The Celtic Sires-sponsored national Simmental calf finals once again took place at Strokestown Show. Similar to years gone by, an excellent turnout of calves was entered for what were four top-quality finals.

Conditions were difficult, with torn-up ground underfoot. However, sunshine broke out to allow judging take place as swiftly as possible.

First national class in front of Armagh-based judge Andrew Clarke was the senior heifer calf for December- and January-born calves.

Taking the red rosette here was Tisaran Her Majesty, exhibited by Martin Mooney, Shannon Harbour, Birr, Co Offaly. This Curaheen Tyson heifer calf is out of Anatrim Bodybuilder dam Fearna Faith, who had won the Simmental champion of the show earlier in the day. Reserve senior heifer calf went to Declan Oates, Castlegal, Co Leitrim, with Tawley Hanna. This calf is sired by Hillcrest Butcher and is out of Annadale Dainty.

The junior calf classes are for calves born after 1 February and taking the national junior heifer title was Clonagh Jessie Girl, exhibited by Garrett Behan, Cloneygown, Ballyfin, Portlaoise.

This heifer calf is sired by Kilbride Farm Dragoon and is out of a Curaheen Sitting Bull-sired dam Knockane Wanda. Placed in reserve was Kieran Mullarkey, Ballinful, Co Sligo, with Magheracrigan Ivy, a Curaheen Apostle heifer calf out of Raceview Cindy Matalda.

Bulls

On to the bulls and the champion senior bull calf went to Cork breeder Tony O’Leary with Seaview Handsome Prince. This calf is sired by Delfur Decider and is out of a homebred Cankern Titan-sired dam. Reserve senior bull calf went to Bearna-Dhearg Honda 50, exhibited by Willie O’Halloran, Chamberlainstown, Cashel, Co Tipperary. The sire here was Anatrim Bodybuilder and the dam was Ballyduff Best.

Concluding proceedings was the national junior bull calf class. Winner here was the aforementioned Kieran Mullarkey, this time with Lissadell Jackpot VIP. This February-born bull is sired by Kilbride Farm Delboy and is out of a Milnafua Graduate dam Corbally Eires VIP.

Following a successful summer on the show circuit, this bull was purchased recently by Bova AI.

The reserve junior bull calf champion was Rathnashan Jaffa Cake from Nigel Hogan, Bennykerry, Co Carlow. This stylish bull is sired by Auroch Deuter PP and out of Seafort Beverley.