164 | ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Northern Ireland breeders keep active Northern Irish Hereford Breeders’ Association (NIHBA) managed to get to Balmoral Show as well as run some of its normal activities. With 2021 starting off with Covid restrictions in place, the Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders’ Association (NIHBA) was unsure how things would unfold for the Hereford calendar. As the year progressed, although no regular show season was enjoyed, NIHBA members were able to get together at various Hereford events Northern Ireland’s premier sale in February set a new record average of £3,477 returned for nine bulls with a total clearance rate and a new individual record price of 5,500gns for Graceland 1 Silas from R and J Irvine, Whitecross, Co Armagh. April saw another 100 per cent clearance rate for Hereford bulls at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart which averaged £2,853. Leading the trade was Thornbank 1 Romeo from Hunter Stewart, Co Tyrone
L-R Mark Moore, NI Hereford Breeders' Association; Garth McConville from Flynn and Co; James Graham, president of the NI Hereford Breeders' Association; Liz McCarragher, Air Ambulance NI; Harry Burke, Burkes Tractors; Neill Acheson, Animax and Keith Freeburn, Freeburn Farm Feeds which was sired by the home-bred Thornbank 1 Mighty Man and sold for 3,100gns. In August 23 herds entered the annual herds competition under the astute eye of Gary McKiernan of the Corlismore herd, based in Cavan. The top spot went to John and William McMordie of the Solpoll herd while taking three of the four calf awards was John Conlon and his Drumatee Herd as well as placing runner-up in the large and overall herd.
John and Karen Taggart of Carneyhill Herefords took best medium herd while the Kinnego herd of Ciaran and Peter Kerr took best small herd. Gary said the quality of cattle was high, having seen some great animals and thanked the committee for the opportunity to judge the competition. The annual barbecue and results evening was hosted by James Graham and family of Richmount poll Herefords. WD Meats kindly provided steaks for the barbecue. The chosen charity, Air Ambulance, received over £3,000 raised on the night. September brought a new time of year for RUAS Balmoral Show. The weather was favourable and it was great to see exhibitors and their stock back in the show ring after such a long time. The NIHBA is grateful for all its members who took the time and made an effort to be part of the show.
L-R Raymond Pogue, councillor Tim McCelland, Bradley Graham and Robin Irvine at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair
It was unprecedented for the same family to take the top four titles and
