A look back at Harryville HPS

They were in a poor state having by the look of them had several seasons been displayed in the loft.

It covered the seasons 1974 and 1975, Chairman was D Campbell Esq and Secretary Mr M Reynolds, no doubt at the time would have been costly to produce. My first Scrap Book was for season 1973 and these will help in my look back for the two seasons of Diplomas won in Harryville, the scrap books lasted for a small handful of seasons and after that each race season was kept in folders and boxes, a lot of boxes.

For the 1994 Old Birds I just have the NIPA published results Open and Sections A, B, C, D & E no racing from the South of Ireland due to restrictions. In all seven old bird races Holyhead (1) & (2), Haverfordwest (1) & (2), Okehampton, Penzance and Dinard (France). Harryville had on average 30 lofts sending and the Holyhead races were won by Campbell & Francey, ace racers at the time.

Winner from Holyhead was recording velocity 943, 1st Sect B won by A S Inglis Castledawson. The second race was a bit easier Campbell & Francey doing velocity 1647, 1st Sect B was won by R J Elliott Ballymoney. In the races from Haverfordwest McMaster Bros won the first one vel 1294 and Mr & Mrs S Swann a harder second event vel 958. McMaster Bros won 1st Sect B 332/4583 in Haverford (1) while 1st Sect B in Haverford (2) was won by R McCallum & Son Ballymena. Campbell & Francey timed the same bird and won both Okehampton (vel 1007) and Penzance (vel 1077), two very steady races. W M Thompson from Muckamore had 1st Sect B from Okehampton while W Blair from Ballymoney had 1st Sect B from Penzance and 1st Open NIPA 1591/11,049 vel 1117. The Dinard Derby was won by R H Clements 24 members sent 73 birds winning velocity 1000. Roy was an ace racer from France at this time and has won many races since at the distance up to and including 1st OB National. The local Sect B was won by J Wright of Kells & Dist vel 1141.

Before I move on to cover the young birds I see this page has also listed the Blue Riband Kings Cup flown from Nantes in 1974 a hard race won by Arthur Simpson of Randalstown 1st Open INFC with 1927 birds competing and his “Champion Shean” won the Kings George V Challenge Cup, Ford Escort car, and Hall of Fame Diploma plus £1,051. It was the first time a Kings Cup winner had won a Hall of Fame Diploma, runner-up was R & N McFarlane of Kells & District on velocity 606. The winner was all pooled and nominated and recorded velocity 711ypm. Just 23 birds were recorded in race time, local lofts included W & L McCaw of Ballymoney 6th, J Rodgers & Son Ballymena 8th, and R Law Ballymena 12th.

In the young birds we had Holyhead (1) and (2), Belleek (1), (2) and (3) and 2 YB Derbies from Haverfordwest in Wales, 7 races in total. Campbell & Francey had 1st Club 27/355 from Holyhead vel 1238, they were beat for 1st Sect B by Hugh Kirkpatrick flying at that time and broke Novice Status with Ballymena Championship. It was a different race from Holyhead the second time, Fred Swann had 1st Club doing vel 972, 1st Sect B was won by R Dickey & Son of Broughshane. They had three races from Belleek village in Co Fermanagh home of the famous Belleek Pottery. Fred Swann won the first one on vel 1299, 1st Sect B was won by W M Thompson of Muckamore. The second race was won by Jack Cathcart vel 1281, 1st Sect B was won by J McAllister of Ballymoney and the third race was Campbell & Francey vel 1732 with two birds in one shuttle – remember those days. Campbell & Francey had 1st & 2nd in Sect B 191/1369. The YB Derby races were poor, just one bird in Haverford (1) timed by Brendan Armstrong in Brooke Park, vel 621 with 26 members sending 80 birds. Sect B was won by George Eagleson flying then in Kells & District. Just six birds timed in Haverford (2) 18 members sent 51 birds. Winners were Rankin & Blair out on their own recording velocity 1123 finishing 1st Sect B 168/435 and 2nd Open NIPA behind W V Troughton of Bleary in Portadown.

