For calculating loft locations, the Irish Homing Union ceased using maps many years ago, and now uses cutting-edge GPS technology. Friday, 8th May 2009 was the day some new lofts in County Tipperary were processed and others re-checked. These were mainly lofts in the new St. Anne's RPC, but a few more were processed while we were in the area. Being a Tipperaryman myself I was delighted to make the trip, It was also an opportunity to visit some old friends and take a few photos.


This is Ger Roche, who was my "host" and "guide" for the trip - he drove me around to the different lofts. Ger races pigeons from Jimmy Cullen of Dublin and Billy Brooks of Carlow - mainly Walkinshaw bloodlines. The pigeon he is holding in this photo topped the Section for him in the Munster Fed race out of Coleraine (178 miles) last year. His young son, Brian, is also very keen on the pigeons, but sadly missed the photo-call.



Here we have Brendan Sage of Roscrea RPC. I missed Brendan on my last trip to the area, and so included him this time around.



Also in the town of Templemore I visited John McCarthy, seen here with Ger Roche. John races with Kilkenny RPC, and has the Ken Hine of Middlesex bloodlines.


Martin Loughnane & Son (also Martin) are mainly interested in long distance racing, and are quite happy with the Eddie Waters of Carrick-On-Suir Busschaerts.


The nicely laid-out lofts of Eddie Conlon.


Here's Eddie Conlon , one of the most dedicated fanciers in the area. Eddie races the Henry Byrne of Dublin Busschaerts, and says he would not have anything else in his loft.


This is St. Anne's most enthusiastic novice, David Bergin. David's pigeons are mainly Tom Finsalbach of Swansea bloodlines, and he can't wait to start racing his Young Birds. Pictured here with David is his sister Marie, and how could you miss 'Mini' one of Marie's three dogs!


Who would not be impressed with the Fletcher lofts - and this is only a part view.


Ken and Michael Fletcher pictures outside their main racing loft. This ace partnership stock Staf Van Reet pigeons and have recently acquired
the bulk of Eddie Waters of Carrick-On-Suir Busschaerts. These pigeons topped the Munster Fed for Eddie five times, and I understand he won seven Nationals in four years! Top fliers like Ken and Michael should get great results out of these.


Here you see a general view of the Purdy Loughnane lofts.


Purdy Loughnane with his nephew Josh and his daughter Aoife. Purdy keeps some Staf Van Reets, but his main bloodlines are Tom Finsalbach of Swansea Herberts.


Not only do I like Patsy Ryan "The Bishop", I am impressed by his loft, shown here. What's with "The Bishop"? Let me explain in part. In Tipperary there are a lot of people with the surname "Ryan", so it became customary to add on a nickname to distinguish which "Ryan" one is talking about. The origin of the "Bishop" tag for Patsy is another story for another day.


Here is the great Patsy 'The Bishop' Ryan himself, with Ger Roche. Patsy is holding one of his Parkes Busschaerts. He got these bloodlines from Eamonn Somers and Brendan Dunne, both of Dublin, Three pigeons off these were entered by Patsy in the Sun City Million Dollar race in South Africa last year. Before sending them off he took photos, which he kindly allowed me to add here, and here they are:


This one is 'Tipperary Mary' which did very well for Patsy. Of all the Irish pigeons entered, Tipperary Mary featured very well.


Patsy called this entry 'The Bishop', and I don't have to explain to you where he got this name!


He named his third entry 'Peggy' after his charming wife. All of his pigeons did him proud in South Africa.


My final visit of the trip was to a new member for Thurles RPC, Michael Cashin. Michael is pictured here on the left. In the middle is Michael Gleeson, Secretary of Thurles RPC, with Patsy Ryan on the right.