Scottish judge, Neil Massie OBE, from Dinnet, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, described the event ‘as a first-class show’.  The weather has been fantastic and I have thoroughly enjoyed my day. There were some very strong classes, and with almost 90 entries catalogued, I had some difficult decisions to make. The female classes were stronger than the bull classes, but the quality was exceptional with the winners in each class standing out.”

Scooping the prestigious All-Ireland Perpetual Championship Trophy, and the 250 Euro cash prize was the senior Aberdeen-Angus bull, Blelack Elijah, shown by Owen and Angela Armstrong McFadden, who run the 50-cow Crerogue herd based at Navan, County Meath.

Champion at the All Ireland at Mohill was Blelack Elijah exhibited by Owen McFadden and Angela Armstrong McFadden

Mrs Armstrong McFadden was delighted to win the prestigious All-Ireland Trophy, which was won by her father, Ralph Armstrong, in 1969.

Owen McFadden and Angela Armstrong McFadden, Navan, receive the All-Ireland Perpetual Championship Trophy at from Joe Keville, president, Irish Aberdeen Angus Association; and Brendan Crowe, Univet/Tulivin, sponsor.

Blelack Elijah was bred by Neil Massie, which meant that the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association had to appoint a substitute judge to place the bull in the championship line-up.  Mr Massie stood aside while Alwyn Armour, who had judged the young stockperson classes earlier in the day, selected Blelack Elijah as the senior and overall champion.

Mr Armour, who runs the noted Woodvale herd at Dromara, County Down, said:”This bull is very complete. He displays great breed character and has a wonderful head, good legs and feet, and great fleshing ability.” These words were echoed by Mr Massie who added:”He is an outstanding bull, and has developed well since we sold him.”

This tremendous April 2007 born bull was purchased by the McFadden duo for 7000gns at Perth in February 2009 – the last sale at Perth Agricultural Centre. He travelled north in May to scoop the overall breed championship at Balmoral, as well as winning the interbreed honours at Mullingar Show, the reserve interbreed award at Virginia Show, and was crowed Aberdeen-Angus champion at the National Show held at Tullamore.

Standing in reserve supreme position was Liss Miglo B434, a seven-year-old cow from John McEnroe’s herd at Oldscastle, County Meath. Sired by Gigginstown Rolls Royce, she was accompanied by her October 2009 born Mosston Muir Lord Ringo heifer calf.

The reserve All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus champion was Liss Miglo B434, shown by John McEnroe, Oldcastle, and Daniel McNamee.

Mr Massie added:”The runner-up certainly isn’t the biggest, or the greatest show cow I have ever seen, but she is breeding tremendously well and has an exceptional heifer calf at foot. She is very stylish, sweet and feminine. “

John McEnroe was delighted to win the reserve All-Ireland Championship Award which included a 130 Euro cash prize and veterinary products sponsored by Univet/Tulivin.  Mr McEnroe’s Liss herd comprises of 90 pedigree cows. His winning entry has been flushed extensively, and is a daughter of the herd’s former stock bull, Gigginstown Rolls Royce – now working in a herd in Germany.

Jerry Reynolds, Ballinalee, County Longford, with the first prize winning heifer calf, Bunlahy Beatrice K246.

The junior championship was snapped up by Bunlahy Beatrice K246, a seven-month-old heifer calf bred by Messrs G A and D Reynolds, Ballinalee, County Longford.  Sired by Young Dale Superior 14S, she is out of the home-bred Bunlahy Beatrice Y073.

Standing in reserve junior position was the second prize winning heifer calf, Shankill Lady Heather, shown by Pat and Finbarr Cahill, Cavan. Born in January 2010, she is by the herd’s stock bull, Cashelane Bart – which stood second in his class to the champion at the All-Ireland final.

Sponsors Brendan Crowe and Mark O'Rourke were on hand to present the trophie and prizes

Sponsors, Brendan Crowe and Mark O’Rourke of Univet/Tulivin were on hand to congratulate the winners and present them with their prizes. Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association secretary, Kathryn Bradshaw, thanked Univet/Tulivin for its continued sponsorship of the Growvite All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus Championship which boasts a prize fund in excess of 3,000 Euro. “Univet/Tulivin have been sole sponsor of the All-Ireland final since 1987.”

