Strabane & Dist loft tops the Mighty NIPA!

With an Easterly wind which appeared to be stronger at the home end the leading positions from Tullamore were took in the far flying Section H, the 1st Open NIPA was won by Jay Walsh of Strabane & District recording velocity 1513ypm.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Apr 2021, 08:17 BST
Paul Hope times the first winner of the year in the Portadown based Edgarstown HPS.Paul Hope times the first winner of the year in the Portadown based Edgarstown HPS.
Paul Hope times the first winner of the year in the Portadown based Edgarstown HPS.

Alan Kelly of Omagh was next best followed by David Booth who had a super card in Mourne & District.

The NIPA liberation in Tullamore, Co Offaly was 11.00am in a Lt Easterly wind. Please note the deadlines are a bit tighter this season, send your club info ASAP after each race.

NIPA Open Tullamore 510/15,145 –

After observing the minutes silence in memory of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg. Nelson Weir (Loughgall) with some of his grandchildren, released 10 racing pigeons representing 10 decades of his life. For his and the Queens dedication to the sport of pigeon racing. Well done to all who took part.After observing the minutes silence in memory of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg. Nelson Weir (Loughgall) with some of his grandchildren, released 10 racing pigeons representing 10 decades of his life. For his and the Queens dedication to the sport of pigeon racing. Well done to all who took part.
After observing the minutes silence in memory of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg. Nelson Weir (Loughgall) with some of his grandchildren, released 10 racing pigeons representing 10 decades of his life. For his and the Queens dedication to the sport of pigeon racing. Well done to all who took part.

1-1H Jay Walsh Strabane 1513, 2-2H Al Kelly Omagh 1510, 3-3H D Booth Mourne & Dist 1508, 4-4H D Booth 1507, 5-5H D Booth 1498, 6-6H E McGettigan Strabane 1498, 7-7H D Booth 1498, 8-8H D Booth 1497, 9-9H D Booth 1497, 10-10H D Booth 1497, 11-11H D Booth 1496, 12-12H D Booth 1494, 13-1E K Allister Monaghan 1492, 14-2E J Whitten & Son Portadown & Drumcree 1491, 15-13H D Mullan Strabane 1488, 16-3E J & E Calvin Annaghmore 1485, 17-4E Nelson Weir Loughgall 1479, 18-14H E McGettigan 1478, 19-5E D Mawhinney & Son Beechpark Social 1478, 20-6E P Duffy Armagh 1478.

Best in each NIPA Section:

Section A 31/118 – D Coyle & Son Coleraine Prem 1451, L Hanson & Son Coleraine Prem 1444, L Hanson & Son Coleraine Prem 1444.

Section B 75/2379 – R & J Parke Windsor Social 1442, R & J Parke Windsor Social 1441, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1438.

Noel Murray was the winner in Londonderry, bird bred by McManus of Ahoghill.Noel Murray was the winner in Londonderry, bird bred by McManus of Ahoghill.
Noel Murray was the winner in Londonderry, bird bred by McManus of Ahoghill.

Section C 84/2388 – G & M Atcheson Ligoniel 1446, J & D Braniff Wheatfield 1446, G & M Atcheson Ligoniel 1445.

Section D 60/1923 – P & J Boal Dromore 1460, P & J Boal Dromore 1460, Cromie & Magee & Son Dromara 1456.

Section E 95/3040 – Keith Allister Monaghan 1492, J Whitten & Son Portadown & Drumcree 1491, J & E Calvin Annaghmore 1485.

Section F 31/911 – McCartan & Woodsides Crossgar 1397, D Grieves Killyleagh & Dist 1373, K Murray Killyleagh & Dist 1373.

