IHFA Souvenir Journal Spring 2015

Souvenir Jubilee Edition

IHFA JOURNAL 2015

Flip over for the IHFA Journal Spring Edition 2015

IHFA PAST PRESIDENTS

Front:Jill McCulloch, Hugh Magee, John Kearney, Joan Lambert, Michael Buckley.

2nd row: Mervyn Jones, Peter McCulloch,Tom Murphy, John Cantwell, Kathleen Kelly.

3rd row:Tom Kelly, Mervyn Eager, George Kingston, John O’Flynn, Liam Curran.

Back row: John Barrett, Peter Ging, Dessie Dunleavy, Peter Tighe.

Absent from photo: Jimmy Hannon,Theresa Gilligan, Robert Groves, David Boyd,Tony Jackson.

IFBA - IHFA strategic development IN TIME 1965 - 2015

The First Journal of the IFBA

1963 - First Stockjudging at Ballinahina

1965 - The First Council of IFBA, standing, l-r: J.J. Kelly, T.C. Jones-Henry, D. Quill, Michael Buckley, inset l-r:T. O’Kelly & Rev Fr. D. O’Mahoney; seated, l-r: Capt. J.R. McCarthy, Rev. Fr. P. Collins,T.B. Dunleavy, P.J. Madden, J.F. McCulloch, R. Lahiffe, P.E. McCullough

Presidents of the parent Society left: Fr. Patrick Collins (President Elect 1968), right: Captain McCarthy (President 1971), bottom: Michael Buckley (President 1985)

1972 - Breffni/Oriel Club Committee - the first regional club of the organisation

1970 - Moneymore Top Notch is exported to North America

1974 - Export of 80 Friesians to North America from Kevin Culhane’s quarantine facility, Limerick

1970 - Lakelodge Admiral is exported to Canada

1979 - EHRC meeting in Dublin Dr. & Mrs. Paul Grothe with T.B. Dunleavy, Secretary (IFBA) & John Moffit (Dalton Herd), Chairman BFCS.

1985 - First Herds CompetitionWinners with sponsors Bord Bainne

1980 - Introduction of computerised milk recording pilot scheme trial, part funded by parent Society which lead to the establishment of CIMRA

1994 - The Irish Friesian Breeders Association changes its name to the Irish Holstein Friesain Association

1991 - First National Calf Show was held.

1991 -Victor Jackson of Crossnacole Herd is the first host of the IHFA Open Day

1985 - First meeting of the HUKI Board outside of Rickmansworth London. The Board visit City Hall, Cork (Cork 800 Celebrations), during their visit.

2014 - IHFA Board, over-seeing the Organisation’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations Back: Peter Ging, President Elect, Seamus Claffey, Michael Coleman, Richard Forde, Jim Sinnott, Robert Shannon, Pat Gaynor, Peter Kennelly,Tommy Screene, KevinWalsh.

Front: Paul Hannan,WillieWalsh,Tom Murphy, President, Richard Whelan, Chairman, Charles Gallagher, CE, Liam Curran,Tony Jackson.Trevor Lockhart, John O’Sullivan, Leo Nulty, Sean Gibbons, Martin Crowe, Kevin Behan, Brian Dwyer.

2002 - IHFA becomes a Independent Herdbook and forms its first Board

2002 - Establishment of Central Database and ICBF. Sean Murphy, Ardarostig, with Maunsell Merci Roxella, John O’Sullivan, Chairman IHFA, BrianWickham, CE, ICBF, John Malone, Secretary General Dept, Agriculture, Bill Flynn, President IHFA.

1998 - Agribex hails the first showing of Irish Holstein Friesians at a Europe Holstein Show

2008 - IHFA hosts theWorld Holstein Friesian Conference in Millstreet, Cork 2014 - Gathering of Past Presidents of IHFA

2015 - Marks the JubileeYear for IHFA

TABLE OF CONTENTS IFBA - IHFA Strategic Developments in Time, 1965-2015 1 Reflections on 50 Years Of IHFA

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President’s Message - Tom Murphy

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Chairman’s Address - Richard Whelan

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The Irish Holstein Friesian Association - A Story of Success

by Austin Mescal

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Recollections & Reflections by Bobby Franks

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The Evolution Of The Holstein Friesian Association In Ireland

by Charles Gallagher

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Moneymore Top Notch - A Rare Story! by Tom Kelly

32

Working Together For A Better Dairy Industry

by Sean Coughlan, ICBF

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The Grass Roots - A Retrospective Of IHFA Clubs

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An Archive of Members’ Achievements & National Events

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REFLECTIONS ON 50 YEARS OF IHFA 50 YEARS OF IHFA REFLECTIONS ON Recollections from the three Chief Executives who have presided over IFBA & IHFA since its inception

A Tribute to the Breeder The dominance and success of the Holstein Friesian breed on Irish dairy farms today is the ultimate tribute to those pioneering breeders who adopted and developed the breed.

In attaining that goal they managed to preserve the genetic variation suitable to the various dairy farming systems as practiced throughout the country from total grazing systems to some supplementation while maximizing output from grazed grass.

Those breeders who have maintained the Pure Friesian lines must be complemented in ensuring greater genetic diversity of the Black & White breed.

The emphasis placed on recording data both for milk yield and quality, conformation scoring, parentage validation, blood typing and DNA analysis by the Association has ensured that quality data is available for computing modern indices for the breed and ensuring its viability into the future.

The story of IHFA and its breeder over the last 50 years is a success story and a milestone that all members can be proud of!

Brendan Dunleavy Executive Secretary IFBA 1965-1991 The Early Years The Holstein Friesian Herd Book was founded in 1909 and Irish members’ names can be found in the following years. As membership of the Society grew, clubs were formed in various parts of the United Kingdom.

There is mention of an Irish club in 1920. In 1945 the Irish Friesian Club divided between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State with the existing funds being split down the middle.

With the importation of Holstein Friesian bulls to Ireland in the 1950s, memberships and registrations grew and it became apparent that it was necessary to have a separate organisation to manage the affairs of the Society in Ireland. The Irish Friesian Breeders Association was founded in May 1965. I was appointed Executive Secretary in July 1965. My brief was to increase membership and registrations of the Society in the Republic of Ireland.

The First Council of IFBA, standing, l-r: J.J. Kelly, T.C. Jones-Henry, D. Quill, Michael Buckley, inset l-r: T. O’Kelly & Rev Fr. D. O’Mahony; seated, l-r: Capt.

J.R. McCarthy, Rev. Fr. P. Collins, T.B. Dunleavy, P.J. Madden, J.F. McCulloch, R. Lahiffe, P.E. McCullough

Membership

At the time of my appointment, Irish membership of the British Friesian Cattle Society was ap-

proximately 1,700, of which 20% paid a voluntary subscription of £1 to the Irish Friesian Breeders Association. Although my salary was paid by the parent Society, the day to day running of the IFBA was the responsibility of the membership of the Friesian Breeders in Ireland. Most of my early years were spent in encouraging people to become members of the IFBA for an annual subscription of £1 per annum. By present day standards, the work could be questioned as to its cost effectiveness but it provided me with an invaluable method of making personal contact with the membership which has stood the test of time. After a considerable amount of lobbying, the parent Society agreed to collect this money from the Irish members’ annual subscription to the BFCS. In 1991, the sum of £3.50 per annum for each Irish member was being handed over to the IFBA.

Delegates attending the first Clubs Conference, 1976

Clubs

With the rapid expansion of the breed in the ‘70s and early ‘80s it became obvious that a lot of voluntary work would have to be done if we were to 7

keep in touch with all our members. From this need for contact with members the first clubs were formed in 1973 and eventually we had 15 clubs which catered for members in virtually every corner of Ireland.

The formation of the clubs provided various outlets for members, such as shows & sales, judging competitions, field evenings, symposia, tours, not forgetting the social aspect of local dinner dances.

In other words, they helped to fill a certain void in rural Ireland. The existence of the Clubs also provided the Association with the opportunity of organising Club events such as a Club Conference and Inter-Club Judging Competitions, which have proved most popular, and they also inspired the running of the National Herds Competition, the results of which were eagerly awaited each year. Without the assistance of the Clubs the YMA could not have achieved its present success.

Agricultural Colleges

I visited all 12 Agricultural Colleges at least once a year and spoke to the students on the financial benefits which would accrue from keeping pedigree registered Friesians. I was aware that a number of the students would be more interested in beef and tillage than in milk production, but nevertheless I felt that it was a worthwhile exercise and I was most encouraged by the welcome I received from the staff, some of whom were hearing about the existence of the IFBA for the first time. In fact many of the Colleges sent teams to the Inter-Club Judging Competitions at the RDS.

The 12 colleges were situated all over the country and were as follows – Balla, Co. Mayo; St. Patricks, Co. Monaghan; Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan; Warrenstown, Co. Meath; Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick; Mountbellew, Co. Galway; Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath; Athenry, Co. Galway; Gurteen, Co. Tipperary; Rockwell, Co. Tipperary; Clonakilty, Co. Cork; Kildalton, Co. Kilkenny.

Shows & Sales

In order to encourage people to keep pedigree registered stock we inaugurated a Heifer Show & Sale in Cork in 1968. Likewise, the Premier Bull Show & Sale in Limerick in 1974. These two Shows & Sales set qualifying standards which encouraged discerning buyers to purchase stock. Another important function is that prices attained at the Association’s Sales tended to set the benchmark for the sales throughout the year. Another important event was the National Dairy Show which took place at Millstreet, Co. Cork 8

on Friday November 19th, 1982 and has since gone from strength to strength, attracting an international gathering.

Journal In 1967 we published our first Journal of the IFBA which was an Annual and remained so for 11 years until 1977.

For the next four years we published a Quarterly but escalating postage costs forced us to reduce to three Journals per year until 1984.

In 1985 we came up with the best formula by producing two Journals per annum. This enabled members to advertise their Spring sales in the January issue and their Autumn sales in the August issue. By confining the reporting of events to six month periods, news did not lose its topicality and in this respect a bi-annual scored heavily over an annual. The Journal was well received by members as they felt it gave them an identity which was so necessary in a world of rapid change.

IFBA tour to British Columbia

Tours

In 1967 I was asked to organise a tour to the North of England to see Friesian herds in that part of the world. This tour was so well received that I was asked to organise a tour to the Netherlands in 1968.

From small acorns do great oaks grow and since then there is scarcely a part of the world we have not been to see Black and White cattle. When people now say that the standard of cattle has improved out of all recognition in Ireland. I would give a lot of credit to those members who travelled away from home to see what the world had to offer. With the advance of scientific knowledge and technology it is now possible to

the Netherlands after World War II, so with the production of the Canadian Holstein and the conformation of the Dutch, you had the best of both worlds.

IFBA tour to New Zealand

have access to the best genes in the world and those who went on the IFBA tours knew where to find them.

On the 25 tours I organised, over a thousand people travelled to various parts of the world including UK, Europe, Canada, USA, South America, Australia and New Zealand. In 1986 when visiting Australia we went out via the USA and returned via the Far East, which in effect was an around the world tour.

In 1990, when visiting New Zealand we went out via the Far East and returned via the USA which in effect was a second around the world tour.

Reflections

I am now retired 24 years and have nothing but good memories of my time as Secretary of the Irish Friesian Breeders Association. However, it was not all sunshine as working from home I was on call 24/7. I was averaging about 500 miles per week visiting every county in the Republic, also Northern Ireland for Shows & Sales and social functions. For the first eight years I worked alone and in 1973 I got a Clerical Assistant. In October 1980, Miss Elizabeth O’Mahoney was appointed Liaison Officer and this was a big help.

She was available to advise breeders on grading up to pedigree status, at that time you not alone had ASR, but also BSR, CSR and DSR which I have to say put off many people from grading up. Also at that time very few people were milk recording.

People often ask me - where did we see the best cattle? Without hesitation I always answered British Columbia in 1983. These were Canadian Holsteins being farmed by Dutch people who had left

During my time as Executive Secretary of the Irish Friesian Breeders Association I was also Honorary Secretary of the Pedigree Cattle Breeders Council of Ireland. I continued in this latter job until 1998 which helped to maintain my interest in pedigree cattle breeding. In efforts to promote the export of Friesian cattle from Ireland I attended the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado during the 1970s and also visited Venezuela. In 1988 I accompanied Minister Albert Reynolds on a Trade Mission to China. All of these activities have been recorded in past issues of the IFBA Journal. Since my retirement I have not been to too many Shows & Sales but I did attend the World Conference Show in Millstreet in 2008 and was very impressed with the quality of the animals on display who would hold their own with Holstein Friesians in any part of the world.

Presentation to Brendan and his wife, Teresa, on his retirement in 1991 by Peter and Jill McCulloch

In conclusion I would pay tribute to my successors Kevin Dillon and Charlie Gallagher and would like to think that the foundations laid down in the 1960s have stood the test of time.

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Kevin Dillon IHFA 1991 – 2008 Reminiscing on his years in IHFA and the development of today’s dairy cattle

People of my vintage have experienced greater change in our lifetime than any previous generation.

To commence the article, may I take you back to the Ireland of the ‘40’s and dairy farming of the time.

Dairy farming in the 1940’s

Growing up on a dairy farm in North Kerry where football and cows were the order of the day.

The home herd at Piperhill was 30 Shorthorn cows which was considered a big herd at that time. The cows were housed in a tie up byre and at first milked by hand and then a bucket plant with the advent of rural electricity. The milk was delivered to the local creamery in churns and the price per gallon based on % butterfat. Transport at first by horse and car and then by tractor and trailer. I remember the first day we topped 100 gallons. It was the talk of the parish!

Breeding Policy

Shorthorns were the dominant breed in our national herd. The Deptartment of Agriculture were the guardians of breeding policy and their main objective was to improve the beefing characteristics of the male offspring from the dairy herd. Many schemes were implemented to achieve this, for example, Bull Licensing - premiums for Top Type Bulls selected on their beefing quality. Beef Shorthorns were introduced to speed up the process. Of course this breeding policy led to huge diversity within the Shorthorn breed with many very short of milk.

