This year the Irish Hereford Breed Society alongside the North Leinster Hereford Branch and Irish Hereford Prime held their National Calf Show in a different style compared to previous shows.

Breeders competing in the show were able to do so from the comfort of their own home by submitting photos of their entries to the society’s online virtual event.

The competition proved to be strong with over 110 entries received for 11 classes, consisting of top-quality pedigree Hereford and commercial Hereford calves. 

The responsibility of adjudication for the show was given to a three-man judging panel including well-known Welsh rugby referee and Hereford breeder Nigel Owens.

Commenting on the virtual show, a spokesperson for the society stated:

As it is a very different type of show from what we are all used to, it is inspiring to see so many people getting involved and making the most of the situation at hand.

“The society would like to thank the generous sponsors, who kindly donated prizes despite this turbulent year. Without their kind support, an event like this wouldn’t be possible.”

The results of the main classes were as follows:

  • Class 1: Heifer born on or between July 1, 2019 & September 30, 2019 – Grianan Orange U 877;
  • Class 2: Heifer born on or between October 1, 2019 & December 31, 2019 – Grianan Orange U894;
  • Class 3: Heifer born on or between January 1, 2020 & March 31, 2020 – Keenaghpoll 1 Rocket Roxie;
  • Class 4: Heifer calf of the future born from April 1, 2020 onwards – Clonroe Imogen;
  • Class 5: Bull born on or between July 1, 2019 & September 30, 2019 – Moyclare Sam;
  • Class 6: Bull born on or between October 1, 2019 & December 31, 2019 – Rathregan Bonanza;
  • Class 7: Bull born on or between January 1, 2020 & March 31, 2020 – Hillock Basil;
  • Class 8: Bull calf of the future born from April 1, 2020 onwards – Clondrina Poll 1 1327;
  • Class 9: Dairy Beef Index – Pedigree Genotyped Bull born on or between July 1 & December 31, 2019. Criteria for judging based 60% on appearance and 40% on Dairy Beef index – Moyclare Sam;
  • Class 10: Commercial Hereford sired calf, male or female, born in 2020 – Roxy;
  • Class 11: Hereford / Hereford X Replacement Heifer of the Future – Hereford sired female born on or between July 1, 2019 & June 30, 2020. Criteria for judging based 60% on appearance and 40% on Replacement index – Petra.

Championship classes

Following the judging of the main classes, the selection for the junior and senior champions in the male and female sections from classes one to eight were awarded. This was based on a public vote – with three judges also having a final say.

The championship winners were as follows:

  • Moocall Senior Female Champion:  Grianan Orange U 877 sired by Grianan Parkers and exhibited by Padraic McKenna from Co. Monaghan;
  • Allsure Junior Female Champion:  Keenaghpoll 1 Rocket Roxy sired by Solpoll 1 Kentucky Kid and exhibited by Edwin and Robert Jones from Co. Longford;
  • Herdwatch Senior Male Champion: Rathregan Bonanza sired by Rathregan Suarez and exhibited by Val Ledwith from Co. Meath;
  • Dectomax Junior Male Champion:  Clondrinapoll 1 1327 sired by Panmure 1 Henry and exhibited by Gerard and Declan Donnelly, Clare.

The show was not over following these classes as an overall supreme male and female champion had to be selected from the four championships.

Rathregan Bonanza – Image source: Irish Hereford Breed Society

Claiming the Supreme Male Championship for 2020 was the December-2019 born Rathregan Bonanza, exhibited by Val Ledwith from Co. Meath. Being sired by Rathregan Suarez – Kilsunny Goliath was also found in his sire’s back pedigree.

Keenaghpoll 1 Rocket Roxy – Image source: Irish Hereford Breed Society

Taking the top accolade in the female section was Keenaghpoll 1 Rocket Roxy who was awarded Supreme Female champion 2020.

This February-2020 born heifer is sired by Solpoll 1 Kentucky Kid and was exhibited by Longford-based breeders Edwin and Robert Jones.