The Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle Club has announced the launch this summer of a new Junior Championship which is set to become an annual fixture in the Club’s event calendar.
Due to take place on Saturday 28th July 2012 within Antrim Show, the event is open to all NI Limousin Cattle Club members and will comprise of two classes of exhibitor-bred animals: one junior bulls born on or after 1st April 2012; and the other junior heifers born on or after 1st April 2011. This one-day competition will highlight the strength of young Limousin stock within Northern Ireland and with it a fantastic opportunity for breeders to showcase their cattle.
Held within the 106th Annual Show of Antrim Agricultural Society in the picturesque location of Shanes Castle, Antrim Show has been expanding in popularity and size in the last few years to become one of the best local agricultural shows in Northern Ireland and Club organisers are very pleased that Antrim Show has agreed to hold the first NI Limousin Junior Championship.
Chairperson, Derek Frew, and the Executive Committee are delighted that new sponsors Bank of Ireland are behind the Club in this venture. William Thompson, Agri Manager Bank of Ireland, said that he is delighted to support the first Northern Ireland Limousin Junior Championship. “This will be a tremendous opportunity for breeders across the Province to challenge for the title of Bank of Ireland Junior Limousin Champion at Antrim Show. The NI Limousin Club has been very effective in promoting the finer qualities of one of the premier beef breeds in Northern Ireland and this competition is no exception. We are sure that the competition will attract great interest from exhibitors and enthusiasts alike. Bank of Ireland is proud to be supporting this inaugural competition and fully expect that it will be a great event.”
To make this event one not to be missed the Club also required a renowned Limousin breeder to judge and were delighted when Mr George Hutton agreed to take on the task. George is a Cumbrian Limousin breeder from Setmabanning near Keswick and his Cloughhead Herd retains an important influence in the success of the Limousin breed in the UK. He travels regularly to France to introduce new bloodlines into his Limousin herd with many of the progeny having a significant presence in many top herds across the whole of the UK. George has had tremendous show and sale successes at Carlisle with both his bulls and females. No doubt his expertise of the Limousin breed and his presence at this event will make it a highlight of the Club’s calendar and an honour for the exhibitors of this competition.
Even more tempting is the attractive prize fund of £1,000 which is to be divided equally between the two championships. Entries are now invited and should be sent to Antrim Agricultural Society, on or before the 30th June 2012. The NI Limousin Cattle Club warmly welcomes everyone to come along and support the event.
