I took a visit over to my good friends Mark and Gerry in Coolock on the Northside of Dublin. I know the lads a good few years now and would have to say you would be hard pressed to find two harder working pigeon men. The lads have raced in the club since they were kids starting off with there late father Tony. It's clear the lads have great affection for there father and are grateful to him for introducing them to the sport. The lads have always raced a good pigeon even winning an Open from Sennen Cove. But I think it is fair to say they have upped there game over the last couple of years, and have enjoyed great success. Last year was there best year ever with 11 club wins. Old, Young ,and Combine Average Winners along with Best Old Bird and Best Young Bird in the club. They also broke a club record taking the first 10 positions from a Skibereen Young Bird race into a North East wind! Great flying by anyone’s standards. I think a big part of the turn around for the lads has been the introduction of a blue hen bought at a charity sale. The hen was put up by none other than Davey Hutchinson. Since this purchase the lads have forged a great friendship with Davey and enjoyed many loft visits where more of Davey's super family of Soontjens were acquired. The lads would also like to thank Davey's wife Annette for the warm hospitality shown to them on every visit. It is clear talking to the lads the high regard they hold Davey with. And if I was the lads I would keep the cotton wool out of my ears and in my mouth. As advice from a man who has won most things in the sport including four nationals is hard to come by. Other lads the boys would like to mention are Darren Dent and Paul Cunningham for their help and support over the years. And to all there mates down the goblet were they enjoy a pint and a bit of banter.

BREEDING
The birds are paired, both stock and racers around the 7th of Jan. A few eggs are floated under the racers but not so many these day as with more and more good racers in the team the young birds off these are kept. At this time the birds are feed Vesra Laga breeding mix also plenty of grit and minerals given and Gemthepax. Judging by the young birds in the nest its working fine.

RACING
The old birds are raced on the roundabout system, 16 cocks and 16 hens with some spare birds kept and added to the team if needed. The hens and cocks are trained three times a week weather permitting from around 30 miles. They are feed on Vesra Laga Widowhood mix. The young birds are raced on the darkness system with 40/50 kept. Young birds are trained exactly the same as the old birds and are also fed on Versa Laga Widowhood mix.

TIPS FOR A NOVICES AND TREATMENTS
The advice the lads would give to any novice is to purchase the best birds that are available to you and only take advice from people who fly well in your club or area. Treatments, the boys’ worm all birds before pairing, after this Canker and respiratory treatments are given as the lads feel they are needed.

THE STOCK
As I have already said the bulk of the stock are from Davy Hutchinson but alongside these pigeons there are some fantastic birds in the stock loft. Which include a family of Buschearts which have been cultivated from a cock bought at a charity sale from former club champion Charlie Maples. This cock is responsible for around 30 winners directly and indirectly with his grandson being the Open Winner, a couple of birds from Danny Dalton, one hen of which has bred 7 winners for the lads. The few birds the boys have purchased of Danny’s at the Dublin show over the years have worked out very well for them. There is also a very good Van Loon cock which was given as a present from Mark’s good friend and work mate Paul Cooling. This cock has bred 9 winners for the lads. I would have to say the stock loft was full of class pigeons and the birds in general both racing and stock were in great condition and a credit to the lads.
 
Thank you to the lads for the visit but before I finish I would just like to say Mark work’s for Cadbury’s and there wasn’t a bit of chocolate in sight for my cup of tea! And with a name like Gerry “hotdog” McCourt there was no hotdogs either.

Wishing the two lads all the best in 2010 and I’m sure from what I’ve seen we’ll be hearing a lot more from the lads.
 
Yours in sport
 
Tucker Daniel