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Hoey’s heifer has the ‘Xtra Factor’
6th annual commercial beef show attracts a record entry
A record number of prime beef cattle were presented to Welsh judge, Arfon Jones, at the Northern Ireland Commercial Cattle Exhibitors’ Club’s 6th annual show, held at Moira.
The one-day showcase event attracted over 120 entries, with both novice and experienced exhibitors competing for a share of the bumper prize fund.
Claiming the supreme championship honours at the 6th annual show was ‘Xtra Factor’, a heavyweight Limousin heifer exhibited by Clive Hoey from Fivemiletown, County Tyrone. This super heifer was bred from a British Blue cow, and was purchased from Sean McCloskey, Claudy, County Londonderry. She scooped the reserve championship at Ballymena Show in May, and was crowned commercial beef champion at Enniskillen Show a few weeks ago.
A delighted Clive Hoey received the £500 cash prize from Gareth Gibson of Corby Rock Mill, and the prestigious Gary Pickering Memorial Perpetual Trophy from Ralph Pickering, Magherafelt. This much-admired heifer also claimed the Limousin championship ribbons.
Scooping for the £250 cash prize, sponsored by Natural Stockcare Ltd, for the reserve supreme champion was the tremendous Charolais heifer, ‘Hillview Dora’, shown by Alan Farlow, Garvagh. Sired by a Charolais bull, and out of a three-quarter-bred Limousin heifer, she was also bred by Sean McCloskey, and was purchased at Swatragh Mart. This eye-catching heifer claimed the championship honours at Balmoral, Ballymena and Ballymoney.
“I’d like to thank the organisers for inviting me to judge,” said suckler herd owner and fatstock producer, Arfon Jones. “I’ve had a long journey from Angelsey, but it has been a privilege to judge at this fantastic show. The classes were full of quality cattle and I had difficult decisions to make throughout the day. Congratulations to the winners, and all the exhibitors for putting on such a terrific show of stock.”
Mr Jones added:”I would like to congratulate all the youngsters who took part in today’s show. It is great to see such enthusiasm, and these young people should be encouraged as they are the showmen and women of the future!”
Patrick John O’Kane, and son, Sean, from Dunloy, claimed the calf championship ribbons and the £300 cash prize sponsored by E A Bell Ltd Country Stores. Their winning entry was a Charolais heifer calf sired by the herd’s stock bull, Curragh Cahir Bill. They also received the Dectomax Shield for the best exhibitor-bred calf.
Runner-up in the calf championship, and winner of the £200 cash award sponsored by AI Services (NI) Ltd was the second prize winning heifer calf bred by Gerry Law who runs a 160-cow suckler herd based at Kesh. This home-bred entry was sired by the herd’s Charolais stock bull, Waterview Victorious, and is out of a British Blue cow.
The husband and wife team of Nigel and Sandra Cochrane, Portadown, won the Dunbia Cup for the best butchers’ heifer for the second year in succession. Their British Blonde cross heifer caught the eye of class judge, Will Corrie, Newtownards.
The award for the best pair of cattle went to a well-matched pair of Charolais heifers shown by McKenna Bros; while the runner-up award went to James Alexander, Randalstown, for a Charolais heifer and bullock duo.
The breed classes were judged by Gene McCann from Julianstown, County Meath. “This is a super show with some exceptional cattle,” said Mr McCann who runs the 30-cow Topnotch Charolais herd alongside a commercial beef cattle enterprise.
The Charolais championship went to a heifer calf owned by Gerry Law, Kesh. Standing in reserve position was a heifer calf exhibited by McKenna Bros.
Sarah and Sam Matchett, Portadown, had a clean sweep in the Aberdeen Angus line-up, claiming both the champion and reserve prizes. The reserve Limousin leader was a lightweight steer shown by McKenna Bros. Lauren McKenna has affectionately named this steer ‘Spooks Junior’’, after last year’s overall champion, ‘Spooks’ – he has scooped numerous championship awards in southern Ireland for new owners, Connell Bros, County Meath.
The British Blue championship was secured by a heifer owned by James Alexander, Randalstown; while the reserve championship went to heifer brought out by brothers, Derek and Alan McCrea, Strabane.
Snapping up the British Blonde championship was a heavy heifer shown by Allister Crawford and Richard Beattie from Newtownstewart, County Tyrone. Standing in reserve position was a heifer exhibited by John Killen, and daughters, Shauna and Katrina, Crossgar.
A bullock exhibited by Robert Simpson, Aughnacloy, claimed the Beef Shorthorn championship, with the runner-up ribbons presented to a bullock brought out by Jack Smyth, Strabane.
The any other breed champion was a Simmental heifer shown by Gerry Law, Kesh.
The young handlers’ competition was judged by Tom Stevenson from Scotland. He awarded first prize in the under 12-year-old class to Aaron Campbell from Lisburn. The winner of the 12 to 16-year-old class was Louise Breen from Clogher.
