ISRF Inland Old Bird Race - Skibbereen May 4th 2024
As the Irish South Road Federation heads into the 5th race of the old bird season from historic bustling market town of Skibbereen this coming Saturday, May 4, 2024, the competitive spirit within the community is palpable. This race, not just a test of speed and endurance but also a measure of precision and preparation, will once again bring together the passionate enthusiasts of this time-honored sport.
The Significance of Skibbereen
Steeped in rich Irish history, Skibbereen, a town significant for its historical figures such as Gearóid O’Sullivan and General Michael Collins, provides a poignant backdrop for this weekend's contest. Skibbereen was the home town of the man who raised the Tricolour over the General Post Office in Dublin on Easter Monday in 1916 . Gearóid O’Sullivan, was a teacher from a west Cork farm in Coolnagurrane, Skibbereen, a second cousin of General Michael Collins who had his last meal in the Eldon Hotel in Skibbereen before Collins himself was shot in an ambush later that evening in 1922. The town, with its deep historical roots connected to the McCarthy tribe and the O'Driscolls, adds a layer of narrative to the race, enriching the experience for both the fanciers and their supporters.
Race Day Conditions
Irish weather is unpredictable but according to the latest weather forecasts, the race day in Skibbereen is expected to offer the brightest and driest conditions, particularly favorable in the south and southwest where the race will take place. With temperatures peaking at 16 to 17 Celsius and light to moderate southwest to west winds, the conditions seem almost tailor-made for an exhilarating competition.
The camaraderie among the ISRF community is a cornerstone of these events. Fanciers from the various clubs involved, including leaders in the league such as Tallaght & District RPC, Finglas RPC, and the surging Ballymun Rpc, are set to demonstrate not just their competitive strategies but also their mutual respect and shared passion for pigeon racing. This spirit of camaraderie often translates into shared practices, exchange of tips, and hopefully celebrations post-race.
The anticipation building up to the race has seen fanciers engage in meticulous preparations, fine-tuning their birds' diets, conditioning regimes, and strategic planning based on the expected race day conditions. The focus is intense, with every participant aware of the narrow margins that can separate victory from defeat.
Spotlight on the Champions
Noteworthy is the leading flier, S. O'Driscoll from Donnycarney, who stands out with an impressive accumulation of points thus far. O'Driscoll's birds, known for their consistent performance, are a testament to rigorous training and a deep understanding of avian capabilities. His strategy, closely watched by competitors, may yet again set the standard for success in this race.
Dominance of S. O'Driscoll
Leading the Top Ten Flier League with a remarkable 1177 points, Sean O'Driscoll from Donnycarney has set a high benchmark for his competitors. His consistent performance across all races, including significant scores from Clonmel, Pilmore, and Castletown, demonstrates a deep understanding of race dynamics and exceptional bird conditioning. The question on everyone's mind is whether O'Driscoll can maintain this blistering pace throughout the season, especially with the upcoming race from Skibbereen—a location that posed challenges for him in the previous year, where he placed 82nd.
Chasing Pack
Trailing O'Driscoll are the Soulters from Tallaght & District RPC and the Gerry O'Mara Family from Kildonagh, who have amassed 913 and 814 points respectively. Each flier has their unique approach and strategy, showcasing the diverse talent within the ISRF. The Soulters and O'Mara have been close contenders, each displaying resilience and tactical acumen in navigating the varied race courses and conditions.
Strategic Outlook for Skibbereen
The upcoming race from Skibbereen is not just another race but a historical nod to the town's storied past and its significant figures like Gearóid O’Sullivan. The race conditions seem favorable, especially with the weather promising to be brightest and driest in the southwest. This race could be a pivotal moment for fliers like E Barry from Dublin North East and Harry McCann from Ballymun RPC, who are also in the top ten and look to close the gap in points or possibly overtake the leaders.
Performance Review and Anticipation
The current league standings reflect not just the competitive spirit of the participants but also the intense preparations that go into each race. From dietary adjustments and rigorous training flights to strategic rest periods before race days, each aspect is meticulously planned. For instance, the significant gains made by Ballymun RPC in the last race, pulling a whopping 690 points, have stirred the competitive pot, promising an exciting race at Skibbereen.
