This year has been extremely busy and successful year for the Irish Angus Cattle Society, with membership continuing to grow at a steady rate, according the society’s president Seán Kilkenny.

“Sale prices in 2024 continue to be at an all-time high with Angus cattle in high demand,” he said. The society recently hosted the Aldi Irish Angus bull calf all-Ireland championships, in association with ABP, at Iverk Show in Kilkenny, where over 60 of the country’s best Angus bull calves were showcased on the day.

All Ireland finals

Strokestown Show, on Saturday 14 September, hosts the Irish Angus Cattle Society all-Ireland finals where there will be over 100 cattle on display. There will be a €13,000 prize fund for 19 classes of pedigree bulls, cows and heifers, as well as the Irish Angus Young Stockperson of the Year awards for junior, intermediate and senior classes.

The overall Irish Angus senior male and female champions receive €300 and the AW shield and sash, while reserves receive €200 and a special rosette The overall junior male and female champions receive €200 and a Leitrim crystal trophy and sash, while reserves receive €150 and a special rosette.

The overall supreme Irish Angus all-Ireland champion will receive a trophy in memory of Michael Foley along with a sash. The junior champion will also receive a perpetual cup in memory of the late William Little.

Elite show and sale

The Irish Angus Cattle Society Elite Show & Sale will be the next event in the calendar. The society will host the event for both bulls and heifers on 7 December at the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society in Carrick-on-Shannon.

The sale has consistently produced the highest prices in Ireland over the past number of years, with top price Angus animals selling in 2023 for €10,200, €9,600 and €9,400.

The deadline for entries is Friday, 4 October. Prize winners from various shows throughout the year, including the Irish Angus all-Ireland finals, are expected to be on sale. All stock are export-tested and myostatin tested for this sale.

The society is offering free membership to the Irish Angus Cattle Society for 2025 for first-time buyers who purchase females at the sale and cover the cost of registration for her first calf.

A premium of €400 will be offered to two purchasers who purchase animals over €3,500.