3rd May 2024 The only independent racing pigeon weekly - over 125 years serving the fancier
Racing Pigeon The only independent racing pigeon weekly – Over 125 years serving you the fancier £1.70 3 MAY 2024 • No. 7378
MARKEY OFF TO A FLYER FROM KILBEGGAN
WINNERS FROM THE PAST
The first race of the 2024 NIPA season got underway on Saturday 20th April. A total of 491 members sent 13,199 birds to Kilbeggan in County Westmeath, liberated at 10am in beautiful conditions, perfect for the season opener with little to no wind at the liberation site. Left: Owen Markey of Ballyholland HPS 1st Open winner from Kilbeggan 13,199 birds. See page 7
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‘YOUNG MERLIN’ GB2014Z747769
1st Club (200 birds) 1st Cynon Valley Amal (428 birds) 1st Rhondda Valley Fed (4,316 birds) Swindon 68 miles 2014; 1st Club (240 birds) 1st Cynon Valley Amal (685 birds) 3rd Rhondda Valley Fed (2,310 birds) Swindon 68 miles 2014; 2nd Club (196 birds) 2nd Cynon Valley Amal (601 birds) 19th Rhondda Valley Fed (5,078 birds) Newbury 89 miles 2014; 1st Club (145 birds) 4th Cynon Valley Amal (466 birds) Epsom 136 miles 2014; 1st Club (111 birds) 1st Cynon Valley Amal (381 birds) 1st Centre Sect (1,545 birds) 2nd Rhondda Valley Fed (3,167 birds) 1st Rhondda Valley BC 4th Open Welsh South East National Flying Club (2,706 birds) Maidstone 171 miles 2014. Winning the J O Davies Trophy, Best Sprint Champion All Wales 2014.
Bred by Dave Atkin and raced by Steve Whelan.
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THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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A TRIBUTE TO DAVE DELEA OF RAINHAM
Pau and was a Champion stock cock. Sire of ‘Oscar’, was ‘Blue 17’, winner of 1st Open BICC Narbonne (601 miles), winning this race as a yearling and was the sire of G Hunt's 1986 British International Pau winner. Dave's loft was awash with class and the winners went on and on, with winners breeding winners. At that time Dave's wife, Helen, was very interested in the birds and always helped out in the garden and lofts. She was very good at keeping his records and pedigrees in order on her computer.
I was very sad to receive a text today telling that the premier long distance pigeon racer, Dave Delea of Essex passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday 24th April. Dave was a lovely man who I really enjoyed meeting up with and as everybody knows he was one of the best long distance pigeon racers in the UK. The pigeon racing sport has lost one of it’s great Champions. Sincere condolences from us all to Dave’s wife and family.
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Dave Delea's record in long distance National racing, through his many years in the sport, must be described as fantastic, winning 1st Open NFC Pau in 1989 and 6x1st Open British International Championship Club. His six wins in the BICC were: 1979 – 1st Open Narbonne, 1985 – 1st Open Lourdes, 1991 – 1st Open Barcelona, 1993 – 1st Open Barcelona, 1997 – 1st Open Dax and 2015 – 1st Open Barcelona. A wonderful record! I visited the Rainham home of Dave Delea in the early 1990's and at that time I thought, his family of long distance pigeons must rate as one of the best in Great
As a lad of seven years old, Dave noticed a kit of pigeons flying around near his home at the same time every evening. One day a stray dropped in his garden and this was the start of over 50 years in the racing pigeon fancy. All his first pigeons were obtained from top local fanciers, at 10 shillings (50p.) each. He first started racing in the Rainham PC. Dave and his brother, Paul, were both outstanding Rugby and Football players as boys and both became ‘ace’ pigeon fliers. Paul Delea won 1st Open British International Championship Club from Barcelona in 1996. Most of
3 MAY 2024 Issue No 7378 The Racing Pigeon Co Ltd, PO Box 12760,
Colchester, CO1 9TZ Phone 01206 250880
Editor: Lee Fribbins Production: Stephen Rickett steve@racingpigeon.co.uk Advertising, Subscriptions: Carly Huggins carly@racingpigeon.co.uk admin@racingpigeon.co.uk www.racingpigeon.co.uk
Dave's first birds were obtained from J M Montgomery and Gerald McAllister, both from Rainham and they started to win from day one. Dave told me, his first loft and his present one were very similar, with plenty of fresh air, dry, a good roof overhang and a vent along the top at the back. He maintained the main factors behind good loft design are dryness, plenty of fresh air and space for the inmates. RIP Dave Delea. Keith Mott
Britain. During my visit Dave showed me a stack of National Flying Club prize cards, with the pride of place given to his 1st Open NFC Pau 1989 diploma, won by his Champion blue hen, ‘Greenacres Florence’. This great hen was the first yearling to win the Pau National, beating 5,378 birds, in only the second race of her life. She was bred from a long line of outstanding Channel racing pigeons, with her sire being the old man of the loft, ‘Oscar’, winner of 1st Club Chartres, 7th British International Pau, 8th Open BICC
The Editor or The Racing Pigeon accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of statements made in advertisements and all advertisements are accepted on the strict understanding that the advertiser shall pay all legal or other costs arising out of any disputed advertisement. The Racing Pigeon reserves the right to alter advertisements and the statements made therein if they are possibly defamatory, or are inaccurate or for any other reason. This is a condition of acceptance of all advertisements. The same conditions apply to correspondence about advertisements. It is a condition of acceptance of all advertisements placed by an agency, or any person acting on behalf of an advertiser, that the advertiser and agency are equally and severally responsible for payment of invoices. The entire contents of THE RACING PIGEON are copyright throughout the world by The Berne Convention and Universal Copyright Convention. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other-wise, without the prior written permission of The Racing Pigeon Co Ltd. In the pursuit of accurate reporting, references to trade names or proprietary products may be necessary in articles in this newspaper. No endorsement of named products is intended, nor is any criticism implied of similar products which are not mentioned. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Entered at Stationers’ Hall ISSN 0033 7390 CONDITIONS OF SALE AND SUPPLY: This periodical is sold subject to the following conditions, namely that in the United Kingdom it shall not, without written consent of the publishers first given, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at a price in excess of the recommended maximum price shown on the cover, and that it shall not be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or unauthorised cover by way of trade, or affixed to or as part of any publication, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. Distributed by Inter-Media © 2024 The Racing Pigeon Co Ltd
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THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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LUC DE LAERE Anzegem
season in Anzegem with prizes as follows: Bourges – 1,167 pigeons (414 km): 1st, 3rd, 4th, 21st & 44th (6/9); Orléans – 891 pigeons (343 km): 3rd, 4th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 35th, 38th, 55th, 64th, 65th, 74th, 78th & 79th (26/36); Bergerac National 3,838 pigeons (712 km): 3rd, 53rd, 119th & 192nd (5/6); Fontenay 248 pigeons (309 km): 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 15th, 18th & 26th (17/28); Pontoise 352 pigeons (220 km): 1st, 2nd, 6th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 23rd, 27th, 28th & 29th (25/40). The loft is still based on the strains of ‘Tieke’, ‘Bliksem’ and ‘Wittenbuik’. With the De Laere family, they never use anything else than the Röhnfried products, they use these for years and the results are always top, and what can a fancier want more? The Röhnfried system of the De Laere loft: During the moulting period, they use a lot of Taubengold, Hessechol, beer yeast and the Krauter mix (herbal mix). Another very important aspect here is that the pigeons receive fresh grit every day and this in combination with Leckerstein and Expert Minerals.
