National Celebrations at Stormont Hotel in Belfast

Fanciers and friends from across Ireland celebrated the racing season at the annual presentation of prizes for the Irish National Flying Club held at the top class Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Friday 23rd November. On this special night Chairman Leonard McCavery welcomed another full house and introduced the top table. Special guests Mr and Mrs Phil Smith from Stillorgan in County Dublin were joined by Secretary Trevor Topping and his wife Florence, with President David Black and his wife Janice. Leonard thanked Ronnie Johnston and his wife Alice for organising the event and for all the work they do in gathering the trophies in and preparing them for the night. He congratulated all the - especially the King’s Cup winner, Michael Fitzgerald from Gilford. Leonard went on to thank all our sponsors including, Frazer Animal Feeds, Bamfords Top Flight, H Beattie & Son, Sawyers & Co Estate Agents and British Homing World. He thanked all the committee members and all the other members who help out every year at race marking and clock centres. He paid a special tribute to secretary, Trevor Topping and his family for all their hard work throughout the year. The Chairman thanked the convoyer Jim McCrory and his team for all their help and patience in the face of some difficult race decisions and the effort in getting the convoy to the race point for release. He paid tribute to the Race Controllers David Black, Tom Marshall and new member Peter McKeown this was the job nobody wants. He concluded by thanking the press team for race coverage and the management and staff of the Stormont Hotel for a lovely meal. Phil Smith said it was an honour for him-self and the wife to be invited to present the trophies, he had served on the committee for 20 years. Membership was in decline and he hoped more young people could join the sport.

Mr Ronnie Johnston, Patron of the Irish National Flying Club was then called upon to act as MC for the Presentation of Prizes. Ronnie once again provided us with a wealth of knowledge on the various winners and of the history of the prizes, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed as he kept the crowd engrossed throughout the presentation.As is customary with the Irish National Flying Club, the first prize to be presented was the Kings Cup by the previous year’s winner, Mr Liam McCall from Wicklow South Road.