Alwyn Armour praised the winners in the junior and senior stockperson classes for their showmanship skills and knowledge of the breed. “The winners in each class were exceptional, and all competitors were well turned out.”

Results from the 2010 All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus Championships include:

Niamh McEnroe, Oldcastle, County Meath, won the senior stockperson award

Senior stockperson,  aged between 17 and 25-years-old  – 1, Niamh McEnroe, Oldcastle, County Meath; 2, Adrian Parke, Strabane, County Tyrone; 3, Nicola Martin, Saintfield, County Down; 4, Patrick Beirne, Gorvagh, County Leitrim.

David Goulding, Ballyduff, County Kerry, winner of the junior stockperson award

Junior stockperson, under 17-years-old – 1, David Goulding, Ballyduff, County Kerry; 2, Jack Smyth, Strabane, County Tyrone; 3, Marie McFadden, Navan, County Meath; 4, Sam Matchett, Portadown, County Armagh.

Bull, born before 1/09/08 – 1, Owen and Angela Armstrong McFadden, Navan, County Meath, Blelack Elijah by Nightingale Ernie; 2, Patrick Cahill, Cavan, Cashelane Bart D572 by Coldstream Genetic Trend; 3, Albert de Cogan, Castlemartyr, County Cork, Deveron Jasper Eric F170 by Deveron Limited Edition; 4, Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus, Mullingar, County Westmeath, Cashelane Marty F666 by DMM Commander.

Bull, born between 1/09/08 and 31/08/09 – 1, Shane McKiernan, Ballinagh, County Cavan, Drumcarbin Lord Inver by Bohey Leo; 2, Frank McKiernan, Ballinagh, County Cavan, Drumcrow Firepower by Coldstream Genetic Trend; 3, Frank McKiernan, Drumcrow Fantastic by Coldstream Genetic Trend; 4, Messrs E, D and E Burke, Carrigaline, County Cork, Clontead Ferari by Goulding Dynamic Patriot.

Bull, born between 1/09/09 and 31/12/09 – 1, Dr Michael Sheahan, Grange, Kilmallock, Luddenmore Mr Edition JOH1 by Hoff Limited Edition; 2, Jerry Henchy, Grange, Kilmallock, Friarstown Empire J160 by Aynho Rossiter Eric; 3, Matthew Goulding, Ballyduff, County Kerry, Goulding Tobby F203 by Netherton Eastern Cruz; 4, Dessie Martin, Saintfield, County Down, Lister Eisen J652 by Fordel Eisenhouwer 742B.

Bull, born on or after 1/01/10 – 1, Thomas Reynolds, Bornacoola, Knockadrinan Bellman J495 by Knockadrinan Precise G398; 2, Matthew Goulding, Goulding Jumbo King K436 by Aynho Rossiter Eric; 3, Faughnan Family, Mohill, County Leitrim, Molloy Lord Hubbub K120 by Knockadrinan Precise; 4, Owen and Angela Armstrong McFadden, Crerogue Eisenhower by Blelack Elijah.

Cow, born before 1/01/07 – 1, John McEnroe, Oldcastle, County Meath, Liss Miglo B434 by Gigginstown Rolls Royce; 2, Kate and John Tait, Midleton, County Cork, Westellen Black Buddy by Tonroe Udi; 3, Albert de Cogan, Liss Bett by Gigginstown Rolls Royce; 4, Thomas Beirne, Mohill, County Leitrim, Cloghogue Carol by Nakkeg Nord.

Cow, born on or after 1/01/07 – 1, Jerry Henchy, Friarstown Francis G053 by Ranui W Impact 762; 2, Fintan Keown, Belleek, County Fermanagh, Homefarm Ebony Swinger by Nakkeg Nord; 3, Owen McFadden and Angela Armstrong McFadden, Grerogue Emilia by Tonagh Aston; 4, John McEnroe, Liss Blarney Maid 886 by Bunlahy Bandit 185.

