Fresh from their all-Ireland success at the National Ploughing Championships in September, John and Sean McEnroe of the Liss herd in Co Meath claimed the Supreme National title at the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association’s National Calf Show in Mid-Tipp Mart, Thurles, recently.
Taking top spot for the Oldcastle-based herd and winning the Joe Tighe Memorial Trophy under judge Albert DeCogan was Liss Patricia B485.
This September 2025-born daughter of Liss Emotions W000 and Corridan Profit W033 came through as Senior Female Calf Champion before lifting the Supreme Champion title.
Securing the Reserve Senior Female and Reserve Supreme Championship was Rathmooney Ebony B181. Brought out by Enda and Adam Kearney from Co Clare, Ebony was purchased at the association’s Extravaganza Sale in October. This heifer is sired by Laheens Virgo and is out of Gigginstown Eclipse.
Male champions
Taking the title of Zurich Senior Bull Calf Champion was Lemonfield Dunkirk Dynamo C262. Bred and exhibited by Donogh McCarthy and family from Co Limerick, Dynamo is a son of the herd’s stock bull Drumcrow Prophecy and Carrigroe S Dawn.
Standing Reserve in the senior male section was Liss Murphy B512 from John and Sean McEnroe.
This January-born bull is out of the AI sire Te Mania Nebo N424 and Liss Mural W012.
In the Zurich Junior Heifer category, top place went to Ardnacraney Pretty Cleo from the Hickey family in Co Longford. Sired by Lisduff Eddard and out of Clonmeen Roxanne, this young heifer also placed Reserve Junior Champion at this year’s IAA All-Ireland finals.
Standing Reserve Junior Female was the second prize-winner in the same class, Knockcroghery Gloria C483. Bred and exhibited by new breeder Declan Miley, this young heifer is sired by Morpheus Kodiak and out of Ryans Whitney.
Last of the championships was the Angus Beef Ireland Junior Male, which went the way of Luddenmore Feic Whatabull from Michael Sheahan. This March 2026-born bull is sired by Luddenmore Ebony Boy and out of Luddenmore Fleur X499.
Standing reserve junior male, having stood second in the class, was Ballykilroe Justice C195 from Eoin Robinson. This February 2026-born bull is sired by Laheens Alisder and is out of Mercury Jody A929.
Young handlers
The day started with a super entry of young handlers divided among two classes. Tasked with judging this year’s competition was Cliodna Smith, who won the Senior Young Handler class at this year’s All-Ireland finals.
She selected her Junior Champion as Conor McCarthy from Co Limerick and her Senior Winner as Roisin Flanagan from Co Clare.
