The annual herds competition in the northeast Holstein Friesian Breeders Club is one of the key events of the club’s calendar. Sponsored by McAuleys Animal Feeds, Balrath, Navan, Co Meath, the competition drew over 50 herds.

The competition was judged by noted UK breeders and premier herd winners, husband and wife duo Robert and Elaine Butterfield, Yorkshire.

The spring-calving herds were judged by well-respected and former RDS chair, Tom Cannon, from Platin, Drogheda.

The overall top honours went to the Flanagan family, Termonfeckin, Co Louth, for their Tubbertoby herd.

This marked the first time in the 40-year history of the competition that the Tubbertoby herd clinched the silverware.

Full results:

Large herds results

  • 1st: Anthony and Paul Daly, Curtles herd, Kells, Co Meath.
  • 2nd: Paul Feeney, Ballivor herd, Ballivor, Co Meath.
  • 3rd: James and Tom Kelly, Monamore herd, Co Louth.

    • Small herd results

  • 1st: Paul Flanagan, Tubbertoby herd, Termonfeckin, Co Louth.
  • 2nd: Richard Whelan, Lumville herd, Enfield, Co Meath.
  • 3rd: Brendan Clarke, Lissispin herd, Ardee, Co Louth.

    • Spring herd results

  • 1st: Michael Kieran, Knockcais herd, Drumconrath, Co Meath.
  • 2nd: John Healy, Randalstown herd, Slane, Co Meath.
  • 3rd: Joseph McKeever, Stackallen, Slane, Co Meath.

    • Suffolk flock competition

    The South of Ireland Suffolk Society recently ran an all-Ireland flock competition for the first time in nearly 10 years.

    High entry levels meant that competition was stiff throughout all the sections.

    However, it was Eamonn Duffy’s Kells flock which secured the top accolade of champion flock.

    Over-30 ewe section

  • 1st: Eamonn Duffy, Kells.
  • 2nd: S and S Gahan, Barrowlands.

    • Highly commended

  • Sean O’Connor, Islandmore.
  • Richard G Moore, Columbkille.

    • Under-30 ewe section

  • 1st: Colin and Jonathan Watchorn, Beechbrook.
  • 2nd: Sean and Valerie Tiffin, Tiffins.

    • Best stock rams

  • Colin and Jonathan Watchorn.

    • Best ewe lambs

  • S and S Gahan.

    • Champion flock

  • Eamonn Duffy, Kells.

    • Reserve champion flock

  • S and S Gahan, Barrowlands.