For the most part the evening stayed dry, but even the odd shower did not dampen the competitors' enthusiasm. The Area Heat consisted of five age groups made up of YFCU members from various clubs in Counties Down and Armagh. The top four competitors from each County age group have made it through to the grand final of the YFCU Beef and Sheep Stockjudging Competition which will be held on Wednesday 2nd July 2008 at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus.
The County Heats are continuing this week with Co Londonderry clubs competing on Tuesday 24th June in Maghera, Co Antrim clubs on Wednesday 25th June in Cullybackey and Co Tyrone and Co Fermanagh clubs taking part in an Area Heat on Thursday 26th June in Enniskillen.
YFCU President, Adrian Cooper, expressed his delight at the success of the Counties Down and Armagh Area Heat.
"To have over 150 YFCU members competing in the first Heat of the Annual Beef and Sheep Stockjudging competition reflects the popularity of this event and highlights the interest and skill members of the clubs have in learning to identify good quality stock. With County and Area Heats continuing this week, we look forward to an exciting grand final on the 2nd July 2008.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ulster Bank for their continued support with the Annual Beef and Sheep Stockjudging Competition and personally thank Jayne Devenney, Ulster Bank Commercial Manager, Moira who came along to the event. Also thanks must go to the Judges and Stewards who gave their valued expertise on the evening," Adrian added.
The Area Heat results for Counties Down and Armagh are as follows:
County Armagh Beef
16-18 Age Group
1. Stephen Reid (Collone YFC) 115
2. Philip Kennedy (Collone YFC) 109
18-21 Age Group
1. Nicola Harrison (Bleary YFC) 148
2. Suzanne Haliday (Bleary YFC) 142
County Armagh Sheep
16-18 Age Group
1. Philip Kennedy (Collone YFC) 142; 2. Stephen Reid (Collone YFC) 140
18-21 Age Group
1. Nicola Harrison (Bleary YFC) 152
2. Suzanne Haliday (Bleary YFC) 144
County Down Beef
12-14 Age Group
1. Conor Allister (Annaclone YFC) 201.5 err 8; 2. Alan Thompson (Annaclone YFC) 201.5 err 9; 3. Kerry Angus (Ballywalter Jnr YFC) 187.5 err 5; 4. Jenny Martin (Ballywalter YFC) 187.5 err 7
14-16 Age Group
1. Rachel Martin (Newtownards YFC) 195.5; 2. Lynne Patterson (Killinchy YFC) 195; 3. David Sleater (Annaclone YFC) 191.5; 4. Kate McCormick (Donaghadee YFC) 189
16-18 Age Group
1. Stuart Cromie (Annaclone YFC) 143; 2. Aaron Craig (Annaclone YFC) 138; 3. James Tounley (Moneyrea YFC) 134; 4. Kimberly McConnell (Spa YFC) 128
18-21 Age Group
1. Clare Johnston (Donaghadee YFC) 144; 2. Andrew McMordie (Moneyrea YFC) 138; 3. Jonathan Sleator (Annaclone YFC) 135; 4. Lynne Boyce (Killinchy YFC) 134
21-25 Age Group
1. Paul Dunn (Donaghadee YFC) 147; 2. David Matthews (Donaghadee YFC) 145; 3. William McMordie (Moneyrea YFC) 135 ; 4. Peter Drummond (Donaghadee YFC) 132
County Down Sheep
12-14 Age Group
1. Jordan Kelly (Annaclone YFC) 196.5; 2. Aaron Caughey (Donaghadee YFC) 194.5; 3. Ryan Telford (Donaghadee YFC) 193.54. Heather Martin (Newtownards YFC) 192.5
14-16 Age Group
1. Graeme Warden (Newtownards YFC) 197.5; 2. Stuart Allister (Annaclone YFC) 196; 3. Kate McCormick (Donaghadee YFC) 193
4. Hannah Robinson (Newtownards YFC) 192
16-18 Age Group
1. Kim McConnell (Spa YFC) 157
2. Jocelyn Orr (Spa YFC) 156
3. Jane Cowan (Annaclone YFC) 146
4. David Simpson (Hillhall YFC) 144
18-21 Age Group
1. Stephen Cowan (Annaclone YFC) 159; 2. David Dodd (Spa YFC) 157; 3. Christa McMordie (Spa YFC) 154; 4. Gregory McKelvey (Spa YFC) 153
21-25 Age Group
1. William Kelly (Spa YFC) 156; 2. Andy Cowan (Annaclone YFC) 154; 3. Jonathan Connelly (Moneyrea YFC) 154; 4. Peter Drummond (Donaghadee YFC) 152