Kilmallock Mart in county Limerick was the venue for the South West Club Calf Championship for 2015 on Wednesday evening the 21st of October. This event was held in conjunction with Teagasc who were hosting a very informative Beef Genomics meeting at the same venue.
Presiding as judge for the evening was John McInerney of the Drummin herd based in Newmarket On Fergus, Co. Clare. The Drummin herd needs no introduction – year after year it enjoys much success on the show circuit, while in the sales ring Drummin cattle regularly feature in the top prices and prizes. John is highly regarded in both showing and judging circles, featured among his judging resume is the October 2012 British Limousin Cattle Society’s October Bull Sale in Carlisle. A visit to the herd is one of the highly anticipated destinations on next year’s ILC itinerary.
Six classes were competed for, with classes 1-3 being for bulls and 4-6 for heifers. Taking the red rosette in Class 1 was “Glebe Park Jonathan” exhibited by John Lynch, Portauns, Kilmallock. Jonathan is an August 2014 born Logrea Harry Et son. He will be on sale on Monday October 26th at the Roscrea Premier Sale.
In Class 2 First prize went to “Castleview Jazzman ET” a son of Wilodge Tonka from the herd of Sean O’Sullivan, Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Second place went to “Athlacca Joker” a December 2014 born son of Wilodge Enrico. Joker was bred by Victor Barrett, Athlacca, Co. Limerick.
Class 3 saw “Knockcoolkeare Ko Ko” from the herd of Micheal Roche take top prize. Ko Ko is a son of Glorieux. John awarded second prize to the Wilodge Tonka son “Castleview Junior Et”.
The Huntershall Gladiator daughter “Sliabh Felim Jessy” took First prize in Class 4. Jessy was bred in Cappamore, Co. Limerick by Sean Ryan. Her stable-mate, the Elite Forever Brill daughter “Sliabh Felim Jane” took third. Bobby O’Connell, Ballybrown, Clarina, Co. Limerick took second and fourth in this class. Second went to Bobby’s Elite Forever Brill heifer – “Roundhill JGiroflee 1529 Et”, while the home bred Castleview Gringo daughter “Ballybrown Josie” picked up fourth prize.
Class 5 saw “Knockcoolkeare Janet Nadia B” take the plaudits for First prize. Janet Nadia B is a daughter of Glorieux, she is the property of Micheal Roche. Sean O’Sullivan’s “Castleview Jennifer 2 Et” (a Wilodge Tonka daughter) took second. Third prize went to “Glenroe Jewel” an Ampertaine Brigadeer daughter. Jewel was bred by new South West club breeder – Patrick Carroll, Glenroe, Kilmallock.
In the final class Sean O’Sullivan’s “Castleview Kalisa” was awarded First prize. Kalisa is also a daughter of Wilodge Tonka. She was born in January 2015.
After completing the judging responsibilities John McInerney commented “the cattle on show here are a credit to their exhibitors”. He expressed his gratitude to the club for the invitation to judge at the championship. John also wished the exhibitors the best of luck with their cattle.
Sean Ryan, South West Club Chairman, conveyed the Clubs appreciation to John, the exhibitors, and to all in Kilmallock Mart for their help in running this event.