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Shorthorn – Friesian

The breeders of today owe a great debt of gratitude to the pioneers of Friesians in Ireland who laboured against the prejudice of the time and against the belief that the Friesian was not capable of producing male offspring suitable for our beef trade which was paramount to the Irish economy. With the advent of AI, Friesian bulls became freely available. When breeders milked daughters of these bulls the switch over to Friesian was rapid.

Warrenstown Agricultural College

My first real experience with Friesians was in Warrenstown Agricultural College. They had a good pedigree herd and a Warrenstown Friesian bull was quickly dispatched to Piperhill. The College Rector at the time was Fr. Paddy Collins who became President Elect of the then BFCS, but died tragically weeks before his Presidency. Fr. Collins instilled a profound enthusiasm for good Friesians, an enthusiasm that is as vibrant today as it was over 50 years ago. I remember his end of the year farewell talk “If ye learned nothing else here for the year, go back to your farms and forget your Shorthorn cows and trying to save hay in the Irish Climate. The future for Irish Dairy Farming is Good Grass, Good Silage and Good Black & White Cattle” IFBA

The Irish Friesian Breeders Association was formed in 1965 with Brendan Dunleavy appointed it’s first Secretary, employed by the BFCS with direction from the IFBA Board. Over a period of 26 years until his retirement in 1991, Brendan oversaw the increase in popularity of Pedigree Black & White cattle and

oversaw the establishment of our 15 Clubs that have played such a vital role in the development and promotion of our great breed.

Tours

The IHFA tours organized by Brendan Dunleavy gave members an opportunity to see the world and meet many dignitaries along the way. Many Clubs organised their own Club Tours, mostly to England, where the conformation of their Friesians, particularly their udders, were superior to ours. This heralded a period of single trait breeding in pedigree herds when the emphasis was on shallow udders with good teat placment. All commendable traits and a massive improvement in udders was achieved, but at a cost.

Breeders realized from this experience that over emphasis on one very important trait while sacrificing other strengths was not balanced progress and Pedigree Breeders motto over the years has been - Improve your weaknesses but retain your strengths.

Holsteins

With the guardians of our cattle industry aiming for better beefing qualities, the pedigree breeders strived for tighter udders. The trait that had made the Friesian popular in the first place, namely its ability to increase production, was subsequently diminished.

When Holsteins were introduced with an importation of males and females in 1975 there was immediate uptake, as the breed had lost size and production. Bulls like FSM (Kilbanivane Starlite Monty) in Castleisland, ROK (Roybrook Star) in Sligo and many others had a huge influence and when farmers calved these Holstein heifers, the Holsteinisation of the National Herd was even faster than the switch to Friesians 20 years earlier.

British Friesians

Many breeders remained with Pure Friesians and have enjoyed a lucrative trade, particularly for Pure Friesian bulls, because of their easy maintenance, good fertility, high % Protein and long lifetimes. Friesian breeders are now enjoying renewed popularity because of these traits.

Clonakilty

I arrived in Clonakilty in 1963, an area steeped in my favourite passions, football and Friesian breeding. After a decade enjoying the exhuberance of youth, I purchased a small parcel of land with the sole purpose of breeding my own Pedigree Friesians. When the herd was dispersed in 1984, the 25 cows, many with up to 10 calves averaged 1,806gns with a top price of 5,100gns for Mountcarmel Macushla 4 EX to Noel and Benjy Hosford. The foundation stock had been purchased locally from two friends and outstanding breeders, Jackie Deasy, Barryshall and Michael Joe Whelton, Lislevane. Other leading West Cork herds at the time spring to mind e.g. Kilgarriffe (Helen’s), Ibane (Coleman’s), Knockenroe (Kelly’s), Uacter (Crowley’s) Ilenside (Evans).

Mountcarmel Macushla 4EX sold for 5,100gns in 1984

Field Development Officer

With this background I was honoured and delighted to accept Duncan Spring’s (CE, HUKI) invitation to lead field development for the breed in Ireland after Brendan Dunleavy’s retirement in 1991. My colleague in the field was Elizabeth O’Mahony who had years of experience grading up milk recorded herds to pedigree. This was a tedious exercise, verifying ancestry through AI, milk recording and farm records.

Moneymore Bunty 6 EX (ROK) played a major role in popularising Holsteins

Administration

At first, all the administration was done from Scotsbridge house in England and pedigree calves were sketched and registered on prepaid birth cards.

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Type Classification, a very valuable and vital service to breeders, was carried out by the British-based classifiers who visited Ireland once a year.

RBI – EBI

The first Irish Index for dairy cattle was the RBI, which was totally a production index based on 1st lactation yields. Pedigree breeders acknowledged the value of the RBI in developing more efficient production particularly in protein yield and protein % but were disappointed that longevity and conformation were omitted.

The EBI replaced the RBI with recognition for longevity (survival) and a very strong emphasis on fertility - which was identified as the weakest link in our national herd and particularly in high yielding Holsteins who were out-yielding their energy intake from grass alone in low-cost Spring calving herds.

The initial roll-out of EBI as the only national breeding index for dairy cattle was met with a level of apprehension and circumspect. Established high profile breeders believed that now with fertility information available for the first time this weakness could be resolved by careful sire selection. Also better management without sacrificing the efficient production and excellent conformation achieved over generations of constructive pedigree breeding and thus complying with the breeders philosophy improve the weakness but retain the strengths.

European Champions 2004 - Denis O’Neill, Head Stockman, Ballyboy Juror Carmen (J. Sinnott); Kilwarden Storm Vixen (B Cocoman); Croagh Susiemist 2 (P&D Frawley); Quintana Melissa Grand(P Kingston) and Andrea Boyd, flag bearer.

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European Champions

Having successfully competed in two European Championships, confidence was high in 2004 but we could not envisage what was to unfold with the Irish team in Brussels.

Our team of 10 milkers won 4 classes, 3 seconds and 3 thirds which included 1st, 2nd, 3rd in the Senior Heifer in Milk and in the Mature Cow classes.

The winner of that class, Quintana Melissa Grand, was crowned Supreme Champion. These three mature cows along with the 5 year old class winner Kilwarden Storm Vixen represented Ireland in the very prestigious Country Groups

The suspense was electric as the votes of the Judges went up on the big screen. Then the announcement …. “2004 European Champions …..IRELAND” What a proud moment! One of the many great occasions while working with IHFA. I was proud to have played a very small part in a victory that elevated the profile of Irish cattle to a new echelon in Holstein breeding.

Irish Herd Book

With the formation of the ICBF and it’s unique database, storing and providing data for every calf born in Ireland, it was inevitable that we should have an Independent Irish Herdbook. All ancestry data was transferred from Scotsbridge House to ICBF. With a HUKI start-up grant based on 2001 registrations that

New IHFA Headquarters

and Irish Holstein Friesians to an audience from all over the World. Following years impressing the World Holstein Confederation of Ireland’s suitability and an excellent presentation by IHFA Chairman Mike Magan at the 2004 World Conference AGM, Ireland was chosen to host the 2008 World Conference, amid strong opposition from Africa, Canada and many others.

The suitability of many venues were explored and eventually Killarney was chosen as the most suitable Conference base with the World Conference Show in the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet, Co. Cork.

The Conference attracted delegates from 35 countries and was both educational and enjoyable. With twelve excellent presentations on the latest scientific information and technology by world leaders in their field and with lavish entertainment, each evening meant all delegates and visitors left Ireland with an enhanced opinion of Ireland and the Irish people.

Minister for Agriculture & Food Joe Walsh officially opens the new IHFA office on 10th of July, 2000, accompanied by Mr Bill Flynn, then President of IHFA.

had grown to over 60,000 we purchased a private dwelling and converted it to a purpose-built office.

The umbilical cord to HUKI was severed and the first pedigree calves were registered from our new office with the data from the ICBF database.

The Role of Science in Cattle Breeding

Science has played a massive role and with the advent of all the new technology, we ask ourselves how did we manage without it. The scientific information emulating from our National Database in ICBF is phenomenal and should be fully utilized by breeders. However, this valuable information should always be a back-up to the breeder who also has a database in his head, containing years of study and experience and who has developed a stockman’s eye still a vital tool in good breeding and good stockmanship.

Breeders welcome and appreciate the scientific contribution but would like to see more appreciation of the innate skills of Irish Stockmen that are revered all over the World.

World Conference

I was confident that if we were chosen to host the World Conference we could promote Ireland

The eventual Champion Croagh Fran 26 (M & P Jones) heads a strong 4 year old class

IHFA’s aspiration was to promote Irish cattle and the breeders came up trumps with a most spectacular display of World Class Holsteins in the Greenglens Arena Millstreet.

The very informative conference, the standard of cattle seen and the hospitality afforded our foreign guests left a lasting impression on all who were privileged to have attended the 2008 World Conference in Ireland.

Expressing a sincere thank you to work colleagues and all the membership we bade farewell to our foreign visitors and with a heavy heart I bade farewell to a most rewarding 17 years with the IHFA. 13

Charles Gallagher Chief Executive Chief Executive, Charles Gallagher, reflects on IHFA’s Golden Jubilee

2015 marks 50 years of the Holstein Friesian Herdbook. The Association was founded in 1965 known then as the Irish Friesian Breeders Association (IFBA).

IFBA was an affiliate of the British Friesian Cattle Society (BFCS) which later became Holstein UK & Ireland (HUKI).

The name was changed to IHFA in 1994 to mark the increasing influence of Holstein bloodlines in the Irish Black & White population. The Herdbook was established as an independent Irish entity in 2002 with the formation of a central database at ICBF of which IHFA are shareholders.

While researching activities and events over the 50 years of the Association’s history, one could only admire the steely determination of the early adopters of the breed who stood out against breed prejudices, regulations and the controls of the day. Their determination was well rewarded in that the breed is the dominant dairy breed today on Irish farms.

Background

In 1965 Friesians were 28% of the total cow population. The national average milk yield per cow supplied to the creameries was 454 gallons (Friesian & Shorthorn - CS data 1965). This increased to 722 gallons per cow in officially recorded cow schemes of that year.

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The introduction of artificial insemination facilitated increased use of Friesian genetics. The overall satisfaction with the breed brought increased popularity with the result that AI usage increased from a base of 6.4% in 1950 to 36.6 % in 1970. 1970 is a landmark year in which Friesian Type cows numerically surpassed Shorthorn Type. Nationally there were 18,000 registered Pure Friesian in 1970. Today this figure stands at 286,000 registered Holstein Friesians.

Role

I was appointed Chief Executive in 2008 on the retirement of Kevin Dillon, CE, who had succeeded Brendan Dunleavy, first Executive Secretary of IFBA

Prior to that I was employed for 30 years in the AI cattle breeding industry. In 1998 I was promoted to Manager for ABS Ireland - a subsidiary of the largest privately owned AI organizations in the USA.

The role of the Chief Executive encompasses the administration of the Herdbook, expanding and improving services and promoting the Black & White breed as well as helping members attain their goals and remain profitable. In this short period I have continued to grow registrations and raise the profile of the breed through new and expanding events and services.

Recent times have seen rapid progress in both database and scientific technology. IHFA endeavour to make greater use of the data collected on Holstein Friesian cows and stored in the central database at ICBF.

The updated IHFA website now ensures easier navigation for members. It serves multiple purposes, not least the promotion of the breed. It also provides a new platform to expand our engagement with our sponsors as well as an interface to view Herdbook data. All news and announcements of IHFA activities appear on our website.

IHFA funded a project with Teagasc on Cow Type in 2011 and 2012, which delivered an Irish base for conformation based on the Holstein and Friesian population in Ireland. The results of the research work delivers positive outcomes for the AI industry. I initiated research on linear scoring which backs up the commercial value of individual conformation traits in increasing longevity in the breed. Negotiations are ongoing with HUK to licence their WebMate programme for which positive progress can be reported at this time. The programme will require redevelopment to suit Irish conditions so that sire selection, classification and linear scores can be used as a management tool.

In 2006, the board of IHFA had the foresight to introduce DNA testing of all males for registration.

The new SNP genomic technology was introduced in 2012 to deliver parentage and PTA breeding values.

Genomics ensures a higher reliability of breeding values for stock bulls. The bank of DNA and database is available freely to ICBF as an‘industry good’ resource to ensure more animals can be parentage validated through imputation.

Successful negotiations with the IEC lead to

Dr. Finbar Mulligan, Senior Lecturer Animal Nutrition, UCD; Dr. Karina Pierce, Lecturer in Dairy Production, UCD; Prof. Orla Feely, Vice President, Research, UCD; Prof Michael Monaghan, Head of College of Agriculture, Food Science & Veterinary Medicine, UCD with Charles Gallagher, CE IHFA

the use of the BVD tissue samples for parentage validation, which is labour saving for members. The sample will be stored for up to two years for further testing if required.

I also negotiated with the Council of Dairy Cattle breeding in ensuring that TPI Index values through genomics is available on females which helps promote the value of international cow families imported by members. These families can be further developed and selected to suit grazing conditions.

The board also backed a proposal to become patrons of UCD and the Lyons Farm Research Project. This project will look at alternative production systems, high output systems maximizing grass utilization and suitability of the present Index in varying output environments.

Recipients of the All Ireland Award, 2014 along with other prize-winners at the IHFA Awards Night, 2015

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IHFA are now joined as patrons of Agri-Aware who promote the value of agriculture through education and Animal Health Ireland (AHI) who are the overarching body dealing with non-statutory diseases and improving animal health.

The IHFA Journal was redesigned to include more information on bull lists to help breeders in making their sire selection choices. It also contains lists on youngstock, both Holstein Friesian and Pure Friesian.

The Pure Friesian breeders have their own section to help promote the diversity and characteristics of their breed.

essary skills for presentation.

There are category winners within the competition which helps to reward more young members.

The Showmanship League is a new competition that helps to expose young members to local shows. Young members can accumulate points through handling and showing in their local area. The final is held in conjunction with the National Dairy Show in Millstreet.

There is also a Field to Photo, photographic competition and Club of the Year competition, encompassing all activities. The Hall of Fame Award and the Presidents Medal were reintroduced, andcontinue to give recognition to young members while enhancing the objectives of YMA.

