TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 26th JANUARY 2025 AT 10.30AM
IN THE CLANN NA GAEL G.A.A CLUB SEAN MOORE ROAD
RINGSEND DUBLIN 4.
CHAIRMAN: HENRY BYRNE,
SECRETARY :MICHAEL ROCHE ,
TREASURER :W BUTLER.
Full draft agenda and meeting notes can be downloaded here.
The ISRF are pleased to publish the race results for 2024. The committee would like to thank all of the members of the various clubs for their support and engagement during the racing year and we hope to be back together for 2025.
You can view the club results here ...
The ISRF are pleased to announce the Federation racing awards for 2024.
| SUPREME COMBINE CHAMPION TROPHY. (ALL ISRF RACE) | DONNYCARNEY | S. O'DRISCOLL | 9209 |
| NOVICE OF YEAR 2024 |
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| 1st club 29th open from France - IHU-23-S-002478 CH TIP H- Mooney & Delaney That pigeon flew dale then penzance leading up to the French race | ||
| YOUNG FANCIER OF THE YEAR 2024 |
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| 1st club 29th open from France - IHU-23-S-002478 - Mooney & Delaney | ||
Full list of Federation Awards 2024
Champion Clubs and Fliers 2024
Meritorious award O/B 8 OPEN RACES 2024
Meritorious award O/B INLAND RACES 2024
Meritorious award Y/B inland races 2024
OBJECTIONS IN 7 DAYS TO SECRETARY
Results processing by pigeonlink.com
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the latest debrief of the sixth race of the ISRF racing season, the Barleycove Beach Open! With 4777 birds taking to the skies from 239 members, this race was a spectacle of skill, speed, and sheer pigeon power.
On a fine day with not a drop of rain in sight and a cheeky southeast wind giving our feathered friends a gentle nudge, the stage was set for an exhilarating race. The average distance covered was 196 miles and 849 yards, making it a true test of endurance and strategy.
The top spot was claimed by none other than the legendary Harry McCann of Ballymun RPC. With a winning velocity of 1494.380 yards per minute (ypm), Harry's pigeon, GB-23-D-065811, a one-year-old blue treasure, soared to victory. This talented young bird, a "T" in the loft and a titan in the air, covered 198 miles and 134 yards in a breathtaking 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 17 seconds.
Harry, known for his meticulous training and keen eye for talent, has been a stalwart of the Ballymun RPC. His success is no surprise to those who know him, as Harry combines traditional pigeon wisdom with innovative strategies. This win adds another feather to his already impressive cap, making Ballymun RPC proud.
Trailing closely behind was S. O'Driscoll of Donnycarney, with his hen, IHU-23-S-053614, clocking in at 1491.299 ypm. This one-year-old blue beauty showed remarkable stamina over 200 miles and 195 yards, proving that the competition was fierce.
Liam Donnelly & Son from Finglas RPC took the third spot with their chequered cock, GB-23-A-058970, who flew 196 miles and 1130 yards at a velocity of 1489.841 ypm. Their performance showcases the strength of Finglas RPC in nurturing young talent.
Special mentions go to Steven Fitzgerald from Trim RPC, who had the longest flight of the day. His bird, covering 203 miles and 550 yards, finished with a respectable velocity of 1339.954 ypm, securing the 293rd position. On the other end, Mr. John Callan from North Kildare flew the shortest distance of 180 miles and 1686 yards, placing 251st with a velocity of 1404.050 ypm. It’s a reminder that pigeon racing isn’t just about distance but also about strategy and speed.
Harry McCann - Ballymun RPC - 1494.380 ypm
S. O'Driscoll - Donnycarney - 1491.299 ypm
Liam Donnelly & Son - Finglas RPC - 1489.841 ypm
Boothman & Son Jr - Blanchardstown - 1488.640 ypm
S. O'Driscoll - Donnycarney - 1486.996 ypm
Lee Duffy - Blanchardstown - 1483.757 ypm
Tommy & Jonathan Doyle - Celtic Invitation - 1479.405 ypm
S. O'Driscoll - Donnycarney - 1478.672 ypm
Gerry O Mara Family - Kildonagh - 1478.645 ypm
Gerry O Mara Family - Kildonagh - 1477.927 ypm
As we close the chapter on this thrilling race, it’s clear that the Barleycove Open was a display of sheer brilliance from both the birds and their fanciers. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the competition was as tough as an old bird’s beak.
Stay tuned for more results and remember, in pigeon racing, it’s not just about the flight, but the heart and strategy behind each wing. May the skies be clear and your returns swift.
