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The Westmeath show society held its annual show at Mullingar yesterday, with officials reporting an increase in numbers across the entire cattle section. Along with increased entries, numbers crowded the showgrounds despite the overcast weather blocking out the sunshine.
Coming out on top of the beef section after a strenuous few hours of judging across all the breeds was the Mullingar heifer all-Ireland champion Chancy Lady. Exhibited by Sarah Murray, this 30-month-old heifer was owned by Michael Martin, Moate, Co Westmeath. Sired by Ampertaine Foreman and out of a Belgian Blue dam, Chancy Lady has secured a number of top accolades including last year’s Greenvale all-Ireland heifer championship. Having won the commercial section earlier in the day, this stylish black heifer ticked all the boxes for the judges when it came to the interbreed. Reserve commercial championship was awarded to the Flatley brothers with their purchased Elite Forever Brill heifer.
Reserve interbreed title
Claiming the reserve interbreed title was Shorthorn champion Creaga Heidi from Noel and Lisa Dowd. Shown with her calf at foot, this cow has been on top form all year securing the reserve championship at Balmoral Show, overall Shorthorn champion at Fingal Show and the interbreed championship at Ennis Show. Heidi is sired by homebred bull Creaga Flash.
Reserve honours in the Shorthorn ring under judge Anthony Dockery was Balgay Heather Maid from the Kelly family of Ricketstown Shorthorns. This was the stylish polled heifer’s Irish debut after being purchased after the 2016 Royal Highland Show where she was placed second in a very strong class. Heather Maid is sired by Glenisla Zetar.
In the Limousin ring, Martin McCullagh was at the helm and he found his champion in the form of the five-year-old cow Killcorney Heron. Exhibited by Marshall and David Abbott, she was sired by Acajou and was shown with her Honduras calf at foot who also won his class. Reserve honours went to Ciaran Golden for his smart Ampertaine Foreman-sired heifer.
The Simmental championship on the day was secured by Jennalyn Gina Tina from Garrett and Lyndsey Behan. This heifer by Kilbride Farm Dragoon was a regular first prizewinner last summer including claiming the top spot at the nationals in Tullamore. Jennie Aherne awarded the reserve championship to Shiloh Jackpot from Sarah and Hugh Murray. This March 2017-born calf is sired by Kilbride Farm Delboy and out of dam Glen Cait.
Michael Molloy continued his run of luck in the Hereford section securing the overall championship with the 15-month-old Moyclare Phoenix. Sired by Cill Cormack Casper, he is out of the reserve female champion at Tullamore 2013 and also secured the reserve championship at Longford the previous week. Clonleam Delightful 109 secured the reserve championship for William Branagan on her first day out. This one is sired by Allowdale Ribstone.
Overall Angus champion
Securing the overall championship in the Angus ring was Clooncarne Nicky from the Mulligan family. This stylish heifer is by Baronagh Producer and was first prizewinner at both Tullamore and the National Calf Show last year. Claiming the reserve championship was Bernard Kerins with Kerins Kemi. Sired by Rossiter Eric, this cow was shown very successfully as a heifer claiming top spots in a number of highly regarded shows, including the all-Ireland.
Bernadette Dunne was awarded the overall championship in the Charolais ring for Crockaun Miss Money Penny. Sired by Lisnagree Elite, this marks the two-year-old heifer’s first day out. In reserve was Martin Clynes’ January 2017-born bull Cassina Nelson. Sired by Mandela Veron, he is out of a Texan-Gie bred dam.
Securing the Dairy interbreed championship were PJ and John Kelly with Rochfort Seven Florfa. This third calver is classified EX90 and was also placed second in the confined class at Tullamore Show in 2016. Coming off the back of an 8,000-litre lactation, she is currently giving 9.5 gallons a day.
Winners announced at North East Limousin Club herd competition
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