Three talented young farmers have won the top prizes at the All-Ireland finals of the 2014 Macra na Feirme Beef and Sheep Stockjudging competitions.

Over 70 farmers took part in the competition, sponsored by Bord Bia as part of the Macra na Feirme Annual Conference in Co Laois. Prizes were awarded in three separate categories; Senior Beef Stockjudging, Under 23 Beef Stockjudging and Senior Sheep Stockjudging.

Patrick O’Keeffe Awbeg, Avondhu won first prize for Sheep Stockjudging. Runner up in this category was his sister, Breda O’Keeffe. This is the fourth time the O'Keeffe family have won the Macra competition with their father Arthur being one of the youngest winners in the history of the competition.

The Senior Beef Stockjudging event was won by Alan Twomey, Donoughmore, Muskerry. Runner up in this category was Paul Brady, South Leitrim.

Top prize in the Under 23 category of Beef stockjudging went to John Gahan, Tullow, Carlow. Runner up in this category was Alan Delaney, Camross, Laois.

The three winners won a place on the Macra na Feirme prize-winners trip abroad next year.