Pedigree cattle breeding excellence was rewarded at the Pedigree Breeders All-Star Awards in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, on Sunday evening.

Breeders were acknowledged for their achievements throughout 2025 and over their lifetime with an awards ceremony and evening dinner.

Event organiser Sean Sherman led proceedings, with Macra president Josephine O'Neill in attendance as a special guest.

Among other topics, both spoke about the importance of youth for the future of pedigree cattle breeding and agriculture as a whole.

Lifetime achievement

Receiving the special lifetime achievement award was Charlie Gallagher, former CEO of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA).

If ever there was a deserving recipient of such an award it is the Donegal native. Having observed Charlie representing the IHFA on the Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council over a number of years, one could only admire his passion, dignity and knowledge of cattle breeding.

A gentleman in every sense of the word, his unassuming character commanded respect from everyone who met him. On Sunday evening, he spoke of traveling over 45,000 miles in one year on the road, a testament to the work and effort put in over the years.

Individual breed awards

Every breed society in attendance then introduced their nominee for this year's award. Some breeds chose a stand-out animal in 2025, others opted for breeders who have given outstanding service to their various breeds.

Recipients of the 2026 Pedigree Breeders All-Star Awards.

The following were the recipients of the individual all-Star breed awards for 2026.

Belgian Blue

  • Tommy and Pauline Fitzgerald with Heatherview Roxy.

    • Aubrac

  • Leo Dooley for his lifetime of dedication to the Aubrac breed.

    • Hereford

  • John Appelbe with Appel Uno PP.

    • Irish Holstein Friesian Association

  • Members of the IHFA youth team Hannah Greenan, Sarah Shannon, Manus Murphy, Will Jones and Kevin Smith.

    • Charolais

  • Eddie Daly with Clonmahon Vadim.

    • Dexter

  • John O'Neill for his lifetime of dedication to the Dexter breed.

    • Limousin

  • Michael and Brodie Molloy with Mullary Vabulous.

    • Angus

  • Bernard Kerins with Kerins Riokemi.

    • Piemontese

  • Mary Russell for her lifetime of dedication to the Piemontese breed.

    • Parthenaise

  • John Whyte for his lifetime of dedication to the Parthenaise breed.