John McSorley, chairman of the Northern Ireland Commercial Cattle Exhibitors’ Club said:”It has been another fantastic event. This year’s show attracted in excess of 120 cattle, which is a record entry for the event. I would like to thank everyone for participating and helping to make this show bigger and better than ever. “
Mr McSorley added:”A special thank you to our judges for giving up their time; and a big thank you to our sponsors for their generous financial support.”
The club’s assistant secretary, Robert Currie, concluded by thanking Willie Wilson and the staff of R A Noble and Co for the use of the facilities at the Pedigree Sales Arena.
Results from the judging ring include...
Specials
- Gary Pickering Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup, and Corby Rock Mill £500 cash award, for the supreme overall champion: Clive Hoey, Fivemiletown.
- Natural Stockcare £250 cash award for the reserve overall champion: Alan Farlow, Garvagh.
- The Farlow Engineering Cup, and E A Bell Ltd Country Stores £300 cash award, for the champion calf: P J O’Kane, Dunloy.
- AI Services £200 cash award for the reserve champion calf: McKenna Bros, Clogher.
- Dectomax Shield for the best exhibitor-bred calf: P J O’Kane, Dunloy.
- Dunbia Cup for the best butchers’ heifer: Nigel and Sandra Cochrane, Portadown. Reserve: Alan Veitch, Lisbellaw.
- Best pair of animals owned by exhibitor: McKenna Bros, Clogher. Reserve: Messrs Alexander and McAfee, Bushmills.
- Sixmilecross Agri-Supplies Trophies for the top-placed young handlers in each section: Aaron Campbell, Lisburn; and Louise Breen, Clogher.
- Ulster Bank Commercial Breeding Heifer Championship: R H Sinnamon and Sons, Pomeroy. Reserve: Jack Smyth, Strabane.
Young Handlers
- Young handler, under 12-years –old – 1, Aaron Campbell, Lisburn; 2, Shauna Killen, Crossgar; 3, Naomh McAllister, Aghadowey; 4, Katrina Killen, Crossgar.
- Young hanlder, aged 12 to 16-years-old – 1, Louise Breen, Clogher; 2, Jonathan Clyde, Garvagh; 3, Emma Rodgers, Ballynahinch; 4, Jack Smyth, Strabane.
Breed Championships
- Charolais champion: Gerry Law, Kesh. Reserve: McKenna Bros.
- Limousin champion: Clive Hoey, Fivemiletown. Reserve: McKenna Bros.
- Aberdeen Angus champion and reserve: Sarah and Sam Matchett, Portadown.
- British Blue champion: James Alexander, Randalstown. Reserve Derek and Alan McCrea, Strabane.
- British Blonde champion: Messrs Crawford and Beattie, Newtownstewart. Reserve: John Killen, Crossgar.
- Beef Shorthorn champion: Robert Simpson, Aughnacloy. Reserve: Jack Smyth, Strabane.
- Any other breed champion: Gerry Law, Kesh.
Weighed Classes
- Heifer calf – 1, P J O’Kane, Dunloy; 2, Gerry Law, Kesh; 3, and 4, McKenna Bros, Clogher.
- Male calf – 1, McKenna Bros; 2,Nigel and Sandra Cochrane, Portadown; 3, James Alexander, Randalstown; 4, Colm Farrell, Rostrevor.
- Lightweight heifer – 1, McKenna Bros; 2, O’Kane Bros, Carnlough; 3, Messrs Small, Kilkeel; 4, Alan Veitch, Lisbellaw.
- Light/midweight heifer – 1, Alan Farlow, Garvagh; 2, Messrs Alexander and McAfee, Bushmills; 3, Nigel and Sandra Cochrane; 4, James Alexander.
- Midweight heifer – 1, Eoin Loughran, Cookstown; 2, C Robinson, Benburb; 3,M McMullan; 4, James Alexander.
- Heavyweight heifer – 1, Clive Hoey, Fivemiletown; 2, Sarah and Sam Matchett, Portadown; 3, Nigel and Sandra Cochrane, Portadown; 4, Messrs Crawford and Beattie, Newtownstewart.
- Lightweight steer – 1, McKenna Bros; 2, P J O’Kane; 3, Martin Gallagher, Omagh; 4, James Alexander.
- Midweight steer – 1, James Alexander; 2, and 3, Messrs Small; 4, James Alexander.
- Heavyweight steer – 1, John Killen, Crossgar; 2,Campbell Bros, Lisburn; 3, Law Bros, Ballinamallard; 4, Kieran Fox, Portadown.
Colin McAfee and Alan Veitch exhibited the second placed pair, owned by James Alexander, Randalstown, at the NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitors' Club 6th annual show, Moira. Included is Sam Thompson, Animax, sponsor.
The first prize winning midweight steer was owned by James Alexander, Randalstown, and shown by John Lynch. Adding his congratulations is John Henning, head of agriculture, Northern Bank, sponsor.