Sam Wingate
Racing Journalist, pigeonlink.com
Email: sam.wingate@pigeonlink.com
The Irish South Road Federation's fifth race of the season took flight on a cloudy Sunday morning from Skibbereen North, with a north wind guiding the pigeons home. The race was held over from Saturday due to concern around weather conditions for the birds. The decision was given to liberate and on Sunday the skies were partially clouded and the temperature hovered around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a challenging yet fair racing atmosphere for the 6,710 pigeons entered by 274 members.
Tommy & Jonathan Doyle of Celtic Invitation club soared to victory, setting the pace with an impressive velocity of 1239.384 yards per minute over a distance of 174 miles and 363 yards. Their triumph in this race not only demonstrates their expertise in pigeon racing but also highlights the exceptional quality of their birds.
The race spanned an average distance of 179 miles and 932 yards, with competitors navigating the shifting winds and varying terrains that are characteristic of the region. Despite the demanding conditions, the pigeons displayed remarkable resilience and determination.
The longest flight was undertaken by the TOM KAVANAGH from Drogheda & District RPC, who's birds navigated a staggering 191 miles. Although the birds were placed 276, 278, 279 and 281, with an average velocity of 1076.61 yards per minute, their endurance and the dedication of their handlers deserve commendation for attempting such a Herculean task over a five hour flight.
Angus Smyth from Ardee placed GPS rings on pigeons racing on the same day from Barleycove out of the South Central Federation liberated at 10:15am. There where 3 GPS rings sent out on the weekend. They went to the Carlow premier club - and congratulations to Reggie Condron on winning the club with his bird wearing the GPS ring. The incident involving one of Angus's GPS-tracked pigeons during the race from Barleycove illustrates the unpredictable nature of pigeon racing. One bird's extended stopover in a quarry for nearly 8 hours before resuming its journey home highlights the myriad factors that can influence a race outcome, from predators to exhaustion to distractions on the ground, all of which significantly impact a pigeon's behavior. The use of GPS technology in pigeon racing, as demonstrated by Angus Smyth, provides valuable insights into these variables and enhances the understanding of the challenges pigeons face during their races.
Tommy & Jonathan Doyle from Celtic Invitation took the crown with their 3-year-old blue bar hen, clocking a velocity of 1239.384 yards per minute over 174 miles and 363 yards. Their hen's swift 4 hours, 7 minutes, and 23 seconds flight showcased not only speed but remarkable stamina, setting the standard for the competition.
Close on their heels were J Gaynor & Family of Tallaght & District RPC. Their 2-year-old cock flew 172 miles and 514 yards with a velocity of 1237.101 ypm, just -2.28 ypm behind the winner. The cock’s performance over 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 7 seconds highlighted the tight competition among the top contenders.
James Kelly, representing Rialto from Section G, secured third place with his 2-year-old chequer hen. Her journey over 174 miles and 897 yards at a velocity of 1233.730 ypm, and a total flight time of 4 hours, 8 minutes, and 57 seconds, demonstrated consistency and resilience under challenging conditions.
The race saw a diverse range of participants, with both hens and cocks represented almost equally in the top ten. Notably, Cully & Grogan's year-old chequer hen from Finglas RPC flew 177 miles and 1,291 yards, reaching a velocity of 1230.248 ypm, emphasizing the potential of younger birds in the sport.
Hayden & Thorpe from Dublin North East showed their prowess with a 2-year-old blue cock flying the longest in the top ten at 181 miles and 1,324 yards. His velocity of 1226.627 ypm over 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 47 seconds, indicated the grit required for longer distances.
Interestingly, Mr. Jimmy Roberts from Dublin South West appeared twice in the top ten, with both entries being hens and showcasing near-identical performances. His entries navigated 174 miles and 579 yards, achieving velocities of 1226.622 and 1224.256 ypm, which speaks to the consistency in his loft's training and breeding.
The close velocities among the top racers highlight the intense competition and marginal differences that often decide the outcomes in pigeon racing. The difference of merely -15.13 ypm between the first and tenth places illustrates the high level of competition and the narrow margins that separate victory from defeat.
This race was a testament to the strategic planning, rigorous training, and exceptional care that fliers invest in preparing their pigeons. As we look forward to the remainder of the season, the performances at Skibbereen set a thrilling precedent, promising more excitement and nail-biting finishes in the races to come.
Congratulations to all participants, and especially to Tommy & Jonathan Doyle of Celtic Invitation, whose victory will be remembered as a highlight of this year's competition.
May the skies be clear and your returns swift.
Sam Wingate
Racing Journalist, pigeonlink.com
Email: sam.wingate@pigeonlink.com