The role of the National Herds Competition has been enhanced with the objective of showcasing breed efficiency, conformation and genetic merit at herd level with a new formula.

The role of shows in providing breeders with a platform to showcase their animals has been expanded. The national shows - Tullamore, Baileys and National Dairy Show - continue to go from strength to strength.

Cloonboygher, the farm of the Taylor family and site of the IHFA National Open Day, 2014

The All Ireland Awards Cow Competition was introduced in the IHFA Journal based on show successes throughout the year. There is also an Open Stockjudging Competition, which is very popular.

The Holstein Friesian National Open Day and the Pure Friesian Open day are further developed with increased educational events and promotion through use of industry and agri-media channels to highlight IHFA activities.

Classification services have been expanded with a revised rota on a regional basis so that there is greater visibility on the independence of the system.

Field staff hold two to three workshops per year and attend international schools so that the classification system is in sync with international norms and greater unity of scoring.

YMA is the succession of IHFA and their role is expanded with representation at board level, and a new structure with rules and procedures. A clipping competition was introduced to help develop the nec16

Emerald Expo 2015 logo. FBD now joining IHFA and Alltech as chief sponsors of the event

To help further promote the breed in springtime, a new show, Emerald Expo, was launched five years ago as a continuation of the Spring Show to help promote the Black & White breed. The Pure Friesian breeders were encouraged to exhibit by making classes available. Through my involvement with Tullamore Show committee, I encouraged classes for Pure Friesians to exhibit and promote the breed at this National Livestock Show.

The bigger and better IHFA pavillion at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois, 2014

The exhibition at the Ploughing is much expanded with an enlarged pavilion, professional presentation and partnerships with major sponsors whom I have encouraged mutual links of benefit to both parties.

Agricultural colleges are visited annually to promote IHFA services and the value of pedigree breeding to agricultural students. This also involves a linear scoring & classification workshops.

Acknowledgements: I wish to thank my predecessors, Brendan Dunleavy and Kevin Dillon who contributed information and access to journals. Bobby Franks, retired Field Officer; Michael Buckley, past President of the parent society HUKI; Dr. Austin Mescal, Retired Chief Inspector, Dept of Agriculture; Sean Coughlan CE of ICBF; William Willis, Farm Exam; Tom Kelly, Monamore and members who proffered valuable snippets. Club Officers and all IHFA staff who worked tirelessly to source material.

The Farmers Journal, Farm Exam and all agrimedia channels are used to increase awareness and promotion of the breed. I have increased the budgetary spend on promotion and advertising with IFJ to get the Herdbook message out to commercial dairy farmers. This has been achieved without an increase in registrations fees to members.

The club structure has served the Association well in both communication, education and as a social outlet in maintaining links with local members. I wish to salute the voluntary effort of club officers in particular the input of local ladies in administration who also give of their time in helping out at field evenings.

It is significant that many clubs are celebrating their own individual milestone around this time.

Charles Gallagher, CE relaxing with members Gareth O’Brien & Willie Fleury (Laois / Offaly Club) at IHFA Open Day 2014

I look forward to meeting with members and celebrating this milestone of our Association.

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Golden Jubilee message from IHFA President, Tom Murphy Fellow members, it is a magnificent achievement for us all that the Association celebrates its Golden Jubilee. It is 50 years since its establishment by the early pioneers for Black & White breeding in Ireland, in 1965. 2015 dawns a new era for Irish dairying and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous year. I have almost come to the end of my term as President of IHFA. It has been a great privilege and honour for me to represent you during the past year. I would like to thank the Carlow Kilkenny Club, my fellow members who nominated me for this illustrious position.

In April, the first event to take place was the Emerald Expo. The Holstein Friesian cattle were very well represented with fantastic quality on view. Nico Bons from Holland, a member of the EHRC Judges panel was judge.

This was his first visit to Ireland. The Supreme Champion was won by Laurelmore Duplex Impala owned by John and Johnny Barret, Co. Cork. The Reserve Champion was won by Glaslough Miss Petra owned by David and Kenneth Boyd, Co.Monaghan. Hallow Lheros Indianink took Honourable Mention for the Jones family, Wexford.

One of the many highlights during the year was the IHFA Open Day held on John and Graeme Taylor’s Cloonboygher’s Herd, near Newtowngore, Co.Leitrim. A large crowd of over two thousand dairy farmers from across the country attended. Glorious sunshine, a social atmosphere and tremendous stock were a hallmark of the event. The day finished with a brisk sale of their excellent young stock.

Maura and I were delighted to attend the National Calf Show on July 29th and 30th. Once again our Young Members showcased their clipping and handling skills at the highest level, their enthusiasm for the Holstein Friesian breed is encouraging for us all.

In July, past Presidents of IHFA gathered at Lyrath House Hotel, Co. Kilkenny, for a 50th Anniversary get-together.

It was great to meet so many ex-Presidents and I was honoured to be among them.

Also in July, the Irish Pure Friesian Open Day was held on Paddy and Martin Crowe’s Dunum Herd in Doon, Co.

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Limerick. The herd recently celebrated 60 years of Friesian breeding, and is home to some top class mature cows breeding some excellent daughters, proving the importance of good cow families. It was a very enjoyable showcase for the Friesian breed.

I attended the prestigious Baileys Cow Competition at Virginia Show in August. Dalevalley OTI J Lulu was crowned Champion for owners Eugene and Sean Murphy, Co.Cork her second Baileys Champion title. Aged 9 years old, this was a tremendous success for Lulu who certainly enjoys her outings at the Baileys, having also previously been crowned Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention. Reserve Champion on the day was Glaslough Miss Petra owned by David and Kenneth Boyd. Cyril and John Dowling’s Pavime Frisky was Honourable Mention. This was a great spectacle of Holstein Friesians, with great credit due to sponsors Diageo and Glanbia. The judge on the day was Brian Miller, “Moorshard” Herd, UK. In September I attended the EYBS show in Belgium. There were 22 teams represented from member countries across the continent. The Irish team came out on top in the Handlers Competition, claiming 1st and 2nd prizes. They also had the Champion Calf. It was great to see our Young Members performing so well.

Also in September, Maura and I attended the Spanish Holstein Show, held in conjunction with the European Holstein & Red Holstein Confederation Conference. Dairying issues across the EU were discussed with interesting presentations on possible milk price supply and demand trends into the future.

The National Ploughing Championships were held near Stradbally, Co. Laois in late September. On the back of a very positive Summer for farmers, record crowds were in attendance over the three days of this event. The IHFA pavillion set the tone for positive promotion of the Holstein Friesian. The staff were very busy dealing with queries and

IHFA Chairman Richard Whelan’s address to the membership This is a very special year for IHFA. Firstly, the 50th anniversary of the Association and secondly, the abolition of the E.U. Milk Quota Restrictions.

My own involvement has mainly been in the last 15 years.

reported complimentary feedback on the seven cows on display, bred by local breeders. Thanks to all involved for a great effort.

October brought us the 32nd National Dairy show in Millstreet Co. Cork. It was one of the largest crowds to ever attend the show. Rounding off a very successful year, Glaslough Miss Petra was Supreme Champion. For brothers David & Kenneth Boyd, Co. Monaghan there was even more reason to cheer with Glaslough Goldwyn Brett taking Reserve Champion. Judge Iwan Rhys Morgan’s comments that “This was the best show of dairy cows I have ever judged” spoke volumes for the Show and the quality of stock turned out by our breeders.

I attended the Royal Ulster Winter Fair (RUAS), held near Belfast in December. I was delighted to support the many breeders who had made the journey with their cattle. The YMA was also very strong in the Handling classes. It was very encouraging to see the strength of our Breeders competing so well.

During the year, I have been so impressed by the high standard of herds that I have had the pleasure of visiting. I must also compliment the various clubs across the country who provide an important social structure, and the many hard-working club officers who give their utmost.

I cannot let this opportunity pass without commending the officers and Board members of IHFA for their dedication on your behalf. Thanks to Chief Excecutive Charles Gallagher and staff members for the work that they do in maintaining a vibrant and progressive IHFA. I would like to thank you all for your wonderful friendship and hospitality shown to Maura and myself throughout the year. Best wishes to you all for your future in farming and cattle breeding.

Following our break from HUKI (Holstein United Kingdom & Ireland) in 2001, and the establishment of an Irish database as shareholders in ICBF with industry partners, the Association has gone from strength to strength. We have moved from sketching calves for registration to predicting what the animal’s future potential will be with the use of Genomics.

We have been extremely successful in Breed Promotion.

For example, the highlight of the year is the Open Days both Friesian and Holstein. Also, the life blood of the Association is our young members, for which we organise a number of events during the year. YMA workshops, shows and the award night to mention a few.

We are members of the World Holstein Friesian Federation (WHFF) and the European Holstein & Red Holstein Federation (EHRC) and have a close working relationship with the U.K. and Northern Ireland.

On the industry side, we are committed partners with ICBF, Animal Health Ireland, the A.I. organisations and Milk Recording.

Recently IHFA has been delighted to be involved with our industry partners in supporting the UCD research project, on dairy development.

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has also been a guiding influence and support to the Association.

The future for IHFA is looking very positive and memberships have been growing steadily in a quota situation and I would expect, with the abolition of the quotas, this upwards trend should continue into the future.

I would like to thank the administration staff, field officers and the Chief Executive, Charles Gallagher, for their work in the daily operation of the association and their attention to detail and also the over and above commitment to their posts.

Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank my fellow Board members who give of their time, expertise and loyalty without question.

I hope the events during the year to celebrate the 50th Anniversary are enjoyed by one and all.

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At the Friesian Breeders’ Dinner, l-r: Brendan Dunleavy, Secretary; Brian Draper, Friesian judge; Austin Mescal, Dept. of Agriculture and Cyril Platt, President of the BFCS

The Irish Holstein Friesian Association - A Story of Success Austin Mescal Ph.D

Chief Inspector, Department Of Agriculture (1982-1994) Dr. Mescal served in the Department of Agriculture, initially as Inspector, then Deputy Chief Inspector throughout the 1960’s & 70’s. A distinguished career interwoven with the early progression of the Black & White breed in Ireland. He was subsequently promoted to the role of Chief Inspector.

We all like to reminisce. The problem is not what to include but what to leave out. But this is a memoir not history! To begin I’m tempted to mention the Holmes Report of 1947 when the New Zealand expert concluded that “Irish soil was producing as little as it could under an Irish sky”! At the time there was a handful of Friesians in Ireland - the names included Jones Henry, Quill and Sweetman. TB eradication hastened the import of cattle from the UK and the emphasis was on stock from the 1946 and 1950 imports from Holland.

The famous bull Adema 88 featured in many pedigrees; some may recall a celebrated son, Hunday Brigand, located in Bandon AI centre. The success of these early imports generated widespread interest and the 1950s saw increasing imports from the UK. Noted herds including Hunday, Terling, Lavenham and Claybury soon became household words among the ever-increasing numbers of Friesian breeders. The breed was spreading rapidly throughout the UK while the British Friesian Cattle Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland, under the powerful influence of secretary Bill Bursby, effectively served pedigree breeders in Ireland as well as in the UK. At commercial level, the nine AI centres ensured that superior blood lines were widely disseminated in milk producing herds, heavily influenced by the growing profitability of milk. Pedigree breeders and the Department of Agriculture collaborated to ensure that stock imported was not only of superior genetic merit but healthy as well. This vigilance meant that cattle coming in were as free as possible of such serious diseases as Johne’s and the dreaded Foot and Mouth and at the same time met the requirements of both milk and beef producers.

In 1964 I accompanied John Beatty, Chief Inspector of the Department of Agriculture, and Reddy Day, Senior Inspector, on a buying mission to Holland for Dutch Friesians. For various reasons, this importation enjoyed limited success. Fully successful however was the importation of Dutch Texel sheep which we carried out on that occasion for the first time. Both the Friesians and Texels joined the first batch of Charolais cattle which in 1964 we imported from France into the newly opened Spike Island quarantine station.

My first serious encounter with the British Friesian Cattle Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland came in 1964. A conference on Friesian breeding was held in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.

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The UK delegation was led by the President and Bill Bursby. There were several “robust” discussions and I came off a bad second best!

Later, I’m glad to say, we established a mutual understanding and I became good friends with successive officers and officials of the Society.

My first Reading Bull Sale was 1965. There I met many of the Society’s personalities, got to appreciate its organisational power and saw the quality of the cattle. I also met the newly appointed Secretary of the Irish Friesian Breeders Association, Brendan Dunleavy, with whom I would have a close working relationship for many years to come. The 1965 Reading Sale saw the purchase of the last Friesian bull to be leased by the Department of Agriculture to a breeder. The bull from the Grove herd was leased to Warrenstown College, then under the leadership of the remarkable Father Patrick Collins.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a great period of growth in the Friesian breed in Ireland as well as in the UK. The numbers of commercial breeders increased with the growth of Artificial Insemination (AI) while the number of pedigree breeders soon reached 4,000. The need for greater use of milk recording became ever more apparent and it was clear that the system then in use could not service the requirements of an increasing breed in which genetic improvement was a basic essential. Demand by breeders eventually resulted in the formation of the flexible system in use today. The AI authorities were always eager to cooperate in the work of improvement and spared no effort in the areas of planned matings, bull purchase, testing and communications, in the endeavour to ensure that Ireland’s stock matched national requirements as far as possible. My colleagues and I were always welcomed at breed society and association conferences and study tours both in Ireland and abroad.

The 1976 World Holstein Friesian Gathering comprising of herd visits, an excellent conference at Harrowgate and show of superb stock (won by a Northern Ireland cow) is a particular memory.

Ireland’s accession to the European Union in 1973 accelerated a growing demand for stock of greater milk potential driven by the profitability of milk. The Cattle Advisory Committee, set up by Charles Haughey, under the Chairmanship of Jimmy O’Keeffe, supported this demand though it specified that imports of extreme dairy stock should be monitored and assessed. Bill Carlos, then

Senior Livestock Inspector, and I effected the first importation of Canadian Holsteins and New Zealand Friesians in 1973. A controlled trial was then put in place evaluating Canadian Holsteins, New Zealand Friesians and Irish Friesians. The results, naturally, took a few years to emerge. In terms of milk volume Canadian Friesians had an advantage though the margin was less than anticipated. In milk composition New Zealand Friesians had a small advantage. In beefing terms Irish Friesians were best.

