Taking part in the Simmental show case at the Tullamore Show is what the summer show season is all about for many Simmental breeders around the country.

It is the largest display of Simmental cattle in Ireland and breeders travel from all corners of the country to battle it out for the prestigious national titles that are up for grabs.

For the Simmental section, the National Livestock Show offers breeders the opportunity to display their finest stock and the modern beef Simmental to an international audience.

General manager of the Irish Simmental Cattle Society, Peadar Glennon, told the Irish Farmers Journal: “Every year, we see an increase in the number of international visitors to Tullamore and this year the Simmental breed will see a visiting group from Czech Republic ringside, along with our regular visitors from Northern Ireland and the UK.”

“The Simmental society would like to thank all those behind the scenes that make this season highlight happen, including all at Tullamore Show and our sponsors,” Glennon added.

Last year, Garret and Lyndsey Behan of the Clonagh pedigree Simmental herd from Ballyfin, Co Laois, had their dreams come true as they secured not only the overall Simmental champion with their superb homebred cow, Clonagh Majestic Trixie, they also scooped the reserve overall breed championship with Clonagh La Bella Glam Posh.

This year, over 70 Simmental cattle will battle it out to be crowned this year’s national champions.