Round-up of sporting events in north Antrim and beyond

Ballycastle Bowling League

St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s v Ballycastle Presbyterian

D McAfee 6, T Grainger 12.

P McBrearty 12, P Dempsey 10.

J McCaughan 6, S McCambridge 7.

R Elliott 6, JJ McCambridge 5.

Total score: St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s 30 (2). Ballycastle Presbyterian 34 (5).

Ballycastle Presbyterian v Ramoan Parish

S Molloy 19, F McCandless 4.

F Morrow 8, J Reid 7.

D McAfee 10, B McKay 9.

M O’Reilly 11, D McIlroy 5.

Total score: Ballycastle Presbyterian 48 (7). Ramoan Parish 25 (0).

League position as of January 16th:

Ramoan Presbyterian: 19.5 pts, Ballycastle Presbyterian 16, Carey 12.5, Ramoan Parish 11.5, St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s 10.5.

Camogie Club quiz

There will be a Glen Rovers GAC camogie quiz on Saturday, February 1st in the clubrooms at 8pm. You are invited along for a great night’s craic to test your knowledge against other teams.

Teams of four £5 per head. Full bar facilities and supper provided.

Rafters’ monthly competition

48 players entered the competition back in December . All players were given handicapps to play off. All matches were played best of five frames.

Due to the Christmas break the semi-finals and final were played in January. Dessie Leese played James Walker in the semis with Dessie winning 3-1 securing his place in the final. Colin Ferguson played Matthew Shiels in the semis with Colin also winning 3-1.

The final was arranged for Wednesday 22nd January at 4pm. A good turnout of spectators came along to watch the final.

Team mates (Dessie and Colin both play for Rafters Kings in the home league) played in the final.

First to three frames decided the winner. Colin was getting 20 points advantage due to handicap system.

Colin won the first two frames.Dessie fought back and won the 3rd frame bringing the scores 2-1 .

Colin got off to a good start in the 4th frame potting a few good balls pulling 40 points clear of Dessie.

Dessie also potted a few balls but couldnt find his usual game play.

Colin played a good snooker with just two reds and colours remaining.Dessie missed the red and Colin took advantage potting 2 reds and 2 colours to secure the frame and match.

Colin was delighted with his win.He recieved trophy and cash prize.

Dessie also recieved trophy and cash prize for runner-up. Both beaten semi-finalists James Walker and Matthew Shiels recieved cash prizes.

Rafters management would like to thank all took part in the competition and congratulate Colin and Dessie for both players making it to their first final.

Ballymoney Motorcycle Show

The Ballymoney Motorcycle Show will be held this year in the Joey Dunlop Centre on March 7/8.

This will be the 15th year the show has been held in this venue,.

There will be a large display of all types of motorcycles ie off road - classic - and road racing plus a selection of stalls offering all types of merchandising.

Top riders past and present will be attending to meet and talk with their fans.

Once again the Show will be supporting a charity and this year they have chosen The Samaritans.

The organisers encourage everyone to come along have a great day out and support this worthy charity.

The show commences on the 7th March at 5pm - 10pm and 8th March 10am - 5pm . Admission is £5 with under 12 and oap £1.

Anyone wishing to trade or display bikes please contact Davy on 07922060107.

Friendly Charity Bowling League

The Friendly Charity Bowling League

Club Played Pts

Bushmills Pres 11 53.5

Billy 11 50.5

Bushvale 11 45.5

Toberdoney 11 37

St James 11 35

Ballyweaney 9 28.5

St Olcan’s 9 27.5

Cushendall 10 27.5

St Patricks 10 16

Glebe Trophy

Club Played Points

St Olcans 6 31

Billy 5 29

Bushmills Pres 6 27

Ramoan 6 24.5

Toberdoney 6 23.5

Bushvale 6 22

Cushendall 6 16.5

St James 6 15.5

Ballyweaney 6 9

St Patricks 5 5

Ballymoney Darts League

Ballymoney Darts League fixtures for Friday January 31 - league week 11 -

Ma Kelly’s v Joey’s Bar

Royal British Legion v Blackwater House

Joey’s Flight’s v Kelly’s Own

Joey’s Bar 3 v Diamond Bar

Bush House bye.

Ballycastle Golf Club latest

The P.J. McIlroy & Son sponsored Winter League at Ballycastle moved into week four with some testing conditions on both days.

On Saturday the Section One scores couldn’t have been closer, Ryan Brewster (13), Philip Cullen (13) and Gerry McGouran (12) all returned 26 points in tough conditions. Ryan Brewster secured 1st place with a fine back nine of 22 points, including two birdies on the 10th & 18th holes to push Philip Cullen into 2nd place. Gerry McGouran secured 3rd place for the second week running.

