Homers Odyssey - 21-03-23 | Elimar Pigeon Services Limited

odyssey

Homers Odyssey

AGM for the Mid Antrim Combine –

The meeting arranged for 2019 was cancelled at short notice due to the Covid 19 restrictions at the time and no further meetings took place in the last two years. The most recent AGM was arranged for the usual date in mid-March, the Ballymena & District clubrooms was the venue on a wet Wednesday night on 15^th March 2023 starting at 8.00pm. Clubs represented included Ballymena, Kells & District, Ahoghill, Randalstown and Cullybackey. Delegates present were Mervyn Eagleson, Trevor Whyte, James O’Neill, Ian Stewart, Mervyn Gregg, Geoff Surgenor, Jamie Greer and Homer. Apology from Robin Service.

At the start of the meeting the members were invited to stand and observe a moments silence in respect of those members, family and friends that had passed away since our previous meeting, the list includes our late Chairman of many years Robert Service.

The minutes of the 2019 meeting were approved and matters arising included that a resolution to re-designate the terms of the B Eagleson Mem Cup. It was set up for Best Ave in the four cross channel races excluding France, on occasions when the usual four races were not flown the cup was not awarded. It will now be awarded for the Best Ave in the cross-channel races that are flown, again excluding France. Various awards are to be calculated on Points, if not won on time and distance. The RPRA race result programme was not pursued re MAC, from last season the NIPA have set up their own programme for results. It was confirmed to alter terms for Average Cups not won to be calculated on Points and cups to be signed for at prize distribution.

On the Accounts statement we had £331.83 at 18/03/20 and £296.83 at 15/03/23.

Election of officials for 2023 had a return to office for President Danny Dixon, Secretary Willie Reynolds and Press Officer Mervyn Eagleson. Robin Service (Ballymena) was appointed as Chairman.

As for the previous few seasons Diplomas will be awarded for Champions League, Meritorious Award, Old Bird & Young Bird K/O, Old Bird & Young Bird Points League, Champion Old Bird & Young Bird. Race winning Diplomas have been printed and are ready for distribution. Danny Dixon who sponsors the winning Diploma’s and has done for several seasons will be asked to include the new additions. Danny also attends to the engraving of cups and trophies this support is invaluable to the Mid Antrim Combine.

A review of the condition of all cups to take place, an index retained and an effort to complete engraving of same up to date. With a change of officials at Ahoghill the club will not be able to provide for use as a Race Centre this year, move back to Cullybackey to be confirmed.

Mid Antrim Combine Cup Winners 2022:

OB Inland Average - J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena, Bryan Eagleson Memorial Cup - Best average 1st & 2nd Talbenny, Bude & Penzance - D Dixon Rasharkin, Cross Channel Average - D Dixon Rasharkin, Old Bird Average - D Dixon Rasharkin, Champions League - D Dixon Rasharkin, McIlhagga Memorial Cup 1st Mid Antrim Combine St Malo OB Derby - M Graham Ballymena, Les Mairs OB Points - D Dixon Rasharkin, OB Knock Out - S Murphy Kells, Tommy Shanks Memorial Cup OB of the Year - J & M Milliken Rasharkin 20R17304 - 2nd, 7th, 7th, 9th, 12th & 14th Combine (75 Points), New North Cup - Best Average Bude & Talbenny YB National - D Dixon Rasharkin, Parker Cup Combine Average - D Dixon Rasharkin, Adams Cup INFC Points - D Dixon Rasharkin, Meritorious Award Best single bird Average 2nd Talbenny & Penzance - D Dixon Rasharkin, YB Knock Out - D Dixon Rasharkin, YB of the year - D Dixon Rasharkin 22B19443 - 2nd, 3rd, 7th & 13th Combine (59 Points), Herbinson Cup YB Average - D Dixon Rasharkin.

