In its fourth year of existence, the Aldi/ABP bull calf championships, held at Iverk Show, attracted a large crowd, with over 35 bulls fighting it out for their share of the €24,000 prize fund. Jointly sponsored by Aldi, ABP and the Irish Angus Cattle Society, the competition sees the best of the best in the Angus world qualify from a number of regional shows the length and breadth of the country.

Claiming top spot in the senior class under judge William Glazebrook were John and Frank Appelbe, Clonakilty, Co Cork, with their September-born Carrigroe Mr Rebel. This was one of the first bulls to make it through to the final, qualifying at Bandon Show in May. Sired by senior stockbull Rathosheen Hugo, he is out of a hombred Cashelane Bowie daughter.

Cork breeders were again to the fore, with Keith and Caroline Vickery, Roscarbery, Co Cork, claiming the reserve spot with Roscarbery Lord Henry R019. Carrigroe breeding was also behind this one, with the sire being show bull Carrigroe Fred, while dam was Carbery Brenda, which makes him a full brother to the third prize-winner at the competition in 2014.

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This further added to an exceptional day for the Cork outfit which also claimed junior champion with another son of Fred. This Febuary-born bull went by the name of Roscarbery Duncan and was out of homebred dam Carbery Darcy.

With the two bulls doing so well, Keith and Caroline Vickery walked home with a healty cheque worth €3,300.

Reserve in the junior class went to well-known breeders Matthew and Rita Goulding with Goulding N746 Proud Boy.

This well-made February bull is out of imported stock bull Oakchurch Dirk and out of homebred dam Goulding Pamela, a Young Dale Touchdown daughter.

The animal is no stranger to the show ring, having claimed the reserve overall championship at Tullamore Show two weeks ago.

Full results:

Senior class

1st: J & F Appelbe, Carrigroe, Clonakilty, Co Cork – Carrigroe Mr Rebel.

2nd: Keith & Caroline Vickery, Carbery Farm, Roscarberry, Co Cork – Roscarbery Lord Henry.

3rd: Edmund & Betty O’Carroll, Cloghogue, Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo – Cloghogue Evolution R119.

4th: Cathal Duignan, Laheen House, Eslin Bridge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim – Laheen David R419.

5th: Michael & Oliver Flanagan, Moydrum Castle Pedigree Herds, Moydrum, Athlone, Co Westmeath – Moydrum Moonraker.

6th: Cathal & JJ McCormack, Steil, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co Roscommon – Steil Masterpiece.

7th: Cathal Duignan, Laheen House, Eslin Bridge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim – Laheens Miko.

8th: Denis Twomey, Farran, Causeway, Co Kerry – Tubridmore Mark.

Junior class

1st: Keith & Caroline Vickery, Carbery Farm, Roscarberry, Co Cork – Roscarbery Duncan S057.

2nd: Matthew Goulding, Kilmore, Ballyduff, Co Kerry – Goulding N746 Proud Boy.

3rd: J & F Appelbe, Carrigroe, Clonakilty, Co Cork – Carrigroe Navigator.

4th: Gerard & Helen Reynolds, Bunlahy, Aughnacliffe, Ballinalee, Longford – Bunlahy Ninja Warrior.

5th: Matthew Goulding, Kilmore, Ballyduff, Co Kerry – Goulding Nationwide.

6th: Edmund & Betty O’Carroll, Cloghogue, Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo – Cloghogue Neptune.

7th: Patrick Murphy, Ross, Glasson, Athlone, Co Westmeath – Berry Ned.

8th: Thomas P Reynolds, Knockadrinan, Johnstownbridge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim – Knockadrinan Bellboy S622.