Calf Show 2012

2012 Calf Show & Young Handler Competition

The Northern Ireland Blue Cattle Club held their 6^th Annual Calf Show and Young Handler Competition on Saturday 11^th August 2012 at Moira Pedigree Sales Arena. While the sun shone, members travelled from throughout the province to attend this prestigious event. Entrants arrived from early to mid-morning to have their calves ready for the 11am start.

CALF SHOW

Sponsored by Donnelly Group, this event attracts great support and enthusiasm from the competitors. The competition was open to calves registered from 12^th August 2011 with four classes for bulls and four classes for heifers. Judging was in the capable hands of the well-known Mr Richard Mackey from Dromore who was introduced to the spectators by the vice chairman, Jason Edgar. The bull classes were the first forward for judging.

Bull Class for 1-3 months winner was Springhill Hunter from sire Kubitus de Bray and dam Springhill Winner, owned by Martin Brothers.

Bull class one winner was Emily Martin Oliver and Olivia Berry pictured with club vice chairman Jason Edgar representing Donnolly Group sponsors

Bull Class for 4-6 months winner was Faughanvale Hugh from sire Gitan du Ptit Mayeur and dam Faughanvale Cinderella, owned by Oliver McGuiness. It went on to earn Reserve Male Champion.

Winners of the champion 4-6 month Calf and reserve Male Oliver McGuiness with Liam and Chrisopher McGuniness and Jason Edgar representing Donnelly Group Dungannon

Bull Class for 7-9 months winner was Alans Hot Stuff from sire Ballykeel Alpha and dam Alans Easter Bunny, owned by Alan Burleigh. It went on to win Champion Male, then Reserve Supreme Champion.

Reserve overall champion and male champion owned by Alan Burleigh and shown by Eimear McGovern with Richard Mackey Judge

Bull Class for 10-12 months winner was Drumboy Gerry from sire Barbier and dam Glencloy Blacknose, owned by Oliver McCann.

First in the Blue class 4 10-12 months Oliver McCann Jack Doran Shane Dornan and Katie McCann with Libby Young representing the Donnolly Group at the British Blue Calf show in Moira. Picture Kevin McAuley/Kevin McAuley Photography Multimedia

First in class 4, 10 - 12 months Oliver McCann Jack Doran Shane Dornan and Katie McCann with Libby Young representing the Donnolly Group

Heifer Class for 1-3 months winner was Bridlenas Cash Honey from sire Harpon de L’Orgelot and dam Faughanvale Ester, owned by Brendan Mulholland.

Heifer Class for 4-6 months winner was Springbank Hobble from sire Dafydd D’OChain and dam Springbank Ebbe, owned by Corrina and Ivan Gordon.

Heifer Class for 7-9 months winner was Faughanvale Heather from sire Romancier de Charlevaux and dam Lukeroyal Super Model, owned by Oliver McGuiness. It went on to earn Reserve Female Champion.

Reserve female champion went to Oliver McGuinness with Libby Young representing sponsor's Donnelly Group

Heifer Class for 10-12 months winner was Keadyview Gorgeous from sire Harisson de Platte and dam Woodview Carol, owned by Steven OKane and Lynsay Lawrence. It went on to win Female Champion and Supreme Champion

Stephen O Kane Overall Champion with Turlough O Kane and Lynsay Lawerence and judge Richard Mackey

Richard was delighted with the animals on show and commented that his choice of Supreme Champion was an animal he very much admired. The club chairman, Ivan Gordon thanked Richard for judging this event and presented him with a gift. He also thanked Donnelly Group for their sponsorship and concluded with thanks to the club members for their support.

Raymond Donnelly (2nd left) with some NI Blue Cattle Club Members and Young Handlers

YOUNG HANDLER COMPETITION

Following the calf show, the young handler competition took place with judging in the capable hands of Naomi Gregg from Ballymena. Naomi has herself competed in many competitions and was looking forward to judging this event. Kindly sponsored by Bank of Ireland, William Thompson was present to congratulate the winners. The competition was split into three different age groups for the young members to show their expertise and knowledge of their calves. The entrants proudly lead their calves round the ring and presented themselves to Naomi for judging.

First place winner in age group 0-8 was Lucy Rodgers from Ballynahinch with her brother Martin taking first place in age group 9-12 and her sister Emma taking first place in age group 13-16, a very successful day for the Rodgers family. All entrants received a Northern Ireland Blue Cattle Club medal with plaques for the first place winners. The club chairman, Ivan Gordon thanked Naomi for judging, Bank of Ireland for their sponsorship and all the young members for taking part.

Junior Competitors with Judge Naomi Gregg and William Thompson Bank of Ireland sponsor

Rodgers family clean up in young handlers Emma, Martin and Lucy all winners in their age groups with judge Naomi Gregg and sponsor William Thompson from Bank of Ireland

Pictures Kevin McAuley/Kevin McAuley Photography Mutimedia