Old Birds race results:

Tullamore 51/1200 - 16/04/22

T Whyte Rasharkin 2011, N & S Anderson Cullybackey 1995, S Murphy Kells 1988, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1980, S Murphy Kells 1979.

trevor whyte

Trevor Whyte now racing in Ahoghill Flying Club topped the NIPA in last season’s opening race from Tullamore and won the Mulgrew Family Cup, 13,860 birds competing.

Roscrea 62/1715 - 23/04/22

S Crawford Associate 1231, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1211, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1199, A Darragh Cullybackey 1195, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1194.

Gowran Park 64/1761 - 29/04/22

T Whyte Rasharkin 1572, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1569, F Barkley Rasharkin 1567, T Whyte Rasharkin 1563, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1562.

Fermoy 64/1750 - 7/05/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1535, D Dixon Rasharkin 1530, A Darragh Cullybackey 1530, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1522, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1521.

Corrin 63/1637 - 14/05/22

Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1688, T Whyte Rasharkin 1681, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1669, S Murphy Kells 1669, A Darragh Cullybackey 1668

Gowran Park 43/978 - 21/05/22

J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1773, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1683, A McBride Associate 1675, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1666, R H Clements Associate 1655.

Skibbereen OB Inland National 47/361 - 21/05/22

J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1913, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1911, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1885, R J & W J Reid Rasharkin 1880, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1879.

1st Talbenny 55/840 - 28/05/22

S Murphy Kells 1266, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1255, D Dixon Rasharkin 1250, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1248, S Murphy Kells 1247.

INFC Skibbereen Inland National - 01/06/22

A Darragh Cullybackey 1285, A Darragh Cullybackey 1257, A Darragh Cullybackey 1257, D Dixon Rasharkin 1257, G Gibson Cullybackey 1255.

2nd Talbenny 46/632 - 04/06/22

S Murphy Kells 1230, A Darragh Cullybackey 1225, J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1221, D Dixon Rasharkin 1216, D Dixon Rasharkin 1212.

Fermoy 39/547 - 04/06/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1265, D Dixon Rasharkin 1253, G Gibson Cullybackey 1253, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1251, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1250.

Fermoy 5 Bird Champ - 04/06/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1265, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1250, D Dixon Rasharkin 1250, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1250, D Dixon Rasharkin 1244.

Bude 36/304 - 12/06/22

S Murphy Kells 1277, D Dixon Rasharkin 1235, D Dixon Rasharkin 1232, S Murphy Kells 1229, G Gibson Cullybackey 1225.

sam murphy

Sam Murphy while racing in Kells & District HPS topped the NIPA from Bude with 4,035 birds competing. At NIPA Ladies Night he collected the Vint Cup.

NIPA Skibbereen Yearling National - 12/06/22

McFarlane & Agnew Kells 1691, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1651, D Dixon Rasharkin 1647, S Crawford Associate 1614, G Gibson Cullybackey 1613.

INFC Sennen Cove Yearling National - 15/06/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 990, W Livingstone Ahoghill 838, R Balmer Cullybackey 786, C Moore Ahoghill 687, N & S Anderson Cullybackey 634.

Penzance - 17/06/22

Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1421, D Dixon Rasharkin 1371, A Darragh Cullybackey 1350, Houston Bros Randalstown 1340, C Moore Ahoghill 1338.

Penzance OB Classic - 17/06/22

Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1421, D Dixon Rasharkin 1371, A Darragh Cullybackey 1350, A McBride Associate 1310, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1301.

Fermoy - 17/06/22

J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1441, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1427, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1424, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1423, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1418.

NIPA St Malo OB National - 23/06/22

Martin Graham Ballymena 495, R Alexander Ballymena 350, D Dixon Rasharkin 304, A C & T Tweed Rasharkin 280.

INFC Kings Cup St Allouestre - 01/07/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1180, C Moore Ahoghill 1042, C & R McIntyre Cullybackey 781, A Darragh Cullybackey 731, W Livingstone Ahoghill 705.

