The Charolais National Calf and Heifer Championships in Golden Vale Mart, Tullamore, was played out in front of a huge ringside crowd.

Judging of the entry of over 170 cattle was Basil Bothwell (Dereskit Charolais Herd) in the female ring and Michael Hargroves (Ballydavis Charolais Herd) in the male ring. First to be judged were the senior females and Basil gave his first red rosette of the day to the Canning family from Rosses Point, Co Sligo, for their April 2014-born heifer Sagesse Julieanne (Roughan Gibraltar).

The heifer championship went to Patrick McDermott from Stranorlar, Co Donegal, for Trenamullen Iona 2nd (Bova Sylvain). Reserve heifer championship went to the Ryan Family, Cabra, Thurles, Co Tipperary, for Goldstar Jamaique (Texan Gie).

First into the ring in the calf section were calves born on or after 15 March. Jim Geoghegan, Lisnagre, Streamstown, Co Westmeath, claimed first prize for his heifer calf, Lisnagre Lucky (Elgin Davinci, born in April.

Patrick McDermott received his second red rosette for Trenamullen Laura, born February 2015 and by his stock bull Caherobert Anthony.

Class 3 for female calves was won by Jerry O’Keeffe from Grange, Knocklong, Co Limerick with his heifer Grangwood Jolly Holly (Goldstar Echo) which went on to take the junior heifer calf championship.

The reserve junior heifer calf champion rosette went to the second prize winner from the same class Glenree Lexie (Cottage Devon) bred by John O’Grady, Glenamaddy, Co Galway.

Class four in the heifer calves was won by Aughnasheelin Jaguar (Goldstar Echo) bred by Michael McGirl, Drumany, Aughnasheelin, Co Leitrim. She went on to take the reserve senior heifer calf championship.

Next red rosette went to Jarlath and Charlene Treacy from Claretuam, Tuam, Co Galway, for their Major-bred heifer Claregal Jodi. She went on to take the senior heifer championships sash.

The final heifer calf class went to the Ryan Family from Cabra, Thurles, for their yearling heifer Goldstar Jonquille by Cyrano.

Male cattle

Judging his first major Charolais show, Michael Hargroves awarded his first red rosette to Noel McGoldrick, Cloonohill, Drumlish, Co Longford, for his stylish young calf Cloonohill Lucifer (Fury Action).

Next to receive the coveted red ribbon was Victoria Kells who was showing Dalehill Luke (Prime Roberto) for her father Basil from Bohora, Killeshandra, Co Cavan.

Class 3 in the male calf section was won by the Ryan family from Cabra, Thurles, for Goldstar Luigi (Nevers). He went on to take the Junior Male Calf Championship sash, with the reserve going to Dalehill Luke. The Ryan family also won the next class with Goldstar Jackpot (Goldstar Echo).

In a very strong class of bulls born Oct-Nov 2014, Jim Geoghegan, Streamstown, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, claimed first prize for Lisnagre Jessy (Lisnagre Elite), born 2 November.

Class 6 in the male section saw Mearain Jarvis (Dromiskin Viceroy) bred by Christopher Marron, Shantonagh, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, tapped forward.

The final bull class went to the Feeney Brothers from Enniscrone, Co Sligo, for Bostonia Josh (Elgin Davinci).

The senior male calf championship sash went to Mearain Jarvis from the herd of Christopher Marron, with reserve going to the second place in the same class, Lisnagre Jet Flyer (Lisnagre Elite), bred by Jim Geoghegan.