The trophy winners for 1974 season were – Highest Prize-winner, OB Ave, Combined Points Ave Penzance Cup and Best Ind Bird Shield won by Campbell & Francey. Inland Ave – J Cathcart, Haverford OB Ave – McMaster Bros, Dinard Cup – R H Clements, Haverford (1) YB Derby – B Armstrong, Haverford (2) YB Derby – Rankin & Blair, Show Cup – Mr & Mrs S Swann, Novice Cup – Reynolds Bros. Over 90 members wives friends and guests attended the prize distribution and dance in the local Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena. Guests included Mr & Mrs Nelson Corry Dunmurry (Chair INFC), Mr & Mrs Horace Devine Ballymoney (NIPA & INFC Secty), Mr & Mrs Ernie Leckey Cullybackey, Mr & Mrs Tommy Harper, Mr & Mrs Bob McAdorey (Bmena Secty), Mr & Mrs Arthur Simpson Randalstown, Mr Officer Gorman, and Mr Jimmy Martin (Bmena Guardian). The leading Lofts were – Campbell & Francey, M/M S Swann, McMaster Bros, B Armstrong, Reynolds Bros, Rankin & Blair, J McFall & Son, R McCartney, R H Clements F Swann, J Cathcart and J Eagleson.

We had a few more races in the 1975 season the first in charge for the new NIPA Secretary Sam Halliday who had replaced Horace Devine who passed away suddenly after the recent AGM’s and just prior to that had been on the panel at the Michelin Gala evening with Irish Rover Ronnie Johnston, Nelson Corry who had his Kings Cup winner “Endeavour” on display, Tommy Harper and Anthony McDonnell another former Kings Cup winner still going strong. The 11 old bird races going through to France were Arklow (1) & (2), Wexford (1) & (2), Dungarvan (1) & (2), Skibbereen. Okehampton (1) & (2), Weymouth and Dinard.

Campbell & Francey dominated the result in the opening race from Arklow, Tom Cotter was winner of the second race from the same point. The winner for Campbell & Francey on vel 1279 had topped the Sect B from Belleek but on this occasion was pipped by the Muckamore winner W M Thompson. Tom Cotter won plenty of races in his time and he is still missed covering the Eye-sign at the local shows, his Arklow winner recorded vel 1396, 1st Sect B was won by R McCallum & Son Ballymena. The two races from Wexford were won by McCartney Bros of Cromkill, in the first one 26 members sent 320 birds and winner recorded velocity 1250. The second race was a bit harder, winner was recording velocity 923 this bird was 2nd club the week previous. W M Thompson from Muckamore topped Sect B in both races.

McMaster Bros won Dungarvan (1) taking just short of 5 hours for the 200 miles for velocity 1183, Syd Montgomery from Muckamore took 1st & 2nd in Sect B. John Sinnerton was best from the second Dungarvan doing velocity 1166, and in Sect B the winner was yet again W M Thompson 1st & 2n-followed by Syd Montgomery. Skibbereen was the last race on the land prior to the cross-channel races, in Harryville 25 members sent 236 birds and the winner collecting his second Red Card was John Sinnerton vel 1079, the Sect B winners were Lindsay Bros in Crumlin. In the NIPA 1975/19,396 the 1st Open winners were P Delaney & Son of Dromore WE.

The opening race across the water from Okehampton was a bit of a test, winners were Mr & Mrs S Swann on vel 1239 and McMaster Bros were runner-up despite a stopped clock, those were the days. J Johnston & Son of Ahoghill won 1st Sect B and finished up near the top of the NIPA result. At Okehampton the second time the birds were held until Sunday, but the race was still erratic. The club winner was Jim McFall & Son vel 1130 and Sect B was topped by R McCallum & Son of Ballymena finishing up near the top of the NIPA. Roy Clements claimed his first win of the season at Weymouth vel 1056 all pooled Nom & DTW bred from a 1st Club Dinard. R Goudy from Muckamore was 1st in Sect B. Final race of the old birds was Dinard (France) 20 members sent 44 birds and the big early arrival was timed by McMaster Bros, their “Champion Scobie” was bred by club-mate Jim Cameron and finished 1st in Sect B and 4th Open NIPA a performance still talked about today, the very best bloodlines of Bobby Law Ballymena & District. McCartney Bros with an entry of 6 birds finished 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 8th club. Rheims for the one and only time was the venue for the seasons Kings Cup, liberated at 3.00pm on the Friday we had just four birds the next day one of which at 9.15pm belonged to Sammy Smyth of Cullybackey. Under 20 birds homed in race time and the list included Fred Swann 11.51am Sunday only bird in Harryville, joined locally by a further arrival in Ballymena & District to J Rodgers & Son and a second Cullybackey bird to J McKendry.

