Clubs from across Co Antrim enjoy a great start to 2026
What a fantastic start to 2026 for members of the biggest and best county within the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster.
January kicked off with the return of the ten pin bowling competition, where Randalstown YFC bowled their way to an impressive third place overall.
Next up was stage two of the Great Farmers’ Bake-Off, held on 20th January in Glarryford’s Club Hall.
The much-loved home management competition made a welcome return in refreshed style, giving members the chance to showcase their baking skills with creativity and flair. The challenge? Create a no bake traybake in just one hour, judged on uniformity, creativity, and taste. Thanks go to Sharon Magowan, who lent her expertise to the difficult task of judging. Congratulations to Frankie Hilton (Lisnamurrican YFC), Bethany Park (Holestone YFC), Kerri Mullan (The Glens YFC), Felicity McConnell (Straid YFC), and Leah Maxwell (Lylehill YFC) for their excellent bakes on the night.
A special mention to Emily Baird (Straid YFC), who achieved third place in the finals with the theme Childhood Memories.
It’s safe to say there are brains in Lisnamurrican YFC after all, the club proudly secured both first and second place in the NI quiz competition held at Laurelhill School, Lisburn.
In the photography competition, Emma Knox (Crumlin YFC) captured the essence of Something Old, Something New with a picture-perfect image of her new ewe and lamb, earning her a well-deserved second place.
February is always a standout month as Arts Festival season begins.
Co Antrim was delighted to see a fantastic turnout across three vibrant nights at Ballymena Academy.
Well done to Randalstown YFC and Finvoy YFC on energetic performances.
Celebrations continued in style at Ballymena Rugby Club for the after party – a special thanks to Beverly and her team for keeping everyone refreshed throughout the evening.
Members also displayed outstanding skill in the demonstration and presentation competition, enlightening judges on topics ranging from AI’ing a cow, lambing an ewe, making overnight oats, and dehydrating apples.
Congratulations to Amy Scullion (Kilraughts YFC), Jack Orr (Kilraughts YFC), Eva Walker (Randalstown YFC), Lois McCurdy (Moycraig YFC), Chloe Jamison (Moycraig YFC), Laura Murray (Crumlin YFC), Rachel Smith (Moycraig YFC), and Kerri Mullan (The Glens YFC) for earning places in the finals.
Laura Patterson from Holestone YFC took the opportunity to represent the YFCU at Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ competition weekend alongside fellow Co Down member Octavia Wilson.
An enjoyable yet insightful weekend was had with plenty of ideas to be discussed.
As February drew to a close, the clubs rounded off the month with the Co Antrim Big Night, hosted in partnership with Boogie Bingo at The Wild Duck Inn, Portglenone.
Thanks to everyone who joined us to dance, boogie, and enjoy a lively night of bingo with Lisnamurrican YFC sweeping up every prize on offer.
A huge thank you to everyone who has helped make 2026 such a successful year so far. Here’s to many more achievements to come.