Stephen on a high with top pigeon prize

The winner of this season’s NIPA Talbenny Young Bird National was Stephen Laverty from Stranocum, and a member of Ballymoney HPS.

Stephen had a tremendous performance in this year’s event, being one of the furthest flyers in the Premier YB Nat.

This was Stephen’s first real taste of success and he was overwhelmed with his bird a Blue w/f hen, now been named “Hawbank Hayley” (after his granddaughter) putting up such a creditable performance.

Champion “Hawbank Hayley” won 1st Club, 1st Section B & 1st Open NIPA 525/3,636 winning the McKeown Cup. She was sent to the race sitting 5 to 7 days on eggs. Raced on the Darkness System, she had four races before going to Talbenny in South Wales. She was Stephen’s Breeder/Buyer entrant and wins this also in the big Ballymoney club. Her breeding is Van Wildemeersch/Morgan. Sire is Wildemeersch from Plantation Lofts of A Cousins & Sons, Belfast, and her dam is Morgan through A & R McAuley of Causeway Lofts in Coleraine. Stephen would like to thank all who congratulated him on his great success.

Deadline Looms for Single Bird Challenge

The INFC Single Bird Challenge Co-Ordinator David Black has issued a reminder about the entry for the event in 2012, an entry form was enclosed with the AGM Agenda.

The prize fund is a fantastic £2,000 sponsored by the INFC and there is no reason for members thinking about sending a bird to the Kings Cup should not enter, it’s a free Nomination. The closing date is 17th March and should you have any questions contact David on Tel: (028) 92 692713 or Mobile: 07876 157706. The winner collects the Joe Doheny Trophy and the first three prize-winners will be presented with Framed Diplomas sponsored by Sawyers & Co Estate Agents Banbridge and Dromore. Return the entry form to Mr David Black, 11 Drumiller Hill, Dromore, Co Down. BT25 1EP.