R & J Parke of the Windsor Social, big result in 2020 was winning 1st Sect & 2nd Open NIPA St Malo and they now have the awardsR & J Parke of the Windsor Social, big result in 2020 was winning 1st Sect & 2nd Open NIPA St Malo and they now have the awards
R & J Parke of the Windsor Social, big result in 2020 was winning 1st Sect & 2nd Open NIPA St Malo and they now have the awards

Section G 46/1672 – McGrath & McParland Drumnavaddy 1463, N Murtagh Millvale 1460, N Murtagh Millvale 1456.

Section H 88/1714 – Jay Walsh Strabane & Dist 1513, Al Kelly Omagh & Dist 1510, David Booth Mourne & District 1508.

NIPA Race/Date

Tullamore 24th April 2021, liberated at 11.00am in a Lt East wind

The 1st Sect A winner for D Coyle & Son from the Coleraine Premier. “Lands End Lad” bred by Jeff Greenaway was winning for the third time.The 1st Sect A winner for D Coyle & Son from the Coleraine Premier. “Lands End Lad” bred by Jeff Greenaway was winning for the third time.
The 1st Sect A winner for D Coyle & Son from the Coleraine Premier. “Lands End Lad” bred by Jeff Greenaway was winning for the third time.

NIPA Sect A Clubs

Coalisland & District – B Morgan 1444, 1440, 1439.

Coleraine Premier HPS - D Coyle & Son 1451, L Hanson & Son 1444, 1444, 1444, T & J McDonald 1438, J Hanson 1420.

Cookstown Social – W Bleeks & Son 1411, 1389, J Campbell & Son 1388.

Castledawson – Lynn & Leacock 1372, S McFlynn 1352, Lynn & Leacock 1339.

Dungannon – Mariusz Pawlak 1456, 1451, Isbaner Barttec 1432, 1426, M Pawlak 1391, I Isbaner 1390.

Keelie Wright from the Lurgan Social with hew awards collected in 2020.Keelie Wright from the Lurgan Social with hew awards collected in 2020.
Keelie Wright from the Lurgan Social with hew awards collected in 2020.

Windsor Social 7/255 – R & J Parke 1442, 1441, R McCann 1431, T Scott & Son 1415, 1409, R & J Parke 1404. Super 1st & 2nd in the NIPA Section B, first bird was Herman Ceuster down from goof friend Andy Boyle and the second arrival a gift to Rhonda from John Abernethy. The lofts outstanding result last year was 1st Sect & 2nd Open NIPA St Malo,NIPA Sect H Clubs

Amelia Earhart RPC – Ray McMonagle 1457, 1411, 1393, 1384, 1375, Sean Campbell. Jimmy Quigley won this week’s PoolsDerry & District 18/322 – A McCrudden 1460, 1434, J & G Ramsey 1432, M McGrath 1425, 1422, R Gallagher 1417.

Foyle RPS 9/180 – M Rabbett 1456, D W Lofts 1452, M Rabbett 1421, P Maxwell Jnr 1417, D W Lofts 1411, B Hart1411.

Limavady – Ronnie Witherow 1393, 1393, 1392.

Londonderry PRS 6/101 – Noel Murray 1437, Bob Freeman 1429, Billy Houston 1338, 1337, 1336. Well done to Noel taking the top spot in the Waterside club today. The winner was bred by Paddy McManus and son William Croft Lofts in Ahoghill.

Maiden City 14/300 – J McConomy 1468, 1468, P & M Healy 1458, S O’Dea 1438, J McConomy 1429, P Cregan 1420. Very well done to Donegal Jim, having a great result today with three birds in the Top 10, good shooting.

Mourne & District –David Booth 1508, 1507, 1498, 1498, 1497, 1497.

Omagh & District –A Kelly 1510, 1474, 1434.

Strabane & District 18/325 – J Walsh 1513, E McGettigan 1498, D Mullan 1488, E McGettigan 1478, D McNulty 1465, E McGettigan 1464.

NIPA Sect B Clubs

Ahoghill Flying Club 8/260 – Mr & Mrs Robinson 1395, J Smyth & Son 1394, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1376, J Smyth & Son 1375, 1367, 1357. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – Mr & Mrs Robinson 1376, Chris Moore 1336.

