The McDowell's of Ireland
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The McDowell's won the Irish National
on two occasions. Thus becoming part of a unique
small group to win the King's Cup twice. To win
once is a supreme act but to win twice, especially
into Ireland, confirms the class and the managerial
ability of the pigeons and their owners.
The McDowell's lofts were in the
County Down town of Newtownards which is situated
at the top of Strangford Lough, in the north of
the Emerald Isle. As a partnership it had its
origins in the 1920s of the previous century.
Composed of Andy and his son Hugh but in due course
two other sons, that is Willie and Andy (junior),
joined the team. By the late 1990s however only
Andy (junior) was in charge of the lofts.
In the early years the base of
the family were pigeons of the Gits and Hansenne
strains obtained by Andy (senior) from a Bangor,
Co.Down, fancier by the name of Pollock. Other
bloodlines were of the Downpatrick (Co.Down) fancier
Jack Leatham but an important input were pigeons
of the Kenyon strain purchased from Tommy Little
of Scotland.
The regime was firmly based upon
commonsense and a sincere love of their thoroughbreds.
As a result the McDowell's reaped success after
success. For in addition to winning two Nationals
the family built a reputation second to none as
long distance and channel flyers. Their first
National win was from Redon (France) in 1953 whereas
their second National win was from Nantes
(France) in 1973. Redon was 505 miles and Nantes
was 543 miles (including the English Channel and
the Irish Sea). Of course it should be noted that
they also won a National in 1975- the so called
Friendship National from Beauvais in France. In
addition the lofts won the Old Bird Derby from
Dinard in France in 1994 with the East Down Combine.
Therefore three Nationals and one Derby from the
land of the Eiffel Tower into the land of the
shamrock. Some flying!
Over the years the McDowell's
have also gained other good positions at the distance,
scoring 4th, 15th, 17th (on two occasions) 28th,
40th, 49th, 51st, 53rd, 57th, 62nd, 63rd, 77th,
81st and so on in the Irish Nationals. Excluding
Club and EDC wins the lofts won the prestigious
Harkness Rosebowl, the French Diploma and many
other awards and race positions. The latter also
including Young Bird National and Derby contests.
In the sport of long distance
pigeon racing the McDowell's have made their own
history, occupying a unique position in the heart
of the sport in their native Ireland.Yes, they
shall be spoken of amongst their fellow pigeoners.
by: Liam O Comain
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