Derryola Maverick claims Dexter Championship at Castlewellan Show

Judging on the occasion was Silke Warneke who had travelled all the way from Germany to judge through a superb turnout of quality cattle on display.

First class of the day saw the eight-year-old cow, Ballyloughan Lola, shown by Sylvia Henry take the red rosette, closely followed Ballydavey Harriet in second place from Julian Wilson.

The 2024 born heifer class saw another fine turnout of stock, with judge Silke Warneke placing Derryola Jane at the top of the lineup for Ryan Lavery. This heifer was closely followed in second position by Ballyloughan Rionagh from Sylvia Henry and Derryola Uno in third position for Ryan Lavery.

In the 2025 born heifer class, it was RoyalHillbro Hallie from Julian Wilson, who caught the eye of the judge closely followed by Derryola Lizzo in second also from Ryan Lavery. Robbie Neill picked up a third-place rosette in this class with his heifer, Buckna Imogen.

A fine show in the senior bull class saw Derryola Maverick take first place for Ryan Lavery, closely followed by Planetree Cerberus from Matthew and Grace Bloomer.

In the junior bull class, it was Derryola Hot Shot from Ryan Lavery, who took home the red rosette, making his debut to the showring at Castlewellan.

Moving on and another red rosette for Sylivia Henry, with Ballyloughan Tamora topping the class in the calf section. Taking home a blue rosette for Julian Wilson was RoyalHillbro Harlow.

In the pairs section it was Ryan Lavery with his 2024 bull and heifer who took home the red rosette followed by a pair of females from Sylvia Henry in second place.

In the Championship line-up it was a super day for Ryan Lavery with Derryola Maverick being tapped out by judge Silke Warneke as Champion alongside Derryola Jane, winner of the 2024 born heifer class in Reserve.

A good turnout of young handlers saw Jack Wilson claim the red rosette in the 8–12-year-old category, with Callum Sinclaire winning the under 13–18 year-old category.

Dexter breeders would like to thank Castlewellan Show for kindly hosting classes, judge Silke Warneke for travelling across to judge and class sponsor Jubilee Veterinary, Newtownards.

Results

Class 211- Dexter Cow or heifer born on or before 31st Dec 2023 (2 Forward): 1st Ballyloughan Lola, Sylvia Henry; 2nd Ballydavey Harriet, Julian Wilson

Class 212- Dexter Heifer born in 2024 (4 Forward): 1st Derryola Jane, Ryan Lavery; 2nd Ballyloughan Rionagh, Sylvia Henry; 3rd Derryola Uno, Ryan Lavery; 4th Derryola Lara, Ryan Lavery

Class 213- Dexter Heifer born in 2025 (3 Forward): 1st RoyalHillBro Hallie, Julian Wilson; 2nd Derryola Lizzo, Ryan Lavery; 3rd Buckna Imogen, Robbie Neill

Class 214- Dexter Senior Bull born on or before 31st Dec 2024 (2 Forward): 1st Derryola Maverick, Ryan Lavery; 2nd Planetree Cerberus, Matthew and Grace Bloomer

Class 215- Dexter Junior Bull born in 2025 (1 Forward): 1st Derryola Hot Shot, Ryan Lavery

Class 216- Dexter Bull or Heifer born in 2026 (2 Forward): 1st Ballyloughan Tamora, Sylvia Henry; 2nd RoyalHillbro Harlow, Julian Wilson

Class 217- Dexter Pairs (2 Forward): 1st Ryan Lavery; 2nd Sylvia Henry

Class 218- Dexter Young Handler age 8-12 years: 1st Jack Wilson; 2nd Angus Neil; 3rd Bella Wilson

Class 211- Dexter Young Handler age 13-18 years: 1st Callum Sinclaire

Champion - Derryola Maverick, Ryan Lavery

Reserve Champion- Derryola Jane, Ryan Lavery