Michael Fitzpatrick (l) from Gilford collects the Kings Cup from Liam McCall

This year’s winner O Fitzpatrick & Son from Gilford, Michael Fitzpatrick was greeted with a standing ovation. National Champion was Tommy McClean from Annaghmore and the runner-up was Malcolm Robinson of Bondhill Social. Irish National Flying Club - Trophy and Award Winners 2018King George V Challenge Cup - Saint Allouestre Grand National old bird race winner - O. Fitzpatrick & Son Gilford H.P.S. Vel. 837. Gilliland Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st IHU member after winner in Kings Cup race - McKeown & McEvoy Castlebellingham R.P.C. Vel. 774. Nelson Vase - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st RPRA member after winner in Kings Cup race - Tom McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Vel. 804. East Down Combine Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st E.D.C. member in the Kings Cup race - L. & H. Fields Hillfoot H.P.S. Vel. 689. Ulster Federation Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st Ulster Federation member in Kings Cup race - O. & M. Monaghan Andersonstown H.P.S. Vel. 631. NIPA Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st NIPA member in Kings Cup race - O. Fitzpatrick & Son Gilford H.P.S. Vel. 837. Joe Cullen Memorial Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st East Coast Federation member in the Kings Cup race - McKeown & McEvoy Castlebellingham R.P.C. Vel. 774. Billy Ingle Trophy - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st Irish South Road Federation member in the Kings Cup race - J. Cullen Bray Invitation R.P.C. Vel. 586. S.L.F. Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st South Leinster Federation member in the Kings Cup race - E. E. & S. Kavanagh Arklow United R.P.C. Vel. 539.Duddy Extreme Distance Trophy - Saint Allouestre O.B - Furthest flying member in the King’s Cup Open prizes - R. J. Elliott Ballymoney H. P.S. 520 Miles, 25th Open Vel. 595. Harkness Rose Bowl - Saint Allouestre O.B Best 2 Bird average Kings Cup - Malachy Maguire & Son Millvale H.P.S. Vel. 670. Joe Doheny Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B. Single bird challenge Kings Cup - F. Moran Malahide & District R.P.C. Vel. 714. Robinson Trophy - Saint Allouestre O.B. 14th position in Kings Cup - C. McArdle & Sons Banbridge H.P.S. Vel. 685. McCloud Cup - Saint Allouestre O.B - 1st Yearling in the Kings Cup - G. & C. Topley Laurelvale H.P.S. Vel. 734. Ronnie Johnston Challenge Cup - Skibbereen O.B Inland National - P. J. Nangle Carlow & District R.P.C. Vel. 1304. Gerald Delaney Trophy - Skibbereen O.B - Best section winning velocity after winning section - D. Tierney Sarsfield R.P.C. Vel. 1264. Framed Diploma Skibbereen O.B - Lowest section winning velocity - Ronnie Williamson Newry & District H.P.S. Vel. 1226.Friendship Cup - Lamballe O.B - Friendship National - N. Black & Son Dromara H.P.S. Vel. 1046. British Barcelona Club Trophy - Lamballe O.B - 2nd position in the Friendship National - J. Hand Skerries R.P.C. Vel. 1013. John Millar Logistics Trophy -- Lamballe O.B - 1st member in the section not winning the Open - J. Hand Skerries R.P.C. Vel. 1013. Henry Beattie & Son Trophy - Lamballe O.B Best 2 Bird average Friendship National - J. Hand Skerries R.P.C. Vel. 982. Irvine Trophy - Best Average O.B. Nationals Lamballe and Saint Allouestre - T. McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Vel. 872. Nelson Corry Trophy - Sennen Cove O.B. Yearling National - M. Graham Ballymena & District H.P.S. Vel. 1419. James McGrugan Memorial Cup - Sennen Cove Yearling National - Section winner not winning the open - Thorpe, Ward & McMorrow Trim R.P.C. Vel. 1255. Sam Buckley Memorial Cup Best 2 Bird average Sennen Cove Yearling National - A. Darragh Cullybackey H.P.S. Vel. 1372. Charles Ingle Memorial Trophy - 10th Open position Sennen Cove Yearling National - R. G. & G. Donaldson Blackwatertown W.E. H.P.S. Vel. 1360. J.M.K. McGugan Perpetual Cup Penzance Y.B. Channel Grand National - Telford Bros. & S. & J. Milligan H.P.S. Vel. 1249. William Erwin Memorial Cup Penzance - 1st South Section in Channel Y.B. National - Mr & Mrs J. McMahon Balbriggan R.P.C. Vel. 1231. De-Scheemaecker Trophy - Penzance Y.B Best 2 Bird average in Channel Y.B. National-TBC. Tom Marshall Trophy Skibbereen - Y.B. Inland National - N. Edgar & Son Dromara H. P.S. Vel. 1578. Framed Diploma Skibbereen Y.B. Inland National Middle section winner - T. McLoughlin & Son Finglas R.P.C. Vel. 1567. Framed Diploma Skibbereen - Y.B. Inland National South section winner - Bolger Family Wexford North & South. Vel. 1556J. Gilmour Memorial Cup - Best average Saint Allouestre O B and Sennen Cove Yearling Nationals - T. McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Vel. 945. A. Darragh Cup - Best average Sennen Cove Yearling and Quimper Friendship Nationals - A. Thompson Ballyclare & District H.P.S. Vel. 1082. Jarvis Cup - Best Average Penzance and Skibbereen Y.B. Nationals - J. Greenaway Dromore H.P.S. Vel. 1365. Rhead Trophy Best Average - Saint Allouestre O.B. and Penzance Y.B. Nationals - T. McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Vel. 921. Diamond Cup - Best Average Saint Allouestre O.B. Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance Y.B. - T. McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Vel. 1004. Harkers Trophy - Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance Y. B. Nationals - M. Graham Ballymena & District H.P.S. Vel. 1312. Robin Duddy Trophy - Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling and Penzance Y B National - (3 Bird Nomination) - D. Scott Glenavy & District H.P.S. Vel. 880. Charles Hunniford Memorial Trophy - Best average (North Section) Skibbereen O.B. & Y.B. Nationals - Jeff Greenaway Dromore H.P.S. Vel. 1368. The New North Cup - Best Average Sennen Cove Yearling, Saint Allouestre Kings Cup, Lamballe Friendship, Penzance Young Bird Nationals - T. McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Vel. 991. President’s Cup - Best Average Saint Allouestre Kings Cup, Sennen Cove Yearling, Penzance Y.B. and Skibbereen Y.B. Nationals - T. McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Ve1. 1035. De-Scheemaecker Trophy - Runner up Best Average all races - M. Robinson Bondhill Social H.P.S. Vel. 837. Erwin Trophy - Best Average All National Races - T. McClean Annaghmore H.P.S. Vel. 1029GOLD MEDAL Awarded for a bird 4 Times in the Kings Cup prizes presented to - A. McAteer & Sons Ballyholland H.P.S. Blue Bar Cock GB13B-33618 “Drum Cove Cheeky Boy” 2015 - 107th St Allouestre,  2016 27th St Allouestre, 2017 - 162nd St Allouestre, 2018 47th St Allouestre.HALL OF FAME DIPLOMA Awarded for a bird 3 Times in the Kings Cup prizes presented to - McKeown & McEvoy Castlebellingham R.P.C. Blue Cock IHU13S-004040 “Patsy” 2016 - 38th St Allouestre,  2017 116th St Allouestre, 2018 5th St Allouestre. Fintan Moran Malahide & District R.P.C. Red Hen IHU13S-67299 “Aoife M” 2016 - 35th St Allouestre, 2017 - 107th St Allouestre, 2018 - 9th St Allouestre. Noel Lusty Muckamore H.P.S. Blue Pied Hen GB13E-15606 “Edith” 2016 - 55th St Allouestre, 2017 104th St Allouestre,  2018 29th St Allouestre.

