The Connaught/Leinster Aberdeen-Angus Club held their prize giving in the Lakeside Manor Hotel in Virginia in September where judge for the herd competition, John Blackburn of the Co Tyrone-based Killaney herd, was on hand to present the prizes.

Commenting on his judging job, John said: “The standard was very high throughout all the categories with some exceptional females and males among the herds viewed. I had an enjoyable experience and I’d like to wish all those who completed the very best in the future.”

The club would like to thank the following sponsors, Pat Cahill, Mrs Bird, Mr Blackburn and Angus Beef Ireland (ref Gerry Smith).

Small herd Section:

Winner pictured above, Tomirland Herd – Dermot Lynch accepting the award.

Runner up-pictured above, Listakem Glen herd – Dave Cummins, his father accepting award on his behalf.

Medium herd Section:

Winner pictured above, Tomirland Herd – Louis A Byrne accepting the award. Louis also won the best bull calf award with Castledarragh Elma S295, a February born Mogeely Lord Hugh sired bull calf, Dam bred by Lisduff Emmett.

Runner up-pictured above, Shankill Herd – Pat and Finbar Cahill, Pat accepting the award. The Shankill herd also won the best heifer calf with Shankill Lady Hannah S130; A January born Castlelane Bart sired heifer calf, Dam bred by Maine Dragon.

Large Herd Section:

Winner pictured above, Liss Herd – John Mc Enroe accepting the award. The Liss herd also won the Best Stock Bull award with Mogeely Lord Harrow M191, a March 2012 born Wedderlie Blackbox sired bull; dam bred by Mosstown Muir Ringo. This bull has been show successfully this season, John is pictured below receiving the plague, kindly sponsored/donated by our Judge John Blackburn.

Runner up-pictured above, Dunlever Herd – Mrs Bird accepting the award. 

Best Cow Family:

Winner pictured above, Lawsonsford Herd – Barry Smith accepting the award

This cow family spanned three generations of which the foundation female was purchased from Patrick Moran, a 2007 cow sired by Drumcrow Prince Citron E208. Her 2010-born daughter is a Baronagh Mick daughter, while. Then a 2014 granddaughter bred by another ex herd sire Lawsonsford Pathfinder (Rawburn Rommell son) and finally another 2015 granddaughter with same breeding as previous female mentioned.

Pictured above our Chairman Gerry Lynch presenting Judge John Blackburn with a thank you gift

The Club would like to thank all the herds who entered the competition and would hope this is the start of an annual event and would encourage all breeders within the club to enter it, and also new members to the club are always more than welcome to join.