Eamon McGarry exhibited the Belgian Blue champion, owned by James Alexander, Randalstown.
Aaron Campbell, Lisburn, exhibited the first prize winning heavyweight steer at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira. Included is Gerry Law representing sponsors, T J Booth.
The butchers’ heifer champion was owned by Nigel Cochrane, Portadown, and shown by Emma Rodgers. Adding their congratulations are Will Corrie, Newtownards, judge; and sponsors, David Chestnutt and William Allister, Dunbia.
Allister Crawford exhibited the British Blonde champion, owned by Messrs Crawford and Beattie, Newtownstewart.
Clive Hoey, Fivemiletown, won the supreme championship with his heavyweight heifer at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira. Adding their congratulations are Gareth Gibson, Corby Rock, sponsor; and Ralph Pickering who presented the Gary Pickering Memorial Trophy.
Alan Farlow, Garvagh, won the reserve overall championship at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira, with his light/midweight heifer. Included are Alan Carson and David Beattie, Natural Stockcare, sponsors.
The Limousin champion was shown by Clive Hoey, Fivemiletown. Included is Brian McElroy, chairman, NI Limousin Club, sponsor.
The winner of the heavyweight steer class was 'Fanta' shown by John, Shauna and Katrina Killen, Crossgar. Included is James Harpur, United Feeds, sponsor.
The reserve British Blonde champion was shown by John Killen, and daughters, Shauna and Katrina, from Crossgar.
The Charolais champion was owned by Gerry Law, Kesh, and exhibited by Richard Law and James Law. Adding her congratulations is Sandra Cochrane, chairman, NI Charolais Club.
The reserve calf champion was owned by Gerry Law, Kesh, and exhibited by Richard Law and James Law. Included is Brian Kennedy, AI Services (NI) Ltd, sponsor.
The calf champion at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira, was owned by Sean and PJ O'Kane, Dunloy. Included is Thomas Smyth, E A Bell Ltd County Stores, sponsor.
Shane Logan, Lauren McKenna and Shauna McKenna, Clogher, pictured with the winner of the male calf class at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira.
Sean McCloskey, congratulates Shane Logan and Fergal McKenna, Clogher, on winning the award for the best pair of commercial cattle.
NICCEC chairman, John McSorley, presents the Sixmilecross Agri Supplies Cup to Louise Breen, Clogher, winner of the 12 to 16-years-old young handlers’ class.
Winner of the under 12-year-old young handlers' class was Aaron Campbell, Lisburn. He received the Sixmilecross Agri Supplies Trophy from NICCEC chairman, John McSorley.
The first prize winning lightweight heifer was owned by McKenna Bros, Clogher. Pictured at the presentation are, Fergal McKenna, Shane Logan, Lauren McKenna, Shauna McKenna, and Paul Elwood, HVS Animal Health, sponsor.
Alan Farlow, Garvagh, with his prize winning light/midweight heifer at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira. Included is Gordon Richardson, Greenvale Feeds, sponsor.
Eoin Loughran, Cookstown, exhibited the first prize winning midweight heifer at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira. Included is Dermot Small, Strathearn Farms, sponsor.
Clive Hoey, Fivemiletown, with his first prize winning heavy heifer at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira.
Noel Gill, Norbrook Laboratories, congratulates Lauren McKenna, Clogher, on winning the lightweight steer class with 'Spooks Junior' at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira.
The reserve Charolais champion was shown by the McKenna family, Clogher. Included are Fergal McKenna, Shane Logan, Lauren McKenna and Shauna McKenna.
Shane McDonald and Shane Logan exhibited ‘Spooks Junior’, the reserve Limousin champion, owned by McKenna Bros, at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira.
Jack Smyth exhibited the Aberdeen Angus champion, owned by S and S Matchett, Portadown, at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira. Included is Ivan Forsythe, NI Aberdeen Angus Club, sponsor.
The reserve Aberdeen Angus champion was owned by S and S Matchett, Portadown, and exhibited by Jack Smyth. Included is Ivan Forsythe, NI Aberdeen Angus Club, sponsor.
Derek and Christopher McCrea, Strabane, with their reserve British Blue champion at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira.
Robert Simpson, Aughnacloy, exhibited the Beef Shorthorn champion at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira.
The reserve Beef Shorthorn champion at the NICCEC 6th annual show, Moira, was owned by Jack Smyth, Strabane.
Ryan Law exhibited the any other breed champion, owned by Gerry Law, Kesh.
Jim Quail, Quail Fine Foods, Banbridge, and Brian McElroy, chairman, NI Limousin Club, congratulated Declan McKenna, Clogher, on winning the award for the best Limousin bullock.
Judges, Arfon Jones, Anglesey, Wales, and Gene McCann, Julianstown, County Meath, receive gifts from Robert Currie, assistant secretary, and John McSorley, chairman, NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitors Club.
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