Ballymena & District 6/197 – J Eagleson & Sons 1420, 1419, 1414, R Service & Son 1391, Blair & Rankin 1385, 1383. Johnston Eagleson & Sons had a great start to the season winning the top three positions in the club and also had the best three birds in the town. Their winning 2 year old blue chequer hen was timed at 13.36pm for the 126 mile fly to the Cullybackey Road lofts. The dam is a double Combine winner from Tullamore and Corrin and the sire is “The Pest” a top Lambrecht stock cock. A full sister to the winning hen won Ballymena & District three weeks on the trot in 2017 and finished 1st, 3rd & 5th Mid Antrim Combine. The second hen clocked again at 13.36pm is a full sister to the hen that won 5 x 1st club and 2 x 2nd Combine in the 2019 season.

Ballymoney HPS 9/392 – D Devenney 1429, L Neill 1414, D Devenney 1400, D Dixon 1398, J Connolly 1393, L Neill 1393.

Ballymoney West Combine –

Dervock RPS 3/108 – D Devenney 1429, 1400, D & H Stuart 1386, 1354, C McCook 1351, 1333.Broughshane & District – A Purvis 1312, 1312, 1300.

Cullybackey HPS 8/208 – C & R McIntyre 1410, 1399, A Darragh 1398, C & R McIntyre 1388, 1385, J & J Greer 1376. Today’s race winner from Tullamore was the partnership of C & R McIntyre. Timing their yearling blue hen at 13 53 59 with a Velocity of 1410.773. Congratulations lads, off to a good start.

Crumlin & District 5/146 – Sefton Thompson 1421, 1420, 1384, McConville Bros 1383, Sefton Thompson 1374, Fleming Bros 1371.

Harryville HPS 11/294 – J Rock 1404, A McBride 1402, J Rock 1402, A McBride 1393, L Mullan 1393, 1392. Well done Jimmy Rock first winner of the year, just ahead of Alan McBride. Sire of the runner-up is a Grondalaer from Gerald Delaney and the dam was from good friend and clubmate Jimmy Rock. This hen has already won from Gowran Park and 2nd Rosscarbery National

Kells & District – Kells & District HPS 6/192 – Sam Murphy 1384, 1371, 1370, 1359, 1359, Surgenor Bros 1355. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Sam Murphy 1384, H Turkington 1353, Surgenor Bros 1282.

Muckamore HPS 8/306 – S & N Maginty 1423, 1393, A & E Bell 1381, D J Thompson 1380, S & J Bones & T Yates 1371, D J Thompson 1371.

Randalstown HPS 8/180 – F & G & J Dickey 1408, Stewart Bros 1377, F & G & J Dickey 1377, 1349, N Percy & Son 1336, Stewart Bros 1335.

Rasharkin & District – Rasharkin & District HPS – J & M Milliken 1421, 1400, H Cubitt 1395, 1387.

NIPA Sect E Clubs

Annaghmore – J & E Calvin 1485, 1476, G Buckley & Son 1464, T McClean 1458, J & E Calvin 1457, Alan Cherry 1456. Congratulations to Jinky and Eileen Calvin on taking the top two places in the club from Tullamore.

Armagh HPS 10/458 – P Duffy 1478, D C & P McArdle 1466, 1465, P Duffy 1464, G & A Campbell 1461, D C & P McArdle 1457. 1st race of the year done and dusted . Well done to P.Duffy taking top spot this week .

Beechpark Social – D Mawhinney & Son 1478, 1449, G & P Lavery 1449.

Blackwatertown HPS – Joe Brown 1402, 1386, 1375.

Bondhill Social – David Calvin 1458.

Edgarstown HPS 10/253 – P Hope 1433, S & E Buckley 1428, J Trotter 1397, S & E Buckley 1388, G & C Simmons 1385, R Bell & Son 1384. Pools 1st G & C Simmons, 2nd J Trotter Well done Paul on your win from a tricky and testing first race of the season! Well done to all in the result.