The preparation of the racing team – Every day again, the racing pigeons get Avidress Plus in the drinking water. From the beginning of February till and with the beginning of March Luc uses Hexenbier in combination with Usne Gano over the food, one week this is dried with Pavifac-beer yeast and the next week, he uses the herbal mix, Krauter Mix . In the month of April, the pigeons have to do their first short races and when they arrive home, they always find Mumm and BT Amin Forte in the drinking water. Again, he adds Usne Gano to the food and it’s dried with KrauterMix for the next three meals. On Tuesday and Wednesday he adds Avidress Plus in the water and Hexenbier to the food. Further along, when the distances become further (middle and heavy middle distance), from the month of May, the system is adjusted. Once the pigeons have to stay in the basket for two days, they receive at their arrival home a combination of BT Amin Forte + Mumm + Rotosal. If it’s necessary, they get this for about three drinking sessions. Then the food is moistened with Gervit W and Usne Gano and dried with KK protein powder , hereby the muscles recover faster and also this is done for about three meals. Next, they get H essechol and this is dried with the condition powder RO200. On the day of basketing, the pigeons receive Avipharm and according to the weather conditions, he also adds Rotosal . A tip for the youngsters With the young birds, he has very good experience with the product MOORGOLD, which is used from the moment they get weaned till the period when they are trained and this three times a week. The food is prepared the evening before so it can dry well to use the following day. Other top pigeons in the De Laere loft: BE-19-3042137 ‘Lucky Sproet’ 5th NAT Ace Heavy MD KBDB ’21, 1st Prov Châteauroux 658 pigeons, 1st Arras 572 pigeons, 2nd Clermont 424 pigeons, 8th NAT Châteauroux 5140 pigeons, 11th NAT Châteauroux 7,099 pigeons, 13th IP Blois 3,898 pigeons, 42nd Prov Pontoise 17,443 pigeons, 165th NAT Bourges 34,311 pigeons. He’s already father of the ‘Fontenay’ 1st/248 – 1st/176 – 2nd/213 – 2nd/125. Son of ‘Sproet Tieke’ (moral winner Nat Châteauroux 39,835 pigeons) x ‘Bijou’ – inbreed to the old strain ‘Tieke’ x ‘Bliksem’ Vandenabeele. BE-22-3081587 ‘Sunshine Tieke’ 1st NAT Argenton 13,393 pigeons – fastest against 15,669 pigeons. Also here again strain breed to ‘Tieke’ and ‘Bliksem’. Hilaire
It was almost impossible to do better than in 2022. In that year he won with the ‘ARMIN’ BE-20-3000523 1st National Ace-pigeon Heavy Middle Distance Old Birds KBDB (with prizes like 1st NAT Châteauroux 4,003 pigeons, 1st Prov Guéret 1,444 pigeons, 15th Prov Bourges 5,780 pigeons). In his pedigree the old strain Vandenabeele (‘Wittenbuik’) and on mother’s side ‘Tieke’ and ‘Bliksem’. Further also 2x1st National and on the national races for the young birds, it was bingo every time on provincial level with 3x1st Provincial (2x Argenton and Châteauroux) and this even with some advance! So it was impossible to improve all of this. Nevertheless, it still was a very good
THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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NIPA – SECTIONS A, B, E & H Good conditions for the opening race of 2024
NIPA Section A Kilbeggan 36/1,121 – K Morton & Son Cookstown 1563, B Isbanner Dungannon & District 1552, 1551, J & J Sampson Dungannon & District 1540, B Morgan Coalisland & District 1537, K Murphy Coalisland & District 1534, B Isbanner 1531, H & J
The race season for Mid Antrim and the Mighty NIPA started last weekend on what had been the best weather day for many weeks, the convoy were released in Kilbeggan Co Westmeath on Saturday 20th April at 10am. Birds cleared very well, no wind at release site and returns in the opening event were excellent. The shorter flying lofts dominated the NIPA Open result with the top winners based in the City of Newry. Kilbeggan Saturday 20th April 2024 – Liberated at 10am, no wind at release NIPA Open Kilbeggan 491/13,199 – 1- 1G Owen Markey Ballyholland 1633, 2- 2G Ron Williamson Newry & District 1632, 3-3G Ron Williamson 1632, 4-4G Gary McLoughlin Newry & District 1522, 5-5G Owen Markey 1619, 6-1D P & J Boal Dromore 1617, 7-6G Owen Markey
race of the season and also taking the nom. Well done to everyone on the sheet. Ballymena & District HPS 4/138 – Blair & Rankin 1490, 1482, J Eagleson & Sons 1481, 1478, 1477, 1476. Cullybackey HPS 9/280 – G Gibson 1521, A Darragh 1490, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1477, 1477, A Darragh 1477, J & J Greer 1467. Well done to Gary Gibson on taking the win today in Cullybackey for the first race from Kilbeggan. Well done to all in the result. Crumlin & District 5/111 – R & S Hope 1514, McConville Bros 1509, R & S Hope 1479, Fleming Bros 1467, 1456, 1456. The winner today in the Crumlin & District club for R & S Hope. She was bred by Harold Cubitt 1st in Rasharkin & District, finished 4th MAC Kilbeggan.
Parke 1458, K Glass 1456. NIPA Section B Kilbeggan 72/1,794 –S & N Maginty Muckamore 1540, 1539, S J Bones and T Yates Muckamore 1529, Young McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1521, G Gibson Cullybackey 1521, R & S Hope Crumlin 1514, S & N Maginty 1513, 1513, D Dixon Ballymoney 1511, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1510. NIPA Sect B Clubs Ahoghill Flying Club 5/115 – Young McManus & Sons 1521, 1471, J Smyth & Son 1470, 1463, Young McManus & Sons 1455, 1454. Ballymoney HPS 11/402 – D Dixon 1511, 1509, C Henry 1482, J Connolly 1479, D Dixon 1478, D & H Stuart 1472. Broughshane & District 3/60 – A Purvis 1391, 1383, 1382, M Neilly 1338, 1329, 1323. Congratulations to A Purvis on taking the top three spots on the first Bertie Blair the Ballymena & District winner and best bird in town from Kilbeggan.
Devlin Coalisland & District 152, B Morgan 1524, D Carolan Coalisland & District 1523. NIPA Sect A Clubs Coalisland & District 7/310 – B Morgan 1537, K Murphy 1534, H & J Devlin 1526, B Morgan 1524, D Carolan 1523, B Morgan 1520. Coleraine Premier HPS 13/414 – S Diamond 1521, B & D Coyle 1498, 1498, 1493, S Diamond 1479, P O’Connor 1479. Sean takes the spoils today with a yearling Widowhood cock, a Jan Hooymans gifted to us by Graham Reilly. –Adrian Moffat PO. Cookstown Social 7/235 – K Morton & Son 1563, G & S Smith 1505, W Bleeks & Son 1493, 1492, K Morton & Son 1476, W Bleeks & Son 1473. Congratulations K Morton & Sons winning the first race of the season with time to spare, also 1st Section A. Dungannon & District 6/94 – B Isbanner 1552, 1551, J & J Sampson 1540, B Isbanner 1531, 1469, 1467. Windsor Social 7/171 – R & J Parke 1500, 1476, 1462, A Park 1459, R & J Gary Gibson the winner in Cullybackey finished runner-up in Mid Antrim Combine.
