Judging was in the capable hands of experienced breeder and exhibitor John Barry Moran of Brocca Blondes, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
John chose his champion from the junior heifer class winner, Ballygowan Alison. Alison is a March '25 born daughter of Hallfield Titan and out of an Ark Maverick-sired dam. Reserve Champion went to Dernasigh Tiger Lily with her calf at foot, Angel Eyes.
The much-anticipated Club Calf Championship Final, sponsored by Northwick House, was retained by the Ballygowan Herd with their October-born heifer, Alice. Alice is sired by Bridge Obama and out of a homebred heifer by Ballygowan Noble. Standing reserve was Moneyscalp Archie from Messers McClelland; Archie is sired by Allacott Herbert and out of Moneyscalp Shauna.
Third place went to Ballygowan Babs, and fourth to Silverwood Ariel. Well done to Odhran O'Neill of Corrick Blondes for winning the pairs with his two young bulls, Corrick Azzuro and Andre.
The young handlers stole the show, with Seanan McGartland winning the junior class and his sister, Caitlin, following suit in the senior class. Well done to George Gibson for making his debut in the junior class, and to his brother, Matthew, for winning the 8–10 interbreed section and securing reserve junior interbreed handler.
Judge John Barry described his breed champion, Alison, as a great square heifer with perfect legs and feet, a feminine head, and overall an excellent example of the breed. He described Tiger Lily as a very powerful cow doing a fantastic job with her calf.
The Calf Champion, Ballygowan Alice, showed great presence, good locomotion, and style. He noted that the reserve, Moneyscalp Archie, was long and wide, making him highly suitable for breeding future show winners.
Clogher Valley Show Results 2026
Heifer born in 2024: 1st Coole Tess
Heifer born in 2025: 1st Ballygowan Alison; 2nd Ballygowan Alice; 3rd Silverwood Ariel; 4th Silverwood Ava
Bull born in 2025: 1st Moneyscalp Archie; 2nd Ballygowan Angus; 3rd Drumnafern Arthur; 4th Ballymacan Archie; 5th Corrick Azzuro; 6th Corrick Andre
Cow, in calf or in milk: 1st Dernasigh Tiger Lily (with Angel Eyes)
Calf born on or after 1st January 2026: 1st Ballygowan Babs; 2nd Ballymacan Bear
Pairs: 1st Corrick Blondes; 2nd Ballygowan Blondes
NI Club Calf Championship (Sponsored by Northwick House): 1st Ballygowan Alice; 2nd Moneyscalp Archie; 3rd Ballygowan Babs; 4th Silverwood Ariel
Championship
Champion: Ballygowan Alison
Reserve Champion: Dernasigh Tiger Lily
Young Handlers
Senior: 1st Caitlin McGartland; 2nd Kacey Bowman
Junior: 1st Seanan McGartland; 2nd Matthew Gibson; 3rd George Gibson
8–10 Interbreed Young Handlers: 1st Matthew Gibson
The NI Club would like to thank John Barry Moran for doing a professional job of placing all the classes. A huge well done to all the exhibitors for preparing, presenting, and showing what was the biggest turnout of Blondes since Balmoral. Well done also to the young handlers, who have improved consistently throughout the year.
Thanks to Northwick House for their continued sponsorship of the NI Club's Calf Championship. Bo's photos, as always, beautifully caught the mood, and the club really appreciate his effort and patience. Last but not least, thank you to the Johnston Family for their fabulous hospitality, which helped raise over £200 for the Children's Heartbeat Trust.
In other news, watch out for the Club's Open Weekend on 14–16 August—all Club members and friends are welcome! Don't miss the online sale of bulls and heifers closing the following weekend on MartEye.
Photo Credit: Bo Davidson
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Blonde junior handlers, Seanan, Matthew and George with Judge John Barry Moran. Photo: freelance
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Brian McGartland with the junior handler winners, Seanan and Caitlin. Photo: freelance
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Blonde Champion Ballygowan Alison with Kacey Bowman, Judge John Barry Moran and David, Matthew and George Gibson. Photo: freelance