Now established as the highlight of the Hereford breeds showing year, the 2026 National Hereford Show will be held at this year’s FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore.

There are over 170 Hereford cattle entered across 19 classes, ensuring that the judges will have their work cut out for themselves, with large crowds expected on the day.

This year, the Irish Hereford Breed Society looks forward to welcoming delegates from across Europe, as it plays host to the European Hereford Conference 2026, which includes a visit to the National Hereford Show.

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The Next Gen Herefords will have nearly 20 young breeders exhibiting, all hoping to take home the Dennis Collins memorial trophy (junior young handler class) or the WJ Twomey memorial trophy (senior young handler class).

Breeders exhibiting Hereford cows and heifers entered in the seven female classes will be vying to be crowned the FBD National Livestock Show pedigree-registered Hereford female champion, with nearly 50 heifers also aiming to be crowned the national pedigree-registered Hereford heifer of the year.

On the bulls’ side, entrants span five classes and will compete for the title of FBD National Livestock Show pedigree-registered Hereford male champion, with the breeders of 45 bulls hoping to win the national pedigree-registered Hereford bull of the year.

Commenting on the upcoming show, breed secretary Alan Crowe said: “The ultimate goal for any exhibitor at the National Hereford Show is to be crowned FBD National Livestock Show pedigree-registered Hereford champion.

“The Irish Hereford Breed Society looks forward to seeing all of their exhibitors, members, customers and friends at the National Hereford Show at Tullamore Show, for what promises to be a showcase of the top Herefords on the Irish show circuit.”

The 2025 Overall Hereford Champion went to John, Beatrice and Eric Appelbe with their bull Appel Uno PP (left) and Female Hereford Champion from Sean, Gary and Evelyn McKiernan with their heifer Corlismore Beauty 298 HH (right).

Angus

Both the Aberdeen Angus Association and the Irish Angus Cattle Society will be in attendance at the show.

There is over 100 Angus cattle facing off for Tullamore this year, with many prize winners across summer shows competing to be crowned the supreme champion Angus.

Last year’s Angus Champion went to the Mariga family for their cow Mogeely Elana Z895. The question is, who will be crowned the 2026 supreme champion on Sunday?

Shorthorns

Judging of the beef Shorthorns will kick of in ring 14 at 10am, with the dairy Shorthorns getting underway at 11.30am in Ring two.

This year’s Shorthorn lineup includes the all-Ireland cow and calf class, the all-Ireland senior bull class, the all-Ireland first-calf female class, and a wide range of classes for heifers and bulls of all ages.

Young handler classes for both under-15s and under-20s will also take place on Sunday. These are qualifiers for the final at the Elphin Show on 29 August and are a great way to get the next generation involved.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, breed secretary Shauna Mulhall said: “We’re really looking forward to another great day at the Tullamore Show, where the Irish Shorthorn Society will be out in full force.

“Everyone is welcome to call into our tent at L53 for a chat and to meet fellow breeders. Presentation of our perpetual trophies will take place in the tent after judging, and breeders are warmly invited to join us.”