The commercial cattle show scene has seen enormous growth over the last few years, and Tullamore Show plays centre stage with farmers from across Ireland travelling with the hope of success.

With over 300 animals entered across senior and calf classes, it is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of commercial cattle across Europe this year. The standard of this entry continues to improve in Tullamore year-on-year, producing a spectacle with has become the envy of many shows across the UK and Europe.

Judging will kick off at 9.45am in ring 7 for calves, with the senior cattle getting under way at 10am in ring 8.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, livestock chair Kalen McNamara said: “We’re expecting a great display across the senior commercial cattle as always, with two particular classes that stand out years being the Moyvalley Meats €2,500 factory bullock championship for bullocks weighing between 550kg and 720kg, and the Dawn Meats €2,500 factory heifer championship for heifers weighing between 500kg and 660kg.

“The calf classes always draw a huge crowd, with spectators several rows deep around the ring last year; this year, the Limousin-cross and Belgian Blue-cross heifer classes have large entries.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone here on Sunday and I have no doubt spectators will not be disappointed with the standard of cattle on offer. And most importantly, I hope both exhibitors and spectators enjoy their day”.

Pola Bear, pictured after selling for €33,500 at the Carrick Winter Fair in 2025, with Declan Davis and handler Gillian Davis. \ Chloe Goggins

Exhibitor profile

Many families see Tullamore Show as the highlight of the showing calendar and that is the case for the Davis family from Williamstown, Co Galway. This week, the Irish Farmers Journal caught up with Declan Davis, who’s family is no stranger to success, having claimed the pedigree Belgian Blue champion in 2022 and numerous first prize winners down through the years.

“We’re suckler farming here at home and have always been showing, since I was a young age. We first showed in Tullamore back in 2015 with pedigree Belgian Blues and have not missed a year since, with either pedigrees or commercials. We’re on the road most weekends and the whole family is involved, from my parents Joe and Margaret, my sister Gillian and two brothers, Paul and Derek, it is a full family affair. Last year was one of my highlights, we won two classes, best Belgian Blue-cross female calf under 360kg and best female calf weighing between 271kg to 330kg with our heifer Polar Bear. She had a good summer showing, but the winter fair capped it off, where she sold for €33,500. It’s days like that everyone showing cattle dreams of.

“We’re looking forward to attending this year, it’s one of the main shows and it’s everyone’s dream in the showing game to claim the champion, but even getting a rosette from Tullamore is a big achievement; there is such a high standard of cattle competing.”