Section Two saw the best scores of the weekend, with Sean McLean taking pole position. The Dunloy man claimed 1st place with a strong total of 32 points off his 23 handicap to finish four points clear of the nearest challenger, James McCann (25) who scored 28 points. Terence McHugh was pushed just outside the prizes by virtue of James finishing with a better back nine score.

Sunday’s weather had a severe impact on the number of competitors and resulted in many golfers choosing not to brave the strong winds.

However Ryan Twaddle (17) endured the conditions and claimed the days only prize with a fine 30 points.

The Midweek Stableford was won by Vincent Gallagher (8) with 35 points over 18 holes.

Ballymoney Wildcats Club

Places are still available at the Ballymoney Wildcats Club.

Calling all Parents and Guardians with children aged 5-11 years old; the Ballymoney Wildcats Activ8 Clubs are on the PROWL and ready to ROAR again after the Christmas Break. The Multi Skills for Sport Club is an excellent way for kids to get their recommended 60mins of physical activity a day and to learn new skills for sport in a fun, safe environment.

January 2014 dates have been released, and will take place at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre. Your child will be guaranteed a fun and enjoyable time each week, and will learn new skills and meet new friends!

The details of the club are as follows:

Wildcubs 5-6yrs

· Every Tuesday

· 4.30pm - 5.30pm

· Introduce FUNdamentals of movement and FUNdamental movement skills within a game based environment

Wildcats 7-11yrs

· Every Wednesday · 4.30pm - 5.45pm

· Develop FUNdamentals and Introduce Sports Specific Skills with Multi-Sport movement and game skills which include a health & fitness focus

· £2.70 “pay as you go” each week.

For more information contact the Sports Development Unit or you can collect registration forms at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.

Pigeon AGM

The NIPA Annual General Meeting will be held in the Protestant Hall Glenavy on Saturday 15th February at 2.00pm.

All member clubs are expected to call a meeting to mandate their Delegates on voting. There is plenty to discuss with 20 Resolutions down for decision and an opportunity to change the Old Bird race programme. All items including accounts are to be delivered shortly, the Committee have already discussed the financial situation and there could be a lot of big changes come the new racing season.

It should be noted only Delegates can vote or enter into the business of the meeting. Delegate cards have been enclosed with the AGM documents and these cards will be required in the recording of votes. No discussion is allowed on the Resolutions and the secretary Fred Russell has asked all clubs to consider the Resolutions very carefully as a change usually has a cost. Remember as well the vote will be the decision of the membership.

The resolutions include:

Resolution No 1. Submitted by Wilton Cross HPS

The NIPA only transport pigeons belonging to Members of the Organisation.

Resolution No 2. Submitted by Wilton Cross HPS

The present Race Committee be disbanded and a new one formed to be made up of One member of Each Section.

Resolution No 3. Submitted by Wilton Cross HPS

Two pigeon fanciers to be employed by the NIPA and travel to every liberation and act as Convoyer’s for the Organisation.

Resolution No 4. Submitted by Wilton Cross HPS

The NIPA to publish all Section & Open Results of every race in the British Homing World.

Resolution No 5. Submitted by Wilton Cross HPS

All Championship & National races to be individually detailed on the Financial Report. These to include all items of Expenditure & Income.

Resolution No 6. Submitted by Gilford & District

The NIPA to obtain Quotations from two Haulage Contractors for the supply of Lorries & Drivers for the transport of pigeons, excluding the Rigid Type Transporter. This Quotation to be made available for the 2014 AGM. The Quotation to include Insurance for two members to go with the Hauliers to look after the welfare of pigeons and act as a contact for the Race Controller. All details of collection and race points to be given for Quotation.

Resolution No 7. Submitted by Section C Delegates

In all National & Classic races the three hour rule for returning clocks after timing would only apply to birds timed on the first day. Or in the event of No first day birds being timed then the three hour rule would apply on the second day. After the first day of arrivals passed then the Centre Officials could arrange convenient checking times at their own discretion.

Resolution No 8. Submitted by Section C Delegates

That in the OB Channel National if in the event of unforeseen circumstances suck as bad weather forcing the birds to be brought back to England. Then the birds be liberated at a racepoint in England that was raced the same year.

Resolution No 9. Submitted by Newry & District

Delete NIPA General Rule 66. NIPA General Rule 66 states: That no liberation of young birds take place after 2.00pm.

Resolution No 10. Submitted by Newry & District

Delete NIPA General Rule 72. NIPA General Rule 72 states: In all races birds be collected at Individual Clubs except in the case of National Races where they will be collected at Centres.

