INFC update - Hall of Fame Diploma
The 2025 racing season will be one to look forward to after a record number of awards were achieved racing in 2024 a massive 26 Merit Awards for birds making the Kings Cup prize list on two occasions and no less than eight birds achieving Hall of Fame Diploma status for three times in the Kings Cup prize list. There will be at least 26 birds available for the Hall of Fame test while a record number of 8 will be available to compete for a Gold Medal for four times in the Kings Cup prizes. Ronnie Johnston proposed the Hall of Fame Diploma, and it was first won in 1970 and then Homer proposed the Gold Medal and it was first won in 1982 with two individual winners and it looked then as if it was going to be easy. It was another 10 years before we had the next winner and just 15 have been won up to date. The INFC History Section on pigeonnetwork.com is being updated and its worth keeping an eye on for updates and changes. Hall of Fame winners in 2024 were as follows.
HALL OF FAME DIPLOMAS AWARDED FOR A PIGEON
THREE TIMES IN THE KING’S CUP PRIZES.
F. Moran Malahide & District R.P.C.
Fintan Moran from Malahide & District won the Hall of Fame Diploma.
Little Darling Red Hen IHU20S-005774
St. Allouestre 2022 - 71st Open Velocity 927.38 Distance 408 Miles 1413 Yards Members 492 Pigeons 2118
St. Allouestre 2023 - 3rd Open Velocity 955.96 Distance 408 Miles 1413 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 - 42nd Open Velocity 845.40 Distance 408 Miles 1413 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
R. Duddy Ballyclare & District H.P.S.
Robin Duddy from Ballyclare & District wins the Hall of Fame Diploma and for good measure 2 Kings Cup Merit Awards & Flo Pat the Robin Duddy Hall of Fame winner.
Flo Pat Blue Tic Hen GB20B-18012
St. Allouestre 2022 - 130th Open Velocity 734.71 Distance 493 Miles 1391 Yards Members 492 Pigeons 2118
St. Allouestre 2023 - 39th Open Velocity 630.64 Distance 493 Miles 1391 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 - 27th Open Velocity 905.99 Distance 493 Miles 1391 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
E. Murtagh & Sons Individual North
E Murtagh & Sons Individual North won the Hall of Fame Diploma and the Joe Doheny Cup for the Single bird Challenge & L’Murt the Hall of Fame winner for E Murtagh & Sons.
L. Murt Blue Bar w/f Cock GB18H-12149
St. Allouestre 2022 - 179th Open Velocity 668.82 Distance 475 Miles 1649 Yards Members 492 Pigeons 2118
St. Allouestre 2023 - 43rd Open Velocity 610.27 Distance 475 Miles 1649 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 - 8th Open Velocity 1028.86 Distance 475 Miles 1649 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
A. Thompson Ballyclare & District H.P.S.
Arnold Thompson from Ballyclare & District wins the Hall of Fame Diploma & Colin Hall of Fame winner for Arnold Thompson of Ballyclare.
Colin Pencil Blue Pied Cock GB20B-18578
St. Allouestre 2022 - 34th Open Velocity 1098.93 Distance 493 Miles 1359 Yards Members 492 Pigeons 2118
St. Allouestre 2023 - 86th Open Velocity 342.40 Distance 493 Miles 1359 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 - 11th Open Velocity 979.58 Distance 493 Miles 1359 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
G. & C. Simmons Edgarstown H.P.S.
G & C Simmons from Edgarstown HPS wins the Hall of Fame Diploma & Derrycrush the Hall of Fame winner for G & C Simmons of Edgarstown.
Derrycush Ted Blue Chequer Cock GB21E-28739
St. Allouestre 2022 - 133rd Open Velocity 729.50 Distance 483 Miles 553 Yards Members 492 Pigeons 2118
St. Allouestre 2023 - 35th Open Velocity 652.70 Distance 483 Miles 553 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 - 221st Open Velocity 240.67 Distance 483 Miles 553 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
Donnelly Bros Newry City H.P.S.
