INFC prepares for the 2010 season

Secretary Trevor Topping reported that the 2009 season membership was 1943 with 588 members in the South and 1,355 in the North. he said it was disappointing to see the numbers go below 2000 and appealed to all members to promote the club and what it has to offer

Each race had sponsors’ prizes which were greatly appreciated by the members

Two new trophies were presented during the 2009 by the former New North Flying Club and Mr Robin Duddy for a new competition, Best Average velocity Yearling and Young Bird Channel National with a guaranteed prize of 1,000. Thanks to all concerned.

The club had successful season racing with some races proving challenging and Picauville very disappointing. The lesson still had to be learnt that these easterly race points are not suitable for Irish pigeons in a westerly wind.

The King's Cup was flown after a two year break. A lot of work went into organising the race to make sure it would take place and thanks was expressed to the drivers Jim and Vincent McCroy, race advisors David Black, Tom Marshall and Willie Hore also Michael Corbin, site agent, who provided the release site from French race.

This year by rotation the post of president changes, with Sid Collins of the RPRAreplacing Ken McConaghie.

Office bearers for 2010: patron – Ronnie Johnston; president – Syd Collins (RPRA); senior VP - Eugene Fitzgerald (IHU); junior ViP – David Black (RPRA); life VPs – L Boyle, J Doheny, J Hughes, R Johnston, S Thompson and K McConaghie. Chairman – E Fitzgerald; secretary Mr Trevor Topping; treasurer Davy Mawhinney; press officer Willie Reynolds; auditor Allan McDonald.

Management committee: RPRA representatives - P Smith (Dublin), W Knowles (Kingsmoss), A Darragh (Cullybackey), P Gault (Kingsmoss), R Duddy (Ballyclare), C O’Hare (Ballyholland), D Suitters (Doagh), W Reynolds (Ballymena), C Lyons (Hills & Maze), L Woodside (Ballyclare), G Shaw (Colin), G McDowell (Kells & Dist), R Stevenson (Dromara), G Delaney (Dromore). J Serplus (Laurelvale) was elected from the floor.

INFC Appeals Committee: S Cairns (Gilford), J Burrows (Eastway) and R McCracken (Banbridge).

IHU Representatives – L McCavery (Annalong), B McLoughlin (Annalong), G Gaw (East End), T Marshall (Newtownbreda), A McFarland (East End), B Marshall (Newtownbreda), A Milliken (Lagan Valley), M Johnston (West Belfast), M Irvine (Tyrella), J Erwin (Fortfield), T O’Reilly (Andersonstown), V Flood (Dublin North East), C Browne (Bangor), R Taylor (Shankill), R Trimble (Ballynahinch HPS). IHU Appeals Committee: J McCavanagh (Balbriggan), P J Corcoran (Balbriggan) and J Albert (Ballylesson).

Notices of motion

Two resolutions were listed for decision, both submitted by the committee and both carried by a large vote: (6.1) Replace Rule 21 with new rule. New Rule 21 – Annual subscription must be paid and returned before April 28 each year. New members, 10 joining fee plus annual subscription. No applications for membership will be considered after April 28.

(6.2) The Old Hen’s National be excluded from the National Averages.

The proposed race programme for 2010: Skibbereen OB Inland Nat Tuesday 25th May (race mark Monday), Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 9th June (race mark Monday), Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup Friday 2nd July (race mark Tuesday), St Malo Friendship Nat Friday 9th July (race mark Tuesday), Penzance YB Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Penzance Old Hens Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Skibbereen YB Inland Nat Saturday 18th September (race mark Friday).

Sale

Doagh and District will be holding a breeder buyer sale (cards only) in McConnell’s Lounge on Saturday, March 27 at 2.00pm. This year there will be two hotpot races from Roscrea & Clonmel 4th & 5th official N.I.P.A. y/bird races with 100 per race and the main race will be Talbenny Young Bird National with the NIPA. This year it will be open to Section B & C and with birds promised from many top racing lofts we are hoping for a record amount of prize money up for grabs.