Resolution No 11. Submitted by Newry & District

Delete NIPA General Rule 50. NIPA General Rule 50 states: All Organisations transported by the NIPA will be charged the same rate as NIPA Clubs. Insert NEW NIPA General Rule 50: The NIPA Committee to decide transport charges to Outside Organisations on an Annual Basis.

Resolution No 12. Submitted by Newry & District

If a Saturday Liberation is deemed Not Possible, preference be given to a Sunday Liberation. A Friday Liberation should only be used as a last resort except for the French Race.

Resolution No 13. Submitted by Beechpark Social

A competent Committee be formed to examine all aspects of All ETS Systems and forward their report to the NIPA.

Resolution No 14. Submitted by Blackwatertown West End HPS

That two experienced pigeon fanciers be employed by the NIPA in the role as Convoyer’s for the forthcoming season.

Resolution No 15. Submitted by Blackwatertown West End HPS

That Area Liberations be abolished and that only Mass Liberations take place in future.

Resolution No 16. Submitted by NIPA Committee

That the entry for the Penzance Classic be limited to 20 birds and that this race be flown on its own.

Resolution No 17. Submitted by NIPA Committee

No fancier is permitted to release pigeons within a 20 Kilometre Radius of Dublin Airport also no fancier is permitted to train their pigeons within 50 Kilometres of the East Coast of Ireland South of Dublin. The NIPA recommend, that you do not release pigeons South of Balbriggan. The Penalty for any member found to be breaking this Rule will be 5 Years Suspension.

Resolution No 18. Submitted by NIPA Committee

That the NIPA introduce a New Award for a Champion Old and Champion Young Bird for each of our 8 Sections. From these 8 x Winners the Overall NIPA Champion OB and Champion YB will be chosen.

Resolution No 19. Submitted by NIPA Committee

Any fancier who has his Suspension Lifted by any Racing Pigeon Organisation and wishes to apply to a member club of the NIPA for membership. That club must make representation to the NIPA for permission to accept him/her as a member.

Resolution No 20. Submitted by NIPA Committee

That clubs charge all their members an equal price for the transportation of their pigeons to NIPA Races.

Member clubs will vote on the Old Bird Race Programme, a choice between the 2013 Programme and the New Programme submitted by the NIPA Committee. For the Young Birds we have a choice between last season’s programme and one submitted by Newry & Dist. Voting Papers to be returned on or before AGM on 15th February.

Programme (1) – the OB Race Programme of 2013

April 12th Committee decide on race point, April 19th Tullamore, April 26th Roscrea, May 3rd Clonmel, May 10th Fermoy, May 17th Rosscarbery Inland Nat, May 24th Pilmore Beach, May 31st Talbenny, June 7th Talbenny, June 7th Rosscarbery Yearling Cock/Hen Nat, June 14th Bude, June 14th Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, June 21st Penzance, June 21st Penzance Classic, June 27th St Malo (France) Nat.

Programme (2) – the OB Race Programme Submitted by NIPA Committee

April 12th Tullamore, April 19th Roscrea, April 26th Roscrea, May 3rd Clonmel, May 10th Mallow, May 17th Rosscarbery Inland Nat, May 24th Talbenny, May 31st Bude, May 31st Rosscarbery Yearling Cock/Hen Nat, June 7th Truro, June 7th Mallow 5 Bird Championship, June 14th Mallow, June 14th Penzance Classic, June 21st Penzance, June 21st Roscrea Comeback, June 28th St Malo (France) National.

Two Programmes to decide Programme A is last season and Programme B was submitted by Newry & District.

YB Programme A is last seasons

July 19th Area Liberations, July 26th Area Liberations, August 2nd Mass Liberation, August 9th Roscrea, August 16th Clonmel, August 23rd Fermoy, August 30th Talbenny National, August 30th Comeback Race, September 6th Fermoy, September 6th Fermoy 3 Bird Championship, September 13th Rosscarbery Inland National.

YB Programme B submitted by Newry & District

July 19th Mullingar Sections A, B, C & H, July 19th Tullamore Sections D, E, F & G, July 26th Tullamore Sections A, B, C & H, July 26th Roscrea Sections D, E, F & G, , August 2nd Roscrea Mass Liberation, August 9th Roscrea, August 16th Clonmel, August 23rd Fermoy, August 30th Talbenny National, August 30th Tullamore, September 6th Fermoy, September 6th Fermoy 3 Bird Championship, September 13th Rosscarbery Inland National.

Club votes to be returned on or before 15th February 2014.