We had two races from Dublin at the start of the young birds, John Sinnerton continued a good run of success and won the opener well clear on velocity 1491 and the Larne Road partnership of Nobel & Spence won Dublin (2) doing velocity 1237. Muckamore lofts won Sect B in both races Syd Montgomery the first one followed one week later by Hannan & Craig. Two races from Arklow followed, in the first one 29 members sent 511 birds and the winner was Bertie Blair vel 1240, Duncan Millar from Broughshane took 1st Sect B and moving to the second one in a strong north west wind the winner 1st and 2nd was Fred Swann vel 894, Alan McCartney of Crumlin topped Sect B.

The first race from Wexford was a fast one Tom Cotter was the winner vel 1165, Sect B was topped by Price Bros of Crumlin. In the second race from the same point Robert Graham clocked the winner returning to the sport after a two year break, we had a one day hold over and winning vel was 1160, the bird was bred by McDowell & McIlhagga and this loft won the Ballymena & Dist and took 1st Sect B vel 1186.

The cross channel Young Bird Derby was from Haverfordwest in Wales, it was a bit of a stinker with just 17 birds home from a combined entry of 6,000 birds and calls to make the event a two day race. Best in Sect B was Jim McGall & Son in Kells & Dist taking 1st Sect B & 4TH Open NIPA on velocity 624 followed by W M Thompson Muckamore and the only bird in Harryville to John Sinnerton velocity 581 collecting £770. This race was followed by Dungarvan where the winners were Mr & Mrs S Swan who also topped Ballymena & Dist vel 1218, the partners were pipped in Sect B which was topped by J Graham of Muckamore. Finally, we have the Inland Derby from Skibbereen and the leading lofts in Harryville would be well placed, Mr & Mrs Swann win for the second race on the trot velocity 900. The Sect B was topped by the Cullybackey partnership of Watt & Peacock.

From the two season results listed it was easy to see why it was thought necessary to set up a Mid Antrim competition, Ballymena was a massive pigeon area but more often than not were pipped in Sect B mostly by shorter flying lofts. Just noticed the first season 1974 the Harryville partnership was Rankin & Blair and in 1975 Bertie Blair was racing to his own loft and timing winners immediately and ever since winning the Talbenny YB Nat with the NIPA in 2019. It was indeed very interesting reading the old newspaper cuttings and trying to get used to how the results were published in the Ireland’s Saturday Night at that time, how we miss that publication.

The Adair Arms Hotel was the venue once again for the annual dinner and prize presentation the club welcomed principal guests Mr & mrs Ernie Leckey from Cullybackey, Mr & Mrs T Harper Ballymena, new President Billy McIlgagga and James Martin for the local press. Tommy Harper had just recovered from a bout of flu had enjoyed the distinction of attending almost every Harryville HPS distribution since the inception of the club. He was pleased to see the success of club fanciers in both National and NIPA competition. With the assistance of Secretary Michael Reynolds Mrs Harper handed over the prize money which amounted to almost £400, a record pay-out for any local club. Of the 30 members no fewer than 23 had a stake in the share-out, with McMaster Bros emerging as top prize-winner. Not far behind were M/M Swann, Campbell & Francey, John Sinnerton, Fred Swann and Tom Cotter. Show specials to outside members were to J W & T Harper, with smaller amounts allocated to G McDowell, R Service & Son (both Kells) and George McGarry. The presentation of the silverware was in the capable hands of Mrs Leckey and the winning diplomas were presented by James Martin. Jimmy congratulated the hard working officials and Billy Rankin for his work at fund raising, Jimmy counted this as one of the most enjoyable nights of the year for fanciers and the quality of the entertainment provided afterwards left everyone looking forward to the next one. Old Bird Ave was won by McMaster Bros, Young Bird Ave J H Sinnerton, and the same loft won the Combined Average. This was the era of results including the competition in the factory clubs British Enkalon and Michelin with Harryville members included in both, the Michelin Gala Night were something to look forward to each year, in 1975 the entry was 30p.

I wrote this little report in 2008, the first year of the Mid Antrim Combine Champions League with a little bit of info supplied by the late Robert Graham who that season was Chairman in the Ballymena & District HPS.