Sam & Norman Maginty Muckamore, she was also in the Open from Talbenny YB National 2022 and in the Open from Penzance Old Bird 2023. She finished 6th Section B in today’s race. Second Club and 12th Section B was Mickey McConville with one of his Van Dyck’s. Third Club was again R & S Hope, she is a mealy hen that Gerald Delany gave the team as a young bird. She was 13th Section from Tullamore young bird and then today she was 35th Section B. Thanks Ryan. Geoffrey Surgenor with his two year old Widowhood cock, breeding a David Currell special.
1612, 8-7G Owen Markey 1610, 9-8G Owen Markey 1609 10-9G Owen Markey 1606, 11-1E G & A Campbell Armagh 1604, 12-10G Gary Murry Ballyholland 1604, 13-11G C O’Hare & Daughter Ballyholland 1604, 14-2D P & J Boal 1604, 15-12G C O’hare & Daughter 1604, 16-13G Owen Markey 1603, 17- 14G Ron Williamson 1603, 18-3D P & J Boal 1603, 19-15G C O’Hare & Daughter 1603, 20-16G Ron Williamson 1601. Young, McManus & Sons from Ahoghill topped Mid Antrim in the opening race of the year from Kilbeggan.
Danny Dixon from Dunloy 3rd & 5th in Mid Antrim Combine from Kilbeggan.
THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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Harryville HPS 6/70 – sam Crawford 1422, Rock & Moore 1421, Sam Murphy 1401, 1398, Rock & Moore 1391, 1391. Kells & District HPS 5/104 – Surgenor Bros 1459, B Swann & Son 1441, 1425, Surgenor Bros 1424, A Barkley & Son 1416, H Turkington 1413. Muckamore HPS 8/230 – S & N Maginty 1540, 1539, S & J Bones and T Yates 1529, S & N Maginty 1513, 1513, 1509. Rasharkin & District HPS 8/140 – H Cubitt 1510, W McFetridge 1483, H Cubitt 1479, J Millar & Son 1475, F Barkley 1472, J Millar & Son 1460. NIPA Section C Kilbeggan 78/1,731 – C McManus Ligonel & District 1581, J & D Braniff Glen 1564, Neil McAllister Eastway 1563, J Burrows Eastway 1559, C McManus 1554, G McKenna Eastway 1554, J & D Braniff 1551, C McManus 1548, J & D Braniff 1547, 1546. NIPA Section D Kilbeggan 57/1,657 – P & J Boal Dromore 1617, 1604, 1603, M Russell Dromara 1594, 1594, P & J Boal 1590, 1589, 1589, 1588, 1588. NIPA Section E Kilbeggan 85/2,920 – G & A Campbell Armagh 1604, D C & P McArdle Loughgall 1592, Thompson & Lunn Newry City 1583, D C & P McArdle 1583, M Bruce & Daughter Markethill
Monaghan HPS 7/285 – Keith Allister 1581, 1580, 1561, 1558, Gerry Swift 1518, Keith Allister 1514. Results for Kilbeggan. Blue hen 1st Club 282 birds, 6th Section 2,920 birds, 53rd Open 13,199 birds. Blue pied hen 2nd Club, 8th Section, 58th Open. Both Heremans- Ceusters. Portadown & Drumcree 2/83 – J Whitten & Son 1578, 1567, 1567, 1532, 1531, 1530. Great start to the season for young Jay and myself timing a red cock that has now claim 3x1sts for us. NIPA Section F Kilbeggan 64/1,313 – Morrison Bros Killyleagh & District 1590, McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1584, 1584, 1575, D Grieves Killyleagh & District 1569, E Wynn & Daughter Downpatrick 1568, P Murray Killyleagh Central 1566, T & G Black Downpatrick 1563, McCartan & Woodsides 1558, 1558. NIPA Section G Kilbeggan 37/1,405 – Owen Markey Ballyholland 1633, Ron Williamson Newry & District 1632, 1632, Gary McLoughlin Newry & District 1622, Owen Markey 1619, 1612, 1610, 1609, 1606, Gary Murry Ballyholland 1604. NIPA Section H Kilbeggan 62/1,258 – David Booth Moutne & District 1578, 1573, John Convey Mourne & District 1525, A Kelly Omagh & District 148, David Booth 1479, N Murray
Stephen Fields PO. Beechpark Social 3/67 – D Mawhinney & Son 1567, 1567, G McEvoy 1555, D Mawhinney & Son 1547, 1531, 1503. Bondhill Social 3/202 – Joh Greenaway 1539, D Calvin 1538, John Greenaway 1538, D Calvin 1534, 1533, 1533. Edgarstown HPS 12/300 – G & C Simmons 1560, 1555, 1554, David Love 1550, G & C Simmons 1543, S & E Buckley 1538. A great start to the season for team Simmons taking the top three and also winning the club side bet. Our winner a blue Roundabout cock was also a previous winner of 2nd Open last year from Dale YB National, the best of the Rea Rockets and A & N Lewis. Well done to all in the result. – Simo PO. Gilford & District 8/290 – Rafferty & Toman 1555, A Feeney & Son 1553, Moody Bros 1551, A Feeney & Son 1549, 1544, 1543. Laurelvale 2/53 – C Brown 1523, 1518, Alan Craig 1489, 1486, 1480, 1472. Loughgall 5/221 -D C & P McArdle 1592, 183, 157, 1575, 1571, 1565. Lurgan Social 19/598 – C J & B Ferris 1574, 1573, 1572, 1572, 1559, J Barr 1551. Markethill HPS 4/120 – M Bruce & Daughter 1582, R McCracken 1556, M Bruce & Daughter 1555, 1526,J & H Muldrew & McMurray 1518, 1518. The winner in Monaghan HPS for Keith Allister.
1454, 1450, Paul Maxwell 1417, Paul Maxwell Jnr 1407, 1406, Barry Hart 1404. Limavady 5/118 – R Witherow 1451, K Mullan 1429, R Witherow 1421, L Miller 1355, A Boyd 1134, 1000. Londonderry RPS 8/115 – N Murray 1479, 1476, 1467, L Flanagan & Son 1437, D Wick 1434, N Murray 1426. Maiden City 9/227 – J McGettigan 1458, P & M Healy 1408, 1407, P McLaughlin 1387, R & G Martin 1387, J McGettigan 1387. Mourne & District HPS 2/118 – David Jay Whitten holding the lofts first winner of the year in Portadown & Drumcree.
1582, Keith Allister Monaghan 1581, G & A Campbell 1581, Keith Allister 1580, G & A Campbell 1580, 1580. NIPA Sect E Clubs Annaghmore 8/261 – G Buckley & Son 1579, R D Calvin 1569, P Boyd 1563, J & E Calvin 1562, 1550, G Buckley & Son 1541. Congratulations to G Buckley & Son on winning today’s race. Glen also wins the club nom with his winning pigeon. Armagh HPS 10/333 – G & A Campbell 1604, 1581, 1580, 1580, 1579, R Parkes & Son 1571. Taking the red card this week are the lofts of G & A Campbell, backing it up with a fantastic card which included nine pigeons in the top 11 of the result, only split by the loft of R Parkes & Son who fills in at 6th Club and P Duffy who sits in 7th Club. Congratulations to all who sent this week and all the best to everyone for the season ahead. – The winner for R & S Hope in Crumlin, bred by S & N Maginty of Muckamore.
