The Irish Simmental cattle society again held the Agri Care Nutrition yearling bull championship finals at this year’s Ploughing. Eight bulls spent the three days at the Offaly site to compete in the championships.

Giving the job of officiating was Longford-based Sean McGarry, who runs the Clonguish pedigree herd. After much deliberation he found his champion in the form of Joe and James Kelly’s Mount Hawkeye.

This August-born bull had a successful summer, claiming top spot at the southwest calf finals also. He is sired by Curaheen Dickens, with Banwy T-Rex and Raceview King also in the sire stack.

Claiming the reserve spot was Garrett Behan with Clonagh Hard Man. This was the oldest bull exhibited, being born in May 2016. Sired by Kilbride Farm Dragoon, Hard Man is out of Dovefields Gallant-bred dam Cloneygowan Tilly Fiona. Hardman also won the National junior bull title at the society’s national finals at Tullamore Show last month.

Behan was also next in line when Clonagh Henry Star secured the yellow ribbon. Again sired by Kilbride Farm Dragoon, Henry Star is out of a homebred Clonagh Tiger Gallant bred dam. Finishing up the top placings was Towerhill Haribo from Seamus and Jennie Aherne. This October born bull was sired by Kilbride Farm Delboy 12 and collected a number of top placings over the summer.