A Charolais bull exhibited by the Connolly family of Brigadoon Charolais was tapped out as the supreme interbreed champion in the beef section at Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland.
The event sponsored by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) saw judge Andrew Hughes from Halifax take to the cattle lawns to cast his eye over the impressive and varied line up. After careful consideration, Mr Hughes stepped forward to announce the Charolais bull as the 2023 beef interbreed champion of champions. Reserve champion went to a Limousin cow exhibited by William Smith, Oldcastle. In second reserve was an Aberdeen Angus cow and calf exhibited by Adam Armour, Dromara and Cathy Holmes, Maghera.
Commenting on the competition class Mr Hughes said: “I was anticipating this to be the hardest class of the day and it was, what a phenomenal line up of cattle. The way the cattle are turned out by these top stock people is amazing. At this time of year as well to get these cattle in this condition, what a job they have all done.”
Regulars to Balmoral Show, the Connolly family have shown cattle at the key agricultural show since the 80’s and remarked they were “delighted” to take home another interbreed champion title. Balmyle Sandy was purchased as a new stock bull for the Brigadoon herd in February at the Sterling bull sales from a Scotch herd at 28,000gns.
Presenting winners with rosettes LMC board member Joe Stewart said: “On behalf of LMC, I extend our congratulations to the Connolly family on taking the beef interbreed champion of champions title at this year’s Balmoral Show. The family exhibited a superb Charolais bull which was truly deserving of this accolade. Our congratulations also go to William Smith on taking the reserve champion title and to Alwyn and Carol Armour & Sons who took the second reserve rosette in this class.”
LMC chief executive Ian Stevenson extended the Commission’s thanks to all those involved in planning and co-ordinating the event. He said, “LMC was delighted to provide sponsorship for this event. We wish to take this opportunity to thank the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) for facilitating this competition, Mr Hughes, for giving of his time and expertise to judge the competition and finally, all exhibitors; events like this would not be possible without their unwavering passion and commitment to showcase the very best of our local livestock.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
