GORRYCAM AND CLARAGH HERDS TAKE TOP TITLES IN THE NI JUNIOR LIMOUSIN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Held within Antrim Show on Saturday 27^th July, the Northern Ireland Junior Limousin Championships saw Gorrycam Hunter take the bull title and Claragh Heidi the female award.  This event, now in its second year, was set up by the NI Limousin Club to promote exhibitor- bred young Limousin stock born on or after the 1^st April 2012 and showcase possible future stars in the Limousin breed.

Supported by new sponsor Zoetis, there was a catalogue entry of 24 animals paraded in front of Judge Mr Gary Swindlehurst, Procters Farms, Clitheroe, Lancs. Selecting his Overall Junior Bull Champion from a very strong class, taking top spot was Gorrycam Hunter bred by Stephen Reel, Cullyhanna, Newry.  This stylish July 2012-born bull is sired by the 42,000gns Cloughhead Umpire who has bred sons selling to 72,000gns.  He is out of the homebred dam, Gorrycam Dolly, a daughter of the prolific sire Sympa who has bred sons fetching up to 43,000gns. Gorrycam Hunter also stood as Overall Reserve Champion of the Antrim Show classes held earlier on in the day.

From an equally strong class of females, Claragh Heidi was the judge’s pick and was put forward as Overall Junior Female Champion.  This May 2012-born heifer is bred and owned by John Rainey, Kilrea and possessed great style and presence. Again, this heifer displayed terrific bloodlines when sired by the 50,000gns Wilodge Cerberus, and bred from dam Haltcliffe Avon, a Sympa daughter out of the French cow Rafale.

In the bull classes, standing second was Shanhill Hunter bred and owned by L Crilly, Mullaghbawn. This May 2012-born bull is sired by the prolific Wilodge Vantastic and is out of the dam Limo Vixen, a Shire Milton daughter.  Mr Crilly also attained fourth place with Shanhill Hercules, a May 2012-born bull sired by Sympa and out of the same dam Limo Vixen.

Following in third position was Millgate Heman bred and owned by Mr M Loughran, Cookstown. This November 2012-born bull was the youngest in the class and is sired by the homebred bull Millgate Fame, who was sold in Carlisle for 32,000gns and is out of Ballyline Barbra, a Ramses daughter.

In the female section, Mr Loughran also attained second place with Millgate Halfpenny. Again youngest in her class, this December 2012-born calf is also sired by Millgate Fame and is out of the homebred dam Millgate Euro.

Third place went to Robineed Hotpants bred and owned by D & D Robinson, Irvinestown. This August 2012-born female is sired by Carmorn Copilot, a Wilodge Vantastic son, and is out of the homebred dam Robineed Crystal, a Ronick Hawk daughter.

Fourth position went to Pondpark Heidi, bred and owned by Messrs G & R Roberts, Lisburn. Born in July 2012, she is sired by Derriaghy Enfield, a Broadmeadows Cannon son, and is out of the dam Carmorn Didi, a Fieldson Alfy daughter.

The event was again well supported this year at Antrim Show and the NI Limousin Cattle Club would like to thank spectators, all their members for entering a super line-up of young stock, Judge Gary Swindlehurst and sponsors Zoetis.

Results

Junior Bulls

1^st Gorrycam Hunter, S Reel
2^nd Shanhill Hunter, L Crilly
3^rd Millgate Heman, M Loughran
4^th Shanhill Hercules, L Crilly
5^th Slieve Hierro, S McGeehan
6^th Slieve Hernandez, S McGeehan

Junior Females

1^st Claragh Heidi, J Rainey
2^nd Millgate Halfpenny, M Loughran
3^rd Robineed Hotpants, D Robinson
4^th Pondpark Heidi, G & R Roberts
5^th Ballyhone Husanna, B Hall
6^th Clydevalley Heron, R Clyde