A great show with some strong classes and quality calves was how County Fermanagh judge Alan Morrison described the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association’s National Calf Show, held at Tullamore Mart on Saturday 10th Ocotber.

“Thanks to the Association for its kind invitation, and well done to everyone on a successful show. The calves were well presented, and are a credit to their owners and the Aberdeen Angus breed. The championship line up boasted an exceptional line up of bulls and heifers,” commented Mr Morrison, who runs the Drummeer herd in partnership with his wife Naomi.

Claiming the female championship was the much-admired yearling heifer Knockadrinan Blackbird P599 bred by Tom Reynolds from Johnstons Bridge, Bornacoola, Co Leitrim. She was purchased recently in a private deal by Albert and Jennifer de Cogan for their 60-cow Mogeely herd based at Castlemartyr, Co Cork.

Sired by the Bosullow Elmark G209 son Nightingale Dunbar K551, she is out of Fullam Blackbird C123. “This is a strong and powerful heifer. She oozes quality right from her muzzle to the tip of tail and has tremendous breed character. I’ve no doubt this heifer will develop and mature into a great breeding cow,” explained Mr Morrison.

Runner-up was the eight-month-old Bunlahy Molly Bell bred and exhibited by Gerry and Helen Reynolds and their sons David and Aiden, Ballinalee, Co Longford. Sired by Luddenmore Fionn G441, she is out of the home-bred Young Dale Superior 14s daughter Bunlahy Berneice L265, one of 16 breeding females in the herd.

The Reynolds family also secured the day’s male championship award with the six month old Bunlahy Minto Jimmy. Sired by the Young Dale Superior 14S son Bunlahy John G ET – sold to Dovea Genetics – he is out of a homebred dam by Bunlahy Petrina K250. This young bull was champion at Glenamaddy Calf Show.

“The male champion came from the youngest bull class and is a well-grown calf with a nice head and tremendous breed character. He has developed well through the shoulder and has great conformation,” added Mr Morrison.

The Goulding family of Matthew, Rita and son David, from Ballyduff, Co Kerry, won three classes at the one-day show and secured the reserve male championship with the nine month old Goulding Macbeth. Sired by Abberton Eminem M285, his dam is the Young Dale Touch Down 36M daughter Goulding Tibbie M524.

“The reserve is a similar type of bull to the champion. He’s very smart and stylish, with an exceptional top and super breed character.”

The Irish Aberdeen Angus Association would like to thank its sponsors for their generous support: Mogeely herd, Weatherbys Ireland GSB Ltd, Natural Nutrition Ltd, Crowes Sawmills, Aberdeen Angus Beef, Ryall and O’Mahony Veterinary Supplies, Glanbia plc, Agri-Min, Tullamore Court Hotel, Connaught and Leinster Aberdeen Angus Club.

Results from the judging ring include:

Class 1, Senior stockperson

1, Eleanor O’Reilly, Castlerahin, Co Cavan

2, Liam Kelly, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim  

3, A Murphy, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Class 2, Juinor stockperson 

1, John Smith, Mountnugent, Co Cavan

2, John Chidgey, Carrick-on-Shannon

3, Stephen Crowe, Mohill, Co Leitrim

Class 3, Bull, born between 01/09/14 and 31/10/14

1, Albert de Cogan’s  Mogeely Lord Hock P342, by Rosemead Karona J957

2, Matthew Goulding’s Goulding Tayto P659, by Bosullow Elmark G209

3, Albert de Cogan’s Mogeely Lord Hattie P328, by Rosemead Karona J957

Class 4, Heifer, born between 01/09/14 and 31/10/14

1, Albert de Cogan’s Knockadrinan Blackbird P599, by Nightingale Dunbar K551

2, Joseph McCormack’s  Steil L Evelyn 276, by Nightingale El Paso

3, Albert de Cogan’s Mogeely Elize P325, by Rosemead Karona J957

Class 5, Bull, born between 01/11/14 and 31/12/14

1, John Murphy’s  Mercury Lord Jet, by Friarstown Paddy Pershore M240

2, John McEnroe’s Liss Bobby P492, by Mogeely Lord Harrow M191

3, John McEnroe’s Liss Matty P491 ET, by Rosemead Karona J957

Class 6, Heifer, born between 01/11/14 and 31/12/14

1, Dr Michael Sheahan’s Luddenmore Fleur P236, by Young Dale Touch Down

2, John McEnroe’s Liss Mirti P496, by The Moss Black Angus M150

3, Dr Michael Sheahan’s Luddenmore Elba P235, by Luddenmore Emblem M212.

Class 7, Bull, born between 01/01/15 and 15/02/15

1, Matthew Goulding’s Goulding Macbeth, by Abberton Eminem M285

2, John McEnroe’s Liss Macho R501, by Mogeely Lord Harrow M191

3, Michael Shanley’s Cannon Park Bestman R327, by Bunlahy John G ET.

Class 8, Heifer, born between 01/01/15 and 15/02/15

1, Gerry and Helen Reynolds’ Bunlahy Molly Bel,l by Luddenmore Fionn G441

2, Louis Byrne’s Tomriland Esmercia R271, by Mogeely Lord Hugh M204

3, John McEnroe’s Liss Mylo R498, by Carrington Park Time On B7

Class 9, Bull, born between 16/02/15 and 31/03/15

1, Matthew Goulding’s Goulding Man O Man, by Abberton Eminem M285

2, Eustace and Deirdre Burke’s Clontead Lord Hedgefund R180, by Goulding Extra ET

3,  William Jones’ Creagh Mitchell, by Drumdaff Jamsie

Class 10, Heifer, born between 16/02/15 and 31/03/15

1, Matthew Goulding’s Goulding Majestic Patriot, by Abberton Eminem M285

2, Louis Bryne’s Tomriland Petra R279, by Mogeely Lord Hugh M204

3, Enda Flynn’s  Goulding M Ester 687 by Clara Keynote ET

Class 11, Bull, born on or after 01/04/15

1, Gerry and Helen Reynolds’ Bunlahy Minto Jimmy, by Bunlahy John G ET

2, Albert Crowe’s Aughakil Prince R386 by Templequain Lord Jake K798

3, Bernard Kerins’ Kerins Marshal, by Owenmore Kit

Class 12, Heifer, born on or after 01/04/15

1, Harold Ferguson’s Edgeworthstown Lady Haley R013, by Lisduff Dandy K895

2, John Murphy’s Mercury Miss Flora, by Friarstown Paddy Pershore M240

3, Anthony Scanlon’s Owenmore Maisy by Owenmore Kit