Three young farmers have scooped the top prizes at the All-Ireland finals of the 2014 Macra na Feirme Beef and Sheep Stockjudging competitions, sponsored by Bord Bia.
Taking part in the competition as part of the Macra na Feirme Annual Conference in Laois, 70 young farmers took part overall. The competition final took place in Mountrath Mart on Sunday, October 26.
Prizes were awarded in three separate categories: Senior Beef Stockjudging, Under 23 Beef Stockjudging and Senior Sheep Stockjudging.
Patrick O’Keeffe Awbeg, Avondhu won first prize for Sheep Stockjudging. Runner up in this category was his sister, Breda O’Keeffe, Awbeg, Avondhu. This is the fourth time the O’Keeffe family have won the Macra competition with their father Arthur being one of the youngest winners in the history of the competition.
The Bord Bia Senior Beef Stockjudging event was won by Alan Twomey, Donoughmore, Muskerry. Runner up in this category was Paul Brady, South Leitrim.
Top prize in the Under 23 category of Beef stockjudging went to John Gahan, Tullow, Carlow. Runner up in this category was Alan Delaney, Camross, Laois.
Macra na Feirme National President, Kieran O’Dowd, speaking at the final said, “Well done to all the competitors – this Bord Bia sponsored competition proved to be very popular again this year with 70 enthusiastic competitors.”
First place winners in each category have now won themselves a place on the Macra na Feirme prize-winners trip abroad next year.