Over the past few months, young stockpersons have been competing at agricultural shows across the country, looking to book a place at last Sunday's FBD all-Ireland young stockperson finals at Ballinrobe Show.

Divided into three age categories - senior, intermediate and junior - 24 young stockpersons made their way to Ballinrobe, all with one objective in mind - to be crowned young stockperson of the year for 2025.

The participants were assessed based on a range of criteria, including grooming and preparation of an animal, ringcraft, stock judging and a short interview.

Master judge for the day was Martin Ryan of the Goldstar Charolais herd in Co Tipperary.

Seniors

Martin had the difficult task of judging the senior section, which had some exceptionally talented individuals.

In the end, Martin made no hesitation in awarding the overall senior prize to the gifted Gemma Salter from Co Cork.

A passionate Shorthorn breeder, Gemma qualified at Middleton Show earlier this year.

Described by judge Martin Ryan as an outstanding, incredibly organised girl, this multi talented 19-year-old is currently studying agricultural science at UCD.

All-Ireland senior young stockperson of the year Gemma Salter, with judge Martin Ryan, Gerard Noone of the ISA, Nevan McKiernan of the Irish Farmers Journal, Fiona Prenty of FBD and Freda Kinnarney of the ISA. \ Claire Nash

In second place was another accomplished young lady in Ciara Fitzpatrick from Co Down.

A die-hard young Hereford breeder, Ciara qualified at Longford Show and is currently studying at Harper Adams in the UK.

Going away with third prize was Sligo man Daniel O'Connor. A well-known face on the show circuit, Daniel farms at home with his father Eamonn, where they run a successful pedigree Charolais herd. He is completing an agricultural degree in Letterkenny.

Intermediates

Shortly before Gemma Salter was announced as the senior winner, her sister Zoe was called out as the overall winner in the intermediate category.

Like her sister, this young Cork lady loves showing and preparing cattle for shows and sales throughout the year.

Intermediate judge Sean McGovern commended the Barryroe qualifier for her attention to detail and engagement all day.

It was an absolutely fantastic achievement for the two girls from Castlehaven and a proud moment for their parents and family.

All-Ireland intermediate young stockperson of the year Zoe Salter, with Martin Merrick of the Irish Farmers Journal, judge Sean McGovern, Freda Kinnarney of the ISA and Fiona Prenty of FBD. \ Claire Nash

Second place in the intermediate section went to Adam Lally, who qualified at Crossmolina Show. Another lover of the Shorthorn breed, Adam enjoys showing at agricultural shows throughout the summer and has had some terrific success this year.

Wrapping up third place was young Keziah Shaw from Northern Ireland. This young girl finds showing incredibly motivating and rewarding, as well as giving her the opportunity to spend time with her animals.

Juniors

The category with the most competitors was the junior, in which Lisa Maxwell took on the judging duties.

Never an easy task, Lisa found her overall winner in Aoife Hannon, all the way from Co Limerick. This charismatic young girl is the fourth generation showing cattle in her family and wears it with pride.

Coming from a dairy and pedigree Belgian Blue herd, Aoife has aspirations to become a vet when she gets older.

All-Ireland junior young stockperson of the year Aoife Hannon, with Fiona Prenty of FBD, Nevan McKiernan of the Irish Farmers Journal, Freda Kinnarney of the ISA, and judge Lisa Dowd with her daughter Erin Maxwell. \ Claire Nash

Standing second to Aoife was a young man from the west of Ireland Charlie Callaghan. Another energetic and well-mannered young stockman, Charlie qualified at Enniscrone Show.

He loves farming, especially in the summer months, when silage is being harvested.

Concluding proceedings in the junior section and taking home the third prize ticket was Lewis Dodd, all the way from Co Down.

Having qualified at Saintfield Show, this 11-year-old boy comes from a pedigree Simmental and red Angus farm. Lewis enjoys preparing his calves for the summer shows, but most of all making new friends along the way.