Canadian Holsteins had however, a distinct advantage in udder quality. The outcome of these trials paved the way for imports of stock, especially from Canada, and imports of semen from New Zealand. Meanwhile imports from the UK continued and these were joined by highly selected bulls from continental Europe particularly Holland.

A meeting of the Cattle Advisory Committee which comprised Dr. Henry Spain, Dr. Austin Mescal, Mr. James Beecher, Mr. Donal Murphy and Mrs Una Bergin (Department of Agriculture); Mr. James O’Keeffe and Mr. Nicholas Ryan (ICMSA); Mr. Joseph Bruton and Mr. Thomas Cleary (IFA); Mr. Simon Curran (An Foras Taluntais; Dr. D.L. Kelleher (UCD); Mr. Gregory Frost (General Council of Committees of Agriculture); Mr. Seamus Kelly and Mr. Liam White (Pedigree Cattle Breeders’ Council); Dr. Sean Crowley and Mr. Art O’Leary (Bandon AI).

My position in the Department of Agriculture involved me in many activities directly connected with the Holstein Friesian breed and its pre-eminence in Irish dairy cattle breeding. I have already mentioned importation and bull sales. Equally important was the adoption and development of progeny testing techniques for bulls- especially the evaluation of bulls in AI. The assessments included both milk and beef traits and were carried out with the full cooperation of the breed Society and Association, breeders and with the AI Authorities. There were frequent visits to herds both at home and abroad, many organised by the Association, in which I or colleagues frequently participated. Indeed herd visits were invaluable but were also the most pleasant of occasions. I and colleagues regularly discussed breeding matters on herd visits and valuable information was exchanged. The work of the Irish Association in fostering regional clubs was also important in the development of the breed.

For many years the UK and Irish Society based in Richmansworth served the requirements of Irish breeders who played a full role in its activities. Two Irish breeders - Captain J.R. Mc Carthy and Michael Buckley served in the office of President with great distinction. Fr. Patrick Collins a Society President-elect died before he could assume office. Time moved on and the Irish Holstein Friesian Association has taken over from Richmansworth and continues with a range of activities directly beneficial to breeders. These include registration, classification, the organisation of shows and sales, demonstrations, field days, tours, advice on stock to breeders and purchasers and publications. In these and many more activities the Irish Association now provides an excellent comprehensive service to Irish breeders.

In recent years, functions formerly carried out by the Department of Agriculture have been devolved to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation which has developed and extended many of them including the crucial area of genetic evaluation. My formal experience in the Department was prior to ICBF but I have been able to maintain some contact with ICBF and the industry generally.

Shows, it is recognised, provide the shop window for stock and reflect progress in breeding strategy. The Irish Association has for many years organised specialist bull and female shows to great effect. So also have clubs and such bodies as the Royal Dublin Society, the Munster Agricultural Society, Baileys and many excellent local bodies too numerous to mention. Some shows have prospered but

others including, regretfully, those of the RDS have ceased to exist.

Shows will always evolve but will always remain important.

I had the privilege and the good fortune to be involved in much of the aforementioned activity. Job satisfaction was immense but there was another side. One was frequently the target of sharp criticism from sections of the farming media. Survival in the public service necessitated the development of a thick skin! But the positives greatly outweighed the negatives - thankfully! It would be remiss of me not to refer to the quite extraordinary generosity of Irish breeders in donating valuable breeding stock to developing countries through Bothar. I was present at the first export assembled on the farm of the late Kevin Culhane who himself epitomised the humanity and concern so abundant in Ireland’s farming community.

Finally it is a pleasure to record that Irish stock is now comparable to the best available internationally. This is clear from recording and published data and is readily observable at the main shows.

Ireland is exporting stock and semen. There is now no reason why this trade cannot be expanded and thus avail of our excellent Animal Health status. I recall the progress of the Friesian breed, and more recently the Holstein Friesian breed with great satisfaction.

The environment in which the expansion took place was favourable. Milk continued to be profitable despite the regime of quotas.

The removal of these restrictions will open up new opportunities with, especially, access to new markets. We have come a long way from the time of the Holmes survey when the milk price was less than a shilling a gallon! It will, however, be essential to maintain and increase standards of quality. Any lapse arising in the areas of hygiene or disease especially could be disastrous.

I thank Providence for the progress made which I read about in your excellent Journal, and am grateful for the chance to have played a small role in the journey. I thank the Association, the AI bodies, the show societies, and particularly the many breeders with whom it was a pleasure to work. My thanks also to Charles Gallagher, your efficient Chief Executive for the opportunity to say so!

May I congratulate the Irish Holstein Friesian Breeders Association on their splendid work and on their Golden Jubilee. I wish them many years of success.

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IHFA GOLDEN JUBILEE Recollections & Reflections

by Bobby Franks

Field Development Officer 1994 - 2008 My earliest memory of IFBA would be the National Open Day at Ballinahina in 1981. This was the first event of its kind to be held in Ireland and it attracted great numbers of people who were interested in improving their cattle both in terms of production and type. The impetus for this improvement was due largely to Ireland’s membership of the then E.E.C, and all the positive features derived from that Membership.

I attended the IFBA event in 1981 in my capacity as a Field Officer with CBS (Ire), the forerunner of ABS (Ire)Ltd. UK bred sires were making an impact in Ireland as farmers sought higher production and better type for their own herds and to satisfy a growing demand in the marketplace. I will always remember the atmosphere of optimism and confidence that prevailed that day. It was a positive turning point for the Holstein-Friesian.

I remember attending the RDS Bull Sales, held in February each year. Numerically the Friesian Bulls were the smallest section of the Sales. The Auctioneer was Cecil Johnson, a partner in the firm of Gavin Low. I have a catalogue from 1964. There were 18 Exhibitors that year, of which 5 were from Northern Ireland. Exhibitors included Con Bouchier, Arva, Co. Cavan; Bert Cooper, “Carnteel”, Aughnacloy; David Heenan, “Barbican”, Newcastle, Co. Down; Seamus Kelly, “Moneymore” Drogheda, Co. Louth; Capt. McCarthy, “Bracklyn”, Delvin, Co. Westmeath; Jack McCulloch, ”Clonswords”, Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin; Timothy O’Kelly, “Knockanroe”, Crookstown, Co. Cork; The Columban Fathers, “Dowdstown”, Navan, Co.Meath; Ursuline Convent, “Finiskilin”, Co. Sligo & Lewis Wilding, “Newbold”, Ashford, Co. Wicklow. The Judge was Frank Chapman, “Bishopsthorpe”, Yorkshire.

I was involved in the preparation for the sales held to disperse the noted “Bracklyn” Herd of Capt. & Mrs. McCarthy.

This was my first time to be involved with deep pedigreed cattle. The herd was bred solely to sires sourced from the Terling & Lavenham herds in the U.K.. Those deep-bodied,

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wealthy, productive cows were impressive in the mid 1970’s, and certainly convinced me of the value of good breeding, recorded and verified through Pedigree Registration, which added to their worth.

Working with CBS instilled in me the value of selective breeding. CBS brought their clients to leading herds such as Holmland, Hunday, Grove, Normead and Claybury. These Herds were, by the early 1980’s, introducing Canadian Holstein to their herds. The Canadian Sires would have been sons of Elevation, Seiling Rockman, Citation R, Roybrook Telstar & ABC Reflection Sovereign. Rockman’s early sons included Barold Rockbuster and Citation R who was Sire to MMB Griffland and Hayleys Citation Lancer. ABC Reflection Sovereign sons included Noremead Reflection Sovereign renowned as the sire of Ullswater Royal Sovereign and Noremead Quaker. Roybrook Telstar is best known in Ireland as the sire of Doonally Roybrook Star (ROK). The use of Holstein sires resulted in significant improvements in yield and also in udder quality here in Ireland.

However, not all Holsteins had good solids. The market demands solids, so by the early 1990’s European Bulls gained popularity due to their positive proofs for Milk, BF% & PR%.

Among these were Linde Alfred (LLD), Sunny Boy (SSB), Ugela Bell. USA sires had influence too, particularly through sons of Whittier-Farms Ned Boy. Dovea Ned Boy (DAY) & Milkboard Ned Boy (MDY) left many good daughters as did the Sheik sons Milkboard Sheik (MSH), Dovea Sheikson (DSK) & Ballysheen Vaduz (BUZ).

And so it happens that breeding is deeply influenced by market trends - present and future. Now the emphasis is on health traits, and, as before, this will prove successful due to being able to select world-wide from from a numerically strong and diverse breed.

The early Breeders in Ireland have passed down a solid ge-

l-r: John O’Sullivan, then President of the Cork Friesian Breeders Club, Bobby & Lynn Franks receiving their gift of appreciation and Charles Gallagher, CE of IHFA

netic base derived from careful selection from the U.K. and the Netherlands in the early part of the last century. For example, the cow-families developed at Ardtarmon still exist today and compete successfuly within herds countrywide.

Science has contributed too. The development of AI opened the door to the availability of the best genetics world-wide to every dairy farmer. This is now combined with ET, in its various forms, plus the use of Genomics to contribute to speeding up Genetic Progress. The information derived from Milk Recording has highlighted those bulls whose progeny are more profitable. The availability of rapidly diffused information on Milk Testing via Mobile Technology from processor to producer is helpful in many ways, and finally, how did we exist without the internet with its infinite range of information? Quite a change from handwritten 3 generation Ancestry Forms, Sketch Cards, Birth Cards and all the paperwork that was part of life relatively recently. Now everything is online, fast and most of the time, efficient.

What a super tool for promoting a herd, a breed or a product is the internet.

Farmers needs will change constantly and it will be necessary for all those who provide services to agriculture to be sensitive to anticipating change and to provide viable solutions to the new demands as such changes occur. In my lifetime we have gone from hand milking to robot milking, from a cow only capable of producing at most twin calves to a cow producing numerous calves through ET. The farmer has been effective in adjusting to the changes as they have come into his farming practice, because they have assisted in better performance through easing management and workload, and therefore assisted profitability.

The social side of the breed has brought me into contact with many people whose company was enjoyable. I have refrained from using names in this article, however I will make an exception for somebody who was so much larger

than life - a superb brain coupled with profound humanity and full of wit. His stories held people spellbound while he recounted them in language quite colourful, and then there was always an eruption of laughter which would be followed by a rendition of the “Banks”. Sadly he has left us, but I am sure Heaven is the richer for his presence. I will always be grateful to the Black & White breed for introducing me to Bill Twomey R.I.P The Area Clubs of IHFA provide farmers and their families with a social aspect to life. It provides a venue for meeting others with similar interests. Meetings are a source of knowledge. Stockjudging provides an opportunity to both test one’s skills and to see a different herd, how it is managed, inspect progeny of bulls and to learn from others in a relaxed atmosphere. It was through my Club, the Breffni/ Oriel, that I met and made many friends, learned much from others and always enjoyed the “craic”. Clubs would not exist were it not for the constant input of the ladies, in secretarial, organisational and PR activities. Their ability to complement the oversights of the opposite gender has saved many a day. Long may that feature last!

The Holstein-Friesian has provided me, and many others, with memorable trips abroad. Firstly to the UK, especially to Holmland to see the Ruby family, fantastic deep-bodied black cows with the evident power to produce high yields.

Another time, seeing the daughters of Barold Rock Seal stalled beside their Dams in Claybury, and to listen to Brian Draper explain the pedigree of each animal was memorable. The proudest memory of all is going over with our team of cows to the European Championships, Brussels, 2004 and seeing Ireland win the Supreme Championship, winning the Group Award and taking 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the Mature Cow Class. Mature Cows are final proof of good breeding.

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The Evolution of the Holstein Friesian Association in Ireland

Charles Gallagher, Chief Executive

Balinahina Herd coming in for milking. Typical Friesian cows of this early era

The history of the Holstein Friesian breed in Ireland is inextricably influenced by the establishment and development of the breed in the UK and Holland.

The breed originated in Friesland in Holland. The Dutch concentrated on breeding and developing their native Black & White breed for its extra milk potential. They found open markets in Britain and the Americas for the breed due to its inherent ability to produce milk. By the turn of 1900 over 8,000 animals were imported into America which was the foundation of the American Holstein.

Because of the popularity of their stock for export the Dutch established the first herdbook in 1875 to record ancestry and promote the potential of their Black & White breed. The Friesian Society (BFCS) was established in Britain in 1909 to develop and promote this breed and bring about improvement. The British formed a Herdbook in 1911 and in some of the earliest editions of the British Friesian Society’s herdook you will find a number of Irish members.

During the 1920’s, bulls were imported from the UK and among them was the well known Hedges Kether imported by Mr. T.C. Jones-Henry in Sligo.

Northern Ireland breeders were also importing Friesian animals from Scotland and the North of England and were forming the nucleus of notable herds which were to supply the foundation stock for many of the better known herds in the Republic of Ireland, 24

with the major expansion of the breed occurring in the sixties and seventies.

One of the earliest registered herds was established by T.C. Jones Henry in Sligo, “Ardtarmon” in 1918 under the BFCS. The dominant breed at the time was the Shorthorn and it remained so well into the middle of the 20th century. The dominance of the Shorthorn breed was due to its dual purpose role of both milk and beef production. However its popularity diminished with the increased use of beef genetics in the breed. By 1970 the Friesian popularity outstripped the Shorthorn and the Friesian became the popular and dominant breed.

The Department Of Agriculture of this era was always very conscious of the value of the beef trade as a net revenue contributor to the exchequer so it was important that the Friesian would be developed in the mold of the Shorthorn with a dual purpose role.

This was evident through Department schemes and bull licencing for breeding purposes.

This policy dominated importations and Type of

bulls purchased at the Reading Sales in the UK for use in AI. Breeders, in their pursuit of excellence in production and conformation and enlightened by tours organized by IFBA, were enthused by the potential of the Holstein in Canada and USA and used extensively across Europe. By the mid 1980’s breeders were smitten and the switch to Holsteinization of the Black & White breed was in train.

