Pigeon notes by Homer

THE proposed race programme for 2010 is as follows. 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
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Mar 2010, 12:05 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2010, 12:30 BST

BHW/INFC Single Bird Challenge

By now all INFC members will have received their BHW/INFC Single Bird Challenge entry form, these should be completed and returned to David Black by 17th March along with the 5 entry fee. Also included in the envelope is the Robin Duddy Trophy entry form, to win this trophy a member nominates three birds on their Yearling National entry sheet, it is the first of these three birds which counts, ~they also nominate three birds on their Penzance Young Bird National sheet and again the first bird home counts towards the two race average, the total cost of entry is 10. The closing date for entries is the race marking night of the Yearling National, Monday 7th June. If any member wants to send both entries together they can do so. The latest member list for the Single Bird Challenge is available to view on the Discussion Forum (INFC) on www.pigeonnetwork.com

* Any potential new members or any member with any questions should contact David Black on Tel: 07876 157706 on details of how to enter. It is my sad duty to inform the fancy that Drew Fleming of Randalstown has passed away, he was a founder member of the NIPA and scored some fantastic results in those early years.

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Banbridge Social annual Breeder & Buyer Sale will be held in the local Royal British Legion on Friday 12th March, last season 1,700 was paid out over four prizes. The race will be flown from Skibbereen in conjunction with the Irish Nat FC. Contact Gary Tel: (028) 40 669825, Terence Tel: 07711 409295, or Davy Robinson Tel: 07851 312046.

Breeder/Buyer Sale for Drumnavaddy Invitation will take place on Thursday 18th March in Banbridge British Legion .Race to be flown from Fermoy. Birds donated from many top lofts. More info will be available in the next few weeks. Contact - Davy Tel: 07593 666757, Brendan Tel: 07547 802590, or Kenny Tel: 07737 521355.

Dundonald Sale: The Young Bird Sale in aid of the Building Fund will take place in Newtownbreda on Monday 22nd March at 8.00pm, Ronnie tells me he has 30 Choice Lots. Another super sale not to miss!

Corcreeney Breeder/Buyer Race: Sale dates are Newtownbreda on Thursday 25th March at 8.00pm and Banbridge on Thursday 1st April at 8.00pm. The race will be flown from Skibbereen with the Irish Nat FC on Saturday 18th September. The top prize for the last few years has been 2,000 making it one of the best around, the prize night is something special as well. To book a pen please contact Colin Gibson Tel: 07715 472966, for Newtownbreda contact Ronnie Johnston Tel: (028) 90 483625. You can bring along your birds on the night. Do come along and enjoy the excitement of this annual event.

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A Breeder/Buyer Charity Sale with half the total proceeds going to Blue Dove Hospice will be held in Banbridge British Legion on Friday 26th March at 8.00pm. Tel: T Lennon 07711 409205, E McAlinden Tel: 07771 813198, or D Carson Tel: 07813 265311.

The www.pigeonnetwork.com 10th Birthday Bash which was put off late last year will now take place at the Lisburn Rugby Club on Friday 26th March. It’s probably a good idea not to list the guests at this early stage after what happened last time but you can be sure they will be special. More details nearer the time, the evening will include the usual presentations for NI Fancier of the Year, Cornish Connection Cup and the Mid Antrim Champions League. The small sale of gift birds which this time will be youngsters which can be flown in 2010. Entry is 5 Pay at Door, usual buffet etc.

Springvale Social intend to once again promote a Gold Ring Race in 2010, rings at 20 each are available now. Open to lofts competing in the NIPA Sections B & C the race will be as last year flown in conjunction with the NIPA Rosscarbery National. Prizes will be 1st 750, 2nd 150 and 3rd 100 and the contact numbers are as follows. Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 and Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.

Millisle Moot was a great success, the panel where the best I have heard, so reported John Hollinger. Chairman was Ronnie Johnston, and the panel included George Rankin Scotland, Peter Martin Fortfield, Gerald Delaney, Oroory Hill Stud Dromore and Alan Darragh Cullybackey. A great nights entertainment, a warm room and good food provided by Jean and Jan Hollinger. The free trip to Belgium was won by John Harkness, one punter remarked that the night could never be bettered. I thank everyone who made it such a great success. John Hollinger.

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Doagh & Dist club will be holding a breeder buyer sale (cards only) in McConnells Lounge Doagh on Saturday 27th March 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.

Kingswood HPS in East Belfast held a sale of 20 young birds during their successful Boxing Day Open Show to finance a special race to be flown in conjunction with the INFC young bird national from Skibbereen on the 18th September 2010 - all the monies i.e. 1000 shall be paid out as specials & also a breeder / buyer prize, detailed information to follow - we would like to thank the following people for donating / buying birds – J Patterson/McMurray & Anderson, R Fear/E Burton, J Greenaway/McMurray & Anderson, M McConville/R Conlan, B Hogg/E Burton, A Milligan, R Conlane, Spence Brothers/E Burton, McMurray & Anderson/J Plant, Bingham & Seaton/K Wilkinson, J Young/G McCartney, Mackey & Lockhart/Mackey & Lockhart, M Johnston/Mackey & Lockhart, T & K Mawhinney/J Galbraith, A Cawford/R Cowan, K Wilkinson/A Crawford, J Watt/E Burton, D Parr/W Willis, Emerald Classic Entry/M Johnston, R & J Conlane/J Galbraith, D Campbell/D Jackson, N Armstrong/E Burton.