Heifer, born between 1/09/07 and 31/08/08 – 1, Patrick Cahill, Cavan, Shankill Mara H042 by Cashelane Bart; 2, Joe Keville, Aughamore, County Leitrim, Alwood Poppy H213 by Fordel Eisenhower; 3, Fintan Keown, Homefarm Elisa by Fordel Eisenhower; 4, Sean Kilrane, Mohill, Drumboy Elsie by Tegnose Karmen.

Heifer, born between 1/09/08 and 31/08/09 – 1, Messrs E, D and E Burke, Carrigaline, County Cork, Shankill Lady Heldon by Cashelane Bart; 2, Faughnan Family, Molloy Lady Hazel by Belvin Patriot; 3, John Brady, Virginia, County Cavan, Lisnafarna Deirdre H005 by Bunlahy Bandit E185; 4, John McEnroe, Liss Bett 943 by Summitcrest Prince.

Heifer, born between 1/09/09 and 31/12/09 – 1, Thomas Reynolds, Bonacoola, Knockadrinan Bell J467 by Gigginstown House Drew E300; 2, Matthew Goulding, Goulding Ester F202 by Aynho Rossiter Eric; 3, Pat Meehan, Limerick, Dalriada Parker J695 by Curragh Malcolm; 4, John McEnroe, Oldcastle, County Meath, Liss Miylo 1037 by Mosston Muir Lord Ringo.

Heifer calf, born on or after 1/01/10- 1, Messrs G A and D Reynolds, Ballinalee, County Longford, Bunlahy Beatrice K246 by Young Dale Superior 14S; 2, Patrick Cahill, Shankill Lady Heather by Cashelane Bart; ,3 Jerry Henchy, Friarstown Ella H172 by Rawburn Rommel; 4, Thomas Reynolds, Knockadrinan Barmaid K493 by Knockadrinan Precise G398.

Mac Crowe made the long journey from Mohill to judge the Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle. The Aberdeen Angus Cattle Association secretary Kathryn Bradshaw presented the Munster Trophy to Aberdeen Angus champion of the show Albert and Jennifer de Cogan’s senior bull Deveron Jasper Eric. The reserve championship went to Westellen Evita from John and Kate Tait. It was another good day for the Aberdeen Angus breed as Deveron Jasper Eric being went on to take the Interbreed Championship of the Show.

In the Interbreed Pairs Westellan Evita and Westellan Black Buddy came first with second place going to Eustace and Deirdre Burke’s Jesana Western Babe and Springmount Wyona. Westellan Eviata was also reserve Aberdeen Angus champion. The Judge was prominent Limousin Breeder Clive Jennings.

Class results:

Bull born before 1 Jan 09

1st S & S MATCHETT  CLOGHOGUE EVOLUTION (by Coneyisland Legend E112 out of Cloghogue Ursula)

Bull born on or after 1 Jan 09 but on or before 31 Aug 09

1st Michael Lagan MACKNAGH MILLS JACOB J784 (by Cudlobe Millenium 12M out of Baronagh Joanna F946)

Cow or heifer in calf or in milk

1st Mike Frazer HILLVIEW PRETTY GIRL G173 (by Aynho Rossiter Eric B125 out of Idvies Proud Irene A060)

Heifer born on or after 1 Jan 09 but on or before 31 Aug 09

1st  S & S Matchett BIRCHES PEARL J794 (by Coldstream genetic Trend 80F out of Drumcow Perula D199)

Bull or heifer calf born on or after 1 Sept 09

1st Adrian & Graeme Parke COOLERMONEY ROSITA (by Coneyisland Legend E112 out of Collermoney Rosita Y301)

Pair of animals property of one exhibitor

1st S & S Matchett

Champion Aberdeen Angus S & S MATCHETT-CLOGHOGUE EVOLUTION

Reserve ADRIAN & GRAEME PARKE-COOLERMONEY ROSSITA

In beef young handlers Aberdeen-Angus YDP members featured in the overall line ups as Sam Matchett took second place with his Aberdeen-Angus crossbred heifer Black Beauty 2 in the 8-12 year old class, while  Jack Smyth stood fifth in the 13-19 year old class.