INFC Friendship National - 08/07/22

J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 624, C & R McIntyre Cullybackey 444, W Livingstone Ahoghill 242.

Young Birds race results:

1st Kilbeggan 27/656 - 16/07/22

Stewart Bros Randalstown 1518, Surgenor Bros Kells 1513, Surgenor Bros Kells 1513, Surgenor Bros Kells 1512, Surgenor Bros Kells 1512.

2nd Kilbeggan 41/1285 - 22/07/22

Surgenor Bros Kells 1447, Surgenor Bros Kells 1447, Steele & McNeill Rasharkin 1435, J Miller Randalstown 1425, Surgenor Bros Kells 1420.

Tullamore 48/1547 - 29/07/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1727, D Dixon Rasharkin 1727, W & J McLean Rasharkin 1723, T Whyte Ahoghill 1700, D Dixon Rasharkin 1695.

danny dixon

Danny Dixon enjoyed a super season and topped the NIPA in young birds from Tullamore 17,775 birds (B Hunter Cup) and 2^nd Fermoy 9,122 birds (J P O’Hagan Tyres Cup). Danny collects award from Mrs Beattie.

Roscrea 51/1624 - 06/08/22

Surgenor Bros Kells 1662, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1659, Gregg Bros Kells 1644, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1637, R H Clements Associate 1627.

Gowran Park 39/926 - 13/08/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1326, D Dixon Rasharkin 1322, G Gibson Cullybackey 1322, D Dixon Rasharkin 1321, D Dixon Rasharkin 1320.

Fermoy 42/1172 - 19/08/22

Surgenor Bros Kells 1961, D Dixon Rasharkin 1953, D Dixon Rasharkin 1951, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1947, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1937.

Fermoy 5 Bird Champ - 19/08/22

W & J McLean Rasharkin 1926, G Gibson Cullybackey 1890, D Dixon Rasharkin 1884, A Darragh Cullybackey 1871, H Boyd Kells 1854.

Roscrea 31/725 - 27/08/22

W McFetridge Rasharkin 1544, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1527, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1527, D Dixon Rasharkin 1525, A Barkley & Son Kells 1515.

NIPA Talbenny YB National - 27/08/22

A Darragh Cullybackey 1295, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1244, D Dixon Rasharkin 1237, A Darragh Cullybackey 1236, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1230.

Fermoy 30/596 - 01/09/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1376, D Dixon Rasharkin 1372, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1347, D Dixon Rasharkin 1334, T Whyte Ahoghill 1332.

NIPA Skibbereen YB National - 10/09/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1367, D Dixon Rasharkin 1347, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1341, D Dixon Rasharkin 1324, G Gibson Cullybackey 1323.

INFC Penzance YB National - 10/09/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1215, D Dixon Rasharkin 1166, D Dixon Rasharkin 1054, D Dixon Rasharkin 913, D Dixon Rasharkin 900.

INFC Skibbereen YB National – 16/09/22

D Dixon Rasharkin 1105, D Dixon Rasharkin 1102, D Dixon Rasharkin 1077, D Dixon Rasharkin 1053, D Dixon Rasharkin 1035.

Many congratulations to all winners and very well done to the lofts that won 1^st Open NIPA during 2022, Tullamore T Whyte (Rasharkin), Bude S Murphy (Kells), Tullamore D Dixon (Rasharkin), 2^nd Fermoy D Dixon (Rasharkin) and Danny Dixon won three Average Cups at Irish Nat FC. Many thanks to Danny Dixon for his continued support and PO Mervyn Eagleson for continued great service to MAC with results and reports.

Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation of Racing Pigeon Societies -

The 2023 and 78th Annual General Meeting was held in the Protestant Hall in Glenavy on Saturday 11th February commencing at 200pm sharp. Only Delegates were able to vote or enter into the business of the meeting. All clubs were expected to hold a meeting on the Resolutions and mandate their delegates on how to cast their vote. A letter of confirmation that each Delegate(s) club had held a club meeting to vote on Resolutions being produced at the AGM.