Gilford & District 7/128 –Moody Bros 1438, A Feeney & Son 1427, Tom Wilson 1422, Rafferty & Toman 1401, A Feeney & Son 1400, C & H Beattie 1400.Laurelvale – C & C Brown 1443, 1437, 1436, A Craig 1422, 1401, C & C Brown 1396.

Loughgall – Nelson Weir 1479, 1456, 1453, 1452, 1451, J McGeary 1445.

Lurgan Social 12/460 – C J & B Ferris 1453, Sean Curran 1445, 1444, D & B Lyness 1435, R Adamson 1434, D & B Lyness 1434. Well done Barry. Finally got the opportunity to get a picture with all my awards won in the NIPA and RPRA for the 2020 season. Thank you to Samuel Briggs for helping to get them sent over from RPRA. Have to say the highlight was winning the guy barret trophy for the 2nd year running. Let’s hope 2021 is just as good. Well done again Keelie.

Markethill 5/100 – B & P Baird 1437, J & H Muldrew & McMurray 1436, B & P Baird 1391, J & H Muldrew & McMurray 1383, B & P Baird 1372, J & H Muldrew & McMurray 1341. Well done Brian Baird on first win of year.

Monaghan 7/204 – Ketth Allister 1492, C & O Myers 1439, , P Tierney 1436, P McFadden 1431, Keith Allister 1426, W Walker & Son 1426. Congratulations to Keith Allister on taking the Red Card.

Portadown & Drumcree – J Whitten & Son 1491, J Geary & Son 1444, J Whitten & Son 1441, Larkin Bros 1415, 1415, J Sterritt 1410. 2 Bird Club – 1st J Whitten & Son, 2nd Larkin Bros. Nomination – 1st Larkin Bros, 2nd J Geary & Son.

Wilton Cross 5/64 – William Millar 1412, , H T & J Larkin 1410, 1407, Alan Larkin 1406, Joe Brown 1392, Geoff Douglas 1392. Congratulations to William Millar on taking the spoils in the first race of the season.

Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore

The season started in a bit of a rush with the NIPA making a decision on the Monday that old birds would commence on Saturday 24th April with a race from Tullamore, a number of lofts were not trained up and ready, hopefully most will be able to join for the second race from Roscrea.

The planned programme, subject of course to change should any matters arise is as follows.

NIPA Old Birds – Saturday 24th April Tullamore. Saturday 1st May Roscrea, Saturday 8th May Gowran Park, Saturday 15th May Fermoy, Saturday 22nd May Castletown, Saturday 29th May Barleycove Inl National, Saturday 29th May Fermoy, Saturday 5th June 1st Talbenny, Saturday 12th June 2nd Talbenny, Saturday 12th June Fermoy OB 5Bird Duplicating, Saturday 19th June Bude, Saturday 19th June Skibbereen Yearling National, Saturday 26th June Penzance & Penzance OB Classic, Saturday 26th June Fermoy, Thursday 1st July St Malo/Plougastel OB National (France).Due to the delayed start to the season INFC race dates will have to be re arranged. Skibbereen Tuesday 1st June race marked Monday, Sennen Cove Wednesday 16th June race marked Monday, Kings Cup Saturday 3rd July race marked Wednesday, Friendship National 9th July race marked Tuesday as was planned. Young bird remain as planned. Penzance 1st September, Skibbereen 18th September.

These changes are to suit organisations starting later than planned and availability of transporters. Also for the two French races we are depending on favourable weather and to stage them later leaves little opportunity for change in the event of poor weather.

Please note that race marking and clock checking should be carried out re the Covid regulations, members must have a time slot at the club for race marking and no standing around or gathering in groups.

