Simmental Pair of the Year final at Enniskillen

Sponsored by Merial Animal Health, the competition is now in its eleventh year, and will reach a climax at Fermanagh County Show next Wednesday (August 3).

Breeders have been competing throughout the summer to qualify for a place in the final line-up.

Sponsor, Philip Clarke, territory sales manager of Merial Animal Health said: “The competition is growing from strength-to-strength, and attracts the cream of the Province’s Simmental cattle. Congratulations and good luck to all those who qualified for this year’s final. I have no doubt that the final line-up will feature some strong contenders for the title.”

The winner of the 2016 Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year Competition will receive the prestigious Merial Crystal Decanter and a 500mls pack of Ivomec Super injection. All finalists will be awarded a 200mls pack of Ivomec Super.

Judge for the event is English breeder Bridget Borlase from the noted Sacombe and Perrywood Herds based in Hertfordshire.

NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club chairman Matthew Cunning added: “The Ivomec Super Pair of the Year competition is one of the highlights in the club’s annual calendar. Thanks to Merial Animal Health for its continued sponsorship; and good luck to all of the qualifiers competing at next week’s final.”

Ivomec Super is an endectocide which kills fluke, worms and external parasites in one injection. The product has been producing consistent results for more than 20 years, and it is easy and convenient to administer.

Qualifiers for the 2016 Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year competition include:

Balmoral Show: Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim – Lisglass Fabulous by Dermotstown Delboy, and Lisglass Felicity by Dermotstown Delboy.

Lurgan Show: Duncan McDowell, Newtownards, Co Down – Castlemount Goldsmith by Celtic Comet, and Castlemount Bianca 2 by Slievenagh Bon Jovi.

Armagh Show: Joe Wilson, Newry, Co Down – Ballinlare Farm Golden Balls by Auchorachan Wizard, and Ballinlare Farm Galaxy by Auchorachan Wizard.

Omagh Show: Cecil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone - Corrick Gareth by Carbery Carribbean, and Corrick Faith by Carbery Carribbean.

Castlewellan Show: David and Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon, Co Tyrone – Ranfurly Lady Diana 24th by Raceview King, and Ranfurly General by Kilbride Farm Warren.

Castlewellan Show: Robert Forde, Tempo, Co Fermanagh – Mullyknock Gallant by Anatrim Bodybuilder, and Mullyknock Greg by Anatrim Bodybuilder.

Clogher Show: William Nelson Rosslea, Co Fermanagh – Drumacritten George by Dermotstown Delboy, and Drumacritten Gareth by Omorga Murray.

Traditionally Fermanagh County Show also hosts the finals of the Simmental Club’s Male and Female of the Year Awards. Danske Bank (formerly Northern Bank) has been sole sponsor of this competition since 1997. The winners are determined using a points system which is collated at nominated shows throughout the summer. Commemorative engraved crystal tankards, rosettes and cash awards will be presented to the winners and runners-up.

Club chairman Matthew Cunning concluded: “We are indebted to Danske Bank for its continued sponsorship of this competition. There has been strong competition in the Simmental classes on the summer show circuit, and it is almost time to add up the points and reveal the winners of the 2016 awards.”

Next week will be busy for members of the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club, as its annual charity barbecue takes place in Dungannon Rugby Club on Friday, August 5, commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £15 each, and this year’s chosen charity is the Horizon West Childrens Hospice in County Fermanagh. To reserve tickets contact club secretary Robin Boyd tel: 07799 346784.