Joe Murphy Article 22nd December 2023

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At long last I have finished my book on the 50 Years of The Dewar Trophy Winners; which is awarded to
Scotland’s ‘Pigeon of Year’. I have also tried to highlight the runners up as well but failed to obtain
information on some of them. I was hoping to get the book out for Christmas, but unfortunately the printers
were too busy and they will start printing after the festive season. All going well I hope to have it on sale at
Blackpool Show in January. I have attached a photo of front cover of my book.

TV Star

While watching TV prior to having our evening meal, a lady named Sharon (from Harlow; in the west of
Essex) was on ‘The Chase’ with Bradley Walsh. He asked her what she would do if she won the money, and
her reply was; ‘I would buy my husband Mark a NEW STATE OF THE ART PIGEON LOFT’. Bradley
could not believe her answer and they started talking about pigeons’. Sharon did well and managed to get to
the final, and they competed against the ‘Chaser’ and low and behold they won the money. When asked
what she would do with her share of the money, she replied. ‘A NEW PIGEON LOFT’. Margaret & I
laughed and we wish Sharon & Mark all the best with their new purchase. Maybe when it is up and finished,
they may send me a photo of it to go into my column.

Short Story From the Past

Once again, I continue with my short articles on some of the great named fanciers and pigeons from the past.
I came across an old article written by Mr & Mrs Tom Birkley and their famous hen ‘Rashiehill Supreme’.
(I have attached a photograph of her to go with this short story)
Tom wrote; ‘I was born into pigeons, as my late father was a keen fancier also my uncles and cousins. The
first fancier who came to mind is the late Andrew Smillie, he was more respected by fanciers of all ages, and
he was so efficient and understanding in his work and could find time, along with his sons, to race a good
pigeon from all channel races.
Next on my list is the famous Jock McGillivary of Forth, I reckon ‘Jock’ taught me more about pigeons than
anyone; he always raced his birds hard, this way bad ones didn’t last long. His famous ‘Dream Girl’ was one
of the finest birds I have ever handled.
Then one must always count it a pleasure to meet and talk with fanciers of Annan, along with my very good
friend Fred Jubb from Kirkfieldbank; we have enjoyed the company of G Lapton who has won the National
from Rennes in1950, also G Hinds and his partner who were second from Rennes in 1966, with their
champion blue hen. I have seen the birds of that great racer John Jamieson & Son, also his brother Matt, and
no fancier should leave Annan without paying a visit to the loft of Bob Thomson, his family of Kirpatrick’s
are one of the finest in the country.
The say these Annan lads have a lucky position for channel racing. I have been to Annan before 07-00am on
a Sunday morning and most of these Annan fanciers have their birds fed and cleaned out before this time, no
wonder they win. I reckon they could win if they were living anywhere.
I journeyed to Cornwall in 1964 and met the world famous A R Hill of St Just. I handled the champion
‘Galabank Prince’ also the Grizzle hen ‘6498’. I have learned since she has died.
Many a happy visit I have had to Ballymena, Northern Ireland, to my dear friend Bobby McAdorey, who
introduced me to the Smyth Brothers; who have one of the finest inbred families in Ireland. Then there was
Billy Irwin who seems to always score on a hard day, and Tommy Harper who has made a name for his
channel performances, and Bob Keilty, one of the oldest fanciers in Ballymena.
To come home again to my own area, Wilkinson Brothers, my club mates, have one of the finest records in
West Lothian Federation for channel racing, with their champion mealy hen, seven times the channel and

The Joe Murphy Column

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seven diplomas, is a champion in every sense. I must never forget the famous Davy Angus, a most
interesting fancier, also Leishman Brothers of Douglas Water.
When one thinks of national racing, you always bring up the one and only Charlie Graham, the SNFC
Secretary, the greatest secretary in the country. Charlie, one said to my wife, was I the ‘springer’ in the
family, after my father had won £300 from Rennes in 1957. I would like to hear his remarks now.
Before I draw near to the end of this article, a word of comfort to the novice-never join the ranks of the
‘Gossips and Grumbles’ that you find in most clubs, always learn to admire a good pigeon when it beats
you, this way you will learn to be a good fancier, then you will enjoy the greatest sport in the world.
Now, I must say thanks to the fanciers who helped me to get my gallant pigeon, ‘Rashiehill Supreme’, he is
Colin McKinnon, for presenting me with his dam, a blue chequer hen Kirkpatrick blood, which was mated
to a red cock, from McGillivary stock.
I consider that ‘Rashiehill Supreme’ has brought me my greatest thrill in pigeon racing, and he has won
since he was a youngster. I would also like to say, to all my many fancier friends, Jock Anderson of
Anstruther, Bob Gebbie of Forth, Big Jim Clarkson of West Calder, and my club mates, and the names I
haven’t mentioned, best of luck for 1967; Yours Mr & Mrs Tom Birkley.
I was only 20 years old at this time and Margaret and I got married in October of that year. However, I had
heard of some of these names from my father who tried hard to make it onto the SNFC race results. When I
look back on it, his birds were never fit enough as he only every trained them from Kirkcaldy; (which was 8
to 10 miles) as he worked in the coal mines, Plus the fact he cycled to work and the pigeon was in a paper
bag. As he could not hold onto a small basket while peddling his bike. This never stopped his enthusiasm
and his will to win; which obviously he passed on to me.
It was good to read about the ‘famous’ great names within our sport up here in Scotland, that will live in the
history of Scottish Pigeon Fraternity.

Joe’s Joke

A Jewish grandmother is giving directions to her grown up grandson who is coming to visit with his wife.
‘You come to the front door of the apartments. I am in apartment 301. There is a big panel at the front door.
With your elbow, push button 301. I will buzz you in. Come inside and the elevator is on the right. Get in,
and with your elbow, push 3 rd Floor. When you get out, I’m on the left. With your elbow, hit my doorbell,
OK’. ‘Grandma, that sounds easy, but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow? ‘What? You’re
coming empty handed?’.

Merry Christmas

May I wish ALL READERS OF MY COLUMN a very Merry Christmas, and I hope YOU ALL have a
happy time, with your families. Joe & Margaret Murphy

Please continue to keep the news flowing; to Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue
Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 or Email to joejmurphy1@gmail.com
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