In 2025, sisters Zoe and Gemma Salter achieved the unthinkable, when they won the senior and intermediate FBD All-Ireland Young Stockperson titles at Ballinrobe Show. Run by the Irish Shows Association (ISA) in partnership with FBD Insurance and the Irish Farmers Journal, the competition attracts some of the finest young stockpersons from across the country each year.
The standard in 2025 was hailed as the best yet, making it an even more remarkable feat for the Cork sisters. This week we spoke to the two girls, who are currently loving life in university and secondary school.
Background
“We grew up on a suckler farm in west Cork, where we breed pedigree beef Shorthorns and commercials. Growing up I enjoyed each calving season, seeing every calf being born with the different genetics that had been chosen the previous breeding season and picking out calves for the summer show season ahead,” said Gemma, who is currently studying agricultural science at UCD.
Zoe, the younger of the two sisters, who is in her fifth year of Skibbereen Community School, shares the same fondness for the home farm.
The sisters taking a well deserved break during the finals in Ballinrobe Show in 2025. \ Claire Nash
“I always enjoyed getting stuck in all jobs around the farm, but particularly developed a keen interest in cattle.”
Love of showing
Over the years, the pair made quite a name for themselves in the showring, especially with their own Shorthorn cattle.
“Growing up we were always interested in cattle showing and we would go to shows throughout the summer. I started showing cattle at eight years old and haven’t stopped since,” said Zoe.
Gemma was also eight years old when she first got into showing, when the family decided to return to the showring in 2014.
“My first show was Bantry, when my eight-month-old heifer calf won overall champion Shorthorn. Since then our show team has expanded, with more shows being entered every year.
“We enjoy spending the summers on the road meeting new people along the way, who all have great experiences to share, learning new things along the way.”
Zoe Salter being interviewed by judges Sean McGovern and Martin Merrick at the finals in Ballinrobe Show in 2025. \ Claire Nash
Like her sister, Zoe relishes the challenge: “Every year brings a new calf or heifer that I must lead. I really enjoy the challenge of figuring them out, what works best for them and getting them looking their absolute best. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing that hard work come together in the ring.”
Young stockperson competition
In 2025, the pair put their expertise to the test, when they entered the senior and intermediate sections of the FBD All-Ireland Young Stockperson competition. Gemma, who qualified in Midleton Show, “wanted to compete and challenge myself to test my capabilities inside the ring”.
Zoe’s entry into the competition was more by chance.
“I originally entered the Young Stockperson qualifier in 2024 by accident, as it was the only young handler class on the day. I didn’t expect much from it, but after winning that class, it really sparked something in me.”
The following year Zoe qualified at Barryroe Show, admitting, “I really wanted to give it another go, trying to improve my skills in the ring and broaden my knowledge on all things showing. I really enjoyed the challenge it brought, and it encouraged me to learn more about cattle showing and improve my stockmanship skills.”
Ballinrobe Show
Having made the six-hour trip from Cahirciveen to Ballinrobe Show for the finals, the pair were left with the task of borrowing two heifers for the finals.
“We decided it made more sense to borrow a heifer instead of bringing our own. It was the more practical option, as it reduced the stress and fatigue on ourselves and the animals.
“Thankfully we were lucky enough to borrow heifers off a Shorthorn breeder in the area.”
Zoe and Gemma with the overall and reserve overall Shorthorn champions at Barryroe Show in 2023. \ Shanon Kinahan
The day involved ringcraft, stock judging, interviews and grooming sessions, all of which the sisters thoroughly enjoyed.
“I really enjoyed the full experience, meeting new people in the showing scene from all over the country. It’s a very valuable way to see how other people prepare their stock, giving me new ideas that I can use on my own animals,” said Gemma.
“The part I enjoyed most was being in the ring having all the work – early mornings and late nights, come together,” added Zoe.
Advice
The sisters urged anyone thinking of entering the competition to give it a try.
“I would advise all young stockpeople from across the country to enter into their local qualifiers and give it a go.
“The most important thing is give it your all, but not to take it too seriously, as the most enjoyment is to be taken from meeting new people along the way and the memories that are made,” Gemma said.
Zoe advised future competitors to pay attention to the small details.
“I learned to pay attention to the smaller details that make a big difference in the ring. It taught me to stay calm under pressure and adapt to different situations on the day, but most importantly enjoy yourself and have fun.”