Donnelly Bros from Newry City former Nat Champions won the Hall of Fame Diploma & Sophie the Hall of Fame winner for Donnelly Bros of Newry City.
Sophie Pencil Pied Hen GB20C-39696
St. Allouestre 2022 - 15th Open Velocity 1172.80 Distance 462 Miles 1392 Yards Members 492 Pigeons 2118
St. Allouestre 2023 - 22nd Open Velocity 748.47 Distance 462 Miles 1392 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 - 194th Open Velocity 423.68 Distance 462 Miles 1392 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
G. Buckley & Son Annaghmore H.P.S.
G Buckley & Son from Annaghmore HPS won the Hall of Fame Diploma, 1st Open Skibbereen YB and several average cups & Hall of Fame winner for G Buckley & Son of Annaghmore.
Blue Chequer Hen GB19A-29817
St. Allouestre 2022 - 42nd Open Velocity 1080.71 Distance 480 Miles 842 Yards Members 492 Pigeons 2118
St. Allouestre 2023 - 45th Open Velocity 590.15 Distance 480 Miles 842 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 - 13th Open Velocity 977.11 Distance 480 Miles 842 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
N. Black & Son Dromara H.P.S.
N Black & Son from Dromara win the Hall of Fame Diploma, numerous awards inc Kings Cup and Nat Champion.
Blue Chequer Hen GB19D-26141
St. Allouestre 2021 - 33rd Open Velocity 339.35 Distance 471 Miles 1026 Yards Members 495 Pigeons 2511
St. Allouestre 2023 - 83rd Open Velocity 359.53 Distance 471 Miles 1026 Yards Members 460 Pigeons 1913
St. Allouestre 2024 -176th Open Velocity 485.93 Distance 471 Miles 1026 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
History and Hall of Fame Diploma winners -
When it was first introduced in 1970, I believe it was a result of a suggestion of Ronnie Johnston, that some form of award of merit should be given to birds getting into the National Blue Riband Kings Cup result on several occasions. Some great pigeons had put up fantastic performances over a number of seasons but at the end of the day had nothing to show for their courage. The type of birds I was thinking about are a number from my own area in Ballymena ie. “Rennes Queen”, “Leading Lady” and “Wee Albert” raced by the very famous lofts of Smyth Bros and Barr Bros. Rob Smyth of Larne had “National Queen” and “Continental Queen” and do forgive me for others I have not mentioned. It was decided that the Hall of Fame Diploma be awarded to any pigeon which was recorded three times in the Kings Cup prize list and, at the time was the most coveted and the most difficult to win. Race points flown since then have been wide and varied including from the early days the famous names of Nantes, Rheims, Rennes and Les Sables.
1970 – Nantes
Sutherland & Devoy, Killyleagh and W M Thompson, Muckamore
1971 – Nantes
H Elliott, Lisburn
1972 – Nantes
R Law, Ballymena & District and H Hayes, Portstewart
1973 – Nantes
G Burrell & Sons, Lurgan
1974 – Nantes
A Simpson & Son, Randalstown and Reynolds & Creighton, Dollingstown
1975 – Rheims
A McCartney, Crumlin
1976 – Rennes
J Irvine & Son, Ballyclare
1978 – Rennes
P Flannagan, Killyleagh
1979 – Rennes
Hamilton & Burke, Portstewart, B Madden & Son, Dublin, W B Shaw, Newcastle, H Elliott, Lisburn & Dist. and G Kilpatrick, Lisburn
1980 – Les Sables
J Shaw & Son, Randalstown, McCartney Bros, Moira and McCartney Bros, Moira
1981 – Les Sables
J O’Neill, Dublin, Connor Bros, Dundrumm S Bunting, Belfast, J McCartan, Annalong, R & W McBride & Son, Lisburn, Smyth Bros, Ballymena & Dist. and Smyth Bros, Ballymena & Dist.
