Simmental breeders collect silverware

Report and pictures by Julie Hazelton

Members and friends of the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club gathered in Cookstown for its annual dinner and presentation of awards.

Club chairman, Robert Forde, welcomed everyone; while vice-chairman, Cecil McIlwaine, gave a special welcome to the club’s guests, Mr and Mrs Philip Clarke of Merial Animal Health; and Mr and Mrs Andrew Tecey of Northern Bank.

Mr McIlwaine said that 2008 had been a special year for the Northern Ireland Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club. “In June we were delighted to host delegates of the 17th World Simmental Congress. The two-day event included visits to the Kilbride Farm and Ballinalare Farm Herds, as well as a Congress Show which took place in Omagh Showgrounds.

“A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible, especially our breeders who put on a tremendous show of quality cattle, and our sponsors for their generous financial support. The club is indebted to its sponsors without whom many of our competitions would not be possible.”

Club member, Canon Harry Moore, said Grace, and everyone enjoyed a delicious roast ‘Simmental’ beef dinner.

Robert Forde congratulated all the breeders who had won awards on the local agricultural show circuit during 2008. He said:”Northern Ireland is home to some of the best pedigree Simmental cattle in the UK. This is very obvious when we go to national events such as the Perth Bull Sales.

“Over the last few years, local exhibitors have continually produced prize winning and top-priced bulls at the Scottish venue. Two of our breeders have also had the privilege of judging at the prestigious event. Congratulations to everyone concerned!”

Everyone joined with Robert Forde is wishing club member and breed enthusiast, Wesley Abraham, Irvinestown, a speedy a recovery.

The awards were presented by Mrs Lorna Forde, who was ably assisted by committee member, Mrs Thelma Gorman, Armagh.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by Remo.

Awards for the 2008 show season include:

Northern Bank Silver Salver, for the champion at the club’s spring show and sale: Keith Nelson, Rosslea, (Scribby Farms Venus).

Best of opposite sex to the champion at the club’s spring show and sale: Eamon McCloskey, Kilrea, (Drumagarner Vicky).

Iriwn Perpetual Challenge Cup, for the supreme champion at Balmoral Show: Robert and Lorna Forde, Tempo, (Mullyknock Princess).

British Simmental Cattle Society engraved crystal goblets, for the supreme champion at Balmoral Show: Robert and Lorna Forde, (Mullyknock Princess).

Imex Perpetual Cow Bell, for the female champion at Balmoral Show: Robert and Lorna Forde, (Mullyknock Princess).

Bangor and Six Road Ends Farmers Union Trophy, for the female champion at Balmoral Show: Robert and Lorna Forde, (Mullyknock Princess).

Silver Award, for the exhibitor-bred champion at Balmoral Show: Robert and Lorna Forde, (Mullyknock Princess).

News Letter Shield, for the junior champion at Balmoral Show: Pat and Frank Kelly, Tempo, (Ashland Vagabond).

William Black Memorial Perpetual Cup, for the male champion at Balmoral Show: Pat and Frank Kelly, (Ashland Vagabond).

Bobby Gamble Perpetual Challenge Trophy, for the best Simmental heifer at Balmoral Show: Wesley Abraham, Irvinestown, (Dripsey Twilight Princess Kim).

British Simmental Cattle Society engraved crystal goblets, for the supreme champion at Ballymoney Show: Wesley Abraham, (Dripsey Twilight Princess Kim).

Northern Bank Female of the Year Award: Wesley Abraham, (Dripsey Twilight Princess Kim). Runner-up: Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, (Broomfield Treasure).

Northern Bank Male of the Year Award: David Hazelton, Dungannon, (Ranfurly Vigilante). Runner-up: Pat and Frank Kelly, (Ashland Vagabond).

Ulster Bank Junior Heifer Derby Winner: Mrs Thelma Gorman, Armagh, (Woodford Snowdrop). Runner-up: David Hazelton: (Ranfurly Weikel 2nd).

Merial Animal Health Trophy for the Eprinex Pair of the Year: Pat and Frank Kelly, (Ashland Vagabond and Raceview Topaz Matilda). Runner-up: Cecil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, (Corrick Viscount and Corrick Vena Diana).

DANI Rosebowl for the best beef recorded bull at Enniskillen Show: Pat and Frank Kelly, (Ashland Vagabond).

Young Stockperson of the Year 2008: Neil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart.

The Carnkern Cup, for the best young judge, under 18: Jamie Boyd, Portglenone.

NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club stockjudging competition, open class winner: Philip White.

Best young judge, Jamie Boyd, 12, Portglenone, proudly displays the Carnkern Cup

Pat and Kathleen Kelly, Ashland Herd, Tempo, received an array of trophies. Adding their congratulations are club chairman, Robert Forde, and his wife, Lorna.

Lorna Forde presents the Young Stockperson of the Year Award to Neil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart

Philip Clarke, right, Merial Animal Health, sponsor, congratulates Pat and Kathleen Kelly, Tempo, winners of the Eprinex Pair of the Year Award; and Cecil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, runner-up

Club members, Thelma Gorman, Armagh, left, and Darla Boyd, Portglenone, right, make a floral presentation to Lorna Forde, who presented the awards

Robert Forde, right, chairman, NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club, with Keith Nelson and Andrea Graham, Rosslea; and Eamon McCloskey, Kilrea; .

Robert Forde, and his wife, Lorna, congratulate Stephen Millar, who collected an array of trophies won during 2008 on behalf of Wesley Abraham, Irvinestown, .

The 2008 Northern Bank Male of the Year Award went to David Hazelton, Dungannon. Jonny Hazelton and Julie Devennie collected the awards

Robert Forde, club chairman; Andrew Tecey, agri-banking manager, Northern Bank; and Robin Boyd, club secretary.

Cousins Emily Harper, 8, and Cara Moore, 7, Beragh, County Tyrone, enjoyed their night out at the annual dinner

NI Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Club chairman, Robert Forde, and his wife, Lorna, exhibited the supreme champion at the 2008 Balmoral Show. They were congratulated at the club’s annual dinner, by Andrew Tecey, agri-banking manager, Northern Bank; and Philip Clarke, Merial Animal Health.

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