Dreams come true at Summer Spectacular

Bumper entry impresses judges at Balmoral

Report Libby Clarke                                                  Photos Alfie Shaw.

It was a dream come true for 13 year old Bartley Finnegan from Dungannon when his Limousin heifer “Drumflugh Lady” scooped the Supreme Championship at the NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitor Club’s Summer Spectacular held at Balmoral Show grounds. There was a huge round of applause as judge Mike Alford tapped out his favourite on the day following on from a nail biting finish to a fantastic days showing.

Bartley Finnegan (13) was on top of the world after scooping the Supreme Championship at the NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitors Club Summer Spectacular at Balmoral Showgrounds. He is pictured with Ralph Pickering who presented the Gary Pickering Memorial Trophy, and Noel Gill from Norbrook Laboratories.

"Drumflugh Lady" was the 2011 Supreme Champion at the NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitor Club's Summer Spectacular for Bartley Finnegan, Dungannon.

Tipping the scales at 437 kilos this outstanding October 2010 born heifer was spotted by Bartley and his dad in the south of Ireland where she was snapped up earlier this summer.

Standing in the Reserve spot was “Rockafella” bred and exhibited by James Alexander, Randalstown. This Hightown Cassius son weighed in at 408 kilos on the day. He had earlier picked up the Male Championship and Reserve Limousin Championship for the Jalex team, which picked up a string of awards at the show.

James Alexander was Reserve Supreme Champion at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular with his Hightown Cassius son "Rockafella". Sponsor of this award was John McDowell, Farmview Meats who was accompanied at the show by daughter Caroline.

This is the 7th in a series of Annual shows staged by the NICCEC, and was hailed by many as the best to date. Spectators poured into the Balmoral venue from early morning to watch the cream of Ulster’s commercial cattle compete for the overall titles.

Mike Alford was guest judge for the day, travelling from Devon to attend. Mike is well qualified for the job with the Alford name cropping up at all of the major fat stock events on the mainland including Smithfield Agri Live where he was awarded both the Supreme and Reserve awards in 2009. The family also own an abattoir and a trio of butcher’s shops.

There was fierce competition in the Calf Championships where Alan Veitch claimed victory with his Doonally New sired Charolais heifer  “Dirty Dancer”.  Out of a Blue cow this 288 kilo home bred calf is a full sister to this year’s Clogher Show Champion heifer.  Later in the day this youngster secured the Reserve Charolais Championship.

Nigel & Sandra Cochrane brought out their Goldies Oswald daughter “Gigglebizz” to lay claim to the Reserve Calf Championship. This smart heifer weighing 258 kilos, is out of the 2009 Dunbia Butcher’s Champion also bred by the Cochrane duo.

Banbridge butcher Jim Quail stepped into the judging ring to place the Dunbia Butcher’s Heifer Championship. Entries here must fit between the weights ranges of 480 to 540 kilos.  Standing top of the line was the father and son team of Dermot and Gareth Small, Kilkeel with their Limousin heifer  “Red Lace”. Sired by an imported French bull and out of a former blue show heifer this lady now heads to the Scottish Winter Fair and Smithfield later this year.

This Butchers Champion then teamed up with her stable mate to secure the Pairs Competition judged by Mike Alford. This Limousin steer is out of  the noted Tic Tac and by Shaton Pedro. Reserve pair was James Alexander with his well matched Black N Blue Diesel calves “Bootylicious” and “Dirty Bit”.

Pearce McNamee travelled from County Donegal to place the breed championships at the Summer Spectacular. These saw very strong entries forward with the Charolais the first to be decided. Winner here was Paul Rainey from Kilrea with his heavy heifer “J-Lo”  weighing in at 618 kilos.

Alastair Crawford and Richard Beattie lifted the Limousin Championship with their heifer Red Ruby, with Black Dynamite securing the British Blue title for Keith Williamson, Benburb. Reserve Blue was Dirty Bit from the Jalex team of James Alexander, Randalstown.

The British Blonde Championship was awarded to Alan Farlow for his home bred heifer “Hillview Peppa” with Newtownards based Gareth Corrie securing the reserve spot.

Jack Smyth enjoyed a great days showing notching up both the Aberdeen Angus and Hereford Championships. Sam Matchett and Derek & Alan McCrea were in the reserve spots respectively.

The final breed championship was the Any Other Breed class, won by Lynsey Lawrence & Stephen O’Kane with their Parthenaise heifer “Snowball”. Enthusiastic young members Aaron and Gerard Campbell, Lisburn took the reserve spot with their Beef shorthorn heifer Bubbles.

There was also plenty of talent in the young handlers section of the show with two classes expertly judged by David Connolly, Saintfield.

Winner of the under 12 section was Portadown youngster Sam Matchett, with Donegal lass Tara O’Brien leading the way in the 12-16 category.

