Entries have risen once again in the commercial cattle section for this year’s FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore.

Just over 400 entries have been received by the show, between both calf and senior classes. It is understood it will be the largest display of commercial show cattle anywhere in Europe this year.

The standard of the commercial cattle in Tullamore continues to improve year on year, producing a spectacle which has become the envy of many shows across the UK and Europe.

Previous winners have gone on to achieve stardom, with last year’s overall senior champion exhibited by Michael Lynch from Co Donegal going on to sell for €18,000 in the autumn.

In recent years, the main cattle breed societies have got behind the commercial cattle section in Tullamore, sponsoring some big-money classes.

A special mention must go to Michael Dolan, who was at the helm of the commercial cattle section for many years.

His unwavering dedication and devotion saw the number of entries rise consistently to the heights they are today.

New classes for 2025

Both the Shorthorn and Salers breeds have sponsored new classes for this year’s show. These include the best beef Shorthorn female with no permanent teeth and the best Salers cross heifer or bullock with no more than two permanent teeth.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Kalen McNamara, head of the commercial cattle section, said: “It promises to be another spectacular show of commercial cattle. In recent years we have seen massive interest in the commercial cattle section.

“Last year the rings were packed with spectators; finding a place to stand around the rings on Sunday might not be easy.”

He continued: “We have some great classes thanks to our wonderful sponsors. In the senior section, the Moyvalley Meats €2,000 commercial factory bullock class attracts a lot of attention, as does the Dawn Meats €2,500 factory heifer championship.

“While in the calf section, the €1,800 Kepak beef factory animal of the future class always draws a large crowd.

“Apart from the showing end of it, it’s a great place to meet all the spectators and exhibitors, it’s just a hub of activity.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone here on Sunday. I have no doubt spectators will not be disappointed by the standard of commercial cattle.”

Exhibitor profile

One young lady who is looking forward to the FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore is 19-year-old Sinead McKeon. Farming alongside her mother Caroline, father Mark and sister Ciara, the family run a herd of commercial cattle and sheep on their 150 acre farm in Co Longford.

Well-known for their annual heifer sale which takes place every autumn in Carrigallen, the McKeons are also regular exhibitors at local agricultural shows, especially Tullamore.

Commenting on the show, Sinead said: “We love going to Tullamore, there is always a great atmosphere there.”

In 2019, the McKeons first showed commercial cattle at the FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore.

Since then, they have enjoyed their fair share of success, placing first in the two-toothed heifer class in 2023 and winning the reserve senior champion in 2024.

Sinead explained: “We have done well in Tullamore, it’s the national show, so it brings out the best cattle from all corners of the country and cattle you haven’t seen before.

“It’s also a great show to meet fellow breeders. This year we plan on showing our heifer Lola and our bullock Bruno.

“I’m really looking forward to the day, win or lose, you always learn something.”