The much-needed rain appeared a day early for organisers of the Oldcastle Show in Meath with showers throughout the day, however his wasn’t enough to dampen the spirit of both spectators and exhibitors. This was particularly evident for Limousin breeder Karl Connell, who exhibited the Limousin and interbreed champion with Carrickmore Maximus. This was the September-2017 born bulls first show outing and what a way to start. Sired by Ampertaine Foreman, Maximus is an ET calf out of 2016 National and World Limousin Congress champion Baileys Ice Princess.

In the reserve interbreed position was the Angus champion Liss Minree M415. Bred by local breeder John McEnroe, this four-year-old cow was also champion in Mullingar last week. Sired by former stock bull The Moss Ethelorance, Minree was shown alongside her born calf.

Hereford

Christine Long came out trumps in the Hereford section with her three-year-old cow Allowdale Prettymade 557. This cow was purchased from former society president Liam Philpot a number of years ago and is sired by his then-stock bull Border Rory. Gary McKiernan took up the reserve spot with his young heifer Corlismore Poll 1 Sydney. Sired by Cill Cormaic Leo, this was also a show debut for Sydney.

Charolais

Gallaway Nice Boy took pole position in the Charolais section under judge Cathal Duignan. Born on 4 November 2017, this one is out of old reliable Doonally New and homebred dam Gallaway Freedom. Bred and exhibited by Michael and Paul McKiernan, this marked a good day for the outfit who also picked up the reserve Limousin championship with Gallaway Monika. Monika is sired by Ballinloan Jaegerbomb and was reserve interbreed champion last week at Mullingar show.

Simmental

Tisaran Her Majesty, last week's interbreed champion at Mullingar Show was again in winning ways in the Simmental ring securing overall champion. This rising two-year-old heifer is sired by Curaheen Wakeman and was exhibited by Martin Mooney. Nigel Hogan picked up the reserve sash for his December-born bull Rathnashan Jasper. This stylish calf is sired by Darwin, while the dam is Seaford Beverly.

Commercial

Two all-Ireland commercial classes were held at the show with Northern judge Nigel Matchett looking after proceedings. Leading the senior heifer championship was the McCloskey family with their Ross Alo sired Belgian Blue heifer. This stylish blue and white heifer had already secured three championship wins from her last three shows. In the junior all-Ireland class the McPadden family were out in front. Their March-born Elite Forever Brill heifer calf ticked all the boxes on the day. This young heifer is no stranger to the show ring having placed first and reserve champion at last month’s Athlone Show.