A strong entry of calves was brought forward by exhibitors from across Northern Ireland for one of the club's flagship events, which attracted a large ringside crowd and keen interest throughout the day.
Judging duties fell to Mike Alford of Foxhill Farm, Devon, one of the UK's leading Charolais breeding establishments. The Foxhill prefix is synonymous with quality cattle and has enjoyed sustained success in both pedigree and commercial competition over many years. The show also welcomed British Charolais Cattle Society chairman Neil Blythe, who commended Northern Ireland exhibitors on the excellent standard of cattle presented.
After a strong day's competition, the Supreme Championship honours went to Sean McGovern & Daughters with their outstanding heifer Ratoary Angel. Having already claimed the Senior Female Championship, the stylish youngster caught the judge's eye once again to stand at the top of the day's line-up. She is sired by the renowned Blelack Digger and out of Palace Tassie.
Taking Reserve Supreme Champion honours was Ardmachree Bonnie from Aaron Quigley. The impressive heifer is by Grinshill Roger, the herd sire shared with the Phair family, and out of the home-bred Ardmachree Shauna.
S&D Bothwell secured the Senior Male Championship with Killadeas Alonso, a powerful son of the renowned Barnsford Ferny out of Bathayock Rebecca, while Sean McGovern & Daughters took the reserve title with Ratoary Axle, another impressive bull by Palace Supreme and out of the home-bred Ratoary Unwin.
The Junior Female Championship went the way of Shane McGlone with TintaghHouse Brianna, a stylish heifer sired by Alanfauld Superscot and out of Brogher Tiffany. Reserve honours were awarded to WD & JA Connolly's Brigadoon Beryl, a promising daughter of Balymyle Sandy and Brigadoon Prudence.
WD & JA Connolly also enjoyed success in the Junior Male section, taking both championship and reserve championship honours with Brigadoon Bodie and Brigadoon Bergamo respectively. Both bulls displayed plenty of length, power and breed character and are sired by Balymyle Sandy and out of the home-bred cows Brigadoon Tori and Brigadoon Milan.
The Connolly family rounded off a memorable day by winning the Group of Three competition with a well-matched Brigadoon trio, all sired by Balymyle Sandy. The Killadeas team from S&D Bothwell followed closely behind in second place.
Judge Mike Alford commented on the depth of quality throughout the show and the consistency of the cattle presented before him, praising both the standard of breeding and the presentation of the animals on the day.
The Northern Ireland Charolais Club extends its thanks to judge Mike Alford, all sponsors, exhibitors, stewards and supporters who helped make the event another successful showcase for the Charolais breed.
Full Results
Supreme Champion: Champion: Ratoary Angel - Sean McGovern & Daughters, Reserve: Ardmachree Bonnie - Aaron Quigley
Senior Female Champion - Sponsored by Bullbank: Champion: Ratoary Angel - Sean McGovern & Daughters, Reserve: Ardmachree Bonnie - Aaron Quigley
Senior Male Champion - Sponsored by Drumlins Vets: Champion: Killadeas Alonzo - S&D Bothwell, Reserve: Ratoary Axle - Sean McGovern & Daughters
Junior Female Champion - Sponsored by Smyth Daleside: Champion: TintaghHouse Brianna - Shane McGlone, Reserve: Brigadoon Beryl - WD & JA Connolly
Junior Male Champion - Sponsored by K Genetics: Champion: Brigadoon Bodie - WD & JA Connolly, Reserve: Brigadoon Bergamo - WD & JA Connolly
Groups - Sponsored by Dickson Group Insurance: 1st: Brigadoon - WD & JA Connolly, 2nd: Killadeas - S&D Bothwell
Class 1 – Heifers - Sponsored by North West DPF Services: 1st: Ratoary Angel - Sean McGovern & Daughters, 2nd: Killadeas Ava - S&D Bothwell, 3rd: Ballymather Adele - Ian & David Rea
Class 2 – Bulls - Sponsored by Heron Feeds: 1st: Killadeas Alonzo - S&D Bothwell, 2nd: Killadeas Aberdeen - S&D Bothwell, 3rd: Ballymather Atlas - Ian & David Rea
Class 3 – Heifers - Sponsored by Heron Construction:1st: Ardmachree Bonnie - Aaron Quigley, 2nd: Ardmachree Bella - Aaron Quigley, 3rd: Cullaghmore Bonny - Wayne Knox
Class 4 – Bulls - Sponsored by Crudden Dolan Accountants: 1st: Ratoary Axle - Sean McGovern & Daughters, 2nd: TintaghHouse Atticus - Shane McGlone,
Class 5 – Heifers - Sponsored by Bothwell Farm Supplies: 1st: TintaghHouse Brianna - Shane McGlone, 2nd: Brigadoon Beryl - WD & JA Connolly, 3rd: Gallion Betty - Edgar Johnston
Class 6 – Bulls - Sponsored by Bullseye AI: 1st: Brigadoon Bodie - WD & JA Connolly, 2nd: Brigadoon Bergamo - WD & JA Connolly, 3rd: Killadeas Bruno - S&D Bothwell
Class 7 – Heifers - Sponsored by East Down Farmers: 1st: Killadeas Becca - S&D Bothwell, 2nd: Brigadoon Baltimore - WD & JA Connolly, 3rd: Shivey Betsie - Niall Cameron Hamilton
Class 8 – Bulls - Sponsored by Parkview Vets, Strabane: 1st: Oldstone Bruno – H Marquess & K McConnell, 2nd: Brigadoon Bugatti - WD & JA Connolly
Class 9 – Heifers - Sponsored by Northern Counties Co-op Enterprise Ltd: 1st: Drumbulcan Bella – J&P Jennings, 2nd: Killadeas Boe - S&D Bothwell, 3rd: Gallion Barbara - Edgar Johnston
1. The Brigadoon Herd of WD & JA Connolly, winners of the Group of Three..JPG
The Brigadoon Herd of WD & JA Connolly, winners of the Group of Three Photo: freelance
2. Killadeas Alonzo, Senior Male Champion, exhibited by S & D Bothwell, pictured with a representative from Drumlins Vets.JPG
Killadeas Alonzo, Senior Male Champion, exhibited by S & D Bothwell, pictured with a representative from Drumlins Vets Photo: freelance
3. Brigadoon Beryl, Reserve Junior Female Champion, exhibited by WD & JA Connolly..JPG
Brigadoon Beryl, Reserve Junior Female Champion, exhibited by WD & JA Connolly Photo: freelance
4. Brigadoon Bodie, Junior Male Champion, exhibited by WD & JA Connolly.JPG
Brigadoon Bodie, Junior Male Champion, exhibited by WD & JA Connolly. Photo: freelance