Remember the joining fees for 2021 are £3.00 per club which includes all members less those who opt out, and Associate Membership is also £3.00. The Champions League is as usual a competition between member clubs, four lofts represent the club. Associate Members compete in the Knock-Out, League and Champion Bird, plus all the other cups and trophies. From the member clubs I require the four lofts that will compete in the Champions League and a list of all members racing in the old birds to compete in the Old Bird Knock-Out.

I have a mandate from the Ballymena & District HPS to put forward some changes and adjustments, I will get the opinion of local delegates of MAC and changes will be able to be made if necessary, to operate in 2021 racing. These will be subject to change, either modified and/or confirmed, at the next official AGM of the Combine.

1st Proposal - The Bryan Eagleson Memorial Cup be changed to best average all Old Bird cross channel races excluding the OB Derby.

2nd Proposal - Old Bird of the Year cup. No double points awarded in the cross channel races.

3rd Proposal - Young bird of the Year. No double points in the Talbenny YB Nat. PS a bird could win 3 inland races and get 45 points and another bird could win 2 x 4th in the channel and beat the 3 x 1st winner. It wouldn’t be fair.

4th Proposal - Les Mairs OB Fancier of year, no double points on channel.

5th proposal - Former members of MAC moving to clubs that are not MAC members and a suggestion that the lofts that have changed clubs, provided they have not moved address, could compete as Associate Members, if a request was made.6th proposal – Add the following new competitions and award a winning diploma. Meritorious Award as RPRA (Irish Region), Old Bird Knock-out, YB Knock-out, Champion OB, Champion YB, Old Bird Points League, YB Points League.

Could I ask the local Club Delegates to send voting to ne either by Email to homerbhw@gmail,com or text Tel 07538 238364.

Behind the scenes a massive amount of work was carried out by officials, Fred Russell and Jim Ramsey working flat out for the NIPA and supported by Lee Wilson from the Ulster Federation. The NIPA Committee over the recent times have been meeting weekly via Zoom, we also must thank all those involved at the local clubs putting everything in place for race marking. Massive work by many dedicated fanciers, invaluable in getting racing up and running. Do remember and observe all the Covid 19 Regulations, it’s very important for the safety of everyone.

The pigeon racing season got underway on Saturday 24th April with the opening race from Tullamore in Co. Offaly. The NIPA liberated at 11am in a light easterly wind. Best bird in the Mid Antrim Combine with a velocity of 1421 were the Rasharkin partnership of John and Mark Milliken who timed their 2 year old dark chequer Lambrecht hen at 13.45pm for the 133 mile fly to their lofts. The hen which was unraced last season was sitting on over due eggs as they were about to be split up to go on the widowhood system. Runners up on 1420 and just decimal points behind were the Ballymena & District winners Johnston Eagleson & Sons who have the next three best positions. Other winners included F,G & J Dickey Randalstown 1408, the best Associate members Jimmy Rock on 1404 and Allen McBride on 1402, Mr & Mrs Robinson Ahoghill 1395 and Sam Murphy of Kells & Dist 1384, winning for the first time in his new club. Mervyn Eagleson PO.

Mid Antrim Combine Tullamore - J & M Milliken Rasharkin 1421.12, J Eagleson & Sons Ballymena 1420.99, J Eagleson & Sons 1419, J Eagleson & Sons 1414, F,G & J Dickey Randalstown 1408, J Rock Associate 1404, A McBride Associate 1402, J Rock Associate 1402, J & M Milliken 1400, D Dixon Rasharkin 1398, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1395, Mr & Mrs Robinson Ahoghill 1395, J Smyth & Son Ahoghill 1394, A McBride Associate 1393, D Dixon Rasharkin 1392, R Service & Son Ballymena 1391, H Cubitt Rasharkin 1387, D Dixon 1385, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1385, S Murphy Kells 1384, A McBride Associate 1384, Blair & Rankin Ballymena 1383, J Rock 1383, H Cubitt 1382, J Rock 1381, J Rock 1381, R Service & Son 1381, D Dixon 1378, J Eagleson & Sons 1378, Stewart Bros Randalstown 1377, F,G & J Dickey 1377, Mr & Mrs Robinson Ahoghill 1376, J Smyth & Son 1375, S Murphy 1371, S Murphy 1371.

