The interbreed championship in Mullingar yesterday proved to be the most competitive and closely contested interbreed in the Midlands show in recent years.

Once again, the 25-month-old Limousin heifer Baileys Ice Princess exhibited by the Connell brothers from Oldcastle, Co Meath came out on top. But Baileys' Darwin daughter was made work for it, as a number of the other breed champions were in very close contention.

On her tail in reserve was the overall Hereford champion exhibited by Basil Arnold from Killeshandra, Co Cavan. The young March 2014-born bull sired by Goulding Poll 1 Super Duty was much admired around the ringside and fought off stiff competition to take the reserve interbreed championship.

Representing the Simmental breed was Garret Behan from Portlaoise with Clonagh Darlng Eyes accompanied by her young heifer calf at foot. The three-year-old daughter of the herd’s stock bull Banwy T-Rex claimed the overall Simmental championship, ahead of the young bull Shiloh-Farm Forever Royal exhibited by young Sarah Murray from Moate, Co Westmeath.

Charolais Dundalk winner shines again

Heading up the Charolais section was Martin Clyne from Edgeworthston, Co Longford with Cassina Izzy. The September 2013-born daughter of CF 52 was crowned champion in Dundalk already this year. In reserve was the September 2014 born bull Sionhill Jasper sired by Sionhill Commander and exhibited by Ronan Carey from Killucan, Co Westmeath.

JJ and Cathal Mc Cormack from Tulsk, Co Roscommon won the Angus section. Claiming the championship for them was their September 2014-born bull sired by their stock bull The Moss Kris. In reserve was well known Angus breeder John Mc Enroe from Oldcastle, Co Westmeath with his cow and heifer calf outfit. In the Shorthorn section the Dowd’s from Creggs, Co. Galway were awarded the overall championship for Creaga Gipsy with her heifer calf Creaga Lacy at foot.

Over in the commercial ring, Robert Mc Givern from Co Cork was rewarded for his long journey up the country, as he went home with the Beef to Heel bullock championship for his Lim/Blue cross bullock.

Topping off proceedings, the Maxwell brother’s from Co Roscommon claimed the Beef to Heel heifer championship with their black heifer Midnight Express.