Reynolds Bros (Homer) had been members of Harryville previous joining in 1971 for young birds getting prizes in both Haverford and Skibbereen YB Derbies racing just 12 birds and the year after that timing in the OB Derby Dinard (France) and winning the OB Ave in our first full season. Around this time my brother Michael was Secretary, it was just for a short time before he decided to move to USA and make a life there with a new wife. I remained a member myself for around 30 years although for most of that time not flying the birds, 12 young birds would hardly be good enough now. I have seen the Minute Book before and have managed to get a copy of the minutes recorded for the first two meetings of the club. It did not say where they were held or the members attending. The first meeting according to this report was on Wednesday 15th February 1957 with the following members elected to office. Secretary Samuel McCartney, Treasurer David Campbell, Ass Treasurer R Lindsay, Chairman Ken Gillen, Vice-Chairman Samuel Mackrell.

It was proposed by Joe Spence and seconded by W McPeake that no duplication be accepted all birds competing must be race marked through Harryville. (Passed). It was proposed by David Campbell and seconded by Tom Eaton that invitations be sent to all Harryville fanciers to join the club. (Passed). At the second meeting of Harryville HPS held on Wednesday 1st March the minutes of the first meeting were read and passed. It was proposed by S Mackrell and seconded by Tom Eaton that the club purchase a master timer. (Passed). Proposed by J Lennox seconded by Ken Gillen that the club subscriptions be £2 and 10 shillings (Passed). Proposed by Ken Gillen and seconded by Matt McAdorey that that the club be kept exclusively for Harryville fanciers (Passed). Proposed by James Lennox seconded by Samuel Mackrell that birdage be 6d inland and one shilling across channel. This concluded the business for the evening and the minutes were signed by D Campbell and S McCartney.

Obituary

The local fancy wish to extend their sincere condolences to Keith Kernohan of Harryville HPS on the passing of his mother; he races with his dad in the Ballykeel 1 Estate. Keith himself for the last few years has served on the Committee of the NIPA. Tricia passed away, suddenly at her home, 30 Inchkeith Road, Ballykeel 1, Ballymena (after a long illness). Dearly loved wife of Ken, loving mother of Keith, mother-in-law of Linda and devoted grandmother of Callum, Craig and Lewis and great grandmother of Ross. House and funeral private (due to current restrictions). Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired, may be made payable to James Henry Funeral Services c/o 100 Broughshane Street, Ballymena BT43 6EE for The Samaritans, Ballymena Branch. The funeral was streamed on-line on Monday 26th October. Very sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing husband, family and family circle. “Always in our thoughts”.

Show Scene - We have been pretty-quiet over the last few weeks but with restrictions in NI running into the middle of November we have taken the decision to ‘postpone’ the start of our show season. Unfortunately we do not know what the government will do after the four week period is over. If possible, we do intend to even have a few shows if restrictions are relaxed. We are ready to go as all risk assessments are completed, PPE all ready, track and trace ready to go etc. So do remain hopeful if we can safely have a show or shows we still intend to do so.

ONLINE SHOW - We are going to have another online show (we held back a few weeks as birds were not ready). So keep an eye out for details on this and it is open to UK and Ireland fanciers. Willy Gilbert Show Secretary Ballymena & District HPS.

Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation of Racing Pigeon Societies Awards 2020

Old Bird Trophy winners 2020: G F Whiteside Cup (Tullamore) – R Williamson, Newry & Dist Vel 1539; Gilmour & Beattie Cup (Gowran Park) – R Williamson, Newry & Dist Vel 1339; S Calvert Cup (1st Corrin) – N Weir, Loughgall Vel 2016; R Harkness Cup (2nd Corrin) – R Williamson, Newry & Dist Vel 1467; Simpson Cup (Talbenny) – R Williamson, Newry & Dist Vel 1398; Vint Cup (Bude) – R Williamson, Bondhill Vel 1119; Milgrew Family Cup (Fermoy) – Mal Maguire & Son, Newry & Dist Vel 1680.

Young Bird Cups & Trophies 2020: Frazer Animal Feeds Cup (Best Velocity 1st Area Liberations) – Sands & Rice, Ballyholland Vel 1497; Frazer Animal Feeds Cup (Best Velocity 2nd Area Liberations) - E & M Curran, Armagh HPS Vel 1425; B Hunter Cup (Roscrea) - Ed. Heaney & Son, Ligoniel Vel 1893; W V Troughton Cup (Gowran Park) – Sands & Rice, Ballyholland Vel 1286; S Inglis Cup (1st Fermoy) – R Williamson, Newry & Dist Vel 1398; J P O’Hagan Tyres Cup (Tullamore) - Gordon Bros & Son, Killyleagh Central Vel 2187; S Montgomery Cup (2nd Fermoy) – Ron Williamson, Newry & District Vel 1251.

