The Irish farmers Journal, Irish Shows Association and FBD held their first ever Young Stockperson of the Year finals last weekend in GVM Tullamore.

There were 37 competitors from across the country who were split into three categories depending on their age; Junior, Intermediate & Senior.

The competitors were put through their paces and judged on several activities including; halter making, catching animals, show preparation, ring preparation, ring craft, general management of cattle, general knowledge and their dress code & attire. The competition was judged by Garrett & Lyndsay Behan of Clonagh Simmentals.

A huge congratulations to Catherine Smyth of Ardmulchan Herefords, Meath on winning the Senior Stockperson 2021. Catherine is no stranger to showing cattle, both pedigree and commercial and her years of experience, knowledge and passion definitely stood her when she was called out as the winner of the Senior section.

Well done also to Tara Drumm of Crowenstown Herefords, Westmeath on placing 2nd in the Junior section of the competition & also to Katie Brady of Waterloo Herefords, Cavan on placing 3rd in the Senior section.

The event was a great success all round and a great opportunity for young people to meet up again and get stuck into the showing scene again.

Well done to everyone who competed and took part and to all involved in the organising of the event – looking forward to the continuation of the competition in the future.