Homers Odyssey
NIPA Collection times this weekend -
The following are the proposed collection times for OLD BIRD INLAND RACES of 2022
PLEASE DO YOUR UTMOST TO ADHERE TO THESE TIMES AS TRANSPORTERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WAIT ALSO, DUE TO TRANSPORTERS HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH PARKED VEHICLES AT CLUB ROOMS, ALL VEHICLES MUST BE PARKED WELL CLEAR OF ANY COLLECTION POINT.
I STILL HAVE NOT FINALISED TIMES FOR SECTION F -THIS WILL FOLLOW.
NEWTOWNARDS 5:00; TITANIC 5:25; WHEATFIELD 5:45; LIGONIEL 6:00; GLEN 6:20; TRINITY 6:40; COLIN 7:00; DERRIAGHY 7:15; LISBURN 7:30; HARMONY 8.15; DROMARA 8:45; DROMORE 9:30.
CASTLEDAWSON 4:50; COOKSTOWN 5:15; COALISLAND 5:45; DUNGANNON 6:00; ANNAGHMORE 6:20; BONDHILL/LOUGHGALL 7:15; MARKETHILL 7:45; ARMAGH 8:10; MONAGHAN 9:15.
LIMAVADY 5:00; LONDONDERRY 5:30; AMELIA EARHART 5:45; MAIDEN CITY 6:00; DERRY & DIST 6:15; FOYLE 6:45; STRABANE 7:15; MOURNE 7:45; OMAGH 8:15.
MILLVALE 10:30; NEWRY & DIST 11:00; BALLYHOLLAND 11:30; FOR THESE THREE CLUBS, THESE TIMES ARE ESTIMATED; WE WILL TRY AND BE THERE EARLIER
GLENARM 5:30; LARNE 6:00; HORSESHOE 6:30; BALLYCARRY 6:45; CARRICK SOCIAL 7:15; BALLYCLARE 7:45; DOAGH 8:15; KINGSMOSS 8:45; EASTWAY 9:15; CRUMLIN 9:45; GLENAVY 10:10.
HILLS & MAZE 6:00; BEECHPARK 6:30; LURGAN SOCIAL 7:00; WILTON CROSS 7:30; EDGARDSTOWN 8:15; PORTADOWN/DRUMCREE 8:35; LAURELVALE 9:00; GILFORD 9:30; BANBRIDGE/DRUMNAVADDY 10:00; DUNDALK 11:00.
WINDSOR SOCIAL 5:30; COLERAINE & CO DERRY 6:00; COLERAINE PREM 6:15; BALLYMONEY 7:00; RASHARKIN 7:30; CULLYBACKEY 8:00; AHOGHLL 8:30; BALLYMENA 9:00; BROUGHSHANE 9:30; HARRYVILLE 10:00; KELLS 10:20; RANDALSTOWN 10:40; MUCKAMORE 11:00.
The NIPA Committee has asked me to remind you all, of the NIPA Rule 39a.
Which states that you are only permitted to have your own crates in the first four old bird races. Also remember that 5 members must be present to race mark your pigeons, and this can include two observers.
NIPA - Dear All If you need Office to fill in the new result template, please watch the video below which can show you how to use Microsoft Office for free via a web browser. This should save you the annual subscription to Microsoft Office, link on NIPA Website.
Homer will be training weekly as usual collecting at Danny Dixon Dunloy just before 8.00am and at Ahoghill Flying Club around 8.30am. Final stop Ballykeel around 9.30am. Tel: 07538 238364.
NIPA Race programme is for the old birds as follows, starting this weekend weather permitting.
NIPA Old Birds Starting 16/04 at Tullamore, 23/04 Roscrea, 30/04 Gowran Park, 07/05 Fermoy, 14/05 Pilmore Beach, 21/05 Skibbereen OB Nat, 21/05 Fermoy, 28/05 Talbenny (1), 04/06 Talbenny (2), 04/06 Fermoy & Fermoy 5 Bird, 11/06 Bude, 11/06 Skibbereen Yearling Nat, 18/06 Penzance & Penzance Classic, 18/06 Fermoy, 23/06 St Malo OB Nat or Plougastel-Daolas.
Return results early over the weekend especially for Mid Antrim Combine with members and birds to be listed please. Cullybackey have returned, and we look forward to a majority vote coming from both the Harryville HPS and Broughshane & District to allow those clubs to participate in the annual Champions League. I hardly need to remind all lofts that an opt out rule was passed, several years back now, to help those who have no interest in the MAC Competition to withdraw without involving the whole club. That’s the way forward for the handful of lofts that are still racing together in what is the twilight of the sport locally. Big sportsmanship decision required from what was always from I remember, the Sport of Pigeon Racing. Remember I need the list from each member club, their racing members for the OB League and Knock-out competitions and the four lofts nominated to compete in the annual Champions League. Mervyn Eagleson will as usual, supply the MAC race report, please help him out all you can.
Cullybackey HPS members again had an excellent season's racing with the highlight being Alan Darragh's 1st & 2nd Open Sennen Cove Yearling National in the Irish National Flying Club. This was Alan's third time winning this event and he also extended his National record to 7 x 1st Open wins in total. One of the major results of the 2021 season.
