This year a sale of up to 20 females from entries in the calf show will also take place, the second year for a sale to follow the show. At the 2008 calf show and sale, four animals sold for over 4000euro, two were exported to Germany and one to Scotland.

Judging line up at the Irish National Calf Show

Every year the calf show has attracted entries of more than 100 calves. In the past this show has been judged by Hamish Sclater, Deveron herd, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, who said: “Irish breeders are producing the type of cattle required to meet the expanding world-wide market for quality Aberdeen-Angus beef.”

The show also drew great praise from William McLaren jnr of the Netherton herd, Perthshire, Scotland, when he judged in 2007. He found his male champion in Bunlahy Bility G202, which Mr McLaren described as “a very smart and well balanced bull.” Bility later went on to become Supreme Champion at the 2008 October sales in Perth and sell for the top price of 10,000gns.

Billy Glazebrook was so impressed with the standard of calves seen at the 2008 show he bought the winner of the March class, Cloghogue Evolution at 7months of age for an undisclosed sum. Alistair Clark of the Duncanziemere herd, Ayrshire, Scotland, also described the cattle he judged as “an outstanding credit to the breed”.

So mark Saturday October 3 in your diaries as the date for the 2009 National Angus Calf Show. For more information on the event email Dermot Lynch, secretary of the Connaught and Leinster Club dermotlynchcl@hotmail.com.

Congratulations to junior winner Sean McEnroe, Oldcastle, Co Meath and Nicola Martin, Ballynahinch, Co Down who won the intermediate section.

Let’s hope entries are just as strong this year and we see as many Irish members at the final.

Irish YDP members at the finals in Carlisle