Progression from BFCS Club to Independant Breed Society

Extrct from the BFCS pubication, 1963

from the post war depression, membership began to increase and the club became more active, arranging field evenings and holding committee meetings.

Irish Representative Committee, 1959Back row l-r: Michael Buckley, Donal Quill, Fr. Hughs, Timothy Kelly, Capt. James Mc. Carthy, Thomas Shonahan, JJ Fitzpatrick, font l-r: Mr. Jones Henry, Thomas Brophy, Fr Patrick Collins, Arthur McKennitt, JJ Kelly.

In 1921 the Council of the parent Society acknowledged that Irish members should have a seat on Council and in order to promote the breed in Ireland the Irish Friesian Cattle Club was formed. This club looked after the interest of members in both parts of Ireland and appointed joint Secretaries Mr. Roger Sweetman of Glendalough, Co. Wicklow and Mr. David Caldwell of Bellahill, Co. Antrim. This Association lasted until the outbreak of World War II when it was disbanded, the funds were divided and two separate organisations formed, namely the Northern Ireland Friesian Breeders Club and the Irish Friesian Breeders Club.

In 1951, Mr. T. Quill, Blarney (Examplefarm) was elected Secretary and held this position for seven years, at which time the membership in the Republic had grown to almost 600 members and the job of Secretary became very onerous. The club approached the parent Society to appoint a paid Secretary in 1960 but this request was not acceded to.

Nevertheless the Club appointed Mr. T. D. Brophy Auctioneer, Newbridge as Hon. Secretary and decided to have their own headed notepaper printed.

The club also held a dinner during Spring Show week

New Era

The first AGM of the Irish Friesian Breeders Club was held at the RDS on 10th August 1945 when Mr. R.E. Sweetman (Derrybawn) was elected Chairman, Mr. J.F. McCulloch (Clonswords) elected Secretary and Mr. T.C. Jones-Henry (Ardtarmon) was nominated as Irish Council Member of the Society from 1946. At this point in time there were less than 100 members of the Society in the Republic. As agriculture began to emerge

Stockjudging at Ballinahina, 1963

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at which the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Paddy Smith T.D. was in attendance which gave recognition to the importance of the Friesian breed.

The ‘60’s brought to the fore many people who were to leave a big imprint on the breed, among whom were Fr. Patrick Collins of Warrenstown College, whose death one month before taking on the Presidency of the parent Society was a tragic loss to the breed in Ireland. Other prominent breeders at this time who gave their time and energy to the promotion of Fr. Patrick Collins the breed in Ireland included Capt. McCarthy (Bracklyn), J.J. Kelly (Moneymore), Michael Buckley (Ballinahina) and Fr. Dan O’Mahoney, Pallaskenry College.

the name of the Club to the Irish Friesian Breeders Association. This committee of the Irish Friesian Breeders Club drew up a new set of Rules which were approved at their first AGM and so the IFBA came into existence. Mr. Brendan Dunleavy then General Manager of Jersey Milk Producers was appointed first Secretary of the newly formed Irish Friesian Breeders Association (IFBA) and remained in this position until his retirement in 1991. For 26 years he travelled the length and breadth of Ireland promoting the breed and being in attendance at shows and sales. The IFBA now began to base itself on the same structures of the BFCS and so achieved a certain autonomy. The committee became known as the Council of IFBA with sub committees for Finance, Promotion, and Show and Sales. Electoral areas were formed with direct election to the Council of the IFBA and for all practical purposes the day to day running of Friesian affairs in Ireland was in the hands of IFBA members. However financial control still remained in the hands of the BFCS. Journal

In order to emphasise the Irish dimension of the IFBA a first Irish Journal was produced in 1967. This became a biannual publication devoted exclusively to Friesian affairs in Ireland and continues in this format. The Journal played a key role in the promotion of the breed and serves as a direct link with the members.

Club Structure

The First Council of IFBA, standing, l-r: J.J. Kelly, T.C. Jones-Henry, D. Quill, Michael Buckley, inset l-r: T. O’Kelly & Rev Fr. D. O’Mahony; seated, l-r: Capt. J.R. McCarthy, Rev. Fr. P. Collins, T.B. Dunleavy, P.J. Madden, J.F. McCulloch, R. Lahiffe, P.E. McCullough

At the end of 1964 membership of the Society stood at 1,500 and Mr. Hugh Sweetman who had succeeded Mr. T.D. Brophy as Hon. Secretary found the task of looking after the interests of 1,500 members well nigh to impossible. At this stage the parent Society felt that there was huge potential for the growth of the breed in Ireland and they agreed to appoint a full time Secretary/Fieldsman with an office in Dublin to promote the breed and to liaise with the Dept of Agriculture, AI Services and the Agricultural Institute. The parent Society also agreed to have a second council member from Ireland and to change 26

With the rapid expansion of the breed in the 70’s and early 80’s it became obvious that substantial voluntary work was required if the Association was to keep in touch with all our members. The idea of a club structure emenating from GAA blueprint was envisaged and the first clubs were formed in the early 70’s and eventually there were 15 clubs which catered for members in almost every corner of Ireland. The existence of the clubs also provided the Association with the opportunity of organising such events as a Club Conference and Inter-Club Judging Competitions and they also inspired the running of the National Herds Competition, the results of which are eagerly awaited each year. Much voluntary effort was put into the development of the clubs and a special tribute must be paid to the work of Noel Hayes and Hugh Magee who were unstint-

ing of their time and talents in travelling the country and putting on type demonstrations and organising symposia, their efforts still bear fruit.

eny of these animals from Ireland, which were much sought after by ranchers for their ability to breed early maturing offspring for the beef trade.

Breffini Oriel Club Committee AGM 1978

Moneymore Top Notch

During this time the Secretary initiated visits to the 12 Agricultural colleges where he lectured the students on the benefits of keeping pedigree registered Friesians. This was an important function of the Association in influencing young dairy farmers.

Close and harmonious relations were developed with breeders in Northern Ireland which were maintained despite the political unrest of that period.

Other highlights of this period for the IFBA was to have the Secretary accompany the Minister for Industry and Commerce Mr. Albert Reynolds on a Trade Mission to China in 1988 and his attendance at the World Friesian Conferences in Mexico and Kenya as a representative of Ireland. All of which shows how far the Association had advanced from being a mere club of the BFCS.

In 1979 Miss Elizabeth O’Mahony was appointed by BFCS as a Field Liaison Officer with the IFBA and her main activities were grading up herds to pedigree status, attending shows and sales and promoting the activities of the Young Members Association (YMA).

Close contact was kept with the Dept of Agriculture particularly on the question of imports and there was a very good relationship with the Chief Inspector Dr. Austin Mescal who was one of those responsible for making herd assessment part of the process of bull selection.

Early Exports

One of the success stories of this period was the export to the USA in 1969, of cattle which formed the nucleus of the American Beef Friesian, the most prominent animal in the group being J.J. Kelly’s Champion Bull Moneymore Top Notch. A group of 81 heifers sourced from Limerick herds was exported to the USA in 1974, destined for research work in ranches based in Kansas and Iowa. Lakelodge Admiral, bred by Michael Murphy, Glanmire, Cork was exported to Canada in 1970.

In the mid 70’s some members of the IFBA went to the National Stock Show in Denver to see the prog-

In 1974 a group of 81 Friesians were purchased for export to North America for breed research. L-r: D. Cummins, D O’Driscoll (Dept. of Agriculture), Rev. D. O’Mahony (IFBA President), Prof. Judy (purchaser), M, Buckley (Chairman), K. Culhane (owner of the export premises), Dr. A. Mescal, PJ Lalor (Dept of Agriculture), J. Hannan (Sec. Limerick Clare Club)

IFBA Tours

In 1967 the IFBA organised the first tour abroad, when a plane was chartered to take over 70 members to the North of England, visiting such famous herds as Hunday, Ullswater and Dalton. Until his retirement in 1991, the Secretary led a further 24 tours abroad which included visits to almost every part of the world where Friesians were bred. Travel is education and there is no doubt that many breeders benefited greatly from these trips.

27

In 1994 the name (IFBA) Irish Friesian Breeders Association was changed to the (IHFA) Irish Holstein Friesian Association in recognition of the popularity of Holstein genetics in breeders herds. A new IHFA logo was launched and many new promotional events were inaugurated. Kevin Dillon was appointed Executive Secretary.

IFBA Executive Secretary Brendan Dunleavy meets with Mr. Chen, Director of Animal Husbandry at the Ministry of Agriculture, China

In 1968 the first Heifer Show and Sale took place in Cork.

In 1971 the Irish team had a remarkable win at the Royal Show Stockjudging for the first time. The Irish team was comprised of Denis Crowley (Uacter), T. Kelly (Knockanroe) and S. Neary (Troyswood). This was a tremendous achievement and was a big factor in making people aware how far IFBA had come in a few short years. This victory was repeated in 1990 by a team of the Kerry Club comprising Timmy Fitzmaurice, Peter Kennelly and Mike Maunsell.

New IFBA Office

In 1991, Brendan Dunleavy retired as Secretary of the IFBA. The role of full-time Secretary was dispensed with and some weeks later Kevin Dillon was appointed Senior Field Officer. Elizabeth O’Mahony continued her role as Liaison Officer, Maria Dillon was appointed as part-time Secretary and a new IFBA office was opened in Clonakilty.

Realising the potential for attracting new members Bobby Franks was appointed in the northern half of the country as a full-time Field Officer in 1994.

First Open Day Victor Jackson receiving a presentation from Tom Cleary, Bord Bainne (sponsor),1991

Open Day

The first IHFA Open Day was held on the farm of Charles & Victor Jackson, (Crossnacole) herd in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow in August 1991. The Open Day incorporated the announcement of the winners and the presentation of prizes in the National Herds Competition and the Interclub Stockjudging.

The Open Day has been an educational as well as a popular social event where breeders can meet in a relaxed environment Ploughing Championships

In September 1994, the IHFA for the first time had a live cattle demonstration at the ploughing match.

IFBA Autonomy

The ambitions of the staff and Council of the IFBA could not be realised under the existing structure and a series of meetings between the IFBA Council under the Chairmanship of Michael Buckley and Duncan Spring the then Chief Executive of HFS led to a deal where ÂŁ1 for each calf registered with HFS was returned to IFBA for breed promotion in Ireland.

This arrangement gave the IFBA more control of the development and promotion of the breed in Ireland and a more vigorous approach to breed promotion followed.

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Country Group at Agribex, 1998

Board members as IHFA becomes a Independent Herdbook. Standing, l-r: Tom Kelly, Sean Curtin, Noel Kelly, Peter McCulloch, Tom Maunsell, Mike Magan, Peter Tighe, Mervyn Eager, John C Murphy, Roy Crommie, Garry Hurley, Eddie Barrett, Teddy Cashman, Paul Flanagan, Richard Flemming. Seated l-r: Sean MacSweeney, John O’Sullivan, Kevin Dillon, Maria Dillon, David Boyd, John Stone, John Cantwell, Bill Flynn

European Holstein Show

One of the proudest days in the history of Holstein Friesian breeding in Ireland was Saturday February 14th 1998 in the European Championships at the Agribex Complex in Brussels. An Irish team competing for the first time on foreign soil and made up of five cows, those five cows came away with two 1st’s, two 2nd’s and one 3rd and Junior Champion.

A magnificent performance by all involved and it opened the eyes of the World to the quality of Irish cattle. This success was further realized in 2004 when winning the overall country group.

IHFA New Structure

Under an EU Directive, it became incumbent on each Member State to develop a National Database.

Consequently ICBF was set up in 2000 with Dr. Brian Wickham as Chief Executive. As in many things, technology created the opportunity for change, the arrival of ICBF was to be the catalyst for that change.

As and from the 1st of January 2002, the IHFA was incorporated as an Independent Breed Association operating an Irish Herdbook independent of HUKI. IHFA Board

The IHFA Board was set up comprising of representatives nominated by each of the 15 clubs plus three Vice Presidents and two ICBF Board Members.

The Board would decide policy on finance, breed development, breed promotion and all IHFA activi-

ties. To facilitate the new structure IHFA acquired new offices which were officially opened by Mr. Joe Walsh, Minister for Agriculture, DAFM, in the summer of 2002.

ICBF

The current structure of ICBF is that it is jointly owned by 4 groups of shareholder - the farm organisastions who have a 46% holding, the AI bodies, the Milk Recording organisations, and the Herdbook Societies, each of whom have an 18% shareholding. ICBF’s finances were founded with the £1m contribution from Farmers plus considerable finance from the EU Structural Funds. It is worth noting that within the 18% shareholding of the Herdbooks, IHFA own 13%. Because it registers over two thirds of all Pedigree registrations in the country, it is eligible for this allocation of shares. All of this demonstrates that ICBF is in fact a farmer owned body controlled by a Board representative of those interests. It provides a statistical, factual base from which to build on.

IHFA are significant shareholders in the National Database now in place with 2 representatives on its Board.

The ICBF National Database contains all AI, Milk Records and Herdbook Data. It has electronic links to these service providers and also to the National Calf Registration Office, thus allowing it to instantly validate all information as required.

29

Dignitries at WHFF Conference hosted by IHFA in 2008. Kevin Dillon, CE; Keith Flamen, WHFF Chairman; Brendan Smyth, Minister for Agriculture; Mervyn Eager, IHFA President; Richard Whelan, Chairman; Charles Gallagher, incoming CE

Early years as an Independent Herdbook

There are always teething problems with any change and after an initial period of difficulties with the system eventually the new technology allowed for less duplication and the single unique identifier for all animals has proven to be a great success.

sian cows and stored in the central database at ICBF to promote the genetic variation in the Black & White population.

The Pure Friesian strains are very much part of this variation and it is very important that the dedicated core of breeders who have maintained pure Friesian lines are assisted and promoted by the Association.

The highlight of breed promotion in this early period was the hosting of the World Conference in the Autumn of 2008. Over the period of 17 years Kevin Dillon was instrumental in promoting the Holstein Friesian to an International audience and the setting up of an Independent Irish Herdbook.

