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Large turnout at Simmental stock judging competition

by | Jul 8, 2015

The 35-cow Lisglass Herd owned by the Weatherup family from Ballyclare, County Antrim, was the venue for the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club’s annual stockjudging competition.

Almost 100 members and breed enthusiasts travelled from throughout the province to compete at the evening event.

Club chairman Richard Rodgers said he was delighted to see such a fantastic turnout, and thanked the Weatherup family – Leslie, Iris, Christopher and Laura, for their excellent hospitality.

Master judge for the evening was William Ferguson from the Sperrin View herd based at Stewartstown, County Tyrone. He was overall winner of the British Simmental Cattle Society’s national stockjudging final held at Turriff Show last year.

Following a delicious BBQ supper, club chairman Richard Rodgers announced the results of the stockjudging competition.

Junior competitor, under 21-years-old – 1, Kyle Hayes, Upper Ballinderry; and Cara Moore, Beragh.

Senior competitor, aged 21 to 30-years-old – 1, Zara Stubbs, Irvinestown; 2, Shane McDonald, Tempo.

Open Class – 1, Pat Kelly, Tempo; 2, David Hazelton, Dungannon; 3, Julie Wallace, Antrim.

The junior and senior team winners will represent Northern Ireland at the society’s national Young Members Association stockjudging finals taking place at Pembrokeshire County Show from 18th to 20th August.

Team members were congratulated by sponsor William Thompson from Bank of Ireland.

Forthcoming events in the club’s annual calendar include:

Wednesday 5th August – Final of Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year Competition, and presentation of Danske Bank Male and Female of the Year Awards, at Fermanagh County Show.

Friday 7th August – Charity BBQ and auction, in aid of Southern Area Hospice Services, Newry, at Dungannon Rugby Club – 8pm.

Saturday 5th September – 45th Anniversary Elite Female Show and Sale, Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

Junior competitors Kyle Hayes, Upper Ballinderry; and Cara Moore, Beragh, were congratulated by Richard Rodges, chairman, NI Simmental Cattle Breeders' Club; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Junior competitors Kyle Hayes, Upper Ballinderry; and Cara Moore, Beragh, were congratulated by Richard Rodges, chairman, NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Senior stockjudging winners Zara Stubbs, Irvinestown; and Shane McDonald, Tempo, were congratulated by NI Simmental Club chairman Richard Rodgers; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Senior stockjudging winners Zara Stubbs, Irvinestown; and Shane McDonald, Tempo, were congratulated by NI Simmental Club chairman Richard Rodgers; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Hosts Leslie and Iris Weatherup, Lisglass Herd, Ballyclare, recieve a token of appreciation from NI Simmental Club chairman Richard Rodgers; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Hosts Leslie and Iris Weatherup, Lisglass Herd, Ballyclare, recieve a token of appreciation from NI Simmental Club chairman Richard Rodgers; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Open class stockjudging winners Pat Kelly, Tempo; and David Hazelton, Dungannon, were congratulated by NI Simmental Club chairman Richard Rodgers; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Open class stockjudging winners Pat Kelly, Tempo; and David Hazelton, Dungannon, were congratulated by NI Simmental Club chairman Richard Rodgers; and sponsor William Thompson, Bank of Ireland.

Host Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, chats to William Thompson, Bank of Ireland; and Alan Wallace, Antrim, at the NI Simmental Club's annual stockjudging competition.

Host Christopher Weatherup, Ballyclare, chats to William Thompson, Bank of Ireland; and Alan Wallace, Antrim, at the NI Simmental Club’s annual stockjudging competition.

Master judge William Ferguson, Stewartstown.

Master judge William Ferguson, Stewartstown.

Open class competitors Harold Stubbs, Lisnaskea, and William Nelson, Rosslea.

Open class competitors Harold Stubbs, Lisnaskea, and William Nelson, Rosslea.

Pictured at the NI Simmental Club's stockjudging event, hosted by the Lisglass Herd, Ballyclare, are, from left: Alan Wilson, Newry; George Nelson, Rosslea; and Craig Cowan, Fivemiletown.

Pictured at the NI Simmental Club’s stockjudging event, hosted by the Lisglass Herd, Ballyclare, are, from left: Alan Wilson, Newry; George Nelson, Rosslea; and Craig Cowan, Fivemiletown.

Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon, completes his judging card.

Jonny Hazelton, Dungannon, completes his judging card.

Pat Kelly, centre, Tempo, with Jim and Robert Hamilton, Rock, Dungannon, at the NI Simmental Club's stockjudging competition, held at the Lisglass Herd, Ballyclare.

Pat Kelly, centre, Tempo, with Jim and Robert Hamilton, Rock, Dungannon, at the NI Simmental Club’s stockjudging competition, held at the Lisglass Herd, Ballyclare.