Sunday's Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show proved once again that Ireland's commercial show cattle are in a league of their own, with another sensational display of quality cattle in Co Offaly.

Judges John Lynch, Gareth McGuinness and Denis Ryan had possibly the hardest jobs of the day, as they sorted through over 300 head of the finest commercial cattle in the Country.

But the day belonged to the outstanding black Limousin cross heifer, Ruby, who won the overall senior champion for the second year in a row. The January 2024 born heifer headed up the best heifer with two or more permanent teeth class, before going on to take the supreme accolade. Owned by Mayo man, Kevin Devine, Ruby was shown by Shane Giltinane, wooing spectators with her terrific style, power and presence. The Ballinloan Jaegerbomb daughter returned to the show ring at Corrandulla this year, where she stood overall commercial champion.

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Donegal men

Taking a haul of rosettes back to Co Donegal were Sean and Jack O'Brien, who claimed the overall junior champion with their stunning black Limousin cross heifer calf. Having won one of the toughest classes of the day, the Kepak beef factory animal of the future, which consisted of over 50 calves, this exceptionally well-made daughter of Trueman Idol then went on to win the overall junior championship.

Supreme junior champion commercial shown by Jack, Sean, Angelina, Alanna and Katelin O'Brien. \ Chloe Goggins

Breeders from the north west featured well, as the Stevenson family from Letterkenny clinched the reserve senior champion with their fantastic black heifer, Molly. Sired by the Belgian Blue bull, James Bond VD Jorchrishoeve, this May 2025 born heifer came through the best heifer with no permanent teeth class. This completed her second triumph of the year, having won the overall beef heifer championship at Clonmany Show earlier this month.

Reserve senior champion exhibited by the Stevenson family with Seanie O'Beirne, Liffey Meats, sponsor. \ Chloe Goggins

Reserve junior champion

Taking the reserve overall junior championship back to Co Mayo were the Barrett brothers for their flashy orange heifer calf. Winner of the best Belgian Blue cross heifer calf class, comprising over 30 calves, this Iz Priceless daughter fought off some serious opposition to take the reserve overall award.

Reserve junior champion owned by the Barrett brothers. \ Chloe Goggins

Two of the most anticipated classes of the day are always the €2,500 Dawn Meats Factory heifer championship and the €2,500 Moyvalley Meats factory bullock championship. Claiming this year's Dawn Meats title was the Moorhead family from Co Longford, with their heifer, Scarlett, a daughter of the 180,000gns Graiggoch Rambo. Shortly before this, Meath men Jason and Oliver Stanley came out on top in the Moyvalley Meats bullock championship, with their Boherard Overdose bred bullock.