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Tipperary Model Flying Club
News
AGM 2006:
The Tipperary Model Flying Club are holding their AGM on Wednesday next, March 1st. in the Arch Bar, Thurles, at 8.00 PM.
The sun shone brightly on Littleton Bog recently, as the Tipperary Model Flying Club celebrated their 30th anniversary with a fun fly and celebrations, which went from early morning till late evening. There was a marvellous turnout for the event, which included the ladies, children, grandchildren and many of the early club members who were specially invited to partake in the celebrities. The barbecue fire burned brightly all day as Sandra kept the sausages and drumsticks moving and the wine and apple tarts were in abundance.
The Ormand Flying Club kindly paid tribute with a fly over in their new Eurostar, piloted by Gordon Hendrick ( a previous club member ) and Joe Davey This was much appreciated by all.
During the afternoon, a presentation of the Club's emblem was made to the five remaining founder members in recognition for their 30 years contribution to aero modelling in Tipperary.
Our club Chairman, Brian Johnson, was unavoidably absent due to ill health so in his absence, Joss Carroll, a founder member, was nominated to take care of the formalities. Joss, on behalf of all, sent best wishes to Brian for a speedy recovery and thanked him for his input in getting this event underway. He went on to welcome everyone to the site and paid tribute to the ladies for organising the food and drinks, I won't mention names in case I forget someone, to the members who contributed to make this day a success and to the other four founder members who are still actively flying today.
Joss thanked Jimmy Quirke, the owner of the bog for facilitating the club in providing such a fine safe site for model aircraft. He also thanked the Roe family in Killavilla, Roscrea, for their similar co-operation down through the years. The latter is seldom used now, as the majority of our members are from South Tipperary, where Littleton is more convenient. Without the generosity of these people and others who facilitate model flying on their lands, aero modelling could not survive. We offer our thanks and appreciation to you.
Joss continued to sum up the activities of the Club over the years and the many young people who have availed of the expertise of the experienced members in getting their pride and joy airborne. In our early days it was always a good idea to have a plastic bag for the crashed bits he said, but this has changed dramatically over the years with much more reliable radio gear and the flight training facility (free of charge) offered by the club to its members. The Tipperary Model Flying Club is one of the oldest in the Country. When the Club was formed 30 years ago, there were less than 10 aero modelling clubs in the Ireland and radio control was in its infancy. There are now more than 30 registered clubs who are all affiliated to the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland.
Aero modelling is a wonderful activity to be involved in and can be classed as a sport or hobby, which gives year round enjoyment in competing with other modelling clubs, both on a serious and fun flying level during the Spring / Summer season and over the winter months, designing, building and experimenting with new ideas, in the warmth of your workshop. What better way to pass a few hours?
Radio controlled model aircraft vary in size and shape and fit into several categories using internal combustion and battery powered aircraft in various forms, training, aerobatic, gliders, scale etc. In addition to fixed wing aircraft, helicopters have now become quite popular. Although a little more difficult to fly, the challenge is rewarding. There are now four club members flying helicopters and hopefully, we will see the fifth before end of year.
One of the main aims of the Model Aeronautics Council of Ireland (MACI) is the promotion of aero modelling activities in Ireland and we in the Tipperary Model Flying Club can assist anyone who may be interested in taking up this wonderful sport / hobby.
The above photos were taken on the Tipperary Model Flying Club site on 25th March 2003.
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Flying continues, weather permitting, every Tuesday and Sunday throughout the summer in Littleton.
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This photo was taken in Birr airfield on Saturday 17th August
The Roscrea members also share membership with the Laois Model Aero Club, who have a flying site in Clondouglas, which is just off the N7 between Mountrath and Portlaoise. This again is a bog site which is leased from Bord na Mona.
On the 13th & 14th July, the Leinster scale competitions were held in Clondouglas, in which competitors from the four provinces competed. Roscrea members also competed at this competition.
These models were pictured at the Leinster Scale competition in Clondouglas on the 13th & 14th July.
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The previous weekend - July 6th & 7th, saw the Schluter Cup (Helicopter) competition held in Shannon, which was hosted by the Shannon Flying Club.
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