2008 to the Present Day Looking Ahead to the Future

I was appointed by the Board to the role of Chief Executive in the Autumn of 2008.

The role of the Chief Executive of IHFA encompasses the administration of the Herdbook, expanding and improving services and promoting the Black & White breed to help members attain their goals and remain profitable.

This is a period of rapid progress in both database and scientific technology. I endeavour to make greater use of the data collected on Holstein Frie30

Peadar Healy ‘Firoda’ hosts Pure Friesian Open Day, 2009, l-r: Bill O’Keeffe, Richard Whelan, Chairman; Peadar Healy, host; Charles Gallagher, CE; Liam Curran, President; Noel Lahart, Dovea

I am very conscious that having spent 30 years in the AI industry, the diversity of breeding lines is of fundamental importance.

The Herdbook is an “open” Herdbook and my mis-

sion is that access to registration is available for all breeding lines developed to suit the variety of dairy farming systems practiced in Ireland. This is the Herdbook’s greatest strengths. Taking a look back at the last decade fertility in the breed took severe criticism. Yet breeding lines with superior fertility were identified so that today the graph is on an improving curve for fertility and herd health in the population

new services through this avenue is vital to the young members.

YMA is the succession of IHFA and new competitions and structures are now in place giving them greater autonomy.

The role of conformation in breed development is now promoted at club level with the result that Classification & Linear Scoring has increased to 36,000 animals.

In this short period I have continued to grow registrations to over 80,000.

Ireland joined the EEC in 1973 and there was great optimism in the farming community around expansion in dairying. Many new herds were set up. This expansion was so rapid that by 1986 quotas on milk production were introduced by the EEC based on 1983 production.

2015, which is the 50th anniversary of IFBA, will also mark a new era of opportunity for new entrants to milk production when quotas are removed from 1st April.

Raising the profile of the breed through expanding events and services and the introduction of new technologies such as Genomic services is key to a forward looking Association. The development of the website and driving

The future of IHFA is very positive and the growth in membership and registrations as experienced recently is sure to continue in this new era of opportunity for all.

I hope you all take part and enjoy the events during the year to celebrate 50 years of IHFA. 31

MONEYMORE TOP NOTCH A Rare Story! By Tom Kelly L-r: John Beatty, Senior Livestock Inspector, Dept. Of Agriculture; Clayton Jennings, US Purchaser of Moneymore Topnotch; Seamus Kelly, Moneymore; Jim Shiel, Herdsman and Tony Connor

The early days of the development of the Friesian breed saw proponents look to the UK for genetic material. In the early 1900’s a number of breeders imported females but soon regulations on these importations were restricted to males only and for the 1950’s and ‘60’s Irish AI organisations and individual breeders made the annual trip to Reading where the British Friesian Cattle Society held its Premier Bull Sale.

Soon after the Sale, when health tests were completed, the animals

purchased from Reading and some private deals with UK breeders would arrive at the North Wall in Dublin. The bulls were all individually haltered, and, prior to reloading for their various destinations to the North, East, South & West, they were the subject of keen scrutiny by all present. Some had excelled in visual shape while others disappointed. We were soon to learn that a visual inspection was no indicator as to which bulls would excel for their new owners.

My father Seamus, his brother in law Pat McCullough and their

good friend and breeder from Galway, Senator Bob Lahiffe made a number of such imports in those days. However, I will confine this story to one bull - Dalton Top Grade. On a visit to the Dalton herd in Cumbria, a young bull captivated all three of them – beautifully balanced and walking on superb legs & feet. Then they were taken to see the mother – a cow that my father described as having the most level udder he had ever seen. (In those days Friesian cows tended to have much deeper rear udders than fore udders). A price was agreed for Dalton Top Grade, the handshake took place, and then the clanger - there was a man in Colombia who had an option on this calf but John Moffitt had not heard from the man for quite some time and seemed unable to contact him.

About 4 months later, Dad had a call from John Moffitt. The Colombian was in touch and wanted his bull. Dad told him that the bull was in Ireland now and he should offer another bull to the Colombian.

After six weeks, we got a call from John Moffitt to say he wanted to call to see Dad in two days time. Dad was in bed with a severe flu.

John Moffitt said he was coming anyway as he had to sort out the bull predicament.

I have a very vivid memory of John Moffitt arriving that day. Mother took him upstairs to Dad who was still very ill in bed. John told my father that the Colombian man was insisting on getting Top Grade.

He had already lodged legal proceedings against him and the BFCS, and that the BFCS were likely to expel John Moffitt.

My father relented and the bull went to Colombia but what he didn’t know at the time was that later that year a calf by Top Grade would be born, namely Moneymore Top Notch who would go on to win Breed Champion of RDS, Balmoral and Cork in 1966 and was eventually purchased and exported to the U.S.A. With the money from his sale allowing Dad to go and purchase 15 acres of land!

Before Top Notch left the herd, he sired Moneymore Iris 2 VG who was a key cow in establishing our “Iris” family which are prominent to this day.

So, Dalton Top Grade arrived on the North Wall in 1963 and when

It is also noteworthy that the dam of Top Notch was Ballinahina Rose 4, bred by the Buckleys in Cork, and sired by the prepotent Claybury Benefactor. Benefactor was well acquainted with the Drogheda/Cork road as he moved between the Ballinahina and Moneymore herds in the late 50’s and early 60’s.

Dad won the toss as to which farm the bull would go to first so Top

The wonderful legacy of all this cattle business is the lasting friendships that flourish to this day.

the bull was tied up, he was admired by all.

Grade arrived in “The Twenties!”.

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Working Together for a better Dairy Industry Sean Coughlan, guest speaker at IHFA AGM 2013

Since 2002, ICBF and IHFA have been working together in the best interest of the Irish dairy industry. While coming at it from different perspectives, especially in the early years, led to some tensions, the two organisations have worked through those challenges. The results and benefits for the industry of the coming together of IHFA as industry partners with ICBF in a single database in 2002 are there for all to see. The graphs below relates to animals registered in the IHFA Herdbook and milk recorded in 2014.The key breed genetic trends are going in the right direction. EBI, and the Milk and Fertility sub-indices have had a strong upward curve since the mid 2000’s.

The genetic trend for milk kilograms over that period has been upwards, albeit at a must slower pace than would have been the case in the

Sean Coughlan Chief Executive, ICBF 1990’s. However, the genetic trend for milk solids has been much stronger.

The fertility trends have seen a massive turnaround. The genetic trend for calving interval has 33

been improving very significantly over the last ten years, as has the genetic trend for survival.

registered males over the past couple of years and the ability to find the most profitable bulls for Irish dairy farmers is significantly enhanced as a result.

Classification Classification and Linear Scoring are used in compiling Bull Proofs, which is a valuable resource for all dairy farmers in making bull selection. The trend in numbers is seeing positive growth which leads to greater reliability of sire conformation proofs.

The net result is that animals born in 2020 will have fertility performance improved to 1990 levels, but the cows will be producing 60% more milk solids (Berry et al).

Genomic technology will continue to offer IHFA, ICBF and the wider industry significant opportunities over the coming years. IHFA have shown great leadership in routinely genotyping all pedigree

Table: Trend in Classification Numbers

The AI trend in the data below demonstrates the dominance of the Holstein Friesian as the Sire of Choice accounting for 95% usage!

Sum of Progeny

Column Labels

Year

FR

HO

JE

MO

NR

SR

2002

10.99%

86.01%

0.75%

1.99%

0.21%

0.06%

100.00%

2003

15.53%

80.22%

0.95%

3.02%

0.15%

0.13%

100.00%

2004

16.64%

78.76%

1.23%

2.45%

0.81%

0.10%

100.00%

2005

17.61%

78.24%

1.62%

1.92%

0.40%

0.21%

100.00%

2006

21.80%

74.07%

1.44%

1.82%

0.52%

0.35%

100.00%

2007

20.17%

76.41%

1.48%

1.30%

0.36%

0.29%

100.00%

2008

23.34%

72.75%

1.66%

1.38%

0.54%

0.34%

100.00%

2009

24.76%

69.50%

3.26%

1.00%

0.65%

0.84%

100.00%

2010

21.15%

72.64%

3.97%

0.75%

0.95%

0.54%

100.00%

2011

16.14%

76.13%

5.76%

0.64%

0.95%

0.37%

100.00%

2012

18.38%

75.04%

5.28%

0.62%

0.58%

0.10%

100.00%

2013

21.48%

71.75%

5.51%

0.56%

0.65%

0.05%

100.00%

2014

16.65%

77.44%

5.00%

0.49%

0.37%

0.04%

100.00%

Grand Total

19.04%

75.53%

3.38%

1.20%

0.58%

0.26%

100.00%

Data table showing trends in % of AI usage by Dairy Breed since 2002

34

Grand Total

35

IHFA wish to acknowledge the important role of IHFA Clubs throughout the country as a platform for the Holstein Friesian at local level.

The input and assistance of Clubs makes it possible to host key events for the Association such as Open Days, Judges’ Conferences and workshops.

The many Officers, past and present, are to be saluted for their efforts to best serve the progress of cattle breeding and IHFA. The Young Members (YMA) play a key role to develop the necessary Stockmanship skills and as an enjoyable social outlet.

IHFA wish to thank the Club Secretaries and representatives for their efforts in supplying historical material for their club area.

These notes were further added to by IHFA research of historical journals. While every effort was made to confirm records, any omission or incorrect detail was not intentional. This was a mammoth undertaking.

I hope you enjoy reading the Journal especially the historical journey that the Association has travelled and that it brings back happy memories. If you have any further memorabilia please make it available for our records.

36

Breffni / Oriel Date Formed: 23rd October 1972 Founding Committee: Chairman: Hugo Maguire, Vice Chairman: Seamus Armstrong, Treasurer: John H Dixon, Secretary: Francis B O’Reilly, Monaghan Committe: C Chapman, J Kearney, J Ward, P Murphy, J Hall. Cavan Committee: C Boucher, P Fitzpatrick, Wm Clarke, N Keogh, J Daly

Back: Maj RH Lucas-Clements; Rev T Mitchell; P Murphy; J Knox, B O’Reilly, H Maguire (speaker), JE Ward; Jn Elliott; L Gilliant. Front: Mrs. C Lucas-Clements; Mrs K Casey, FB O’Reilly; P Fitzpatrick; Chas Chapman; Jn Dixon; HB Maguire (Chairman)

The following is an extract from the minutes taken at the first meeting of the club:

Present Committee: Chairman: Edwin Bennett, Vice Chairman: Sean Prunty, President: Val Donohoe, Vice President: Dom McAdam, Treasurer: Clifford Poyntz, Secretary: Mary Rafferty, PRO: Mary Gaynor, Org. Secretary: Dermot Sherry

“A gathering of pedigree Friesian breeders took place on October 23rd 1972 in the Belmount Arms, Cootehill. The gathering transformed into a meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. Martin Kilgarrif who outlined in fine detail the items which appeared on the circular. He also introduced each breeder & his place of abode to the meeting. The manner in which he conducted the meeting is worthy of comment & indeed must Commitee and invited guests at the Club’s 40th celebratory dinner dance

go on record.

Mr. Brendan Dunleavy (Secretary, IFBA) was in attendance & spoke of the aims of the IFBA. He welcomed the idea of the formation of a pedigree Friesian breeders club &

At the 1975 Spring Show were Martin Kilgarrif, Livestock Officer, a founder member of the Breffni / Oriel Club with his son Gerard.

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Breffni / Oriel

Champion & Reserve at Tydavnet Show 1981, Hugo Maguire’s Beechford Maple Anna & Beechford Maple Camille.

assured the meeting that he would give it all the support within his power. He also went through the items on the circular & saw no reason why they could not be achieved.

After some discussion it was unanimously agreed to form a pedigree Friesian breeders club. It would appear that the item on the circular “Exclusive Pedigree Sales” was the most important item and took a lot of discussion.

No discussion on any matter or item was taken but a committee was formed with 14 persons - 7 from Monaghan, 7 from Cavan plus Mr. William Hoynes & Mr. Martin Kilgarrif who were unanimmously agreed as exofisio members - both of whom are employed by the Dept of Agriculture.

40 Pedigree Friesian breeders who were present at the meeting subscribed 50p towards membership.”

Notable club events

The inaugural meeting of the club took place on Nov ember 21st. The main item on the agenda was a name for the club. Three names were proposed and seconded. These were Breffni/Oriel, North Eastern and Cavan/Monaghan. The chairman called for a vote and the count resulted as follows: Breffni/Oriel (7 votes), Cavan/Monaghan (6 votes), North Eastern (2 votes).

Breffni/Oriel was declared the name for the club. Other items discussed on the night were: - Arrangements for better quality Friesian bulls from the AI Centres.

- Establishment of pedigree sale - Promotion of Dept Milk Recording scheme (see letter) - Appointment of IFBA fieldsman in the area.

The first AGM in October 1973 raised the membership

38

Runners up in the 1986 Inter Club Stockjudging Competition were David Boyd, Kenneth Gilliland, Clon Knox with Sean O’Sullivan, Mitchelstown Co-Op

to £1 and a constitution and set of rules were drawn up.

The first pedigree sale was held at Ballybay Mart on February 28th 1974 and these sales continued until 1987. 1974 also saw the election of Phil Fitzpatrick to the council of IFBA as representative of BOFC. The first dinner dance took place in 1975 in the Lakeland Hotel, Cavan - tickets costs £2.25!

Breffni / Oriel The first joint meeting also took place in 1975 when BOFC combined with the local AI (NECBS) - a list of bulls was drawn up and presented to the club - the most expensive being £4 per straw!

Average prices at the club sale in 1976 were £500 for heifers & £600 for bulls. A type classification demonstration was

1976 saw the introduction of the “Cow of the Year” competition. This competition was judged at 4 regional shows - Virginia, Arva, Tydavnet & Clones.

The 4th World Conference was hosted in Stoneleigh in 1976 and the BOFC joined up with the Sligo club to run a trip to it. The club

tour became an annual event with tours organised to places such as Hillsborough, Clondalkin AI Station, Ballyhaise College, Mellifont Abbey, UCD Farm, Ballinamore Institute (to view a gravel tunnel drainage system), Enfield AI station. In 1992 the club began to move further afield travelling to Scotland. The following years took the club to the Royal Show, the NRM in Holland, Scotland and Canada in 1996.

