The summer show season is well under way, with each weekend attracting crowds to a different part of rural Ireland for one of the highlights of the year for the local towns and villages. These shows attract many of the best animals from throughout Ireland in a bid to win some of the prestige and prize money which accompanies the accolade. Over the coming months, we will feature some of these very worthy champions on our parade of champions page. This week, we have champions from Bandon, Nobber, Belgooly and Middleton shows, which all took place over the past month

The champion and reserve champion of Nobber Show and Fair was William Smith, Oldcastle, and Noel and David Claffey, Athlone. Left to right: Judge Paul Kinghan; champion owner William Smith; ISA national secretary Jim Harrison; reserve champion owners Noel and David Claffey; ISA national president David Sheehan; and ISA representative Raymond Brady.

The Holstein champion at Bandon Show came from the Barrett family. Left to right: judge Tom Kelly; Pat Hogan (Eurogene); Sheila McCarthy (AIB); with Ricky, Julie, Natasha and Andrew Barrett.

Bandon Show Charolais champion Ballybrown Nugget.

Tim McCarthy with the Limousin champion at Bandon Show, Gaberial Natalie ET.

Champion beef animal Ryan’s Ramona, exhibited by Ger Ryan, Ballyhooly, Co Cork, with judge Clive Jennings, Kieran and Matthew Ryan with the Dan Joe O’Regan Perpetual Cup and show chair John Stanley.

Bandon Show Simmental champion Dripsey King of Hearts from Jenny Cotter.

Hereford and interbreed champion Kilsunny Lass Lily, exhibited by Edward Dudly, with judge John Neenan.

Champion young horse at Midleton Agricultural Show was Newmarket Knight by Newmarket Venture, owned by Michael and Rachel Lyons, Kilmastulla; with ISA national president David Sheehan and judge Walter Kent.