Alan Darragh from Cullybackey won last season’s INFC Yearling Nat and no doubt will lead the club again in the annual Champions League competition in Mid Antrim Combine.
NI Deara Update on Avian Flu -
Preventing and controlling Avian Avulavirus infection in pigeons – DEARA Update 7th March 2022
Infections are usually restricted to pigeon lofts. However, occasionally virulent strains of this virus can infect poultry, causing Newcastle Disease.
Avian Avulavirus AAvV-1 (PPMV-1) is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it, you must report it immediately by contacting the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840 (Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm) or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office.
If you report suspicion of Avian Avulavirus AAvV-1, DAERA will investigate.
Anyone concerned about their birds should contact their PVP or their local DAERA Direct Regional Office.
Biosecurity and preventing welfare impacts in poultry and captive birds; how to spot Avian Avulavirus infection signs of Avian Avulavirus infection in pigeons may include: nervous signs, including trembling wings and heads, and twisting of the neck, partial paralysis of wings and legs (birds may fall over on landing and be unable to feed), unusually wet and liquidy faeces (diarrhoea) that are often greenish in colour quietness, loss of appetite and reluctance to move sudden death.
The disease is very contagious, so it is common for most of the pigeons sharing a loft to display clinical signs at the same time.
How Avian Avulavirus is spread the disease is spread by direct contact between infected pigeons and non-infected pigeons and through: pigeon transporters that have not been adequately cleaned and disinfected drinking water in lofts and transporters pigeon fanciers carrying infection on their clothes, hands and feet.
The disease can also be introduced to a loft of kept pigeons through contact with wild pigeons.
The disease can be spread to chickens if, for example, their feed is infected with the faeces of infected pigeons. In chickens, Avian Avulavirus can cause Newcastle Disease.
Preventing and controlling Avian Avulavirus infection in pigeons you can help prevent the disease by: vaccinating your pigeons – talk to your vet for advice (if you run pigeons shows or races, you must ensure any bird taking part has been vaccinated). Practising strict biosecurity on your premises. Pigeons must be vaccinated every 12 months. At the start of the racing year, owners must show proof that the correct vaccination has been administered within the last 12 months.
If you organise a pigeon show or race, you must make sure only vaccinated pigeons participate.
If you own racing pigeons, you must keep a record of vaccinations and of every show or race each bird takes part in.
You should also refer to the following AI guidance. While AI and Avian Avulavirus AAvV-1(Pigeon Paramyxovirus) are separate diseases, both are Notifiable Epizootic Avian Diseases, and similar control/preventative measures apply to both diseases.
If the disease occurs in NI, the outbreak will be controlled in line with the Contingency Plan for Epizootic Diseases and the Notifiable Epizootic Avian Disease Control Strategy.
The 2022 proposed race programme for Irish Nat Flying Club is as follows.
Skibbereen Old Bird Inland National Tuesday 31st May, race marking Monday 30th May.
Sennen Cove Yearling National Wednesday 15th June, race marking Monday 13th June.
St. Allouestre Grand National King’s Cup Friday 1st July, race marking Tuesday 28th June.
St Malo or Plougastel – Daoulas Friendship National Friday 8th July, race marking Tuesday 5th July.
Penzance Grand National Young Bird Wednesday 7th September, race marking Monday 5th September.
Skibbereen Young Bird Inland Saturday 17th September, race marking Thursday 15th September.
Please note if we are sailing direct to France from Ireland release days will be subject to change.
Please Note: Members paying through a club 2022 subscriptions.
Existing members paying through your club £20.00 sterling or €25.00 euro’s.
New members paying through a club £25.00 sterling or €31.00 euro’s. Deadline for membership is around 12th April 2022.
Ballymena Prize Night 2009 season - W & J Smyth Tops Again
Danny Dixon (r) with the Top Prize-winners Billy & Joe Smyth.
Ballymena & Dist delayed the annual presentation until the New Year, for the last few years the event has been held in the local Adair Arms Hotel just a short distance from the clubrooms at Fountain Place. Most of the winning lofts were represented and the visitors and guests from other clubs included Danny Dixon who had another great season racing into Dunloy, Brian Herbinson from Cullybackey and Monty Magill from Harryville. The W & J Smyth team who race to the Carniny Road took the Highest Prize-winner for the second season on the trot under strong pressure this time from the emerging star Martin Graham who had a best ever season, racing with a team of birds that includes the very best from the Oroory Hill Stud of Gerald Delaney.
The officials and prize winners of Ballymena & District attending the 2009 season presentation in Adair Arms Hotel.
The two top lofts featured in the results of the main organizations, each had a 1st Mid Antrim Combine Diploma, with Martin Graham adding the Mid Antrim Young Bird Average while W & J Smyth took the Old Bird Average and the Bird of the Year. At the recent NIPA Ladies Night W & J Smyth won the RPRA Award for Sect B, best individual bird performance in two cross channel races Talbenny (2) & Penzance.
Mid Antrim Combine presentation from (l) Joe Smyth, William Smyth, Danny Dixon, Martin Graham and Dennis Craig.