Ben Sinnamon, Club Chairman was on hand to congratulate the exhibitors on pulling out all the stops to ensure the very highest calibre of stock on show. He also thanked the sponsors, judges and stewards for their help and participation in the Summer Spectacular.

For more details of how to join the NICCEC contact Ryan Law 07738283199.

Results from the judging ring:

Supreme Champion Bartley Finnegan“Drumflugh Lady”

Female Champion  £350 sponsored by Norbrook, Gary Pickering Memorial Cup, Alexander Tractors Trophy

Reserve SupremeJames Alexander“Rockafella”

Male Champion £150 sponsored by McDowell’s Farmview Meats, Aughafad Livestock Cup

Reserve Female Champion James Alexander“Pippa”

Reserve MaleJames Alexander “Dirty Bit”

Young Handlers – Judge David Connolly, Saintfield.

Under 12 years  - Sixmilecross Agri-supplies Trophy

• 1st Sam Matchett
• 2nd Martin Rodgers
• 3rd Jack O’Brien

12-16 years – Sixmilecross Agri-supplies Trophy

• 1st Tara O’Brien
• 2nd Jack Smyth
• 3rd Richard Fleming

Calf Championship – judge Mike Alford

Heifer weighing up to 300 kilos

• 1st Alan Veitch, Lisbellaw
• 2nd Nigel & Sandra Cochrane, Portadown
• 3rd Smyth & Maguiness, Strabane

Male weighing up to 300 kilos

• 1st James Alexander, Randalstown
• 2nd Alan Veitch, Lisbellaw
• 3rd P&E McKenna, Clogher

Calf Champion Alan Veitch

£300 sponsored by Crossgar MeatsFarlow Engineering Cup

Dectomax Shield for best exhibitor bred calf

Reserve Nigel & Sandra Cochrane £200 sponsored by Ai Services

Cattle Classes – Judge Mike Alford

Lightweight Heifer

• 1st Bartley Finnegan, Dungannon
• 2nd James Alexander, Randalstown
• 3rd Mark Doyle, Kilkeel

Light – mid weight Heifer

• 1st Dermot & Gareth Small, Kilkeel
• 2nd Gareth Corrie, Newtownards
• 3rd Malachy McGrath, Downpatrick

Mid – heavy weight Heifer

• 1st Crawford & Beattie, Newtownstewart
• 2nd Keith Williamson, Benburb
• 3rd Dermot & Gareth Small, Kilkeel

Heavy weight Heifer

• 1st Alan Farlow, Garvagh
• 2nd J&P Rainey, Kilrea
• 3rd John McSorley, Beragh

Lightweight Bullock

• 1st James Alexander, Randalstown.
• 2nd James Alexander, Randalstown
• 3rd Nigel & Sandra Cochrane, Portadown

Mid weight Bullock

• 1st James Alexander, Randalstown
• 2nd Louise Breen, Augher
• 3rd Crawford & Beattie, Newtownstewart

Heavyweight Bullock

• 1st James Alexander, Randalstown
• 2nd Dermot & Gareth Small, Kilkeel
• 3rd Nigel & Sandra Cochrane, Portadown

Breed Championships – Judge Pearce McNamee

Charolais

• Champion J&P Rainey,
• Reserve Alan Veitch

Limousin

• Champion Crawford & Beattie
• Reserve James Alexander

British Blue

• Champion Keith Williamson
• Reserve James Alexander

British Blonde

• Champion Alan Farlow
• Reserve Gareth Corrie

Aberdeen Angus

• Champion Jack Smyth
• Reserve S&S Matchett

Hereford

• Champion Jack Smyth
• Reserve D&A McCrea

Any Other Breed

• Champion Lawrence & O’Kane
• ReserveCampbell Bros

Dunbia Butchers Heifer – Judge Jim Quail

Dunbia Cup

• Champion Dermot & Gareth Small
• Reserve S&S Matchett

Best Pair from one exhibitor – judge Mike Alford

• Champion: Dermot & Gareth Small
• Springfield Livestock Trophy: Reserve James Alexander

"Drumflugh Lady" was the 2011 Supreme Champion at the NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitor Club's Summer Spectacular for Bartley Finnegan, Dungannon.

The Finnegan Family from Dungannon had a day to remember at the Summer Spectacular held at Balmoral Showgrounds when Bartley (13) scooped the Supreme Championship with his Limousin heifer "Drumflugh Lady". He is pictured with dad Bartley and younger brother Jake.

John and Caroline McDowell, Farmview Meats congratulate James Alexander on winning the Reserve Supreme Championship with his home bred Limousin steer.

NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitors Club Chairman Ben Sinnamon is pictured with parents Robert Henry and Betty with the "Aughafad Livestock Perpetual Trophy" which is a new cup presented for the Champion steer and was won by the Jalex team of James Alexander.

