The Irish Holstein Friesian Association held its annual awards night at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise recently. Chief executive of the National Dairy Council Zoe Kavanagh was the special guest on the night who presented highly regarded awards in recognition of 10 all-Ireland classes, the IHFA Gold and Diamond Awards and the Young Member Association (YMA) awards, which include club of the year, president’s medal, hall of fame and photography competition.

President’s medal

The president’s medal is awarded at the discretion of the IHFA president following an interview with the candidates. This year, it was claimed by Doireann Mulhall. Doireann was nominated by the Carlow-Kilkenny Club of which she is a distinguished member, with tremendous service over many years of active involvement.

The show stands as a benchmark to other breed society youth organisations and is a testament of what can be achieved when both time and money are properly allocated

She is an accomplished YMA participant with many successes to her name, most recently winning the final of her showmanship league class. Having been involved from a very young age, Doireann has risen through the ranks along the way, adding to her range of skills and knowledge.

She has also served on the national committee of the YMA, most recently as assistant co-ordinator and both she and chair Stacey O’Sullivan did a tremendous job in helping to run the National Calf Show last year. The show stands as a benchmark to other breed society youth organisations and is a testament of what can be achieved when both time and money are properly allocated.

Hall of fame

The winner of the hall of fame award for 2018 was Richard Hamilton, Gurteen Agricultural College. Richard was nominated by the Laois-Offaly Club.

A statement from the club said: “The Laois-Offaly Club is honoured to nominate Richard for the Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his dedication, help and support to all young members. He is always around to show his support for the club and keeping the club strong by introducing new members from the Gurteen College, as he always invites students along to the club events.

He gives up plenty of his time to our club and it would be a real way to thank him for all the work he has put in over the years for the club show and Tullamore Show.

"He is a true asset to the club and he is a wholesome, genuine and engaging character.”

Club of the year

The winning YMA club of the year was the Carlow-Kilkenny Club.

Based on participation and performance in the various YMA events and activities throughout the year, this is an award for teamwork, co-operation and no shortage of skills and talents.

Photography competition

The winner of the photography competition was Stephen Shannon. His photo captured a picturesque setting with the herd grazing under illuminating sunshine.

From Ballinascarthy in west Cork, Stephen is very involved in the Ballydehob Herd at home in addition to pursuing third-level studies in agricultural science at UCD.

Gold and diamond awards

IHFA gold and diamond awards were presented by Donal O’Riordan, FBD Insurance, to Peadar Healy, William Carey, James Kelly, Micheal Spillane, John S Greene, Sandy Moore and Paul Hannan. FBD sponsors the gold and diamond awards. A gold award is presented to a cow that has produced 3,000kg of protein in her lifetime, while a diamond award is presented to a cow that has produced 3,000kg of protein in her lifetime and is classified excellent (EX) on conformation.

All-Ireland awards

The all-Ireland awards competition was introduced in 2010 and this year attracted 76 entries from across the country. The competition was based on submitting a photograph of a prized animal at a local or national show.

The entries were scrutinised by a pre-selection panel of three judges who took into account the quality of the animal as photographed and their winning successes at various shows.

A final selection of six photographs were then printed in the Winter Journal, which was judged by 15 people from the IHFA judging panel.