The Simmons Team winners in the first race in Edgarstown.
Londonderry 1479, David Booth 1476, N Murray 1476, Freddie Patterson Strabane & District 1468, 1468. NIPA Sect H Clubs Amelia Earhart 6/51 – Eamon Quigley 1401, M Rabbett 1350, 1349, Eamon Quigley 1333, Jimmy Quigley 1292, M Rabbett 1239. Derry & District 10/204 – J & G Rasmsey 1452, A McCrudden 1403, J & G Ramsey 1402, 1402, A McCrudden 1394, J & G Ramsey 1389. Foyle RPS 10/157 – Paul Maxwell Jnr
Booth 1578, 1573, John Convey 1525, David Booth 1479, 1476, John Convey 1443. This cock has previously won 1st Open NIPA and now has 3x1st Section H. He was bred by clubmate John Convey. Omagh & District 3/78 – A Kelly 488, 1410, 1408, 1362, 1217, 1204. Strabane & District Inv RPC 9/190 – Freddie Patterson 1468, 1468, Dessie Mullen 1445, 1443, 1443, 1429. Congratulations to Freddie Patterson taking 1st & 2nd, great flying by Dessie Mullen & Son also, and Paul Walters getting into the top 10.
Glen Buckley wins Annaghmore also the Nomination with the winner.
THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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McManus loft (Ahoghill) best from opening race The 2024 racing season got under way on Saturday 20th April when the NIPA liberated 13,199 birds at 10am in clear blue sky’s and warm sunshine with little wind turning variable en-route. An excel- lent race followed with little or no losses. Ace flyer’s Paddy & William McManus of Ahoghill recorded the best pigeon in the local area on 1521.20 and topped the Mid Antrim Combine with 1,048 birds competing. Their winning yearling blue hen bred from two Henk Simons pigeons was sitting eggs around 10 days. A very close runner up in the Combine on 1521.03 was Gary Gibson who had the winner in Cullybackey. Gary’s winner a two year old dark Van Den Brande hen racing Celibate was from D C P McArdle of Armagh. Next best was Danny Dixon of Dunloy for 3rd & 5th Combine on 1511 & 1509, these two birds took the top two positions in the Ballymoney club. Danny’s first bird a two year old chequer Lambrecht cock has been in the open prizes in both the INFC Penzance YB National 2022 and INFC Penzance Yearling National 2023 and all being well will be going for the triple crown this season. The sire’s a son of ‘Heartbreaker’ and the dam is down from ‘Superke’. Johnston Eagleson & Sons of Ballymena have a cock the same way bred at stock breeding good winners. The Rasharkin winner Harold Cubitt was placed 4th Combine on 1510 with his good double Combine winning chequer cock that won the Section B Bird of the Year and Champion Old Bird of the Year
Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1470, S Johnston & Son Ballymena 1469, J & J Greer Cullybackey 1467, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1465, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1463, A Darragh Cullybackey 1461. Coleraine Triangle Kilbeggan – Sean Diamond Coleraine Prem 1521, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1500, B & D Coyle Coleraine Prem 1498, 1498, 1493, Sean
on 1459 with a two year old Widowhood cock. Breeding is a David Currell special, Stewart Bros best in Randalstown on 1430, Sam Crawford in Harryville on 1422 and Alistair Purvis with the top three in Broughshane & Dist with the winner doing 1391. – Mervyn Eagleson PO. Mid Antrim Combine Kilbeggan 45/1,048 – Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1521.20, G Gibson Cullybackey 1521.03, D Dixon Rasharkin 1511, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1510, D Dixon Rasharkin 1509, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1490, A Darragh Cullybackey 1490, W McFetridge Rasharkin 1483, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1482, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1481, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1479, D Dixon Rasharkin 1478, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1478, Mr & Mrs Robinson Cullybackey 1477, Mr & Mrs Robinson Cullybackey 1477, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1477, A Darragh Cullybackey 1477, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1476, J Millar & Son Rasharkin 1475, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1472, F Barkley Rasharkin 1472, Young & McManus & Sons Ahoghill 1471, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1471, S Johnston & Son Ballymena 1471, J Norman Maginty 1st & 2nd in Muckamore and 1st & 2nd in the NIPA Section B.
Paul Maxwell Jnr Foyle 1454, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1452, Paul Maxwell Jnr 1450, Dessie Mullen Strabane & Dist 1445, Dessie Mullen 1443, Dessie Mullen 1443, L Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1437, D wick Londonderry 1434, Dessie Mullen 1429, N Murray 1426, Freddie Patterson 1420, Paul Walters Strabane & Dist 1419, Dessie Mullen 1418, Paul Maxwell Foyle 1417. After a long winter racing has kicked off once again, Noel Murray opens up with a 1st & 2nd this week. Red hen, a gift from William & Paddy McManus, her sire is a red grizzle Van Den Brande cock, he is father to numerous winners including 1st Irish South Road Fed for Sean O’Driscoll. The dam is a mealy Alex Docx hen, sister Noel Murray from Londonderry, 1st in both City of Derry and Foyle Valley Combine.
Diamond 1479, Paul O’Connor Coleraine Prem 1479, Trevor Steele Coleraine Prem 1478, R & J Parke 1476, B & D Coyle 1474, Trtevor Steele 1472, B & D Coyle 1471, Trevor Steele 1470. City of Derry Federation Kilbeggan – N Murray Londonderry 1479, N Murray Gerald Campbell big card in Armagh and 1st NIPA Section E.
in the Mid Antrim Combine last season. Bertie Blair was best in Ballymena & District and the Town on 1490 and was placed 6th Combine with his good grizzle Widowhood cock. This is another cock with a top racing record including 1st, 3rd, 6th, 7th & 9th Mid Antrim Combine and 2nd Section & 20th Open in the NIPA Fermoy Yearling National last season. Sire is a son of Gary Gibson’s Sticker Doncker ‘Golden Pair’ and dam is from clubmate Johnston Eagleson, the breeding being ‘Pitbull’ from P & D Breeding Stud x Van Den Bulck. Other club winner were Geoff Surgenor in Kells K Morton & Sons from Cookstown Social 1st in Cookstown Social and 1st NIPA Sect A.
Armagh HPS members at teir new club for the first race of 2024.
1476, N Murray 1467, J McGettigan Maiden City 1458, Paul Maxwell Jnr Foyle 1454, J & G Ramsey Derry & Dist 1452, Paul Maxwell Jnr 1450, Flanagan & Son Londonderry 1437, D wick Londonderry 1434, N Murray 1426, Paul Maxwell Foyle 1417, P & M Healy Maiden City 1408, L Flanagan & Son 1407, L Flanagan & Son 1407. Foyle Valley Combine Kilbeggan – N Murray Londonderry 1479, N Murray 1476, Freddie Patterson Strabane & Dist 1468, Freddie Patterson 1468, N Murray 1467, J McGettigan Maiden City 1458,
to ‘Bolt’. I would like to take this opportu- nity to thank William and Paddy for supplying me with great pigeons. Well done Noel. – Eddie McGettigan PO. HOMER. Willie Reynolds Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683 Mobile: 07538 238364 Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw Email: homerbhw@gmail.com www.pigeonnetwork.com www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
www.nipapigeons.co.uk www.elimarpigeons.com
David Booth from Mourne & District with Kilbeggan 1st Section H winner.
