Simmental breeders celebrate fine year

Chairman Richard Rodgers welcomed everyone and said it was encouraging to see such an excellent turnout of club members and sponsors.

He gave a resume of the club’s activities throughout the year, congratulating members on their show and sale successes both at home and on the UK mainland.

Vice-chairman Matthew Cunning said it had been another busy year, and thanked the sponsors for their continued financial support. Sponsors include: Millburn Concrete, Danske Bank, Edenvale Simmental Herd, Connon General Merchants, Irwin Feeds, Bimeda, Gibney Steel, T-Met, Comfort Mats, Bank of Ireland, Woodcraft Kitchen (Kilrea), Merial Animal Health, Animax.

The awards were presented by Mrs Sandra Rodgers.

Award winners include:

Danske Bank Silver Salver, for the champion at the club’s spring show and sale: Kilbride Farm Eric bred by WH Robson and Sons, Doagh.

Trophy for best of opposite sex to the champion at the club’s spring show and sale: Knockreagh Emily bred by Val and Conrad Fegan, Rostrevor.

Bruces Hill Cattle Company Trophy, for the champion at the club’s May show and sale: Kilmore Finlay bred by Chris Traynor, Armagh.

SH Watterson (Oakland) Perpetual Cup, for the top priced bull at the club’s spring show and sale: Kilbride Farm Eric bred by WH Robson and Sons.

Irwin Perpetual Challenge Cup, for the supreme overall champion at Balmoral Show: Dermotstown Del Boy owned by Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare.

William Black Memorial Cup, for the male champion at Balmoral Show: Dermotstown Del Boy, owned by Leslie and Christopher Weatherup.

The News Letter Shield, for the junior champion at Balmoral Show: Kilmore Franko bred by Chris Traynor.

Bobby Gamble Perpetual Challenge trophy, for the best Simmental heifer at Balmoral Show: Coolcran Lady Erin bred by Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo.

Bangor and Six Road Ends Trophy, and British Simmental Cattle Society cow bell, for the female champion at Balmoral Show: Raceview Cindy Matilda owned by Wesley Abraham, Irvinestown.

Silver Award, for the best exhibit bred in Northern Ireland: Coolcran Lady Erin bred by Shane and Paul McDonald.

Irwins Feeds Perpetual Challenge Cup, for the best junior bull at Clogher Valley Show: Ranfurly Formula 1 ET bred by David and Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon.

Danske Bank Crystal Award, for the Female of the Year: Scribby Farms Exquisiter bred by Keith and Andrea Nelson, Rosslea.

Danske Bank Crystal Award, for the Reserve Female of the Year: Raceview Cindy Matilda owned by Wesley Abraham.

Danske Bank Crystal Award, for the Male of the Year: Ranfurly Formula 1 ET bred by David and Jonny Hazelton.

Danske Bank Crystal Award, for the Reserve Male of the Year: Dermotstown Delboy owned by Leslie and Christopher Weatherup.

Merial Animal Health Crystal Award, for the Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year: Kilmore Floyd and Kilmore Fitz bred by Chris Traynor.

DANI Rosebowl, for the best performance recorded Simmental bull: Kilmore Fitz bred by Chris Traynor.

Perpetual Shield, for the Young Stockperson of the Year: Jason Whitcroft, Armagh.

Pair of Engraved Crystal Goblets, for the champion at Balmoral Show: Leslie and Christopher Weatherup.

Pair of Engraved Crystal Goblets, for the champion at Armagh Show: Wesley Abraham.

Betty Walker Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup, for the Club Member of the Year 2015: Andrew Clarke, Tynan.

Carnkern Cup, for the winner of the under 21 stockjudging competition: Cara Moore, Beragh, and Kyle Hayes, Upper Ballinderry.

NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club Cup, for the winner of the open stockjudging competition: Pat Kelly.