The winners of the 2017 Munster Aberdeen-Angus Club herds competition were announced at a ceremony at the Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, earlier in the month. Louis Byrne, who runs the Tomriland herd in Co Wicklow, officiated at this year’s competition.

Tim and Sheila O’ Brien, Coomnaclohy, Ballyvourney, Co Cork, took the top position in the small herd section with their Carraig Dubh Herd. Tim and Sheila also won the special prize for the best bull calf with the 2017-born Carraig Dubh Mac T440, who is sired by Carrigroe Kian.

John and Kate Tait, Westwood, Rostellan, Midleton, Co Cork, took top honours in the medium herd section with their Westellen herd. The Westellen herd also took home the prize for the best heifer calf with Westellen Flora S809. This young heifer was sired by Cheeklaw Eirwyn and previously secured the runner-up spot in the inaugural Munster heifer of the year competition, earlier in the summer.

Albert and Jennifer DeCogan, Killamuckey, Castlemartyr, Co Cork, added another title to their ever-growing list by clinching the best large herd prize. The DeCogans also won the Drummeer Award for the best stock bull with their senior bull, Cheeklaw Jake Eric R535. This bull had previously taken the overall senior championship at the National Livestock Show, Tullamore, last month.

Eustace and Deirdre Burke, Ballyginnane, Carrigaline, Co Cork, secured the Mogeely Trophy for the best cow family with their prolific Lady H family at Clontead. This cow family was introduced from foundation female Springmount Winnie and four generations of this line are standing at Clontead. Notable family members include the Clontead Lady Honey, Clontead Lady Hailey and Clontead Lady Holly cow lines.

The last big award of the night, the best new entrant prize, was won by Billy Fitzgerald, Beanfield, Youghal, Co Cork, for his Ashview herd. A relatively new face on the pedigree cattle breeding scene in Munster, Billy has made a very positive impact, particularly on the summer show circuit, where his newly established herd has won many prizes and rosettes.

Small Herd Section

1st: Tim & Sheila O’ Brien – Carraig Dubh Herd

2nd: Edward Dudley – Castlelough Herd

3rd: Henry Dudley – Killea Herd

Medium Herd Section

1st: John & Kate Tait – Westellen Herd

Large Herd Section

1st: Albert & Jennifer DeCogan – Mogeely Herd

2nd: Eustace & Deirdre Burke – Clontead Herd

3rd: Brian Jeffrey – Knock Herd

NI Blonde herds competition winners

The 2017 Northern Ireland Blonde cattle club herd’s competition provided a packed itinerary in July for judge Dessie Greene of the Scauchmolin Herd, Co Wexford.

The herd competition, which was divided up into large and small categories, also saw individual awards for best cow and calf, best stock bull and best senior heifer.

He named the winners as follows:

Large herd winner: Drumraymond Blondes.

Large herd runner-up: Ivaniskey Blondes.

Small herd winner: Ballygowan Blondes.

Small herd runner-up: Drumnafern Blondes.

Best cow and calf: Ballymacan Isobel.

Reserve cow and calf: Drumraymond Hidi Ho.

Best senior heifer: Drumnafern Legacy.

Reserve senior heifer: Silverwood Lily.

Best stock bull: Silverwood Blondes with Ardmore Gargoyle.

Reserve stock bull: Ivaniskey Blondes with Ark Lucas.

Greene commented on the overall standard of stock viewed, highlighting the ease of fleshing, great commercial attributes and consistency throughout.

He pointed out that the selection of winners in the individual animal categories proved difficult due to the numbers of quality cattle viewed.

The judge congratulated all the winners and entrants on their continued efforts, keeping the great fleshing and natural length of the breed to the fore.

The prizes will be presented at the club’s annual dinner Dance on 21 October in Corick House, Clogher, Co Tyrone.

Tickets can be reserved by contacting Club Vice-Chairman Roger Johnston on 0777 627 8313.