Journeys End with Jordan Hughes
THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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NIPA NOTES SECTIONS C, D, F & G
The Mighty NIPA got up and running this weekend, seven months since the end of the 2023 season, plenty of preparing and planning was done by the NIPA Team during this period for a new season. The first race of the 2024 NIPA season got underway on Saturday 20th April. A total of 491 members sent
and our Fleet Conveyors Paul Howard and Paddy McNeice who also went through a period of being unwell. Plus, many others. MARKEY OFF TO A FLYER FROM KILBEGGAN The winning bird from the first old bird
who is responsible for hundreds of winners a once in a lifetime pigeon. Not a year goes by Owen doesn’t get some- thing special from these guys with some of his main stock pigeons containing their lines, their birds are always full of outstanding quality. Fifth Open for Owen was ‘723’ previous winner of 5th Open,
Kilbeggan pinpoint.
All systems go at the Larne Clubrooms.
13,199 birds to Kilbeggan in County Westmeath for the first race of the NIPA old bird season. The birds were liberated at 10am in beautiful conditions perfect for the season opener with little to no wind at the liberation point. I’d like to give a special mention to the hard working unsung heroes who make the NIPA a success with all the hours put into the organisation. From Fred Russell and Joey Vage in the Office, Jim Ramsey our Race Controller who is still recovering from an accident at home,
6th North Section from Skibbereen Young Bird National 15,000 birds. Seventh Open is ‘203’ a previous winner of 11th Open 17,000 birds and 14th Open 9,000 birds. Many congratulations to Owen Markey on claiming 1st NIPA Open from the opening old bird race of the season. Also congratulations to 2nd & 3rd Open winner Ron Williamson of Newry & District HPS in Section G. It was a great day for the Newry area in Section G and an overall great day weather wise to have the opener.
SECTION C REPORT The winner of Section C (78/1,731) from Kilbeggan was C McManus of Ligoniel & District HPS. Conor takes the first four positions in the club (325 birds) 1st, 5th, 8th & 12th Section C (1,731 birds) and 56th & 193rd Open (13,199 birds). Pictured is Conor and his son John all smiles after a great start to the 2024 season for them. Conor’s Section winner now called ‘Breakaway John’ was bred by good friend Joe Ward and is from his top breeding and racing cock ‘Sean Og’ winner of 4x1st Clubs, 2x1st Fed winner when paired to ‘White Tail’ 1st Fed winner from Bude. Conor’s Section winner also bred him 1st Club, 6th Section C, 33rd Open from 20,000 birds last season. Second Club, 5th Section is Abernethy & Turner winning three year old hen winning her fourth race.
race belongs to Owen Markey of Ballyholland HPS in Section G. What a start it was for Owen winning the Open and having six in the top 10 out of 13,199 birds. A top fancier with a loft of pigeons hitting the ground running for this season Owen has named his Kilbeggan Open winner as ‘Turn n Burn’. This latest Open winner for Owen was bred by good friends Kevin & Kristopher Rooney. ‘Turn n Burn’ is a Gus Janssen/Stefaan Lambrecht and is a grandson of their old Gus Janssen cock ‘Turn n Burn’ 1st Open Kilbeggan 13,199 birds for Owen Markey of Ballyholland HPS.
Owen Markey of Ballyholland HPS 1st Open winner from Kilbeggan 13,199 birds.
‘Breakaway John’ 1st Section C Kilbeggan for C McManus of Ligoniel & District.
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Magill 1520, 3rd Rea & Magill 1515, 4th Rea & Magill 1514, 5th Rea & Magill 1514, 6th Rea & Magill 1513. Ligoniel & District: (18/325) 1st C McManus 1581, 2nd C McManus 1554, 3rd C McManus 1548, 4th C McManus 1543, 5th C McManus 1543, 6th Bingham & Seaton 1542, East Antrim Amalgamation: 1st D & J Armstrong 1567, 20 Points; 2nd N McAllister 1563, 19 Points; 3rd J Burrows 1559, 18 Points; 4th G McKenna 1554, 17 Points; 5th Mr & Mrs Reid & Bigger, 16 Points; 6th D & J Armstrong 1545, 15 Points; 7th D & J Armstrong 1545, 14 Points; 8th G McKenna 1545, 13 Points; 9th Mr & Mrs Reid & Bigger 1541, 12 Points; 10th D & J Armstrong 1541, 11 Points; 11th Mr & Mrs Reid & Bigger 1539, 10 Points; 12th D & J Armstrong 1539, 9 Points; 13th D & J Armstrong 1539, 8 Points; 14th Mr &
Burgess & Brennan of Bangor RPC winners.
off a daughter of ‘The 56 Hen’ a daughter of 2x1st Ulster Fed winners, Third Club, 8th Section is from a pair of racers off winners. All of the above birds carry Joe’s ‘Bandit’ bloodlines. Many congratulations to Section C Winner Conor McManus and big congratulations to all club winners Ballycarry & District: (7/166) 1st S. Beattie & Dtr 1482, 2nd N J Arthurs 1478, 3rd W. Degnan & T McKee 1468, 4th S Beattie & Dtr 1461, 5th S Beattie & Dtr 1460, 6th S Beattie & Dtr 1458. Ballyclare & District: (8/253) 1st G & R Lawrie 1529, 2nd Higginson & Fasciola 1515, 3rd G & R Lawrie 1514, 4th Higginson & Fasciola 1513, 5th Higginson & Fasciola 1504, 6th G & R Lawrie 1493.
Baxter 1449, 2nd O O’Neill & Son 1436, 3rd K S McCloy 1399, 4th McMullan Bros 1389, 5th McMullan Bros 1386, 6th G McWhirter 1380.
Diamond Carson of R Carson & Son of Banbridge HPS.
Crawford & Robinson winners of Larne & District. Winner is a Roundabout hen and the sire is Van Rijn and dam is Leslie Madden. Also well done to Rea & Magill first share of 2B and A S McNaghten on 2nd share of 2B.
Horseshoe HPS: 1st K & D Hagans 1488, 2nd J Hastings 1468, 3rd K & D Hagans 1467, 4th J Hagans 1458, 5th N Ferguson & Son 1419, 6th J Hastings 1412. Kingsmoss: (9/93) 1st G & C Lowry 1467, 2nd T Cairns & Son 1457, 3rd T Cairns & Son 1438, 4th G & C Lowry 1421, 5th Knowles & Hall 1417, 6th Knowles & Hall 1416. Larne & District: (11/230) 1st Crawford & Robinson 1529, 2nd Rea &
Mrs Reid & Bigger 1538, 7 Points; 15th D & J Armstrong 1538, 6 Points; 16th Mr & Mrs Reid & Bigger 1534, 5 Points; 17th N McAllister 1533, 4 Points; 18th N McAllister 1533, 3 Points; 19th N McAllister 1532, 2 Points; 20th N McAllister 1530, 1 Point. We couldn’t have hoped for a better day for the first race of the season and indeed the first race for the newly formed Amalgamation. It was clear after the
G & S McMullan, Drumnavady HPS winners.