TRIPLE AWARD DIPLOMA Awarded for a bird 3 Times in the Friendship National presented to - John Greenaway Bondhill Social H.P.S. Blue Cock GB12B-03249 “The 49 Cock” 2016 - 38th Quimper, 2017 - 2nd Lamballe, 2018 - 83rd Lamballe.

 

LADIES PRIZES won by - P. J. Nangle, Carlow & Dist; M. Graham, Ballymena & Dist; O. Fitzpatrick & Son, Gilford; N. Black & Son, Dromara; Telford Bros. & S. & J. Milligan, Downpatrick Prem; N. Edgar & Son, Dromara. FRAMED DIPLOMAS Sponsored by Sawyers & Co. Estate Agents, Banbridge presented to Saint Allouestre Single Bird Challenge in Kings Cup - 1st F. Moran Malahide & District R.P.C,  2nd P. Campbell & Sons Armagh H.P.S, 3rd C. O’Hare & Son Ballyholland.King’s Cup Merit Awards 2018 Single Bird in OB Nat twice won by - Smyth & Adams Lagan Valley R.P.C. Blue Checker Cock GB15L-15292Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 172nd Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 60th Open.E. E. & S. Kavanagh Arklow United R.P.C. Blue Checker Hen IHU14S-12671Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 89th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 37th OpenW. Corrigan Loughgall H.P.S. Blue Hen GB14L-11382Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 246th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 41st OpenW. Corrigan Loughgall H.P.S. Red Hen GB15L-12496Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 241st Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 40th OpenJ. Sharkey Castlebellingham R.P.C. Blue Checker w/f Cock IHU14S-43029Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2016 - 26th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 50th OpenG. & C. Simmons Edgarstown H.P.S. “Derrycush King” Blue Checker Cock GB15E-00838Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 226th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 17th OpenE. Murtagh & Sons Individual North “L.J” Dark Checker Cock GB15A-05327Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 37th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 30th OpenE. Murtagh & Sons Individual North “Emurt” Dark Checker Cock GB15B-10383Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 165th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 72nd OpenP. Dunlop Edgarstown H.P.S. Blue Checker Hen GB15E-01001Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 141st Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 69th OpenJ. Waring & Son Lisburn & District H.P.S. Blue Checker Cock GB14L-21836Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 70th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 71st OpenG. Benson Lisburn & District H.P.S. Blue Checker Pied Hen GB14L-21836Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2016 - 34th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 32nd OpenM. Ewbanks Banbridge H.P.S. “Ray” Blue Bar Cock GB15B-30034Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 32nd Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 15th OpenRev. T.A.B. Sawyers & Son Banbridge H.P.S. “Mourneview Bella” Blue w/f Cock GB14B-13085Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 201st Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 44th OpenN. Black & Son Dromara H.P.S. Blue Checker w/f Cock GB14D-10840Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2017 - 121st Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 31st OpenPritchard Bros. Annsborough H.P.S. Blue Checker Hen IHU13N-08590Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2015 - 125th Open, Saint Allouestre King’s Cup 2018 - 49th OpenFriendship National Merit Awards 2018 Single Bird in OB Friendship Nat (France) twice won by -Donnelly Bros. Millvale H.P.S. “Lunch Time” Blue Checker Cock GB14A-40518Lamballe Friendship National 2017 - 7th Open, Lamballe Friendship National 2018 - 76th OpenJoe. Doheny Malahide & District R.P.C. Blue Checker Cock GB14V-02869Quimper Friendship National 2016 - 40th Open, Lamballe Friendship National 2018 - 88th OpenG. Buckley & Son Annaghmore H.P.S. Blue Hen GB15A-31904Lamballe Friendship National 2017 - 4th Open, Lamballe Friendship National 2018 - 53rd Open. 

Telford Bros and S & J Milligan from Downpatrick Premier, 1st Open INFC Penzance YB Grand National and J M K McGugan Cup.

 

Mr & Mrs Martin Graham from Ballymena & District won the Corry Cup 1st Yearling Nat and Harkers Cup best Ave Yearling & Penzance Nat.

 

 

Skibbereen Old Bird National was won by P J Nangle from Carlow.

 

INFC National Champion Tommy McClean of Annaghmore.

 

Friendship National winners from Lamballe N Black & Son of Dromara.

 

 

Gold Medal 4 times Kings Cup was won by A McAteer & Sons, Ballyholland.

 

The Ladies Prizes for 1st National INFC in 2018.

 

Hall of Fame Diploma for Noel Lusty & Family from Muckamore.

 

Malcolm Robinson won De Scheemaecker Trophy for runner-up in National Championship.

 

Merit Award winners for St Allouestre Kings Cup and Friendship Nat Lamballe.

 

F Moran Malahide & Dist won the Single Bird Challenge and Hall of Fame Diploma.

 

O & M Monaghan from Andersonstown won the Ulster Fed Cup from St Allouestre.

 

Friendship Triple Award Diploma won by John Greenaway of Bondhill.

 

Willie ReynoldsINFC  Press OfficerTel/Fax: (028) 256 44683Mobile: 07538 238364Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhwEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.www.infc.co.ukwww.pigeonnetwork.comwww.irishnationalflyingclub.com