The East Wall Club had a double reason to celebrate the start of the 2009 season.

First of all, they moved into their new Clubroom for the start of the season. Maybe it is not one of the biggest clubs in Ireland, but there are certainly none with a happier, more friendly atmosphere.

The second reason to celebrate is that, with the introduction of Electronic Timing System by the Irish Homing Union this year, the club presented each member with a system totally free of charge, free,NOTHING to pay. That is what you call a good club!

So I went along to get a few pictures to mark this milestone in the club's history. Not unusually, all members did not enter the first race, and some members had not yet installed their ETS, but I think the photos reflect the great spitit in this Dublin club.

My first photo shows Jos Reilly, Derek Moran and Tom Byrne. Can't you feel their confidence jumping out at you? They raced well last season, and obviously expect the same this season.


Tommy Murrin putting a pigeon through with Robert Dowdall checking the sheet. You can almost see 'Budgie' Rice sitting at the ringer.


Because you almost did not see Budgie in the previous photo, I have put a proper one of him in here. Sorry, Budgie, I know that is only your nickname, but your proper name just does not come to mind!


John Cleary here, with an obviously very good-humoured Jimmy Delaney. Why was Jimmy grinning so much, I asked myself? Well, he must have known he was going to win that first race, which he did!


The real power-house of the club, Tony Boyle.


The comedians in the club said that this is as close to a trophy that Eric Redmond will get this season. Don't mind them, Eric!


This is the REAL BOSS in the club, and doesn't he show it! When John Thompson tells you to Jump!, you say "How High?"


John Cleary with new member, Christy Graham.


Arthur Churchard this time with John Cleary.


Arthur Churchard here showing me how the ETS system works.


Tony Boyle, still working at the laptop!


Sammy Murphy and Tom Byrne


Left to right: Christy Graham and Jos Reilly load a pannier ready for the transporter. On the right is Martin, the driver.


Willie Molloy and Sammy Murphy carry out another pannier.


Willie Molloy and Budgie Rice.


Eric Redmond and Willie Molloy


Thomas Murrin, John Cleary and Robert Dowdall, setting the few clocks. Soon these clocks will be 'past tense' in East Wall club!


Robert Dowdall, John Thompson and Jos Reilly checking the panniers before they are sent to the transporter. Ignore John Cleary trying to get into the photo!


John Cleary, Derek Moran and Sammy Murphy line up to pay for their entries. Notice how Tony Boyle smiles at the thought of taking money from them!


Tom Byrne, Jimmy Delaney and Eric Redmond at the door of the new clubroom.


Robert Dowdall working the ETS system.##


Relaxing when the marking is finished: Robert Dowdall, Jos Reilly, Tom Murrin and John Cleary.


As I leave the East Wall club, a final pose by some of the members.