Carrick Social: (7/197) 1st D & J Armstrong & Son 1567, 2nd Mr & Mrs Reid & Bigger 1551, 3rd D & J Armstrong & Son 1545, 4th D & J Armstrong & Son 1545, 5th Mr & Mrs Reid & Bigger 1541, 6th Mr & Mrs Reid & Bigger 1539. Doagh & District: (5/132) 1st Mr & Mrs B McNeilly 1519, 2nd Mr & Mrs B McNeilly 1519, 3rd Mr & Mrs B McNeilly 1516, 4th J & R Scott 1511, 5th J & R Scott 1510, 6th J & R Scott 1488. Eastway HPS: (10/234) 1st N McAllister 1563, 2nd J Buurows 1559, 3rd G McKenna 1554, 4th G McKenna 1545, 5th D & J Campbell 1539, 6th N McAllister 1533. Glenarm & District: (6/179) 1st J & R Conor & John McManus of Ligoniel & District Section C winners from Kilbeggan.
Ian Gibb & Sons, winners of Glenavy & District HPS.
dreadful weather we have all had the videos from the liberation site looked promising and a good honest race lay ahead. Winning the race this week and no stranger to the top honours was Jim Armstrong of D & J Armstrong, Carrickfergus. Jim was in top gear with a two year old blue hen from his well established family of Louis Cooremans pigeons which have
J & D Braniff, Glen HPS winners.
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Matthew Russell, winner of Dromara. The winner was bred by his dad. New prize money was based on first three members, Matthew won £50, by A1 Pet Foods, B Murray £30 and C Rooney £20. A happy PK sponsor of the race congratulations.
Larne & Districts Club Members all set for the new season.
Jeff Greenaway, Hillsborough & Maze winner.
was flying on the Chaos system flying only her fourth ever race. Her sire is off Rudy Van Reeth’s ‘Den 2000’ and her
1617, 2nd P & J Boal 1604, 3rd P & J Boal 1603, 4th P & J Boal 1590, 5th P & J Boal 1589, 6th P & J Boal 1589. Glen HPS: (5/191) 1st J & D Braniff 1564, 2nd J & D Braniff 1551, 3rd J & D Braniff 1547, 4th J & D Braniff 1546, 5th C Rea 1531, 6th J & D Braniff 1529. Glenavy & District: (2/60) 1st I Gibb & Sons 1564, 2nd I Gibb & Sons 1530, 3rd I Gibb & Sons 1500, 4th I Gibb & Sons 1496, 5th I Gibb & Sons 1491, 6th
Jim Armstrong of D & J Armstrong, winners of the newly formed East Antrim Amalgamation from Kilbeggan.
McCartan & Woodside, winners of Crossgar HPS.
on Jim’s current Widowhood system. Well done big man on your win from all at the EAA. My plan is to give a special mention every week and this week it goes to N McAllister of Eastway winning his own club and taking no less than five of the top 20 positions, that’s a great card so very well done to you sir. I look forward to the season ahead and would like to thank every member and club who joined this to make it all possible. All being well we will go from strength to strength. Jonny Baxter EAA Press Officer SECTION D REPORT The winner of Section D (57/1,657) from Kilbeggan was P & J Boal of Dromore HPS. Philip was clocking for fun taking the first 21 positions in the club (220 birds) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th plus many more places in the Section (1,657 birds) and 6th, 14th, 18th, 30th, 33rd, 35th, 36th & 37th Open plus many more NIPA Open prizes (13,199 birds). Philip is pictured proudly holding his Kilbeggan Section D winner GB23D01318 is a blue chequer hen and
dam is from Kris Van Massenhoven’s famous ‘Box 2’. She has previously won 1st Club 237 birds, 1st Section D 2,181 Birds, 30th Open NIPA 17,805 birds. GB23D01288 finished 2nd Section D, 14th Open and is 50% Van Herck 50% Van Reeth and 3rd Section GB23D01286 finishing 18th Open is 100% Willy Van Herck. Also congratula- tions to Owen on another super result from Philip. Many congratulations to Section D winner P & J Boal and big congratulations to all club winners. Colin HPS: (5/170) 1st O & M Monaghan 1574, 2nd O & M Monaghan 1562, 3rd J Gregory & Sons 1559, 4th J Gregory & Sons 1552, 5th O & M Monaghan 1549, 6th J Gergory & Sons 1549. Derriaghy: (5/123) 1st D Johnston 1514, 2nd D Johnston 1511, 3rd K Johnston 1509, 4th K Johnston 1507, 5th D Johnston 1498, 6th K Johnston 1495. Dromara HPS: (7/207) 1st M Russell 1594, 2nd M Russell 1594, 3rd B Murray 1585, 4th B Murray 1584, 5th M Russell 1575, 6th C Rooney & Sons 1572. Dromore HPS: (5/220) 1st P & J Boal
McGimpsey Bros, Ards HPS winners.
been ultra successful over the years. It’s also worth noting this hen was 2nd Section last season for Jim from Roscrea. Full brothers and sisters are also 1st prize winners. She was raced Jonny Baxter of J & R Baxter holding this weeks Glenarm in District winner. A three year old cock bred by Geoffrey Dickey flying on the Roundabout system. He put in a good shift on the day for the lads.
Mr & Mrs McNeilly, Doagh & District winners. Winner is a two year old Widowhood cock. A previous 1st Club winner from Penzance last year. His sire is ‘Matthew’ 2nd INFC Yearling National 2013.
THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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Killyleagh Central: (8/228) P Murray 1566, 2nd R Watson & Son 1539, 3rd P Murray 1536, 4th R Watson & Son 1533, 5th P Murray 1527, 6th P Murray 1526. Killyleagh & District: (10/187) 1st Morrison Bros 1590, 2nd D Grieves 1569, 3rd D Grieves 1557, 4th D Grieves 1556, 5th Morrison Bros 1554, 6th D Grieves 1551. Millisle & District HPS: (10/211) 1st Rainey Bros 1510, 2nd R Strain & Son 1499, 3rd Rainey Bros 1496, 4th Rainey Bros 1495, 5th Rainey Bros 1495, 6th R Strain & Son 1494. Newtownards HPS: (6/99) 1st McGimpsey Bros 1537, 2nd J Orr 1508, 3rd H & S Muckle 1482, 4th A. Marshall 1474, 5th A Marshall 1473, 6th The winner of Section G (37/1,405) from Kilbeggan was Owen Markey of Ballyholland HPS (see opening report for more info). Owen takes the first six in his club (231 birds) 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th Section (1,405 birds) and 1st Open McGimpsey Bros 1471. SECTION G REPORT
all club winners. Ards: (6/94) 1st McGimpsey Bros 1537, 2nd J Orr 1508, 3rd H & S Muckle 1482, 4th A Marshall 1474, 5th A Marshall 1473, 6th McGimpsey Bros 1471. Bangor RPC: (9/190) 1st Burgess & Brennan 1546, 2nd Burgess & Brennan 1532, 3rd Lambert & Stewart 1532, 4th
Owen & Michael Monaghan, Colin HPS winners.
Williamson 1603, 5th R Williamson 1601, 6th J F McCabe & Son 1601. That’s the first race of the year done and dusted. I hope everyone enjoyed being back racing in their local clubs having the craic with clubmates and waiting on the birds’ arrivals. This is what the sport is all about. This time last year was my first race report as Press Officer, I am Ron Williamson of Newry & District HPS winner.