1982 – Les Sables
G Kilpatrick, Lisburn and W Harrison, Belfast
1989 – Rennes
W Clements & Son, Edgarstown, J Logan, Ballyclare and Gilmour & Beattie, Newtownbreda
1990 – Rennes
W V Troughton, Gilford, S Bell, Dundonald and Gilmour & Beattie, Newtownbreda
1991 – Rennes
W Erwin, Ballymena & Dist., W Catherwood & Son, Ballynahinch, and R Kernaghan & Son, Dromore
1992 – Rennes
B & H Marshall, Newtownbreda, V McDonald, Antrim, and M Conlon & Son, Banbridge
1993 – Rennes
R McIlvenna, Chimney Corner, R Williamson, Bondhill, G Kilpatrick, Ballymacbrennan, Belshaw & Anderson, Derriaghy, and B McKeown & Son, Derriaghy
1994 – Rennes
Hammond Bros, Cookstown, F McMaster, Kircubbin, F Scott & Son, Dromore, and Burns Bros, Comber Soc
1995 – Rennes
Mr & Mrs Flanagan, Downpatrick, J Waring & Son, Lisburn & Dist., J Cullen, Dublin, G Killops, Drumcree, N Black & Sons, Dromara, and N Black & Sons, Dromara
1996 Rennes
T Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda, W Hardy & Son, Annsborough, J Nelson, Milltown, and E Matchett & Son, Edgarstown
1997 – St Nazaire
R McCallum & Son, Ballymena & Dist., D Moore, Cullybackey, B E & L McNeilly, Ballynure, W Tollerton, Dunmurry, Lavery Bros, Hillsborough & Maze, Harper Bros, Dollingstown, Mr & Mrs Swann, Harryville, and T Flanagan, Malahide & Dist.
1998 – Rennes
A Murray & Son, Dundrum, P J Corcoran, Balbriggan, T Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda, S Corrigan, Loughgall, Gilmour & Beattie, Newtownbreda, and K Halliday, Newry
2000 – Redon
E J Campbell, Milltown
2002 – Redon
John Greenaway, Bondhill
2004 – Messac
R Telford, Annaghmore, and McCracken Bros, Banbridge
2005 – Messac
L McCall, Wicklow South Road
2006 – Vannes
G Benson, Lisburn, Burns Bros, Comber, S Corrigan, Loughgall, and Stewart Bros, Randalstown
2009 – Plaudren-Vannes
P Rock & Son, Skerries, Stewart Bros, Randalstown
2010 – Plaudren-Vannes
J Waring & Son, Lisburn & Dist., D Croskery & Son, Annsborough, and W McClure, Kells & Dist.
2011 – Plaudren-Vannes
W McClure, Kells & Dist., Rev TAB Sawyers & Son, Banbridge
P McCullough & Daughter, Downpatrick, S Corrigan, Loughgall, G Buckley & Son, Annaghmore, Ward & McIntosh, Downpatrick, N Black & Sons, Dromara, W McCaw, Ballymoney, G & J O’Hare, Crossgar, A Darragh, Cullybackey, R Williamson, Bondhill
2012 – Plaudren-Vannes
W G Neill, Annaghmore, John Greenaway, Bondhill, and Adamson & Anderson, Gilford
2013 – Saint Allouestre
M Robinson, Bondhill, W McCaw, Ballymoney, and C & L Woodside, Ballyclare
2014 – Saint Allouestre
W English, Lisburn & Dist., and J Cullen, Bray Invitation
2015 – Saint Allouestre
Dando & Bennett, Beechpark Social
2016 – Saint Allouestre
E Murtagh & Sons, Individual North
2017 – Saint Allouestre
A McAteer & Sons, Ballyholland, and Arnold Thompson, Ballyclare
2018 – Saint Allouestre
McKeown & McEvoy, Castlebellingham, Fintan Moran, Malahide & District, Noel Lusty, Muckamore HPS
2019 – Saint Allouestre
G Benson, Lisburn & District, E. E. & S Kavanagh, Arklow United RPC, Parkin & Cairns, Castlebellingham RPC, J Doheny, Malahide & District, and P Dunlop, Edgarstown
2024 – Saint Allouestre
F Moran, Malahide & District, E Murtagh & Son, Individual North, R Duddy, Ballyclare & District, A Thompson, Ballyclare & District, G & C Simmons, Edgarstown, G Buckley & Son Annaghmore, Donnelly Bros, Newry City, and N Black & Son Dromara
The only Pigeon so far to win 2 x Hall of Fame Diplomas is the great “HERMES” - Owned and Raced by Gordon Kirkpatrick.
