Open Junior Show - Montichichiari, Italy

OPEN JUNIOR SHOW - MONTICHIARI, ITALY

On Thursday 20th October, 3 members of IHFA YMA were sent over to Italy to compete in the Open Junior Show in Montichiari. The team consisted of Kevin Smith from the Cahirmee Herd in County Cork, Rachel McNamara from the Barna Herd, County Cork and Hollie Keenan from the Threemile Herd in County Monaghan. Over in Italy, each member had to compete in a Stock-Judging/Reason Giving competition, Clipping Competition and then a Showmanship Competition. Kevin and Rachel competed as Senior members and Hollie as a Junior and they really did excel in their individual categories. This was no easy feat as Ireland were amongst 9 different countries in the competition who all sent their very best competitors along to the show. On arrival on the Thursday, the competitor are each assigned an animal, of which will be their companion for the few days, including in the clipping and showmanship competition. This is a difficult task in itself, having such little time to train a heifer that you have never been around before but is all part of the skill. On Friday then, in the morning the Clipping Competition was held and then a Stock Judging and Reason Giving competition in the afternoon. To follow, on the Saturday then the Showmanship Competition was held. Our members most certainly showcased their professionalism and the results shined through. Highlights include: Kevin Smith winning the Senior Handling Competition. Rachel McNamara winning the Senior Stock Judging and Reason Giving and Hollie Keenan being placed 2nd out of 20 competitors in the Junior Clipping Competition. We are extremely proud of our young members and how they performed in such a prestigious event.