Pictured at the Breffni / Oriel 21st Anniversary celebration were Back: Peter McKenna, Robin Bears, Jim Keane, AIB, Owen Connolly, Jason Caffrey, IFI & Winston Bennett.

Front: Susan Coffrey, Mary Rafferty, Phil Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Fitzpatrick & Wilma Bennett

held at Major Clements “Shantully” herd in 1977 and the first Stockjudging was held at the Drumhilla herd of John Dixon, Ballybay.

1979 - The Committee inquired regarding the cost of an advert for the pedigree sale on RTE!

The National Stockjudging Finals were hosted by Hugo Maguire in 1980 and the AGM saw the increase of the annual subscription to £4. The North Eastern Club extended their Herds Competition to include BOFC and a number of our

39

Breffni / Oriel members took part. Lionel Gilliland, Seamus Ferguson & Hugo Maguire were among the winners.

The BOFC Junior Stockjudging team won through to the RASE at Stoneleigh in 1982 - the team consisted of Phil Fitzpatrick Jnr. Joan Fitzpatrick & Colin Knox. The Club celebrated 21 years in existence in 1983 and the “Person of the Year” trophy was kindly donated by AW Ennis Ltd. The number of stockjudging evenings was increased to two in 1984. This year also saw the introduction of a juvenile stockjudging class “for sons & daughters of members”.

2014 Champion of Champions - Glaslough Miss Petra owned by David & Kenneth Boyd

1986 saw the birth of the Club Dairy Event which comprised of the BOFC “Cow of the Year”, Club Stockmanship and Junior Stockmanship Competitions.

The first Club Dairy Event took place on the farm of the then Chairman Michael Quinn’s Hilmar Farm. The dairy event was held annually at various locations including Black Kesh, Oldcastle & Castleblayney Shows until 1993.

Glaslough Herd and Breffni / Oriel Club host IHFA Open Day 1997

40

In

1994 the club decided to organise a major show to replace the club dairy event. Under the Chairmanship of Winston Bennett and Show Director Tom Canning Expo was born. This show was a huge success and attracted livestock and trade exhibitors and spectators from all over the country. The last Expo was held in 1998.

The 25th Anniversary of the BOFC in 1997 coincided with club members David & Kenny Boyd hosting the

Breffni / Oriel

Markethill Group: L-R, Paddy Sherlock, Norman Morton, Francis Lappin, Bill Leeman, Jackson Wright, Mary Rafferty, Winston Bennett, Michael Quinn

National lHFA Open Day. Participation by club members in the preparation for this prestigous event reflected true comraderie amongst all involved.

The HFS/IHFA Roadshow held in Cavan in May 1996 drew the largest attendance ever for an event of it’s kind in Ireland.

The Club joined with Markethill Discussion Group in 1997 in a cross-border package. Many events such as seminars and bus trips took place and these concluded with a very well attended social evening in Monaghan in 2000. Many lifelong acquaintances were made during this partnership.

Dermot Sherry (left), Champion Handler, YMA National Calf Show 1992, receives presentation on behalf of the Club

club it is today and incorporate many new events to attract an ever increasing membership. This in turn has led to a marked increase in milk recorded herds and herds using classification. BOFC continues to be a social & educational outlet for the dairy farmers of the Cavan / Monaghan area. As we look forward there is no doubt that the aims of those present on the night of that very first meeting are still at the heart of the club today and will remain so in the future.

YMA was established in 1991 and has since become a central part of the club with our annual calf show being one of the best supported events in the year.

The first BOFC Herds Competition was organised in 2002. This competition has grown from strength to strength with approximately 60 herds taking part each year. Many club members have also entered their herds in both the National & Northern Ireland Herds Competition - resulting in many successes over the years.

A presentation to Mary Rafferty and her husband Paddy in recognition of her many years of unstintingservice to the club as secretary

In recent years BOFC members have had success at both local & national shows including Millstreet, Baileys, Emerald Expo & Tullamore.

In Conclusion

The club is indebted to its many very generous sponsors who over the years have helped make Breffni/Oriel the

The club on tour

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Breffni / Oriel

Breffni/Oriel - On Tour

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Carlow / Kilkenny Date Formed: 1976 Founding Committee: Chairperson: John C. Murphy, Secretary: Michael Parsons, Treasurer: Eamon Tynan

1979, pictured at the Club’s inaugural Dinner Dance were Council member John C. Murphy, his wife Aileen, with Mr & Mrs. E Morrissey

The Carlow/Kilkenny Club is a long established Friesian Breeders Club. The first committee was formed in 1976 at a meeting at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny where the following committee was appointed: Chairperson: John C. Murphy, Secretary: Michael Parsons, Treasurer: Eamon Tynan

Present Committee: Chairman: Eamon Coleman, Secretary: Louise Murphy, Treasurer: Jim Mulhall, Competition Secretary: Michael Nolan, YMA/Co-ordinator: Liam Murphy YMA Assistant Co-ordinator: Doireann Mulhall, PRO: Sandra Murphy

Through hard work, dedication and perseverance, the Carlow/Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club has seen many successes and various high points throughout the years.

On a local level, the club has held many events and activities throughout the showing year which include the following

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club Show and Sale at Kilkenny co-op Mart, 1996. Overall champion was Knockgarron Pirate Rose. Pictured from left were Denis Dalton herd manager for owner, Larry Tynan, Ardboy Dairies, Ardboy, Co. Kilkenny, Pat O’Gorman, Assistant Manger Bank of Ireland and Show Judge, Charlie Gallagher, Ballycarroll, Portlaoise.

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club Show and Sale at Kilkenny co-op Mart, 1998. Overall champion was Killmack Boy Frisky. Pictured from left are Eamon Murphy, KIlmacar, Ballyraggett, Co. Kilkenny, Michael Meaney, Dovea AI and Show Judge Kevin Flynn, Reary Valley, Clonaslee, Co. Laois.

Hotel in Kilkenny. It was always positively attended.

The Annual Awards Dinner Dance formally rewarded the success and the quality of the best herds within the Club. The awards night continues today, although it is slightly less formal. It is now in the form of a family friendly BBQ with an awards presentation at the end of the night. It has certainly become one of the major highlights throughout the year for Carlow/Kilkenny members for both young and old. It is thoroughly en-

Annual Show & Sale

The Show and Sale was judged by accomplished and renowned judges. The sale was well supported on a local and on a national level. Until recently, this show and sale was one of the important and well known highlights of the Carlow/Kilkenny Holstein Friesian Breeders Club showing calendar.

Annual Dinner Dance

The Annual Awards Dinner was generally hosted at a

1982 Club Dinner Dance, Michael Kelly Chairman, Eddie Teehan, Secretary, Michael Kavanagh, Treasurer and Brendan Dunleavy, Secretary IFBA.

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Carlow / Kilkenny

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club annual awards dinner in the “best heifer Fat and Protein” Class were from left: Eamonn Murphy, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny 1st Prize receiving his trophy from Thomas Murphy A.I. Services (Irl) Limited (sponsors) with Edward Teehan, Ballyfoyle, County Kilkenny (2nd Place) and Michael Sheedy, Cullahill, Roscrea (3rd Place).

Pictured at the Carlow/Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club annual awards dinner were winner and runners-up of the Silage Competition: Michael Power (second from left) winner, Graine, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny accepting the trophy from John Phelan, Avonmore/Waterford (sponsors) with from left Edward Grace (2nd) Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny and Sidney Colclough (3rd) Tubrid, Woodsgift, Co. Kilkenny).

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club Annual Awards Dinner were Show and Sale at Kilkenny co-op Mart, 1996. Overall champion was Knockgarron Pirate Rose. Pictured from left Thomas Murphy (2nd) Swiftsheath, Co. Kilkenny , Pat Nolan of Progressive Genetics, (sponsor) presenting the Trophy to winner, George Leahy, Woodsgift, Co. Kilkenny and Hilda Tynan (3rd) Ardboy Dairies, Ardboy, Kilkenny

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Pictured at the Carlow/Kilkenny Friesian Breeders annual awards dinner were the winner and runners-up of the Future Genetics Pair of Senior Cows competition: Oliver Neville (Second from left) Future Genetics, Tullamore, (sponsor) presenting the trophy to the winner, Edward Teehan, Bullock Hill, Ballyfoyle with, from left, Sean Gibbon, (2nd) Woodsgift, Co. Kilkenny and George Leahy (3rd) Woodsgift, County Kilkenny.

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club annual awards Dinner were the winner and runners up for the Lifetime Yield Competition: from left were Edward Grace (2nd) Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny, Andrew Phelan (Winner) accepting the trophy from George Leahy Chairman of Carlow/Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club and Denis Dalton (3rd) Herd Manager for Ardboy Dairies, Ardboy, Co. Kilkenny.

The winner and runners-up for the Dovea Carlow/Kilkenny herd’s competition (herds under 50 cows) Front row: John Ryan (centre) winner, Ballymurphy, Borris, Co. Carlow with from left Michael Ryan (2nd) Drummond, Co. Carlow and Thomas Muphy (3rd) Swiftsheath, Co. Kilkenny. Back row left to right: Tom Kelly, Judge, Philipstown, Drogheda and Dermot Cahill Dovea A.I.

Carlow / Kilkenny

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club annual awards dinner dance were the winner and runners-up for the Dovea Carlow/Kilkenny herds competition were - Front Row: Garry Moore (centre) Winner, Tullow, Co. Carlow with Runners up from left : Michael Murphy (2nd) St. Mullins, Carlow and George Leahy (3rd) Woodsgift, Co. Kilkenny. Back Row: Tom Kelly, Judge, Philipstown, Drogheda and Edward Holland, Dovea AI.

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club annual awards dinner dance were winner and runners up for the quality Milk Awards Competition were Eamon Murphy (Second from Left) Kilmacar, Ballyraggett winner accepting the trophy from John Phelan, Avonmore/Waterford Group. With from left: Patrick Hally (2nd) Ballyfoyle and Thomas Gaffney (3rd) Tullaroan Co. Kilkenny.

Pictured at the Carlow /Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club annual awards dinner at in the “Best Cow Fat and Protein Class” from left: Eddie Teehan, Bullock Hill, Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny (1st), Michael Meaney Dovea AI (sponsors) and Seamus Costigan, Graigue, Rathdowney, Co Laois (both 2nd and 3rd place)

Carlow/Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club Annual Awards dinner were James Maher (right) Club Chairman presenting the Carlow/Kilkenny Friesian Breeders Club trophy to Andrew Phelan, Dournane, Mooncoine, Co. Kilkenny winner of the Class confined to club members at Kilkenny Agricultural Show, James’ Park 1996.

Seminars & Tours

The Club ran seminars throughout the year on various aspects of dairy farming, ranging from feeding seminars to AI seminars. Over the years the Club has travelled to other dairy farms during the summer period. All events were well attended and positively supported.

Field evenings

The Carlow/Kilkenny Club hold two field evenings each year, as well as a field evening that is The IFBA Symposium on “The Feeding and Management of High Yielding Friesian in Kilkenrun in tandem with the Club’s awards night. The field ny in 1979, in attendance were: Eamonnn Cregan, CAO, Noel Hayes, Council Member IFBA, Syl Lennon Treasurer Carlow / Kilkenny Club, Peter Dixon Smith “Lyons” herd, (speaker), evenings initially commenced as a once a year event.

John C Murphy, Council Member, IFBA, Eamon Tynan, Secretary Carlow / Kilkenny Club

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Carlow / Kilkenny This has increased to two field evenings per year and again the strength of the Club is clearly seen from the strong numbers - both young and old - who are in attendance.

Kilkenny Show

There was an annual agricultural show held in Kilkenny. Unfortunately, this show is no longer active but when it was, it was well supported and attended by IHFA Open Day at Tom & Maura Murphy’s Swiftsheath, 2012 all local members. The Club Although the Club may have started off as a small club, it had for some years a stand at the show which proved has undoubtedly progressed in terms of increased mempopular with the crowd. There was also a Confined bership, the solid quality of stock and the relentless sense Class which was limited to Carlow/Kilkenny memof character of the members. In the last 2 years the qualbers. ity of the Club’s stock has indeed been recognised and rewarded on a national level. The following are just some of the examples of how the Club’s hard work has been recognised and awarded not only nationally but internationally.

Internationally

In 2000 Tim, Noel and Joan Sugrue had a cow selected to represent the country at the European Championships.

“Laurelsbay DX Carlinda” represented the Club and country with distinction taking second place to the eventual champion in Agribex.

At the 1982 Kilkenny Bull Show Michael Ryan had Supreme Champion with Robertstown Computer

The Jed Cow, “Tullowhill Galaxi” from the Tullowhill herd of the late Garry Moore was selected for the original team but unfortunately this cow did not make it as the team had to be replaced due to one of the animals being suspected of TB.

Herds Competition

Aileen Murphy & her daughter Elaine, had Supreme Champion at Rathdowney Show in 1981 with Goldenfield Alma.

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The Club’s first Herds Competition was held in 1997 with strong entry. There was also a Michael Nolan, Herds Competition winner 2008, pictured with IHFA President Mervyn Eager

Carlow / Kilkenny silage competition that year for the first time. The Herds Competition has gathered momentum throughout the Club. It is with great credit to all of the herd owners within the Club that the Herds Competition has been such a success.

At this juncture it is worth specifically mentioning those Club members who were awarded within the National Herds Competition. The late Garry Moore of “Tullowhill Holsteins” came a commendable third in the National Herds Competition in 2000. Michael Nolan of “Coolnamara Holsteins” also came a commendable third not only on one occasion but twice in 2008 and again in 2014.

Champion National Dairy Show 2011, Ardnasaleum Drake Walburga owned by John C Murphy, exhibited by Padraic Murphy

Stockjudging Conference

thoroughly enjoyed by all. The warm dry weather was the ‘icing on the cake’.

The strength of character of the club members was apparent in the run up to the Open Day. Many of the Club Members assisted and supported the Murphy family with preparations in the lead up to their big day.

