In its fourth year of existence, the Aldi/ABP bull calf championships held at Iverk show attracted a large crowd with over 35 bulls fighting it out for their share of the €24,000 prize fund. This is jointly sponsored by Aldi, ABP and the Irish Angus cattle society and sees the best of the best in the Angus world qualify from a number of regional shows around the country.

Claiming top spot in the senior class were John and Frank Appelbe, Clonakilty, Co Cork with their September bull by Carrigroe Mr Rebel (photo below).

This was one of the first bulls to make it through to the final qualifying back at Bandon show in May. Sired by senior stock bull Rathosheen Hugo, he is out of a home-bred Cashelane Bowie daughter.

Cork breeders were again to the fore with Keith and Caroline Vickery, Roscarbery claiming the reserve spot with Roscarbery Lord Henry R019 (photo below).

Carrigroe breeding was also behind this one with the sire being show bull Carrigroe Fred, while dam was Carbery Brenda. This makes him a full brother to the third prize winner at the competition in 2014.

Junior champion

This further added to an exceptional day for the Cork outfit, who also claimed junior champion with another son of Fred. This February-born bull goes by the name of Roscarbery Duncan (photo below) and was out of home-bred dam Carbery Darcy.

With the two bulls doing so well, Keith and Caroline Vickery walked home with a healthy cheque worth €3,300.

Reserve in the junior class went to well known breeders Matthew and Rita Goulding with Goulding N746 Proud Boy (photo below).

This well made February bull is out of imported stock bull Oakchurch Dirk and out of home-bred dam Goulding Pamela, a Young Dale Touchdown daughter. Proud Boy is no stranger to the show ring, having claimed the reserve overall championship at Tullamore show two weeks ago.

Find the full results from Iverk Show in this week's Irish Farmers Journal.