A ROYAL FLUSH AT THE WINTER FAIR

Pictured: Clockwise from above - Holstein Champion Sterndale Colt Rae ET, owned by Liam & Sandra Murphy, handler Steve McLoughlin. Res. Champion Baldonnel Solomon Ebony, John Dowling. Hon. Mention Knowlesmere Jones Unix Victoir, Jones & Knowlesmere Holsteins

The showing year culminated with the Royal Ulster Winter Fair on the 8th of December at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn.

With 90 holstein entries on the day it was sure to be an excellent display of stock and showmanship. The day got off to a fantastic start for the Jones family, Wexford, with Kate (Picture 1 on opposite page) and Will (2) winning their respective handling classes. Hollie Keenan (3), Monaghan followed with a win in the senior class while Alexander Tinney (4), Donegal won the mature showmanship class. Well done to all involved for a really stong display of showmanship skills!

The livestock classes got underway with a strong showing from IHFA members. Gary and Izzy Jones won the summer heifer class with Jones Haniko J Lo, who was later crowned junior holstein champion and junior interbreed champion (5). Hallow Solomon Arengatang won the spring heifer class for Hallow Holsteins, Philip and Linda Jones (6). The junior heifer in milk class was won by Knowlesmere Jones Unix Victoir belonging to Jones and Knowlesmere Holsteins, she then went on to win the heifer championship. This was followed by another win for Hallow Holsteins in the Intermediate heifer class with Hallow Octain Twizzle (7), who was tapped out reserve champion in the heifer championship.

This success continued into the cow classes with Hallow Impression Nicol (8) taking the win in the 2nd calver class for Hallow Holsteins. John Dowling, Dublin won the 3rd calver class with Baldonnel Solomon Ebony, and a second place rosette for Hallow Sol Twizzle of Hallow Holsteins.

The final milking holstein class of the day was for cows that exceeded 50,000kgs milk production in her lifetime and was won by Liam & Sandra Murphy with Sterndale Colt Rae ET. The day’s results set up a thrilling championship, judge Mr Pierre Boulet, Canada tapped out Sterndale Colt Rae ET, Liam & Sandra Murphy, as his champion to rapturous applause. This was followed by a reserve champion placing for Baldonnel Solomon Ebony owned by John Dowling. The top three was completed by Knowlesmere Jones Unix Victoir.

Congratulations to all exhibitors on what was a very competitive show, spectators were treated to a real showcase of quality holstein animals.

This is certainly a show not to miss in 2023!