Rainey’s Claragh Lily Proves Unbeatable

On Saturday 16^th January the Young Limousin breeders held their annual Calf Spectacular in frost stricken Ballymena Mart.  John MacGregor owner of the Allanfauld herd in Scotland took up the challenge as Judge.  John was impressed by the quality of cattle and commented “the top prize winners would compete for top prize in any UK show”. He made special mention to how exceptionally well he was received by exhibitors and the atmosphere surrounding the show was quite unique.  The event was well supported with over fifty pedigree and commercial calves competing.

Taking the coveted title of Overall Champion as well as Pedigree Champion was John and Paul Rainey with their January born heifer Claragh Lily. This heifer was out of the herd’s flagship cow Haltcliffe Avon and Wilodge Vantastic.  This cross has already proven successful for the herd as 24,000gn Claragh Franco, stock bull in the Norman herd also shares the same pedigree.   This heifer also won Junior Champion at the Beef Expo in Balmoral 2015 making her the first animal to win both shows.  In May the Rainey’s are having a production sale at Carlisle where there will be 7 females from the Avon family for sale, two of which are full sisters to Claragh Lily! Watch this space.

The Reserve Pedigree Champion was from Howard McFarland with a May born bull calf, Rahoney Lazarus. The achievement was all the more significant as Howard bred dam and sire, being out of Rahoney Georgia and Rahoney Hosea.  Another point of note is that both these animal’s maternal lines trace back to 1987 born Rahoney Crystal.

The Commercial Champion was May born bullock Black Magic presented by JCB commercials, a consortium of show-men including Chainsaw Johnny, Gareth Corrie, and Charles Beverland. He is sired by the renowned show calf breeder Carmorn Cantona and previously won Champion calf at Allams. He was bred by Larne breeder Leanne Workman.

The Young Limousin Breeders would like to thank the exhibitors, Judge John MacGregor, the Stewards, Mark McKinstry, Alfie Shaw and the following sponsors- Bank of Ireland, Dunbia, BLCS, Semenstore, Minprint, Corries on the farm, Firmount Vets, AI Services, NILCC, NICCC, Zoetis and A.Hyde Farm Feeds.

Results:

Pedigree Bull calves born January –March

1^st– Carnew Lexus by Plumtree Dues (J&J Aiken)

2^nd –Carmorn Lionbar by Mereside Godolphin (Francis McAuley)

3^rd –William Campbell by Ampertaine Foreman (William Campbell)

Pedigree Heifer Calves born January –March

1^st –Claragh Lily by Wilodge Vantastic (John Rainey)

2^nd – Craigatoke Liquorice by Bonus (Martin Conway)

3^rd –Culnagechan Lethal by Culnagechan Falcon (Derek Hume)

Pedigree Bull Calves born April – June

1^st –Rahoney Lazarus by Rahoney Hosea (Howard McFarland)

2^nd –Millgate Leo by Norman Ely (Michael Loughran)

3^rd –Derriaghy Lincoln by Haltcliffe Vermount (David Green & Sons)

Pedigree Heifer Calves born April –June

1^st Rahoney Liberty by Ampertaine Elgin (Howard McFarland)

2^nd –Pointhouse Ladymary by Gerrygullinane Glen (Kile Diamond)

3^rd– Carnew Ladyjane by Lynderg Hero (J&J Aiken)

Pedigree Bull and heifer Calves born July to December

1^st– Ballyhone Leon by Loosebeare Fantastic (Brian Hall)

2^nd –Spage Lexi by Ampertaine Foreman (William Campbell)

3^rd –Spage Leo by Ampertaine Foreman (William Campbell)

Pedigree Pairs

1^st– Howard McFarland

2^nd – Micheal Loughran

3^rd– William Campbell

Pedigree Champion- Claragh Lily (John Rainey)

Reserve Champion- Rahoney Lazarus (Howard McFarland)

Best Exhibitor bred animal- Claragh Lily (John Rainey)

Best Heifer- Claragh Lily (John Rainey)

Commercial Male born Jan-April

1^st –Wee Man (John Killen)

2^nd –Gareth Small

3^rd –Black Jack (Robert Simpson)

Commercial Male born May-December

1^st –Black Magic by Carmorn Cantona (JCB Commercials)

2^nd– Meatloaf (Robert Simpson)

Commercial Female Born Jan –April

1^st -Gareth Small

2^nd -Gareth Small

3^rd -Abracadabra by Ampertaine Goldfinger (JCB Commercials)

Commercial Female born May- December

1^st -Anabelle (Doole Bros)

2^nd -Flora by Bailea Bullion Robert Millar

3^rd– Pennychew (Robert Simpson)

Commercial Champion- Black Magic

Res Commercial Champion- Gareth Small

Overall Champion- Claragh Lily (John Rainey)