The Munster Hereford Branch once again ran its hugely successful ‘Bull and Female of the Year’ competition this year. Branch Chairman Martin Murphy, along with a dedicated group of Munster breeders, deserve great credit for ensuring the continued success of this competition. Points were accumulated throughout the summer months and qualifying shows included Charleville, Bridgetown, Nenagh, Cappamore and Limerick shows. Three categories were held this year – Best Senior Female, Best Junior Female and Best Junior Bull with substantial prizes on offer in each section. Each class was keenly contested with just a single point separating the champions and reserves in some of the categories.
The Senior Female of the Year 2015 was awarded to ‘Clouncagh Joanne 4’ exhibited by John O’ Connor, Ballykennedy Hse, Ballingary, Co. Limerick and ably assisted by son Jack. This title marks a welcome return to the show circuit for Clouncagh Herefords and will surely be the first of many major titles for the O’ Connor duo. Joanne 4 is sired by ‘Dieulcresse Hector’ and had previously stood at the top of the line in a very strong yearling heifer class at Nenagh earlier in the season.
The Reserve Senior Female of the Year 2015 went to the new breeders Gerry & Ciara McNamara, Mayfadda, Labasheeba, Ennis, Co. Clare with their senior show cow ‘Corlismorepoll 1 Sydney 607’. This Spring 2011 born cow was purchased as the top priced lot at the recent Gurteragh Herefords dispersal sale and has compiled a fantastic show record since then, taking championship honours at Ennis and Bansha shows along with many other rosettes and prizes at several of the summer shows during the year.
The Junior Female of the Year 2015 was won by ‘Banteer 1 Gem’ exhibited by Anthony McCarthey, Gurrane, Banteer, Co. Cork. This young October 2014 born heifer calf has put together a stellar show record for her owners having won the Supreme Hereford Championship at Midleton, the Reserve Premier Hereford Heifer Calf Championship at Nenagh and many other 1st prize rosettes at several other shows in recent months.
The Reserve Female of the Year 2015 went to Tony Hartnett, Knockatoon, Rock Chapel, Co. Cork with ‘River Rock Eva Bea’. This young heifer calf is sired by home bred stock sire ‘River Rock Jake’ and was consistently in the ribbons at several of the key Munster shows during the year.
In the male section, the Junior Bull of the Year 2015 went to ‘River Rock Tyson’ exhibited by Tony Harnett, Knockatoon, Rock Chapel, Co. Cork. This quality bull calf has enjoyed many highlights over the last few weeks, having previously won 1st prize at both Nenagh and the National Hereford Show, Tullamore. He was also awarded the Overall Male Champion at Limerick Show to cap off a phenomenal show season for the Hartnett family.
The Reserve Junior Bull of the Year 2015 was won by Michael O’ Keeffe, Gurteragh, Newmarket, Co. Cork with the yearling bull ‘Gurteragh Obama’. This bull is sired by ‘Corlismore Robinhood 592’ and had previously stood as the Reserve Premier Bull Calf Champion at Nenagh Show earlier this month.
Congratulations to all of the prize winners in each of the sections and sincere thanks to all exhibitors, breeders, helpers and sponsors in the region who continue to support the Munster Bull and Female of the Year competitions.
Report & Photos: Edward Dudley
Irish Hereford Breed Society Ltd 