G & S Owens 1375. Harmony HPS: (7/121) 1st Abernethy & Turner 1565, 2nd Abernethy & Turner 1538, 3rd Billy Wallace 1527, 4th Abernethy & Turner 1522, 5th Mr & Mrs S McAllister 1517, 6th Billy Wallace 1513. Hillsborough & Maze: (5/173) 1st J Greenaway 1580, 2nd I Rollins & Son 1558, 3rd I Rollins & Son 1557, 4th I Rollins & Son 1555, 5th I Rollins & Son 1554, 6th I Rollins & Son 1553. Lisburn & District: (12/271) 1st S G Briggs 1567, 2nd S G Briggs 1565, 3rd R Topping & Son 1561, 4th Spence Bros 1551, 5th S G Briggs 1544, 6th Spence Bros 1537.
Philip Boal of Dromore HPS. Section D winner & 5th Open NIPA Kilbeggan.
Burgess & Brennan 1532, 5th Burgess & Brennan 1527, 6th R Moore & Son 1527. Cloughey HPS: (5/95) 1st C & H Cully 1551, 2nd C & H Cully 1543, 3rd Gordon Bros & Sons 1528, 4th C & H Cully 1515, 5th C & H Cully 1515, 6th McCormick & Young 1500. Corrigs: (2/47) 1st P Brown & Son 1524, 2nd G & P Brown 1522, 3rd P Brown & Son 1521, 4th P Brown & Son 1491, 5th P Brown & Son 1491, 6th G & P Brown 1486. Crossgar: (8/175) 1st McCartan & Woodside 1584, 2nd McCartan & Woodside 1584, 3rd McCartan & Woodside 1575, 4th McCartan & Woodside 1558, 5th McCartan & Woodside 1558, 6th McCartan & Woodside 1557. Downpatrick Premier: (6/81) 1st E Wynn & Dtr 1568, 2nd T & G Black 1563, 3rd T & G Black 1557, 4th E Wynn & Dtr 1520, 5th T Burns 1514, 6th T Burns 1514.
along with 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Open (13,199 birds). Many congratulations to Owen Markey and big congratulations to all club winners. Ballyholland: (5/231) 1st Owen Markey 1633, 2nd Owen Markey 1619, 3rd Owen Markey 1612, 4th Owen Markey 1610, 5th Owen Markey 1609, 6th Owen Markey 1606. Banbridge HPS: (7/150) 1st R Carson & Son 1533, 2nd McCracken Bros 1523, 3rd R Carson & Son 1515, 4th R Carson & Son 1509, 5th R Carson & Son 1508, 6th F Simpson 1506. Drumnavady: (10/250) 1st G & S McMullan 1568, 2nd S Ogle 1567, 3rd S Ogle 1567, 4th S Ogle 1566, 5th S Ogle 1565, 6th S Ogle 1555. Millvale: (3/132) 1st T Mooney & Son 1541, 2nd N Murtagh 1528, 3rd N Murtagh 1527, 4th N Murtagh 1526, 5th N Murtagh 1525, 6th N Murtagh 1525. Newry City: (4/97) 1st Thompson & Lunn 1583, 2nd Thompson & Lunn 1580, 3rd Thompson & Lunn 1579, 4th Donnelly Bros 1575, 5th Thompson & Lunn 1569, 6th Thompson & Lunn 1568. Newry & District: (6/338) 1st R Williamson 1632, 2nd R Williamson 1632, 3rd Gary McLoughlin 1622, 4th R Thompson & Lunn of Newry City winning bird from Kilbeggan. A two year old cock bred by Jeff Greenaway. This is his fourth Club win.
looking forward to another year of reporting as I enjoy doing them. I would like to wish everyone the best of luck and good health in 2024, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as last years. I’m looking forward to talking to you all over the forthcoming season. I would like to kindly ask for all club representatives/ race secretaries within the covered Sections to contact myself to be included in my weekly reports, with Club, Section & Open winning photos, with the winning pigeons info etc. Thank you for taking the time to read through my NIPA Journey’s End Report. Tommy Mooney & Son, winners of Millvale HPS.
South Belfast HPS: (3/73) 1st Lavery, Lavery & Nesbett 1521, 2nd T McNally 1513, 3rd T McNally 1513, 4th T McNally 1512, 5th R Kenna 1510, 6th R Kenna 1488. Trinity HPS: (7/257) 1st J & L Smyth 1575, 2nd J & L Smyth 1561, 3rd J & L Smyth 1560, 4th J & L Smyth 1554, 5th J & L Smyth 1552, 6th P & K McCarthy 1551 SECTION F REPORT The winner of Section F (64/1,313) from Kilbeggan was Morrison Bros of Killyleagh & District HPS. David finishes 1st Section F (1,313 birds) and 32nd Open NIPA (13,199 birds). Many congratulations to Section F winners Morrison Bros and big congratulations to Rainey Brothers, winners of MIllisle & District HPS.
Jordan Hughes ‘Journeys End’ NIPA Press Officer Mobile: 07713808554
Email: jordanhughespro.gmail.com Facebook – Messenger – WhatsApp
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Sam Beattie & Lauren McCleans winner from Kilbeggan sitting on eggs, a gift from Jim Armstrong.
THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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Miranda de Jong Visits JIMMY VAN BROECK
hours between his pigeons and was the best in the surroundings of our district Waasland. He was also the man who learned the fanciers around here to fly Widowhood. When grandpa Albert died, Jimmy kept racing with his father. They also were the best on Quievrain and Noyon (100, 200km). But also this story didn't last as
Recently we went to visit our good friend, Jimmy Van Broeck, from Vrasene, Beveren-Waas (Waasland). We have known each other for a few years now, and every week, we sit
Jimmy’s father died much too young. So a new story started, Jimmy with his mum Annie kept going. Annie worked with those pigeons since her dad came home from the war. I am very sure that she knew everything about those pigeons. And they did more then okay. They had so many trophies, and already a lot were given away. So I looked at the trophies from the recent years and found more then enough. Everybody knows Jimmy, he is a good friend of ours. Sadly enough also Annie died a few weeks ago and we are all taking care of Jimmy in these difficult moments. He will pull through. He is having some health problems but we don’t leave him alone. He has his daughter and five beautifull grandchil- dren and don't forget his biggest friend Lizzy, his doggy. Golden Rings Waasland 2021 Samenspel 1st Champion OB, 1st & 2nd signed Golden Rings Waasland 2022 Superstar Allround Quievrain 6th place 4056868-21 Golden Rings Waasland 2022 Quievrain OB 4th place 4056868-21 Golden Rings Waasland 2023 Bronzen Ring OB Quievrain 4056868-21 Golden Ring Waasland 2023 Superstar Vitesse 13th place 4056868- 21 2021 Champion Quievrain and Pont st Maxenne Recht Voor Allen St Gillis Waas 2021 Champion 1st & 2nd first signed OB Quievrain Recht Voor Allen 2022 Champion 1st signed and 1st Ace pigeon Quievrain yearling plus super yearling Quievrain 4056868-21. Hopefully you all loved my story. Keep helping each other in good and bad times. Much love from Miranda de Jong from Belgium.
together with Jimmy, Geoffry De Schepper and his brother, Jimmy De Schepper, in our pub where the pigeons go into the baskets. These are friends who will always help you out and watch your back when needed. I always tell them that they are diamonds in the rough. So I asked Jimmy, how did you started with pigeons? The story he started to tell was a surprise for me and my husband Marc. He started when he was six years old together with his cousin Danny (13 years). They had to bring the pigeons in for basketing. Their grandpa Albert was
too ill for doing that. Albert and his brother were during the war in Buchenwald kept as prisoners. When the war was over and Albert with his brother came home, wounded, they never talked about it. It was to painfull. This affected the whole family, even
many years later. Albert was badly wounded on his leg and walking was difficult. So that is why when it was getting worse, the young lads had to help. He gave very strict orders. Give only the men from the baskets the pigeons. Let nobody else hold our pigeons, never, he said. Albert knew what could happen with jealousy. Because of his bad health, he spent
From left to the right: His grandma Rachel, uncle Eduard, mum Annie and his grandpa Albert.
