RUAS host spectacular show and sale at Balmoral Park

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) hosted the third Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships, in partnership with principal sponsor Bank of Ireland, which took place on Tuesday, November 24 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Nov 2020, 10:00 BST
The Supreme Champion at the third Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships in partnership with principal sponsor Bank of Ireland was awarded to D and A McCrea from Bready. Alan McCrea and Chirstopher McCrea are congratulated by Richard Primrose, Bank of Ireland on their spectualar win with Champion steer Tyson. This fantastic animal was purchased by Kitson and Sons family butchers in North YorkshireThe Supreme Champion at the third Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships in partnership with principal sponsor Bank of Ireland was awarded to D and A McCrea from Bready. Alan McCrea and Chirstopher McCrea are congratulated by Richard Primrose, Bank of Ireland on their spectualar win with Champion steer Tyson. This fantastic animal was purchased by Kitson and Sons family butchers in North Yorkshire
The Supreme Champion at the third Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships in partnership with principal sponsor Bank of Ireland was awarded to D and A McCrea from Bready. Alan McCrea and Chirstopher McCrea are congratulated by Richard Primrose, Bank of Ireland on their spectualar win with Champion steer Tyson. This fantastic animal was purchased by Kitson and Sons family butchers in North Yorkshire

This year the popular show and sale took place behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Throughout the day, there was a live stream available through the Championship’s Facebook page and YouTube channel where online visitors were able to enjoy the spectacular show of beef cattle and lamb classes as well as the highly anticipated auction later in the evening.

A tremendous turnout of beef cattle competed for a number of Championship titles. The highly sought-after title of Supreme Champion of the 2020 show was awarded to D & A McCrea from Bready. Reserve Champion of show was awarded to Dermott Small & Blair Duffton from Kilkeel and this duo subsequently received the top price of £9,200 on the night.

At the Beef & Lamb Championships, the Best of Opposite Sex to Ulster Housewife’s Champion was exhibited by Mark McKinstry Farms from Nutts Corner, Crumlin. Ian McFaden was pictured receiving his award from Richard Primrose, BOI Agri Manager. On the night, this Champion was purchased by Kitson and Son Butchers in North YorkshireAt the Beef & Lamb Championships, the Best of Opposite Sex to Ulster Housewife’s Champion was exhibited by Mark McKinstry Farms from Nutts Corner, Crumlin. Ian McFaden was pictured receiving his award from Richard Primrose, BOI Agri Manager. On the night, this Champion was purchased by Kitson and Son Butchers in North Yorkshire
At the Beef & Lamb Championships, the Best of Opposite Sex to Ulster Housewife’s Champion was exhibited by Mark McKinstry Farms from Nutts Corner, Crumlin. Ian McFaden was pictured receiving his award from Richard Primrose, BOI Agri Manager. On the night, this Champion was purchased by Kitson and Son Butchers in North Yorkshire

James Alexander from Randalstown won the popular Ulster Housewife’s Champion while the Reserve Ulster Housewife’s Champion was awarded to Jack Smyth from Newtownstewart. Mark McKinstry from Crumlin picked up the Best of Opposite Sex to the Ulster Housewife’s Champion and the Champion Calf of the show was exhibited by Kelly O’Kane from Ballymena.

Lambs shown on the day competed for the title of Best Butcher Pair with Tommy Jackson from Saintfield receiving this prestigious award. William McAllister from Kells received the title of Reserve Best Butcher Pair.

Richard Primrose, Agri Manager for principal sponsor Bank of Ireland UK commented: “We are very proud to partner with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for the third consecutive year to host this prestigious show and sale.

“This year’s event proved to be a great success and the new online approach with the live stream and bidding system helped connect buyers and sellers on the night to an even bigger audience this year.

First place Limousin Cross Bullock was exhibited by Miss Michelle Wright from Carnlough, Ballymena. Handler Kelly O’Kane is pictured with the winning animalFirst place Limousin Cross Bullock was exhibited by Miss Michelle Wright from Carnlough, Ballymena. Handler Kelly O’Kane is pictured with the winning animal
First place Limousin Cross Bullock was exhibited by Miss Michelle Wright from Carnlough, Ballymena. Handler Kelly O’Kane is pictured with the winning animal

“We’re delighted to play a role in this popular event and furthermore, continue our support to all of those working in the beef and sheep industries.”

Dr Alan Crowe, RUAS Chief Executive commented: ‘‘The RUAS was delighted with the success of the third Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships at Balmoral Park.

“This year the exhibitors pulled out all the stops by exhibiting a fantastic selection of livestock at our popular show and sale. The quality of this livestock was reflected by some of the top prices that were paid by buyers on the night.

“Due to COVID restrictions, the RUAS brought the Championships online with hordes of people signing in to view and bid on champion livestock throughout the day.

First place Charolais Cross Bullock was won by O’Kane Brothers from Camlough, Ballymena. Exhibiting the animal on the night was Shauneen O’KaneFirst place Charolais Cross Bullock was won by O’Kane Brothers from Camlough, Ballymena. Exhibiting the animal on the night was Shauneen O’Kane
First place Charolais Cross Bullock was won by O’Kane Brothers from Camlough, Ballymena. Exhibiting the animal on the night was Shauneen O’Kane

“We would like to thank all our exhibitors and buyers for complying with the guidelines in place and for helping to make this event the success that it was.”

He continued: “We are delighted to have the generous backing of our principal sponsor Bank of Ireland and we would also like to extend our thanks to the local cattle and sheep breed clubs and societies, who supported the Championships and kindly contributed towards the prize fund.

“We are proud to be able to run this show and sale to showcase and promote all that is excellent in our production and farming communities as well as highlighting the quality produce from Northern Ireland within the beef and lamb industries.”

Full results from the Championships can be viewed online at www.beefandlamb.org.uk.

The Reserve Ulster Housewife’s Champion was exhibited by Jack Smyth from Newtownstewart. Jack Smyth is pictured alongside Richard Primrose, BOI Agri Manager. On the night this superb animal was purchased by Stephen Millar, Millar Meats IrvinestownThe Reserve Ulster Housewife’s Champion was exhibited by Jack Smyth from Newtownstewart. Jack Smyth is pictured alongside Richard Primrose, BOI Agri Manager. On the night this superb animal was purchased by Stephen Millar, Millar Meats Irvinestown
The Reserve Ulster Housewife’s Champion was exhibited by Jack Smyth from Newtownstewart. Jack Smyth is pictured alongside Richard Primrose, BOI Agri Manager. On the night this superb animal was purchased by Stephen Millar, Millar Meats Irvinestown

For those who missed the show and sale, this can be view again online from the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championship You Tube channel and Facebook Page.

r Turn to pages 50 to 53 for results and more photographs

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