Elphin was once again the centre stage for this year’s much anticipated National Charolais Calf Show. Last Saturday’s show attracted over 200 Charolais calves, making it the highest entry in recent year’s, and the biggest show of any breed this year. The concluding remark from many spectators was the same, ‘phenomenal quality’. As well as a fantastic display from existing breeders, there was an array of new breeders on show, which is a great outlook for the breed. It was also hugely positive to see the three female calf champions sired by bulls available from Society. The two judges for the day were Andrew Reid, farm manager at AJR farms, and Friar Thompson, former farm manager at Balmyle Charolais, both hailing from Scotland.
Corney Toby
Taking care of proceeding’s in the bull ring was Andrew Reid who awarded the Senior Male Calf Championship to Corney Toby, exhibited by David Magee. This powerful October 2022 born calf is a son of Goldstar Hugo 2 and a homebred daughter of Texan gie. He has enjoyed a successful show season, having won the North Eastern Charolais Club Calf Championship back in May.
Crossane4 Unique ET
Claiming the Intermediate Male Calf Championship was Crossane4 Unique for the Mc Govern brothers from County Sligo. This classy nine month calf is a son of Goldstar Echo and Portnason Hermione, making him a full brother to the 2019 National Charolais Show Champion, Crossane4 Niamh.
Maghermore Ultan
The Donegal men were smiling when Michael Grant from Buncrana was tapped forward for the Junior Male Calf Championship with Maghermore Ultan. This February 2023 born calf is a son of Clenagh Lyle and an Inverlochy Ferdie bred cow.
Ballinderry Tubber
The Reserve Senior Male Calf Championship went the way of Ballinderry Tubber exhibited by Michael Stephens from County Galway. This much admired September 2022 born bull is a son of Thrunton Officer and a homebred daughter of Camber Liam.
Tullaghan Tiger Roll
Tullaghan Tiger Roll exhibited by Michael and Cathal Daly from North Leitrim came through a tough class of bulls to claim top spot in his section. A son of Goldstar Othello, this October 2022 born calf went on to claim the Reserve Intermediate Male Calf Championship.
Inismurray Umar ET
Paul Burke from County Sligo claimed the Reserve Junior Male Calf Championship with his first prize winner Inismurray Umar ET, exhibited here by young Niamh Burke. This 7 month old calf is a son of Whitecliffe James and Liscally Ocean Breeze.
Dalehill Teddy
Standing top of the line in the first class of bulls was Dalehill Teddy, shown here by breeders Basil and Victoria Kells. This June 2022 born bull is a son Clenagh Jasper and a Major bred daughter.
Corraclara Tiago
The December 2022 born Corraclara Tiago exhibited by local breeder Michael Mc Gowan won the fifth class of bulls. This one is a son of Derryolam Impeccable and a Prime Roberto bred dam.
Sagesse Uranus
Taking the youngest class of bulls was Sagesse Uranus bred by the Canning’s from County Sligo, and exhibited here by the Watts family from County Galway. Uranus is a son of Maerdy Sinndar and Kilcumrereagh Dorothee, making him a full brother to Garra Rockey ET, the Junior Champion at the 2021 Christmas Cracker Bull Sale.
Lisnagre Triona ET
On to the females now and coming out on top in the Senior Female Calf Championship was Lisnagre Triona ET exhibited by Jim Geoghegan. This powerful September 2022 born heifer is a daughter of the Society bull Horace JD, and a homebred dam by Major.
Goodmoove Tequila Sunrise ET
The Intermediate Female Calf Championship was wrapped up by Conor Melvin with Goodmoove Tequila Sunrise ET. This outstanding young heifer is a daughter of the Society bull Neptune, and a Texan gie bred dam. She has also enjoyed an exciting year on show circuit.
Sagesse Ulrica ET
Sagesse Ulrica ET fought off stiff competition in the junior section to claim the Junior Female Calf Championship for breeders Brendan and Niall Canning. Ulrica is a daughter of the Society bull Jaquard, and the former National Calf Show Champion, Grangwood Jolly Holly.
Crockaun Timeless
Crockaun Timeless continued on her successful show season this year for breeder Bernadette Dunne, when she was awarded the Reserve Senior Female Calf Championship, having stood second to the Champion in her class. Timeless is a September 2022 born daughter of the Society bull Ocean and Crockaun Mesange.
Goldstar Une Fleur
Martin Ryan and family from County Tipperary snapped up the Reserve Intermediate Female Calf Championship with Goldstar Une Fleur. This 9 month heifer calf is a daughter of Invincible and Goldstar Offrande.
Glenree Usha
Having picked up a red rosette at the National Show in Tullamore, Glenree Usha went one better last Saturday and claimed the Reserve Junior Female Calf Championship. Exhibited by John O Grady from County Galway, Usha is a 7 month old daughter of Clenagh Mischief 2.
Crossmolina Talia exhibited by Alan Wood from County Mayo took home the red rosette from class one in the females. This July 2022 born heifer is a daughter of the Society bull Berry Mic, and a homebred daughter of Blelack Digger.
Western Treasure 2 ET
Joe Clancy from County Galway had a successful day out with his 12 month old heifer, Western Treasure 2 ET. This classy heifer is a daughter of the great French bull, Himalaya, and the well known French cow, Fabtazia.
Goldstar Tiffany ET
Martin Ryan from County Tipperary was back in the red ribbons again when Goldstar Tiffany ET took first place in her class. This November 2022 born heifer is a daughter of Ballym Mylove and Goldstar Obeline.
Dorado Una ET
New breeder Fiona Mc Elhone won the last female class of the day with her young heifer calf, Dorado Una ET. This stylish young calf is a daughter of the Society bull Magicien and a Pirate bred dam.
Breaghwyhill Tia and Breaghwyhill Tess
As always one of the most competitive classes of the day was the best pair of animals from one exhibitor. Getting the nod and coming out on top in this one was Eamon and Daniel O’ Connor from County Sligo with Breaghwyhill Tia and Breaghwyhill Tess, two September 2022 born heifers.
Sinead Burke
Winning the young breeders showing class from 12 – 16 years old was Sinead Burke from County Sligo, with her young bull calf Inismurray Uteddy ET.
Daniel O’ Connor
Having wrapped up the best pair of animals on the day, Daniel O’ Connor from County Sligo took the red rosette in the young breeders showing class from 17 – 22 years old, with his yearling heifer Breaghwyhill Tia ET.
This concluded another tremendous National Charolais Calf Show. The quality on display spoke volumes for the direction and progression of the breed in recent years. The Society would like to thank the exhibitors for putting on a wonderful show of cattle. A big thank you must also go to our main sponsor Greenvale Animal Feeds, our stewards, judges, and of course, Elphin Mart for their premises. The next Society event is the Elite Charolais Heifer Show and Sale, which will take place in Carrick on Shannon on Saturday the 28th October.