Report on Dovea Genetics National Simmental Calf Finals 2024
Strokestown was once again the setting for the Dovea Genetics sponsored National Calf Finals on Saturday September 14th . The Simmental Society and Strokestown Show welcomed a touring party of over 40 Simmental enthusiasts from Northern Ireland to the Show. Tasked with the job of placing the calves in the Simmental section was another Northern Ireland breeder Kyle Hayes from the Haystar Herd in Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
Taking the National Senior Heifer Calf title for Dec `23 / Jan `24 born heifers was Nigel Hogan from Bennekerry, Co. Carlow with Rathnashan Sexy Lady ET. Sired by Mullyknock Gallant this heifer is out of homebred dam Rathnashan Harper a Kilbride Farm Delboy sired dam. Taking reserve Senior Heifer Calf was Joe McGarry, Caldra, Co. Longford with Carbery Ramona sired by Derreen Jack.In the National Junior Heifer Calf Championship, the title here went to Fergal Doherty, Carrigart, Co. Donegal with Bighill Sweet Pie. This February `24 born heifer calf is sired by a homebred bull Bighill Parker and is out of Bighill Evolve Pie who in turn is sired by Kilbride Farm Newry.Fergal also brought the reserve rosette to Donegal with Bighill Snow Queen Jacs V sired by another homebred bull Bighill Plato.In the National Senior Bull Calf Class, Nigel Hogan was again leading the way with Rathnashan Realbadman ET. Born in Dec `23 and again sired by Mullyknock Gallant this bull calf is out of Seafort Empress an Auroch Bullet P sired dam.
Reserve Senior Bull Calf went to Jamie Reape, Bonniconlon, Co. Mayo with Ballycarra Scott ET by Hillcrest Champion.
Taking the Junior Bull Championship Co. Sligo exhibitor James Mullarkey with Ardtarmon Seamus. Sired by Derreen Jack this March `23 born bull calf is out of a home bred Auroch Deuter Pp dam Ardtarmon Mona.Reserve Junior Bull went to Co. Cork exhibitor Tony O`Leary with his Herkules sired calf Seaview Samson P.The National Polled Calf Championship was won by Ava O`Leary & Billy Cronin, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick with Brideland Spartan PP. This March `24 born homozygous polled bull calf is sired by Coose Jericho P and is out of a Manitoba Spartan dam Brideland Harper P.Reserve polled went to Martin Glennon, Co. Roscommon with a Tiset Darwin P sired March born heifer calf Breezy-Hill Sassy P.
In conclusion the Irish Simmental Society would like to thank all exhibitors for exhibiting top quality calves in these National Finals, Strokestown Show and its Committee for their continued support in hosting the finals and Kyle Hayes for judging.