First Young Bird Race Area Liberations Diplomas: Sect B & Part A Clubs (Mullingar) – M Howard & Son, Coleraine Prem Vel 1374; Sect H Clubs (Mullingar) – M McGrinder, Mourne & Dist HPS Vel 1314; Sect C Clubs (Mullingar) – D M G Ferguson, Wheatfield Vel 1386; Sect E & Part A Clubs (Tullamore) – J & E Calvin, Annaghmore HPS Vel 1470; Sect D & G Clubs (Tullamore) – Sands & Rice, Ballyholland Vel 1497; Sect F Clubs (Navan) – C Healy, Killyleagh Central Vel 1314.

Second Young Bird Race Area Liberations Diplomas: Sect B & Part A Clubs (Mullingar) – J L Madden, Coleraine Prem Vel 1310; Sect H Clubs (Mullingar) – D Canning, Derry & Dist HPS Vel 1295; Sect E & Part A Clubs (Tullamore) – E & M Curran, Armagh Vel 1425; Sect C Clubs (Tullamore) – Bingham & Seaton, Ligoniel Vel 1367; Sect D & G Clubs (Tullamore) – Sands & Rice, Ballyholland Vel 1374; Sect F Clubs (Mullingar) – C Healy, Killyleagh Central Vel 1183.

NIPA Section Champion Old Bird 2020: Sect A – D Carolan, Coalisland Blue Ch (h) GB17C-09737; Sect B – No Claim; Sect C – G & M Atcheson, Ligoniel Blue (h) GB19L-30903; Sect D – J Greenaway, Hillsborough & Maze Blue (c) GB19D-21115; Sect E – J Whitten & Son, Portadown & Drumcree Blue (c) GB18V-60138; Sect F – McCartan & Woodsides, Killyleagh Central Blue Ch (c) IHU17N-0427; Sect G – R Williamson, Newry & Dist Black (c) GB19S-46805; Sect H – E McGettigan, Strabane & Dist Blue (c) GB19S-31833.

NIPA Champion Old Bird Overall 2020 (J Moreland Memorial Trophy) – R Williamson, Newry & District Black (c) GB19S-46805.

NIPA Section Champion Young Bird 2020: Sect A – Tadhg Kelly, Coalisland Blue (h) GB20C-11720; Sect B – Fleming Bros, Crumlin & Dist Dark Ch (c) GB20C-08118; Sect C – G & M Atcheson, Ligoniel Mealy (c) GB20L-27842; Sect D – J Greenaway, Hillsborough & Mazr Blue (c) GB20D-21686; Sect E – No Claim; Sect F – McComb Brops, Killyleagh Central Ch (c) INU20N-12009; Sect G – Sands & Rice, Ballyholland Black (c) GB20B-28933; Sect H – S Eglington, Cookstown Social Blue (c) GB20C-18047.

NIPA Section Champion Young Bird Overall (The Irish Region Trophy) – Sands & Rice, Ballyholland Blue (c) GB20B-28933.

CHAMPION Old Bird SECTION E (NIPA) 2020 – J Whitten & Son, Portadown & Drumcree

‘The New One’ - Jay and my-self are both delighted to win this award with a small team of pigeons with this super 2 year old cock that has now claimed: 4 x 1st’s clubs, 3rd Open & 3rd Section E (24,300 birds), 11th Section E & 74th Open (25,000 birds). ‘Van Den Bulck’ lines. Another great wee star in our loft and again its thanks to Wayne Doonan of Cock Crow Breeding Lofts (Dromore).

SECTION H Old Bird of the Year (NIPA) 2020 – E McGettigan, Strabane & District

“Drumenny Bossy” Blue Cock - GB19 S 31833. Won the following - 2nd Club Tullamore (416 birds), 1st Club Gowran Park (382 birds), 2nd Club Corrin 2 (220 birds), 1st Club Skibbereen OB National , 2nd Club Yearling National Skibbereen, 3rd Section H Tullamore (2,378 birds), 4th Section H Gowran Park (2,280 birds), 4th Section H Corrin 2 (1,159 birds), 8th Section H Yearling National Skibbereen, 2nd Foyle Valley Combine Tullamore (1,800 birds), 1st Foyle Valley Combine Gowran Park (1,600 birds), 2nd Foyle Valley Combine Corrin (773 birds), 2nd Foyle Valley Combine OB Skibbereen National, 6th Foyle Valley Combine Yearling National Skibbereen.