Triple Crown Award
The latest award the members of the INFC fly for is known as the Triple Crown Award, to win this award a single pigeon must be an Open prize-winner from Penzance YB Grand National, Sennen Cove Yearling National and finally the Kings Cup OB Grand National as a two year old racer. The first year that the award could be won was 2009 and immediately it was to cause controversy. It could have been my mistake as I had put the idea of this award to the Committee and had it accepted.
The brilliant Annaghmore loft of Glen Buckley & Son won 134th Open INFC Grand Nat YB in 2008 with a lovely Blue w/f hen “64”. The following year she was sent to the INFC Sennen Cove Yearling Nat and went on to win 29th Open. Glen had the hen in great form and it was decided to send her to the Kings Cup flown from Vannes and “64” won 1st North Sect & 2nd Open INFC plus pools and prize money of £2,500. I had her down as a Triple Crown award winner but the INFC Committee would not approve it as they decided it should be consecutive years. Three seasons on the trot. Glen was offered the £100 prize but would not accept it and decided to try again.
In 2009 we had two Triple Crown award winners, Tommy McClean of Annaghmore Blue hen “49” winning 49th Open Sennen Cove YB Nat, 5th Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat then 138th Open Vannes Kings Cup. J McLoughlin & Son of Blanchardstown scored with Cheq Pied (h) “57” in YB Nat Sennen Cove 49th Open 223rd Open in the Yearling Nat Sennen Cove and then 55th Open Vannes Kings Cup.
The 2010 season saw three Triple Crown awards and believe it or not Glen Buckley & Son did not take long to win the award they missed out on in 2009. Blue w/f (h) “64” won 134th Open Sennen Cove YB Nat, 29th Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat and 201st Open Kings Cup Vannes. The hen that was 2nd Open Kings Cup in 2009 went back and won the award that was so richly deserved.
Willie Neill of Annaghmore, the same club as Glen won his award with a Blue hen “06”. 89th Open Sennen Cove YB Nat, 62nd Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat and then 53rd Open Vannes Kings Cup. This brilliant hen was in the first 100 of all three National races.
Former Kings Cup winner Ronnie Williamson of Bondhill won the third award of 2010, his Blue Pied (h) “63” won 32nd Open Sennen Cove YB Nat, 194th Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat and then finally 72nd Open Vannes Kings Cup. Did you notice? - All 3 winners were Hens!
The East Down Combine won their first Triple Crown award when the EDC Secretary Sammy Duke clocked his Blue Cheq (h) “38” to win 75th Open Penzance YB Nat, 83rd Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat, 94th Open Vannes Kings Cup. This was the second winner to be in the first 100 Open positions in all three National races. Willie Corrigan from Loughgall collected his award with the first cock to win the Triple Crown. His Blue (c) “63” was 135th Open Penzance YB Nat, 126th Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat, 143rd Open Vannes Kings Cup.
No Triple Crown Award was won in 2012 but the following season 2013 saw two awards won and by two former Kings Cup winners. Geoffrey Douglas of Wilton Cross timed Blue (c) “69” to win 186th Open Penzance YB Nat, 259th Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat, and then 86th Open St Allouestre Kings Cup. Joe Doheny from Malahide scored with his Blue Cheq (h) “30”, 61st Open Penzance YB Nat, 133rd Open Sennen Cove Yearling Nat and 203rd Open St Allouestre Kings Cup.