Agenda included 1. Minutes of last AGM. 2. Secretary Report. 3. Passing of Accounts. 4. Any other 2022 Business. 5, Election of Officers for 2023.

The following officials were returned in the election as follows.

OFFICE BEARERS 2023 - Patron: Mr. D Carson (Banbridge HPS), President: Mr. P Murray (Killyleagh & Dist), Senior Vice President: Mr. C O'Hare (Ballyholland), Life Vice Presidents: Mr. D Mawhinney (Beechpark Social), Mr. A. McDonnell (Coleraine Prem), Mr. D. Carson (Banbridge HPS), Mr. M. Livingstone (Portadown & Drumcree HPS), Mr. H. McVeigh (Killyleagh), Mr. Alan Darragh (Cullybackey), Mr. H. Boyd (Coalisland), Mr. S. Briggs (Lisburn & Dist).

Chairman: Mr. P. McLaughlin (Maiden City), Vice-Chairman: Mr.W Seaton (Ligoniel HPS), Financial Secretary: Mr. F. Russell (Dromore West End), Assistant Secretary: Mr.J Vage (Dromore HPS), Fleet Supervisor: Mr. Paul Howard (Coleraine Prem), Convoyer: Mr. P. McNeice (Annaghmore).

FINANCE, TRANSPORT AND GENERAL PURPOSES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE -

Section A: - H. Boyd (Dungannon) / J. Hanson (Coleraine Prem). Section B: - K. Kernohan (Harryville) / S. Murphy (Kells) / J. Greer (Cullybackey HPS). Section C: - C. Lynch (Ballycarry & Dist) / D. Campbell (Eastway) / G. Robinson (Carrick Soc.) / W. Seaton (Ligoniel). Section D: - J. D. Aiken (Dromore) / G. Smyth (Lisburn & Dist) / E. Adams (Lisburn & Dist). Section E: - K. Henderson (Lurgan Soc.) / J. Parr (Edgarstown) / S. Corrigan (Loughgall), G. O’Dowd (Gilford & Dist). Section F: - P. Murray (Killyleagh) / C. Watson (Killyleagh Central). Section G: - K. Byrne (Newry & Dist)/ G. Delaney (Ashfield). Section H: - P. McLaughlin (Maiden City) / J. Ramsey (Derry & Dist.) / G. Quinn (Omagh & Dist).

Press Officers: Mr. W. Reynolds / Mr J. Hughes & Mr. S. McGarry. Race Advisor: Mr. J. Ramsey assisted by G. Hughes, W. Seaton. Auditors: G McG, Portadown.

NIPA delegates to the Irish Region RPRA: Cormac O’Hare (Ballyholland), Samuel Briggs (Lisburn & Dist).

Secretary’s Report 2022/2023 was published previous.

Amendments of existing musts and rules and Musts & Rules – Delete the following Musts and replace them with New Rules.

Delete Must Number 1 in its entirety. (This Must is covered by an PRPA Rule).

Delete Must Number 2 in its entirety. (This Must is covered by an PRPA Rule).

Delete Must Number 3 in its entirety. (This Must is covered by an PRPA Rule).

Delete Must Number 4 in its entirety. (This Must is covered by an PRPA Rule).

Delete Must Number 5 in its entirety and replace with a new General rule 86. Belgica clocks must be punctured twice when Setting and Timing in.

Delete must Number 6 in its entirety. (This must is covered by NIPA Race rule 13).

Delete Must Number 7 in its entirety and replace with a New General rule 87. The number of the receptacle showing on Competitor`s clock must be entered on the Verification Card immediately after setting and again before being checked.

Delete Must Number 8 in its entirety. (This must is covered by the Amended General rule 70).

Delete Must Number 9 in its entirety. (This must is covered by NIPA General rule 19).

