I farm: “I run about 20 sucklers. There are about six or seven purebred Charolais, with the rest first or second-generation Charolais cross. I planned to AI the few pedigrees, but in the end they ended up getting the stock bull. I bought him two years ago, he is by Mozart and I never have to put a hand on the cows at calving, which is how I want it.”System: “I like to sell the calves at about 450kg, which is usually in around the 12-month mark. We usually sell through the local mart in Mountrath and we buy in replacements. We bought in cows there last year with very nice calves at foot. I’ll probably keep those ones.”
I farm: “I run about 20 sucklers. There are about six or seven purebred Charolais, with the rest first or second-generation Charolais cross. I planned to AI the few pedigrees, but in the end they ended up getting the stock bull. I bought him two years ago, he is by Mozart and I never have to put a hand on the cows at calving, which is how I want it.”
System: “I like to sell the calves at about 450kg, which is usually in around the 12-month mark. We usually sell through the local mart in Mountrath and we buy in replacements. We bought in cows there last year with very nice calves at foot. I’ll probably keep those ones.”
Hurling: “Offaly would be our biggest rivals and we beat them for the first time in 43 years last weekend. Last time we beat them my father was playing. I think we were the only father-son outfit to play both contests. Next up is Galway in the Leinster semi final on the 20 June in Tullamore. They beat us by two points last year and seven points the year – so we’re getting closer each time.”
Work: “I work full-time at the CIE factory which makes railway sleepers. It’s a very physical job, so with the hurling as well there’s no need for the gym.”
Typical day: “Up about half five or so to do a bit around the yard before I start work in the factory at seven. I go to work, come home, get a bit of dinner down and get whatever I can done in the yards before heading to training for half seven. Training is three or four times a week and usually kicks off in November after a short break.”
Family: “My father is Frank and my mother is Teresa. I have six siblings: three brothers and three sisters. My partner Carrie and I have a two-year-old daughter, Kaiah.”
Quotable quote: “We are not going the next day to put on a show, we are going to win.”
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