the events first year were excellent. The S & W Gray from Larne were the winners of a FREE entry in the draw and the organisers spent the day meeting and talking to many interested fanciers.   I spoke to Trevor and Sean and they have really taken on board the expectations of fanciers in that they have endeavoured to assure them of their intention to provide a 'first class' service. I was surprised to learn that first item on their agenda was to secure the prize money for the event. Not a 'single penny' of the entry fees are being touched until their target of £35,000 prize money is reached. All expenses including loft, transporter etc, are being drawn from their own pockets and Sean emphasised that it is important to them both that the fanciers must see that what is promised can be delivered. "We hope to clear ourselves in the first year, and with the way things are going this is now looking totally viable. However. it is important that we have the prize money set aside in order to pay out as promised, in full and on time".   Trevor and Sean will be on the 'Horseshoe' at Blackpool Show weekend and I hope the fanciers in Northern Ireland will support this 'professional' outfit in their inaugural year by giving them some support. Have had a look over the web site www.northcoastclassic.co.uk and the preparation and effort these fanciers are putting in, to providing a 'first class' event, is second to none.

LARNE MONSTER SHOW   The big Monster Show held annually in East Antrim and hosted by Larne & District HPS was held on Saturday 29th November, fanciers again attended from across Northern Ireland . Just over 300 birds were penned and it was the visitors who cleaned up with Reggie Moore & Son from Bangor taking Best in Show plus the £100 Special and Owen O’Neill & Son from Glenarm & District collecting Best Opposite Sex plus the £50 Special. The judges included President of the Lancashire Circle Eric Entwistle and friends from England including Brian & Bob Smith, John McKay, and George Wilson. The Old Bird Eyesign was judged by the 5 times INFC winner Alan Darragh from Cullybackey assisted by J & J Greer. Prizes were presented for all cards including a Bag of Mixture for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class. It was a fantastic day for the visitors as well as winning BIS with 1st Old Hens and BOS with 1st Old Cocks the high flying T & K Mawhinney from Donacloney who attend all the important shows in the country has 1st in both Eyesign classes, Eamon Wright & Son from Moira had 1st Young Cocks and J Galbraith & Son from Belfast 1st in Young Hens. The auction for the Breeder/Buyer Race from Rosscarbery was up to the usual standard this time only lofts in the East Antrim Sect C are able to compete, the £1,000 in prize money allocated 60% to the Buyer and 40% to Breeder. Larne & District HPS wish to thank all their friends, fanciers and the judges for their support and a special thanks to William Gray, Reggie Anderson, Brian McCammon, Morris Kelly, Larne Cash & Carry, Owen Donnelly, J McLaughlin and the Committee who donated prizes. It was a weekend to remember for the Judges who the previous night were the special guests at the Annual Dinner & Prize Presentation of the local club, one of the top NIPA clubs when a massive £8,600 was paid out.   Larne Open Show: Young Cocks (69 Birds) – 1st & 3rd E Wright & Son, 2nd R Robinson & Son, 4th R Telford & Son, VHC Christopher Shaw, HC & Commended T & K Mawhinney. Judge – Eric Entwistle. Young Hens (71 Birds) – 1st & HC J Galbraith & Son, 2nd T & K Mawhinney, 3rd & VHC E Wright & Son, 4th R Telford & Son, Commended D & P Harvey. Judge – Brian Smith. Old Cocks (102 Birds) – 1st & HC O O’Neill & Son, 2nd S McGarel & Sons, 3rd A Neill, 4th E Wright & Sons, VHC Christopher Shaw, Commended S & W Gray. Judge – Bob Smith. Old Hen (84 Birds) – 1st R Moore & Son, 2nd G Mills, 3rd O O’Neill & Son, 4th & HC Brown & Shaw, VHC & Commended A Neill. Judge – John McKay. Old Bird Eyesign (95 Birds) – 1st & 3rd T & K Mawhinney, 2nd M/M C Hayes, 4th D & P Harvey, VHC O O’Neill & Son, HC N O’Boyle, Commended E Wright & Sons. Judge – Alan Darragh. Young Bird Eyesign (70 Birds) – 1st & VHC T & K Mawhinney, 2nd E Wright & Son, 3rd & 4th Russell Bros, HC R Robinson & Son, Commended O O’Neill & Sons. Judge – George Wilson.    Adie McCormick Ireland’s Own Pigeon Auctions www.pigeonnetwork.com email celetsiallofts@aol.com

These lads Sean & Stephen Maguire joined up with their father Alan in 2008 and what a year they had flying with the Dublin North County winning 8 x 1st and 5 x 2nd. Well done to the A Maguire & Sons partnership and I look forward to covering you all in 2009.

Hugh Bigger, Davy Suitters, Ivan Walker, Davy Campbell & Alister Campbell at Doagh & Dist.

Jackie Graham, Fred Simpson, Sid Collins & Brian Swann at Doagh & District.

Danny Gallagher and granddaughter Casey with the winning cock Bushmills, BIS at the Orchard Combine Show in Armagh City .

At the Orchard Combine Show in Armagh from (l) Kieran Shannon, Micky Hamilton & Karl Murphy.

These fanciers travelled up from Monaghan for the Orchard Combine Show in Armagh.

Sam Corrigan from Loughgall (l) in conversation with Armagh Ace Ivan Parkes.

From (l) Armagh HPS Secretary Stephen Fields, Joe Devlin & Anthony Geraghty at Orchard Combine Show.

Eamon Wright & Son from Moira had Best Opposite Sex taking the Red Card in the Old Cock Flown Channel at Belfast .

Roy Connor from Killyleagh Central won two classes at Balmoral Show and collected the Best in Show with his bird penned in the Old Hen Flown Channel. Just over 200 birds were penned for the INFC Charity Show.

Brown & Shaw (l) from Dromore won the YB Eyesign along with Eamon Wright from Moira.

Barry Telford (l) from West Belfast won the Young Cock class at Belfast with Geoff Hall.

Gary Benson from Lisburn was placed in the Old Cocks class at Belfast .

Special guest Henry Beattie (l) presents awards to top prize-winner Malcolm Livingstone at Portadown Inv. 

Henry Beattie presents awards to Eddie McKnight (l) and Graham and Gary Donaldson at Portadown Inv.

  Cyril Beattie (r) presents awards to the YB Champion Wayne Cannaway of Portadown Inv.

The Eyesign Classes were judged at Larne by George Wilson and Alan Darragh who was assisted by J & J Greer. The decision has just been made on the winners, T & K Mawhinney had 1st in both classes.

Owen O'Neill & Son from Glenarm & Dist won BOS at Larne, with judge of Old Cocks Bob Smith.

The Best in Show at Larne Monster Show Regie Moore & Son from Bangor with judge of Old Hens John McKay.

The judges at Larne Monster Show included Brian Smith, Eric Entwistle, John McKay, Bob Smyth and George Wilson. They were special guests at the Larne & Dist prize night the previous evening.

The North Coast Classic team at Larne Monster Show, Sean Diamond (l) and Trevor Steele.