Tom Reynolds’s September 2009 Knockadrinan Rosie was reserve champion making Tom’s 320 mile long journey worthwhile.

John and Catherine Tait with their interbreed champion at Bandon

Belinda, who is a former All Ireland Junior cow winner, is by Tonroe Udi and is out of the DMM Distinction daughter Westellen Black Bunty B571. Belinda’s bull calf Westellan Black Buddy J681, by Belvin Patriarch 5’04, also won the bull calf class. The red rosettes continued to follow with Westellan Evita J686, an October 2009-born heifer by Ankonian Elixir 100 out of the Dalrene Cruz 11F daughter Netherton Evita A127 who also won the heifer calf class.

The Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association has unveiled a new exhibition unit which was officially opened by Ryanair chief executive, Michael O’Leary, prior to the annual sale of bulls and heifers from Mr O’Leary’s noted Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus herd, held at Fennor House Farm near Mullingar in County Westmeath.

The event attracted breeders from the north and south of Ireland, and included the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society’s senior vice president, Albert de Cogan; and former Irish Rugby International, Donal Spring.

Speaking of the launch of the new unit Mr O’Leary said: “The Irish Aberdeen Angus Association is to be congratulated for its outstanding work. This is a terrific new facility and I hope it will be put to good use at future events such as Tullamore Show and the Irish National Ploughing Championships.”

Launching the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association's new exhibition unit are, from left: Joe Keville, president; Michael O'Leary, chief executive, Ryanair, and owner of the Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus Herd, Mullingar; Kathryn Bradshaw, secretary; and Albert de Cogan, senior vice president, Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society.

“Agricultural shows are a great shop window, and this new exhibition unit will help promote the breed. I am proud to be an Angus breeder and I would urge everyone to continue to put their best foot forward in these difficult economic times.”

Managed by Gerry Smyth and Joe O’Mahony , the 100-cow Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus herd was founded in 1997 with the purchase of foundation females from top herds in Canada – many of which were champions at shows in Edmonton and Regina. These include daughters of bulls such as Krugerrand, TC Stockman, Extra Gold and Black Magic.

The annual sale from the Gigginstown House herd was led at 3900 Euro by the two-year-old heifer, Gigginstown House Extra Smooth. Sired by the TC Stockman son, Fullam Black Boy, she is out of a home-bred dam by Ebon Hill Extra Gold 15’97.

Gigginstown House Extra Smooth sold for the top priceof 3900 euro

Next best at 2300 Euro was Gigginstown House Lavender Lane, a February 2009 born heifer sired by the herd’s stock bull, Penguin Mr Elevate F253 –purchased at Perth in February 2008 for a top price of 32,000gns.

The February 2008-born heifer, Gigginstown House Timeless, also by Fullam Black Boy, sold for 1860 Euro, while following close behind at 1820 Euro was Gigginstown House Black Heather, a January 2008 born heifer by Blelack Buccaneer E175.

Bulls reached a ceiling of 3000 Euro, realised by the November 2008 born Gigginstown House Manipulator. He was sired by the TLA Pride’s Revival 25H son, Aughnamona Lord Hedian, and is out of the imported Mohedian Niamh.

Top priced bull at 3000 euro was Gigginstown House Manipulator

Aughnamona Lord Hedian was also behind the breeding of Giggnstown House Black Tie, a yearling bull which came under the hammer of auctioneer, Paul Murtagh, at 2150 Euro. His dam is the KBJ Conqour All daughter, Gigginstown House Black Belle D280.

Gigginstown House Black Tie sold for 2150 euro

The January 2009 born bull, Gigginstown House Tenor, also by Aughnamona Lord Hedian, and bred from Gigginstown S of Tibbie, realised 1700 Euro.

Averages: 11 bulls sold to average 1613 Euro per head; while 14 heifers changed hands to level at 1620 Euro each.

The champion Aberdeen-Angus at the bull show and sale in Cork Marts Bandon Gabriel Eamon

Some of Ireland’s finest young bulls were exhibited and the judge, Mr Brian Jeffery from the Knock herd, Midleton, choose Robert and Helen Shannon’s Gabriel Eamon as champion, an October 2008-born son of Clooncolligan Amazing.