Martin Graham was to win the Brendan Fox Trophy for the OB Nat having the best position of any Official or Delegate and he added the Dickson Cup for Best Ave Bude OB and Fermoy YB. Back in Mid Antrim the Champions League has been a great introduction giving fantastic competition in the member clubs, all nine nominate their top four racing lofts working a bit like the football with a league competition at the start and then moving on to the knock-out stage. W & J Smyth got knocked in a tight semi-final by Hugh Boyd of Randalstown who contested the final with the overall winner Danny Dixon who had knocked out J & N Simpson in the semi-final from Bude. The Champions League Final was flown from Penzance, one of the best races of the season.
Runner-up for Top Prize-winner Martin Graham with father-in-law Dennis Craig.
I should also mention a new venture by Ballymena & Dist in the last season a Ring Nomination Race which was flown from Fermoy, it was open to all lofts in the Mid Antrim Combine and Danny Dixon was to take 1st & 2nd with two birds almost together winning over £300. This new venture like the Champions League was the brainchild of James Harris and the Ballymena Ass Secretary also does all the admin, a fantastic member is Jim. The total pay-out by the club was raised to just over £1,000, something to be very proud of.
The leading lofts were – W & J Smyth, M Graham, J Devlin, Blair & Rankin, Richmond Bros, G Barr, B O’Rawe, McAlonan Bros, J Harris, Smyth Bros, Sempey & McGowan. The cups and trophies were presented as follows:-
Brian Herbison with Harry Richmond (l) and on the right the late Joe Devlin.
Martin Graham won - G Barr Perpetual Challenge Cup (NIPA Old Bird France Nat), S J McDowell Challenge Cup (St Malo OB Nat), Kings Cup Trophy, William McIlhagga Memorial Cup (Best Ave INFC Kings Cup & YB Nat), O’Rourke Cup (NIPA France & Kings Cup Ave), Vintage Cup (Talbenny YB Nat), Ruddle Cup (YB Nat), YB Inland National, Skibbereen YB Nat, YB Inland Average, Best Individual Young Bird, Victory Cup (YB Ave), Best Ave NIPA Talbenny & Rosscarbery YB, Maternaghan Challenge Cup Best Ave NIPA OB Nat (France) & YB Nat (Cross Channel), Flamingo Cup (Best Ave YB Derbies), Law Family Memorial Cup (INFC Points Ave).
W & J Smyth won – Harper Cup (Highest Prize-winner), OB Inland Ave Shield, Yearling Cocks Inland Nat, Talbenny (2), Simon McCrory Cup (Best Ave OB 2nd, 4th, Talbenny & Penzance), Old Bird Knock-Out, Bill Carney Rose Bowl (Lowest Winning Vel Old Bird), Mooney Cup (Best Individual Old Bird).
Brian Herbison (r) presents the RPRA Meritorious Award for Penzance to W & J Smyth.
Blair & Rankin won – Yearling Hens Inland Nat, Bobby Law Memorial (1st Yearling Penzance), Carnvale Cup (Penzance), Best Ave Bude & Penzance, Roger King Memorial (6th YB Race), Smyth Bros Perpetual Trophy (Ave OB Classic & YB Nat).
Always happy to oblige with a photo Bertie Blair (l) with club President Billy Smyth.
McAlonan Bros won – A S Hughes Cup (Cross Channel Ave), Best Ave Kings Cup & 2nd Talbenny, Joe Devlin won – Rosscarbery OB Inl Nat, Mallow 5 Bird, Richmond Bros won – Carnvale Cup (INFC Yearling Nat), Livingstone Cup (2 Bird Ave Yearling Nat), James Harris won – Talbenny (1), Sempey & McGowan – Novice Cup.
Ballymena trio from (l) Blair & Rankin, Brian O’Rawe and Tommy McAlonan of McAlonan Bros.
The Sempey & the late John McGowan team (r) with the late George Barr.
When the rings for 2009 arrived last year with the Ballymena & Dist there were some concerns that they were the Letter K and not the usual Letter B, some thought they should have been returned. I said at the time maybe, just maybe we would have something big to report with the young bird racing, thinking Penzance National where the club have a long record of success. News was in fact made but not in the most expected place, Martin Graham was asked to breed two youngsters for entry in the Galway One Loft Race and the rest in now history and will be talked about for years to come. One of the pair now named “Cool Lass” bred from his Gerald Delaney family won the final Galway Plate flown from the Giants Causeway and a cool 50,000 Euro top prize shared between Adie McCormick and Martin Graham. I collected the birds from the loft and Adie and myself delivered them to Galway. A full report on the Galway Race is available at www.pigeonnetwork.com
Secretary Willie Reynolds congratulated all the seasons top winners, a season of great success on many fronts, and 2010 might be even better. He also thanked all those involved in the week to week running of the club, all the members had a role to play and that included the show season which just recently finished with Bertie Blair winning the Show Cup for the first time and Brian Herbinson collecting the Visitors Trophy. The help received from Assist Secretary James Harris was invaluable and also Treasurer Brian O’Rawe.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw>
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