THE RACING PIGEON 3 MAY 2024
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THE BULLED FAMILY OF HARLOW
The late, great Cecil Bulled of Harlow Mark Bulled is the son of the late great Cecil Bulled, who was one of our greatest North Road racers of all time. Mark told me, ‘the best feeling in pigeon racing is to clock in late at night from 550 miles and my real love in the sport is the long distance events. My best pigeon moments were just sitting with my dad waiting for the Combine pigeons!’ Mark has been in pigeon racing all his life, coming from a brilliant family of pigeon fanciers, with his father being Cecil Bulled and his grandfather being Sid Marsh of Croydon. He tells me his dad started up in pigeons on meeting his mother, Barbara. Pigeons were always a part of Mark’s life when he was a lad, cleaning out the loft and training the birds with his dad, but started to get really keen at the age of about 14. He was very close to Cecil and the pigeons gave them a lot
racing! He said he had been fortunate to own a number of good pigeons over the years including: ‘The Owl’ winner of 1st Open London NR Combine Thurso (only bird on the day in the Combine); ‘Little Dot’ winner of 1st Open London & South Coast Combine Bergerac (478 miles); ‘17567’ winner of 1st Open LNRC Lerwick (582 miles), 1st Section H. In the North Road Championship Club: ‘20729’ son of ‘17567’ and winner of 1st Open LNRC Lerwick (582 miles); ‘14114’ son of ‘The Owl’ and winner of 2nd Open LNRC Thurso (only three birds on the day). The London North Road Combine presents a Hall of Fame award to a pigeon that scores three times in the first 100 Open positions and the Bulled loft had won three awards with, ‘The Ugly Hen’, 3rd, 32nd & 97th Open; ‘Day Return’, 12th, 57th & 80th Open and ‘Victoria’, 2nd, 14th & 38th Open. Cecil’s wonderful family of pigeons had won the Federation many times through the years in sprint and middle distance races. Cecil Bulled had been racing in the London & South
involved with pigeons when he met his wife, Barbara, the daughter of the late Syd Marsh. When Syd took over the secretary’s job in the Selhurst Flying Club, the young Cecil became his assistant, calculating the velocities on race checking night. He obtained his first pigeons in 1962 and flew in partnership with his brother-in-law, Doug Marsh. The first stock was obtained from members of the Selhurst club, in the guise of Syd Marsh, Stan Hunt and Denny Kimber. In his youth, Cecil, was very keen on football and went to school with Peter Notridge, president of the Surrey Federation. Cecil was an accountant by trade, but later retired. He had been racing pigeons for 40 years and said Bill Bailey of Harlow was the best pigeon man he had known. They were very good friends, but the biggest enemies when it came to racing the pigeons. Cecil told me he could remember a Bordeaux race in the early years and they sent pigeons which were really only ‘hoppers’. It was a really bad race with few returns in race time, and the young Cecil and Doug were in the garden for three days, with no arrivals. Cecil vowed then that he would only compete in the long distance events when he had the utmost confidence in his entries. Cecil and his partner, son Mark, had three lofts, a 10ft Widowhood loft, an 11ft young bird shed and the main 18ft loft construction, which housed Natural racers, stock birds and the Widowhood hens. The partners’ 20 Widowhood cocks and 12 pairs of stock birds were paired up the weekend after the BHW Blackpool Show in January and the natural birds were put together at the back end of February. The birds were raced on the basic Natural and Widowhood systems, with no frills or fads, and flew South Road with the Stanstead Invitation Club, with outstanding success. The main pigeons raced were the old Croydon family, Soontjens from F Sheader of Scarborough and the W Grodon Busschaerts. The old family liked hard racing, 14 hours on the wing from 500 miles, and the Soontjens and Busschaerts were outstanding for the general club work. Cecil maintained his best performance to date was in 1995 when he was 2nd, 9th & 12th Open London NR Combine Thurso (493 miles), with only 20 birds clocked in the Combine on the day of liberation. Brilliant pigeon
Mark & Cecil Bulled.
of time together. Mark is now a long distance racing ‘legend’ in his own right, winning in recent seasons: 1st Open NFC Tarbes, 1st Open L&SECC Tarbes, 1st Open BBC Fougeres, 1st Open BBC Fougeres, 1st Open London NR Combine Berwick (Yearlings), 1st Open London NR Combine Lerwick, 2nd Open NFC Messac, 2nd Open BBC Bordeaux, 2nd Open BBC Fougeres, 3rd Open NFC Messac. Fantastic pigeon racing by any standard! When racing with his late father, Cecil, he recorded 1st Open London NR Combine Thurso, 1st Open London NR Combine Lerwick (four times), 1st Open L&SECC Thurso, 1st Open London SR Combine Bergerac. I first met Cecil and Mark Bulled in the mid-1990’s, when I visit their home in Harlow with Doug Went to film them for the ‘Many Miles With Mott’ video series. What great day out that was, the partners were winning it all in front of them and Mark was busy working to set up his own team of pigeons at his new address. The next time I met them was in 2001, when with the foot and mouth epidemic and resulting ban on racing from France, the London & South East Classic Club switched from Pau to Thurso in the north of Scotland for the longest old bird race. The Thurso race was won by Cecil and Mark, whose past performances on the North Road have been electric, being especially deadly at Thurso and Lerwick with the London North Road Combine. After he recorded 4th & 5th Open L&SECC Perth in 2001, I predicted that he would win Thurso and he did! The Bulled loft sent ten pigeons to the Thurso Classic (493 miles) and clocked five on the day of liberation, recording 1st, 10th, 14th, 19th & 26th Open. A brilliant performance! Cecil Bulled was born in Croydon and first became
Mark Bulled and ‘Legacy’.
East Classic Club for only a few seasons, but had won the North East Section several times. Being a North Road flyer for many years, he turned some pigeons South in 1998 and won the London & South Coast Combine from Bergerac in the 1999 season. In 2001, when the foot and mouth restrictions stopped racing from France, he turned his birds back to North Road and when the L&SECC decided to race from Perth and Thurso he was delighted. In the race prior to winning the Thurso Classic, the Bulled loft clocked four birds in the very hard Perth Classic to record 4th, 5th, 11th & 62nd Open. Cecil’s biggest thrill of his 40 years in pigeon racing was when he clocked ‘The Owl’ from Thurso in 1975, flying 15 hours 3 minutes to cover the 493 miles, and the only bird on the day in the London North Road Combine. He told me his wife, Barbara, was a great help looking after the pigeons when he was away, as was his
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