The reserve championship was awarded to Clontead Emmet, a November 2008-born son of Cheeklaw Eirwyn from the herd of Eustace, Deirdre and Eustace Burke. Both bulls later sold for 1800 euro, with Clontead Emmet going to the Teagasc Farm in Johnstown, Co. Wexford.

The reserve champion Clontead Emmet from the Burke family

The winner of the 2009-born class was Tubridmore Falcon exhibited by Denis Twomey from Causeway Co. Kerry. This January born son of Ankonian Elixir was later sold for 1720 euro. The second prize Darima Lonestar also came from Kerry being exhibited by Matthew Goulding. Top price was 1800 euro and the sale average was 1664 euro.

Causing a stir at ringside was the super cow and bull calf combination Woodvale Beuatiful Kitty D997 and Woodvale Bachelor J874 forward from Alwyn and Carol Armour’s noted Woodvale herd securing the headline price of 4300gns. This Ankonian Elixir daughter has a proven track record in the Woodvale herd with her first daughter being retained for breeding and her February 2008 born bull destined for next season’s spring sales. Her show stopping bull calf is sired by Woodvale Mr Awesome E207, an embryo son of the top performance bull in the states Vermilion Dateline out of the massive donor cow Coldstream Miss Annie.There was spirited bidding for this outfit from both new and established breeders, with the hammer falling to Trevor Wallace, Dromore.

The Old Glenort herd of James Porter was to the fore with his first calving heifer Old Glenort Mayflower F727 selling with a smart Netherton Fleur’s Legacy F390 daughter at foot for 3000gns. This outfit is bred from the heart of the successful Mayflower family in the herd, which traces back to the interbreed champion at Antrim Show Mayflower of the Lodge. Back in calf to the same bull, this herd builder should prove to be a sound investment for Mike Frazer, Templepatrick, who had several lots picked out for his recently established herd.

Leading male trade at 2800gns was Cluntagh Paddy H135 from Frank Morrison

Leading the way in the bulls was Frank Morrison, Crossgar, with his March 2008-born Cluntagh Paddy H135, a son of Idvies Euris B112 out of Baronagh Pansy Y437 which sold for 2800gns. This was an eye-catching entry with plenty of length and super conformation. This bull was the Northern Ireland calf show champion in 2008 and he has a self replacing index of +27. The successful purchase for this lot was Messrs Dunbar, Newtownstewart.

The male champion sold for 2700gns for the McKeown family who currently run 20 females in their Ashvale herd based at Templaptrick. Ashvale Master Piece is sired by the herd’s stock bull Woodvale Exclusive E141 who has been champion at Antrim Show and reserve male champion at Balmoral Show.

Richard McKeown scooped the male championship with Ashvale Master Piece. Adding his congratulations is judge Robin Lamb

This August 2008-born bull was selected male champion by judge Robin Lamb who presented the sponsorship award on behalf of Corby Rock Mill, Monaghan. He sold to Robert Scott, Hillsborough.

Reserve male champion was awarded to Drumlone Euro H656 exhibited by Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw. In the female section the top honours went to Fintan Keown for his Fordel Eisenhower daughter Home Farm Elisa. Both these lots were withdrawn unsold.

The reserve female champion Woodvale Eyrie H675 was sold at 2100gns to Mike Frazer, Templepatrick. This was a well grown daughter of the sought after Woodvale Mr Awesome presented by Robert Campbell, Seaforde. The same purchaser also forked out 2100gns to secure Croftburn Priceless accompanied by her DMM Traction daughter at foot from John Robson, Augher.

The next date in the Aberdeen Angus diary is the World Forum Meeting scheduled for Dunganon Rugby Club on Thursday 5th November. Guest speaker will be Society President William McLaren Jnr. For full details of this and all Club events contact Alan Morrison 07811447812.

For more pictures and picture re-prints go to Agri Images

Averages: 8 bulls £1825; 6 cows and calves £2666; 6 heifers £1350 (Dungannon Farmers Mart).