In 2025, sisters Zoe and Gemma Salter achieved the unthinkable, when they won the senior and intermediate FBD All-Ireland Young Stockperson titles at Ballinrobe Show. Run by the Irish Shows Association (ISA) in partnership with FBD Insurance and the Irish Farmers Journal, the competition attracts some of the finest young stockpersons from across the country each year.
The standard in 2025 was hailed as the best yet, making it an even more remarkable feat for the Cork sisters. This week we spoke to the two girls, who are currently loving life in university and secondary school.
Background
“We grew up on a suckler farm in west Cork, where we breed pedigree beef Shorthorns and commercials. Growing up I enjoyed each calving season, seeing every calf being born with the different genetics that had been chosen the previous breeding season and picking out calves for the summer show season ahead,” said Gemma, who is currently studying agricultural science at UCD.
Zoe, the younger of the two sisters, who is in her fifth year of Skibbereen Community School, shares the same fondness for the home farm.
The sisters taking a well deserved break during the finals in Ballinrobe Show in 2025. \ Claire Nash
“I always enjoyed getting stuck in all jobs around the farm, but particularly developed a keen interest in cattle.”
Love of showing
Over the years, the pair made quite a name for themselves in the showring, especially with their own Shorthorn cattle.
“Growing up we were always interested in cattle showing and we would go to shows throughout the summer. I started showing cattle at eight years old and haven’t stopped since,” said Zoe.
Gemma was also eight years old when she first got into showing, when the family decided to return to the showring in 2014.
“My first show was Bantry, when my eight-month-old heifer calf won overall champion Shorthorn. Since then our show team has expanded, with more shows being entered every year.
“We enjoy spending the summers on the road meeting new people along the way, who all have great experiences to share, learning new things along the way.”
Zoe Salter being interviewed by judges Sean McGovern and Martin Merrick at the finals in Ballinrobe Show in 2025. \ Claire Nash
Like her sister, Zoe relishes the challenge: “Every year brings a new calf or heifer that I must lead. I really enjoy the challenge of figuring them out, what works best for them and getting them looking their absolute best. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing that hard work come together in the ring.”
Young stockperson competition
In 2025, the pair put their expertise to the test, when they entered the senior and intermediate sections of the FBD All-Ireland Young Stockperson competition. Gemma, who qualified in Midleton Show, “wanted to compete and challenge myself to test my capabilities inside the ring”.
Zoe’s entry into the competition was more by chance.
“I originally entered the Young Stockperson qualifier in 2024 by accident, as it was the only young handler class on the day. I didn’t expect much from it, but after winning that class, it really sparked something in me.”
The following year Zoe qualified at Barryroe Show, admitting, “I really wanted to give it another go, trying to improve my skills in the ring and broaden my knowledge on all things showing. I really enjoyed the challenge it brought, and it encouraged me to learn more about cattle showing and improve my stockmanship skills.”
Ballinrobe Show
Having made the six-hour trip from Cahirciveen to Ballinrobe Show for the finals, the pair were left with the task of borrowing two heifers for the finals.
“We decided it made more sense to borrow a heifer instead of bringing our own. It was the more practical option, as it reduced the stress and fatigue on ourselves and the animals.
“Thankfully we were lucky enough to borrow heifers off a Shorthorn breeder in the area.”
Zoe and Gemma with the overall and reserve overall Shorthorn champions at Barryroe Show in 2023. \ Shanon Kinahan
The day involved ringcraft, stock judging, interviews and grooming sessions, all of which the sisters thoroughly enjoyed.
“I really enjoyed the full experience, meeting new people in the showing scene from all over the country. It’s a very valuable way to see how other people prepare their stock, giving me new ideas that I can use on my own animals,” said Gemma.
“The part I enjoyed most was being in the ring having all the work – early mornings and late nights, come together,” added Zoe.
Advice
The sisters urged anyone thinking of entering the competition to give it a try.
“I would advise all young stockpeople from across the country to enter into their local qualifiers and give it a go.
“The most important thing is give it your all, but not to take it too seriously, as the most enjoyment is to be taken from meeting new people along the way and the memories that are made,” Gemma said.
Zoe advised future competitors to pay attention to the small details.
“I learned to pay attention to the smaller details that make a big difference in the ring. It taught me to stay calm under pressure and adapt to different situations on the day, but most importantly enjoy yourself and have fun.”
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