Alan Veitch won the Calf Championship with his home bred heifer "Dirty Dancer". John Killen, Vice Chairman of the NI Commercial Cattle Exhibitor's Club is pictured representing the sponsor Crossgar Meats.

Steven Huck from sposnor Carrs & Billington congratulates Alan Veitch on winning the heifer calf section with "Dirty Dancer" sired by Doonally New.

The Reserve Calf Champion was the Goldies Oswald daughter "Gigglebizz" from Nigel & Sandra Cochrane, Portadown. Ai Services sponsored this award represented by Paul Rainey.

Red ticket winner in the male calf class for James Alexander was "Fuel Injection" sired by Black N Blue Diesel. Stephen Lavery, Genus was on hand to present the award to Richard Fleming.

Sam Matchett, Portadown took the top spot in the junior section of the young handlers section. He is congratulated by David Connolly, judge and Alan Carson from Natural Stcokcare who kindly sponsored the class.

Sam Thompson, Animax sponsored the senior young handler class which was won by Tara O'Brien, Donegal. Judge for this section was David Connolly, Saintfield.

Dermot and Gareth Small won the red ticket in the Light- mid weight heifer section at the Summer Spectacular. She was shown by Claire O'Brien who is photographed with Dr Derek McIlmoyle and Martin McConnell from sponsor AB Vista.

Winner of the lightweight heifer section was Bartley Finnegan, Dungannon who is seen congratulated by John Hegarty, Natural Nutrition Ltd, Co Antrim.

Alan Farlow won the heavyweight heifer class with his home bred British Blonde heifer "Hillview Peppa". Paul Elwood from sponsor HVS Aniaml Health is included.

Alastair Crawford and Richard Beattie stood top of the line in the mid - heavy weight heifer class with their Limousin heifer. Gareth Gibson from sponsor LFA Celtic Ltd was delighted to present the award.

Will Corrie, Corries Meats was delighted to make a presentation to Richard Fleming showing on behalf of James Alexander when his Limousin steer "Rockafella" won the lightweight class at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular.

Nigel Irwin from Irwins Farm Supplies is pictured with Robert Simpson after the Limousin steer owned by Alexander & Simpson was winner in the heavy weight steer class.

Alastair Sampson, Volac congratulates Alan Veitch on winning Reserve Champion Charolais at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular held at Balmoral Showgrounds.

Charolais Champion at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular was J-Lo from Paul Rainey, Kilrea. Sandra Cochrane, Chairperson of the NI Charolais Club was on hand to present the award at the show.

John Lynch shows "Smooth Operator" for James Alexander, Randalstown. He won the midweight steer section sponsored by Nigel Matchett, Portadown.

Laura Ervine, NI British Blue Club is pictured with Richard Fleming who exhibited "Dirty Bit" for James Alexander, Randalstown. He secured the Reserve British Blue Championship.

Ryan Law, representing Trouw Nutrition is pictured with Keith Williamson who secured the British Blue Championship.

Raymond Pogue, Chairman of the NI Hereford Breeder's Club congratulates Jack Smyth on winning the Hereford Championship at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular with his steer “Freddie Star”.

Reserve Aberdeen Angus Champion at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular held at Balmoral Showgrounds was "Mr Angus" shown by Sam Matchett, Portadown. This was sponsored by Irwin's Farm Shop represented by Ian Cummins.

Champion Aberdeen Angus at the NI Commercial Club's 7th Annual Show was “Bessiebell Nancy” exhibited by Jack Smyth, Strabane. He is pictured with Courtney Allen and Gail Matchett, NI Aberdeen Angus Club.

"Snowball" was Any Other Breed Champion for Stephen O'Kane and Lynsey Lawrence, Garvagh.

Campbell Bro, Lisburn collected the Reserve Championship in the Any Other Breed section with their Shorthorn heifer "Bubbles"

Limousin Champion at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular was "Ruby Red" from Alastair Crawford and Richard Beattie.

Gareth Corrie, Newtownards was Reserve Champion British Blonde at the Summer Spectacular Show held at Balmoral Showgrounds.

James Alexander was Reserve Female Champion with the Carmorn Cantona daughter "Pippa".

Reserve Male Champion was "Dirty Bit" sired by Black N Blue Diesel and exhibited by James Alexander, Randalstown.

Limousin Championship was awarded to Alastair Crawford and Richard Beattie for their heifer "Red Ruby". Paul Rainey is pictured representing NI Limousin Club, while Carl O'Connel is at the halter.

Well known show man Mike Alford travelled from Devon to place the entry at the NICCEC Summer Spectacular.

Richard Law, Procurement officer at Dunbia congratulates Tara O'Brien on exhibiting the Butchers Heifer Champion on behalf of Dermot and Gareth Small, Kilkee

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