Mid Antrim Combine Clubs Tullamore

Rasharkin & District HPS – J & M Milliken 1421, 1400, H Cubitt 1395, 1387.

Ballymena & District 6/197 – J Eagleson & Sons 1420, 1419, 1414, R Service & Son 1391, Blair & Rankin 1385, 1383, R Service & Son 1381, J Eagleson & Sons 1378, R Service & Son 1358, W & J Smyth 1358. Johnston Eagleson & Sons had a great start to the season winning the top three positions in the club and also had the best three birds in the town. Their winning 2 year old blue chequer hen was timed at 13.36pm for the 126 mile fly to the Cullybackey Road lofts.

The dam is a double Combine winner from Tullamore and Corrin and the sire is “The Pest” a top Lambrecht stock cock. A full sister to the winning hen won Ballymena & District three weeks on the trot in 2017 and finished 1st, 3rd & 5th Mid Antrim Combine. The second hen clocked again at 13.36pm is a full sister to the hen that won 5 x 1st club and 2 x 2nd Combine in the 2019 season.

Cullybackey HPS 8/208 – C & R McIntyre 1410, 1399, A Darragh 1398, C & R McIntyre 1388, 1385, J & J Greer 1376, G Gibson 1351, 1348, J & J Greer 1348, A Darragh 1344. The race winner from Tullamore was the partnership of C & R McIntyre. Timing their yearling blue hen at 13 53 59 with a Velocity of 1410.773. Congratulations lads, off to a good start.Randalstown HPS 8/180 – F & G & J Dickey 1408, Stewart Bros 1377, F & G & J Dickey 1377, 1349, N Percy & Son 1336, Stewart Bros 1335, 1328, J McNeill & Son 1326.

Harryville HPS 11/294 – J Rock 1404, A McBride 1402, J Rock 1402, A McBride 1393, L Mullan 1393, 1392, 1392, A McBride 1384, K & K Kernohan 1384, J Rock 1383. Well done Jimmy Rock first winner of the year, just ahead of Alan McBride.

Sire of the runner-up is a Grondalaer from Gerald Delaney and the dam was from good friend and clubmate Jimmy Rock. This hen has already won from Gowran Park and 2nd Rosscarbery National.

Ahoghill Flying Club 8/260 – Mr & Mrs Robinson 1395, J Smyth & Son 1394, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1376, J Smyth & Son 1375, 1367, 1357, Mr & Mrs Robinson 1356, Chris Moore 1338, 1336, 1336. Brooke Supplies 2 Bird Club – Mr & Mrs Robinson 1376, Chris Moore 1336.Kells & District HPS 6/192 – Sam Murphy 1384, 1371, 1370, 1359, 1359, Surgenor Bros 1355, H Turkington 1353, Sam Murphy 1346. Sizzlers 2 Bird Club – Sam Murphy 1384, H Turkington 1353, Surgenor Bros 1282.

Broughshane & District – A Purvis 1312, 1312, 1300.Coleraine Triangle Tullamore – D Coyle & Son Coleraine Prem 1451, L Hanson & Son Coleraine Prem 1444, L Hanson & Son 1444, L Hanson & Son 1444, R & J Parke Windsor Soc 1442, R & J Parke 1441, T & J McDonald Coleraine Prem 1438, R McCann Windsor Soc 1431, J Hanson Coleraine Prem 1420, D Coyle & Son 1419, T Scott & Son Windsor Soc 1415, J Hanson 1412, J L Madden Coleraine Prem 1411, T Scott & Son 1409, J Hanson 1408, J Hanson 1407, R & J Parke 1404, J L Madden 1403, T & J McDonald 1397, R & J Parke 1396.