Reflecting on the previous year’s race from Skibbereen, the competitive edge was sharply illustrated by J. Donnelly & Son, who clinched the top spot with a velocity of 1653.507 yards per minute. This historical performance, coupled with the current leaders' strategies, sets the stage for a thrilling contest where past records could either be defended or shattered.
Celebrating the real Top Performers
The top birds and fanciers from the ISRF are not just participants; they are champions of a legacy. Each race is an opportunity to add to their careers in this demanding sport. As we look towards this weekend’s race, the achievements of these birds, coupled with the dedication of their fanciers, promise another thrilling chapter in ISRF’s history. Leading the ISRF Ring League is a testament to elite performance under pressure. Currently at the top of the chart is a remarkable Blue Pied 2-year-old hen, identified by ring number IHU-22-S-096163 from Tallaght & District RPC, managed by Best and Murphy. This hen has showcased exceptional speed and endurance, accumulating 151 points through standout performances, including an impressive 11th place finish at Pilmore and a commendable 40th place from Castletown.
The Elite Group
Just trailing by a narrow margin are the birds IHU-23-S-006157 and IHU-22-S-000600, both holding 149 points and tying for second place. These birds, flown by Pat Byrne and Family of Sarsfield RPC and J Gaynor and Family of Tallaght & District RPC respectively, demonstrate the high-caliber breeding and training that the ISRF clubs are known for. Their consistent top finishes help elevate the competitive standards of the league.
Notable Achievements
Other notable birds making the top ten include GB-21-V-049337 flown by J and P Soulters, and GB-23-D-065975 piloted by Peter Kelly and Son of Ballymun RPC, each bringing their unique traits and competitive edge to the races. These pigeons, with their distinct ring numbers and club affiliations, illustrate the diversity and depth of talent within the federation.
Key to Success
The key to these birds' success lies in the meticulous attention to their training, health, and diet, overseen by their dedicated fanciers. The pigeons have been conditioned to face various race distances and weather conditions, showcasing not only physical stamina but also mental tenacity. The ability of these birds to navigate and home with such precision speaks volumes about their breeding and the expertise of their handlers. Fanciers share insights, celebrate each other’s successes, and remain committed to the welfare and performance of their birds. This supportive environment not only fosters competitive excellence but also ensures the sport's integrity and the well-being of the pigeons.
Looking forward to the season progress, all eyes will be on these top performers to see if they can maintain their lead or if new champions will emerge from the flock. The anticipation builds not just for the outcomes of the races but also for witnessing these incredible birds in action, each race further cementing their status as not just competitors, but as the heart and soul of pigeon racing.
As the race day approaches, the entire This race is not just about the speed in the air but also about the spirit on the ground. As the countdown to this weekend's ISRF race from Skibbereen ticks away, the anticipation among the pigeon racing community could very well be measured in heartbeats per minute! The stage is set in the historic town, where the ISRF community is buzzing with excitement and hopeful anticipation. The dedication of the fanciers and the extraordinary capabilities of their birds are set to be showcased against the backdrop of Skibbereen’s historical significance and favorable weather conditions.
With Sean O’Driscoll leading the flier league like a general leading his troops, and a two-year-old Blue Pied hen strutting around the top of the bird league with the air of a prima donna, the stage is set for plenty of drama. The weather gods seem to be in a benevolent mood too, promising the best of Irish sunshine over Skibbereen —well, as much sunshine as you can expect in Ireland, which means the birds might not need to swim their way back home this time!
Let's not forget the underbirds—those plucky competitors not quite at the top yet but very keen to get there. Will they overturn the pecking order? Or will O’Driscoll's squad continue to rule the roost for the club leagues ? With the winds set fair and the skies as clear as they ever get on this emerald isle, we’re in for a weekend of high drama, low passes, and possibly a few feathery photo finishes.
So, grab your binoculars, hold onto your hats, and may the best pigeon win—just remember, in the world of pigeon racing, every bird is just a tailwind away from being a winner. Onwards to Skibbereen—where history waits and new legends will take flight!
May the skies be clear and your returns swift.
Sam Wingate
Racing Journalist, pigeonlink.com
Email: sam.wingate@pigeonlink.com
