Nearly 300 calves descended on the King’s Hall complex in Belfast last weekend for the third Northern Ireland pedigree calf fair.

The premier show, which is the only one of its kind in Ireland, saw 10 different breeds exhibited over 60 classes.

Judges for the day carried a wealth of experience and came from all over the UK and Ireland to play their part in the one-day event.

The venue at the old Balmoral Showgrounds, beside the King’s Hall in Belfast, has seen many great cattle exhibitions over the last 121 years, so what a fitting way to end an era with this show believed to be the last pedigree beef show at the complex.

Speaking after the event, show chair David Connolly said: “It’s a bitter sweet experience putting on the show at the old grounds for what we believe will be the last pedigree beef show. We are indebted to the companies who continue to support developments and improvements for the beef industry here in Northern Ireland and we simply wouldn’t have a show without their support and also our trade stands.

“On that note, we have a real opportunity to build on the platform of the first incredible three years going forward.

“If we continue to bring calves, show rings and sponsors all under one roof, it can only lead to an even bigger and better atmosphere and spectacular experience for all.”

Only the finest calves made it to the championship lineups later in the day, with a senior and junior champion tapped forward for each breed. The results are detailed below.

Aberdeen Angus

Senior champion – Kevin McOscar & Massie Blelack Blackbird S830 sired by Warrenho Emperor M425.

Reserve Senior Champion - C&K Marshall Waterloo Democrat S806 sired by Carrington Park Time On B7.

Junior Champion - Kenneth Veitch Drumlone Manhattan T132 sired by Blelack Prince Consort A286.

Reserve Junior Champion - Adrian Parke Coolermoney Samson T725 sired by Cloghogmill Eric R233.

Hereford

Senior Champion - James Graham Richmount 1 Peppermint sired by Grousehallpoll 1 Premier.

Reserve Senior Champion - Mark Moore Annaghbeg Delilah sired by Gurteragh Gladiator.

Junior Champion - J&G Small Drumshanbo 1 Big Show sired by Graceland 1 Giovani.

Reserve Junior Champion - David Wilson Lisrace Finola Dell 4TH sired by Knockmountagh Master.

Irish Moiled

Senior Champion - Chris Ball Prestwood Pandora sired by Curraghnakeely Mr G.

Reserve Senior Champion - B&AM O’Kane Ravelglen Christie sired by Glenmaquin Blossom 4 Ex 93.

Junior Champion - B&AM O’Kane Ravelglen Kiera sired by Glenmaquin Blossom 4 Ex 93.

Reserve Junior Champion - B&AM O’Kane Ravelglen Rocky sired by Glenmaquin Blossom 4 Ex 93.

Beef Shorthorn

Junior Champion - Libby Clarke Caramba Libbys Lady sired by Bushypark Ultra.

Reserve Junior Champion - Chris Clarke Magherone Lovely Lass sired by Meonside Ganster.

Salers

Senior Champion - J&EA Elliott Drumlegagh Lexie sired by Drumlegagh Hamish.

Reserve Senior Champion - J&EA Elliott Drumlegagh Lancelot sired by Fanfan.

Junior Champion - Seamus Connell Ballykeel Missy-Moo sired by Jocker.

Reserve Junior Champion - PJ Maginn & Sons Lisnamaul Magic sired by Seawell Fitzpatrick.

Charolais

Senior Champion - J&S Middleton Hollywell Mojito sired by Thrunton Fairfax.

Reserve Senior Champion - J Armstrong Currins Maddie sired by Goldstar Echo.

Junior Champion - WD&JA Connolly Brigadoon Newman sired by Goldies Icon.

Reserve Junior Champion - WD&JA Connolly Brigadoon Nova sired by Goldies Icon.

Limousin

Senior Champion - M&K Diamond Pointhouse Magnum sired by Ampertaine Foreman.

Reserve Senior Champion - M&K Diamond Pointhouse Maximus sired by Gerrygullinane Glen.

Junior Champion - Jalex Herd Jalex Nini sired by Bassingfield Hobama.

Reserve Junior Champion - R Clyde Clydevalley Natasha sired by Clydevalley Jimbob.

Simmental

Senior Champion - JL&CJ Weatherup Lisglass Helena sired by Dermotstown Delboy.

Reserve Senior Champion - JL&CJ Weatherup Lisglass Honey sired by Dermotstown Delboy.

Junior Champion - A Richardson Cleenagh Ivy sired by Dermotstown Delboy.

Reserve Junior Champion - J Wilson Ballinalare Farm Isabella sired by Denizes Fantastic 14.

British Blonde

Senior Champion - David Gibson Ballygowan Maverick sired by Landais.

Reserve Senior Champion - David Gibson Ballygowan Murchison sired by Easterton Rowan.

Reserve Junior Champion - Norman McKnight Silverwood Nico sired by Ardmore Gargoyle.

Junior Champion - Norman McKnight Silverwood Nat sired by Ardmore Gargoyle.

British Blue

Reserve Senior Champion - JM Morrison & Son Chatham Lomu sired by Kersey Geronimo.

Senior Champion - JM Morrison & Son Chatham Lania sired by Kersey Geronimo.

Junior Champion - James & Sam Martin Springhill My Girl sired by Twyning Ash Troy.

Reserve Junior Champion - James & Sam Martin Springhill Molly sired by Ballygrange Vinney.