In 2014 once again, no Triple Crown Award was won, it has been in the race programme for six years and only nine have been won – 7 hens and 2 cocks. Ronnie Johnston Patron.
Triple Crown Award winners -
2009: J McLoughlin & Sons, Blanchardstown; T McClean, Annaghmore.
2010: G Buckley & Son, Annaghmore; W G Neill, Annaghmore; R Williamcon, Bondhill.
2011: S & K Duke, Crossgar; W Corrigsn, Loughgall.
2013: G Douglas, Wilton Cross; J Doheny, Malahide & Dist.
2013 – Joe Doheny, Malahide & District
2018 – John Greenaway, Bondhill Social
2019 – Glen Buckley & Sons, Annaghmore
2024 – McCracken Bros, Banbridge HPS
TRIPLE CROWN DIPLOMA 2024 -
AWARDED FOR A SINGLE PIGEON IN THE OPEN RESULT CHANNEL YOUNG BIRD, YEARLING NATIONAL AND OLD BIRD NATIONAL KING’S CUP IN CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
McCracken Bros. Banbridge H.P.S.
Ella Red Chequer Hen GB22X-11973
Ella the Triple Crown winner for McCracken Bros of Banbridge HPS.
Penzance YB 2022 - 50th Open Velocity 985.89 Distance 294 Miles 303 Yards Members 250 Pigeons 1483
Penzance Yearling 2023 - 295th Open Velocity 662.65 Distance 294 Miles 303 Yards Members 485 Pigeons 3070
St. Allouestre Kings Cup 2024 - 103rd Open Velocity 638.75 Distance 470 Miles 798 Yards Members 425 Pigeons 1961
Gold Medal History – Gold Medals Winners in the INFC - Four Times in the Result in the Grand National Kings Cup
1982 – G M Kirkpatrick, Ballymacbrennan
1979 – 119th, 1980 – 83rd, 1981 – 62nd, 1982 – 14th
1982 – J McCartan, Annalong
1979 – 84th, 1980 – 97th, 1981 – 149th, 1982 – 17th
1992 – W Catherwood & Sons, Ballynahinch
1988 – 26th, 1989 – 133rd, 1991 – 7th, 1992 – 48th
1993 – M Conlon & Sons, Banbridge
1990 – 26th, 1991 – 14th, 1992 – 89th, 1993 – 68th
1994 – Ron Williamson, Bondhill Soc
1989 – 22nd, 1992 – 126th, 1993 – 113th, 1994 – 147th
1995 – F Scott & Son, Dromore HPS
1992 – 31st, 1993 – 67th, 1994 – 62nd, 1995 – 8th
1995 – Gordon Kirkpatrick, Ballymacbrennan
1991 – 47th, 1992 – 79th, 1993 – 49th, 1995 – 77th
1995 – Burns Bros, Comber Social
1992 – 114th, 1993 – 73rd, 1994 – 95th, 1995 – 188th
2011 – J Waring & Son, Lisburn & District
2005 – 24th, 2006 – 53rd, 2010 – 25th, 2011 – 163rd
2012 – Rev T.A.B. Sawyers & Son, Banbridge
2005 – 107th, 2010 – 134th, 2001 – 58th, 2012 – 41st
2012 – N Black & Son, Dromara
2009 – 241st, 2010 – 153rd, 2011 – 200th, 2012 – 52nd
2013 – John Greenaway, Bondhill Soc
2010 – 145th, 2011 – 241st, 2012 – 34th, 2013 – 159th
2018 – A McAteer & Sons, Ballyholland
2015 – 107th, 2016 – 27th, 2017 – 162nd, 2018 – 47th
2019 – J Doheny, Malahide & District RPC
2016 – 62nd, 2017 – 60th, 2019 – 112th, 2021 – 39th
2022 – P Dunlop, Edgarstown
2017 – 141st, 2018 – 69th, 2019 – 54th, 2022 – 156th.
Willie Reynolds – INFC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw>;
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http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com