Delete Must Number 10 in its entirety and replace with a new General rule 88. All pigeons competing for club prizes in National, Classic and Championship races must be paid for to the NIPA.

Delete Must Number 12 in its entirety. (This must is covered by NIPA race Rule 15).

Delete Must Number 13 in its entirety. (This must is covered by NIPA General rule 18).

Delete Must Number 14 in its entirety and replace with a new General rule 89. Club`s must have RPRA Membership lists and Payment with the Irish Region secretary before the 1St of March each year. Individual names addressee’s of partnerships must be given.

Delete Must Number 15 in its entirety and replace with a new General rule 90. In forwarding a Resolution to the NIPA, the following format should be used as a guideline. (1) Delete an existing rule if necessary. (2) No preamble. (3) Should be viable. (4) Should be in the interest of all members of the NIPA. (5) It cannot contravene any RPRA rules.

Delete Must Number 16 in its entirety and replace with a new General rule number 91. Club Secretaries, important notice puncturing clocks audit. Please note any puncturing clock still In use needs to be re-registered with the RPRA prior to the start of 2023 racing season. Failure to do so will disqualify the clock from any future use. Puncturing clocks may not be sold, loaned out, r disposed of for the use of any other person in any RPRA Competition.

Delete Must Number 17 in its entirety and replace with a new General rule 92. All club`s must send two members to assist at Race Marking in NIPA designated Centres, this to include the loading of pigeons into the transporter.

Delete Must Number 18 in its entirety (This must is covered by NIPA General rule 7a)

Delete Must Number 19 in its entirety and replace by a new General Rule 93. All members Measurements & Long/Lat Certificates calculated by Google Earth, or any other recognised system approved by the RPRA be forwarded to the NIPA Secretary, failure to comply will mean disqualifications in NIPA races.

NIPA AGM agenda 2023 - Amendments to NIPA General Rules. All resolutions passed unanimously bar Rule 39A was 36 to 4, Rule 41B was 36 to4, Rule70 was 37 to 3.

Amend General Rule 3a to read. The delegates representation shall be one delegate for club`s with a membership of up to 15 members, two delegates for a club with a membership of 16 to 30 members three delegates for a club with a membership of 31 to 45 members and four delegates with a club 0f 46 members and above.

Amend General Rule 10 to read. The Royal Pigeon Racing Association will calculate all member`s loft locations and measurements by Google Earth or any other system they recognise. no other measurements will be accepted.

Amend General Rule 39a to read. That all members can purchase their own hampers for the first five old bird Irish races only, in all other club races pigeons must be spread as evenly as possible over all club crates. in National, Classic and Championship races. Pigeons will be race marked at centres.

Amend General Rule 41b to read. Where more than one club race-mark their pigeons at the

same clubrooms. All clocks must be set, checked and the result completed at the same club rooms, (One Master Timer to be used).

Amend General Rule 70 to read. In all National, Classic and Championship races the 3-hour rule for returning your clock after timing your first arrival will only apply to birds timed on the first day of the race. In the event of no first day arrivals, the 3-hour rule will apply on the second day. If there are first day arrivals, the Centre Officials can arrange convenient checking times at their own discretion. If you arrive at the centre outside the 3-hour rule with your first arrival you will be, given the time of your arrival at the Centre.

The NIPA have released the race programme for season 2023. Old Birds programme as follows:

Saturday 15/04/23 Tullamore

Saturday 22/04/23 Roscrea

Saturday 29/04/23 Gowran Park

Saturday 06/05/23 Fermoy

Saturday 13/05/23 Fermoy

Saturday 20/05/23 Skibbereen OB Inland National

Saturday 20/05/23 Pilmore Beach

Saturday 27/05/23 Talbenny (1)

Saturday 03/06/23 Talbenny (2)

Saturday 03/06/23 Fermoy 5 Bird Championship

Saturday 10/06/23 Bude