IHFA Open Day

The IHFA Open Day 2012 was unquestionably one of the big highlight events held within the Club in recent years.

The First National Stock Judging Conference was held on the farm of Dan Grace in Tullaroan, in 1986. This was the first national event to have been hosted on the farm of a club member. Tom & Maura Murphy’s Swiftsheath Herd hosted the IHFA Judges Conference in 2011.

In more recent times, the first Open Day to be held and hosted within the Club was on the farm of Tom and Maura Murphy of Swiftheath Holsteins in 2012. It was well supported on the day with a huge turnout. Despite the bad weather in the run up to it, Swiftheath Holsteins hosted a very successful Open Day. There was a huge attendance.

People travelled from all over the country. The day was

National Dairy Show

There are many shows throughout the showing calendar. The annual National Dairy Show held in Millstreet is indeed one of those main shows. It is a show where Carlow/Kilkenny members have had many successes.

The following are the first placed winners at the national dairy show: 2000 - Garry Moore of Tullowhill, Holsteins was placed first in the class Cow Shown Not Calved not more than twice with “Tullowhill Galixi”.

2002 - The Sugrue family was placed first in the Confined Heifer and Milk class with “Kilbline Storm Linda” within which class she had also won Best Exhibitor Bred animal and Best Udder.

Pictured at the Carlow Kilkenny YMA Competition with overall Champion Maunsell Esquinsau Goldnose E.T. Pictured with the champion heifer calf from left, Vincent Healy, Castlecomer Co Kilkenny accepting the Rosette and Plaque on behalf of the owner, Timothy Sugrue, Kilbline House, Bennetsbridge from Tom Bell and Murdach Munnelly, Paul and Vincent Animal Feeds.

2004 - John C Murphy took first place in the Confined Heifer in Milk Class born on or after January 1st 2002 with “Goldenfield Kid Emerald” 2008 - World Conference Show – 3 class winners Liam Murphy had two class winners with “Swiftheath

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Carlow / Kilkenny Susie Mist 923” in the Class Heifer born between July 1st 2007 and December 31st 2007; and “Clonvalley Fair rose 29” in the Class Heifer Born between January 1st 2007 and June 30th 2007. Lory O’Hanlon had first place winner with “Clonswords Gibson Fran” winner of the Confined Cow In Milk class.

2011 - Liam Murphy had first place winner with “Clonpadden GK Fame ET” in the heifer born between 1st January 2009 and December 31st 2009. This however was not the pinnacle of the National Dairy Show that year.

2011 – John C. Murphy - Supreme Champion John C Murphy had the winner of the Confined Cow and Milk Class with “Ardnasalem Drake Wallburga”.

Not only was this cow the class winner, but she was selected for the final line up of the overall Championship of the day. What was to follow was a fantastic achievement by the Goldenfield Herd as “Ardnasalem Drake Wallburga” went on to become to be the Champion of the show as selected by Mark Knutsford of “Riverdame” Holstein, Cheshire UK. 2014 Padraig Murphy

Kilbline Storm Linda with handler Maria Burke, owned by Noel Sugrue was class winner NDS 2002.

Goldenfield Kid Emerald, Class winner Dairy Show 2000, being shown by Padraic & Andrea Murphy

Clonvalley Fair Rose owned by Liam Murphy, winner of Class NDS 2008, exhibited

by Andrea Murphy

The next class winner for the Club within the National Diary Show was Padraig Murphy of Golden Field Holsteins with “Goldenfield Fever Fame 2”

The “drive” of our YMA members is well verified throughout National YMA classes over the years. Carlow/Kilkenny YMA commenced in 1988 and it is through the hard work and determination of all Club members, in particular the Murphy family of Ballagh, Kilmanagh and Sug-

YMA

The YMA league classes held at the National Dairy Show are very popular with our YMA members. Indeed many of the Carlow/Kilkenny Showmanship members have been at the top of their respective classes in all shows. YMA is certainly something which is growing stronger within the club and gaining much vigour.

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Garry Moore Class Winner NDS 2000

Carlow / Kilkenny

Clonswords Gibson Fran, Class Winner, NDS 2008 owned by Lory O’Hanlon & Rory McCulloch YMA photo of Carlow / Kilkenny Club being awarded Trophy for Best Club of Calves YMA 2014

rues of Kilbline. The Murphy and Sugrue Families laid the initial ground-work to bring the Club to where it is today in terms of YMA Showmanship.

Ballagh, was the first club member to be a class winner in Showmanship within the National YMA. In 2000 Andrea won the senior handling section. She was also that year selected to represent Ireland in the European Young Breeders School in Battice. Her expertise was both recognised and awarded when she was pulled in at the top of the line in her class. Not only that but she was also awarded Honourable Mention in the Showmanship Championship. Andrea was also first placed in the Stockjudging class.

Up until recently the YMA Calf Show was held in St. James Park, Kilkenny. It has moved more recently to the old mart grounds and Cillin Hill. It cannot go unrecognised that Paul and Vincent have been one of the long and stable sponsors of the Carlow Kilkenny YMA.

Senior Handler, Andrea Murphy, YMA Finals 2000

Mr. Seamus Costigan was the first co-ordinator of the Carlow/Kilkenny YMA. All the YMA members, past and present, have done themselves and the Club proud with their achievements on a local level, at National shows and indeed at the National YMA. Swiftsheath Susie Mist, owned by Liam Murphy, winner of Class NDS 2008, exhibited by Padraic Murphy

Andrea Murphy,

In 2010, Lauren O’Toole succeeded in being pulled in at the top the line in the Junior Handlers class. Since then the Club has been successful in many showmanship classes. In 2011 George Murphy was placed first in the Novice Showmanship class. In 2012 his sister, Hannah Murphy, was also placed in first position in the Novice Class.

In 2013 Liam Murphy was awarded first place in the junior Novice Showmanship class with Ann O’Toole

in the class immediately after that being awarded first place in the Senior Novice Showmanship class.

To date, the Club has not been as successful in reaching first place in the calf classes. However, that is not without determination. Despite not having a class winner in the YMA Calf Show, the Club was awarded the “Breffni Oriel Cup” for the best team of calves at 2014 YMA National finals. This in itself is a great achievement to have the best team of calves selected from the “cream of the crop” at the National YMA finals.

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Carlow / Kilkenny

2014 YMA Presidents Medal is presented to Padraic Murphy by Chairman Richard Whelan

The Carlow/Kilkenny Club has been well represented over the years at the European Breeders School in Belgium. To date Andrea Murphy, Aishling Murphy, Padraig Murphy, and Doireann Mulhall have deservedly

Tom Murphy & family with club Chairman, Eamon Coleman at his election as Presdient of IHFA

Competitors in the Quality Milk Competition receive their prizes at the Club’s Dinner Dance 1988 L-R: Pat Murphy, Larry Tynan, Malcolm Fennell, Olivery Healy, ACOT, Billy Gaffney

term in office for 2014/2015. Tom, along with his brothers John C. and Pat Murphy, are longstanding members of the Carlow/Kilkenny Club.

The Club has certainly achieved many great things to date and hopefully those achievements are only a sign of other great accomplishments which will hopefully come its way. The Club has, without doubt, become stronger over the years with membership continuously increasing in both the Senior Section and in YMA. Finally, there have been many officers and members of the Club, some of whom have sadly passed away. As with the natural progression of life new and younger members are coming to the fore.

been awarded the opportunity to represent club and country in Belgium.

The Club was awarded the Best Stand at the National YMA Finals in 2000 .

IHFA Presidency

It is also important to mention that the Club’s very own Tom Murphy of Swiftsheath Holsteins is the current President of the IHFA. The Club is very proud of Tom’s

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Pat Murphy, Individual Winner of the Junior Stockjuding RDS 1987 receives the Fr. Collins Memorial Trophy from Fr. Dan O’Mahony

Cork Date Formed: November 1973 Founding Committee: President: Michael Buckley, Chairman: Hugh Magee, Vice Chairman: Maurice Cogan, Secretary: John O’Sullivan, Treasurer: Paddy Ring.

Current club officers: PRO: Ivor Bryan, Secretary: Richard Forde, President: Kevin Dillon, Chairman: Joe Collins, Treasurer: Michael Coleman

Present Committee: President: Kevin Dillon, Chairman: Joe Collins, Secretary: Richard Forde, PRO: Ivor Bryan, Treasurer: Michael Coleman

It was November, 1973. The world was a different place to what it is now. There were no computers, mobile phones or any of the technology that is so commonplace today. The country had about 60,000 (17,000 today) dairy farmers with an average herd size of less than 20 cows. The country was about to join the EEC (now EU) and a great sense of optimism prevailed in Irish Agriculture, especially Cork Club Friesian Exhibition at Ballinahina 1981 in dairying.

Cork Club Friesian Exhibition at Ballinahina 1981

This was the background to the then 8 year old IFBA deciding in 1973 to establish a Club structure in the 26 counties that would be a mirror image of the very successful Club structure in the UK. Remember that back in 1973 all IFBA members registered their animals with the British Friesian 1994 - John Barrett, Laurelmore hostswhich Cattle Society (BFCS) IHFA Open was theDayofficial Herdbook for

Michael Buckley being chaired from the inaugural meeting by Chris Coleman, Chairman and Tom Murphy, President.

the UK and Ireland. It was decided that the country would be divided into 15 Club areas. Cork would be one Club area as it would contain almost one-third of the IFBA/BFCS members in the 26 Counties.

A meeting for the purpose of forming the Cork Friesian Breeders Club was called for a November night at the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork. There was a very large attendance and the meeting was presided over by the then IFBA Chairman , Michael Buckley. The meeting was very much in favour of forming a Club in

51

Cork

John Barrett’s ‘Laurelmore’ leads a class at a Cork Show of the early era

Cork for the purposes of promoting the Friesian b r e e d through pedigree breeding and being a resource for breeders to learn more through collective activi-

A unique day at Cork Bull Show in 1974 with JJ O”Sullivan, Lisduff and his son John winning Supreme Champion with Lisduff Pan 2nd & Reserve with Lisduff Pan 5th.

and Dairy Farming was about to experience a golden age.

There were no quotas at this stage, or no talk of them.

Milk prices were only going to go one way – up. The thirst for knowledge and improvement was insatiable.

Friesian breeding (there was no such thing as Holsteins at this stage) was buoyed up by all of this. At this time also, Ireland had been closed to large scale importations of semen from abroad on veterinary grounds. That was about to change with importations initialy coming from the UK, then North America and finally Europe.

The Committee held monthly meetings at the Metropole Hotel in Cork on the first Monday night of every month, a tradition which continues to this day. It organised Field Evenings, Meetings with invited speakers, Club Sales and numerous other activities over the years. It was the first Club to organise a trip abroad when in 1975 over 80 Club members embarked on an ambitious tour taking in the 2 days of the then famous Reading Bull Show and Sale and visits to about The group of Friesian enthusiasts and friends who travelled to London for Michael Buckley’s inauguration as President BFCS ten leading herds in the South of England. Flights, ties. Michael Buckley was elected President. Hugh hotels and coaches cost the princely sum of £85!!!

Magee was elected first Chairman and Maurice Cogan was elected Vice Chairman. There was great difficul- It has without doubt been one of the most successful ty in finding a Secretary. Although there were many Clubs in the country. Why? Whilst it did have an advanproposals there were no takers. Finally, the late Paddy tage in the number of pedigree breeders in Co. Cork, it Ring proposed the youngest attendee at the meeting, had a lot more to do with the type of people they were.

John O’Sullivan, Lisduff, who after a little persuasion The Club has been populated with decent, time-generous took the job and so began a lifelong involvement in and unselfish members over the years. People who have the affairs of the Cork Club and IFBA. Paddy Ring been willing to share knowledge, help each other out and was elected Treasurer and a committee of about 16 realise that much can be achieved by working together. was appointed to run the affairs of the Club.

Many have benefitted from that November night in 1973 and lets hope that many more will.

As stated earlier Ireland was just after joining the EEC

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Cork

A crowded ringside watches the judging at Green Glens in the early years

Derek Dillon won Junior handling class NDS 1987, pictured with Colin Johnson

Pictured at the NDS 1989 were Jocelyn Ferguson, Jerome O’Sullivan, Joe Walsh, Tim Kiely, Noel C. Duggan

National Dairy Show

In 1981 the Cork Club tasked John O’Sullivan, Bryan O’Connor and Bob Troy to look into the feasibility of holding a Dairy Show in the following Autumn. An indoor venue was required and the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet was chosen to host the event.

Walter Wheatley seen here making a presentation at NDS, was popular with IHFA members and a friend to many over the years.

The first show was held on 20th November 1982 and was a massive success. This was thanks in no small part to local involvement lead by Mr Tim Kiely who continues to support the show today. Mr Colin Johnson was master of ceremonies on that first day and for the next 30 years. Mr. David Gribbon was judge and picked out Mr Seamus Kelly’s Moneymore Bluebell 22 as Champion and her herdmate Moneymore Bundy 6 as Reserve Champion. The show has been held every year since bar 2001 due to foot and mouth restrictions.

The Cork club are indebted to the volunteers from within the club lead by Mr. Seamus Crowley who with the support of the IHFA office continue to drive the club forward.

Cork YMA

Cork YMA are a group of young people with an interest

Cork YMA Club of the Year 2012, 2013, 2014 winners

in Holstein breeding and showing. Aside from Showmanship and Stockmanship, members have the opportunity to take part in organising events, photography, trips & tours, and social events. It gives young people the opportunity to create new friendships; develop

53

Cork organisational, financial, and intrapersonal skills; and attain valuable skills to be successful Holstein breeders.

Cork YMA is an open, welcoming group to those under the 26, whoperferum compete atinctem a local re and Uciage ut of apelites sitnational libu- level, and is a spring board for those aspiring to compete sanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum at an international level.

quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num History nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut Our Our club was established in March 1990; the 5th Irish andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta tureYMA to be formed.

Thomas Buckley was elected rum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles sithe first chairman, and was supported by committee members alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque including Eddie Barrett, Francis Horgan, Stephen Roche, liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis Richard Forde, Brendan O’Leary, James Osborne, Jerome O’Sullivan, Dromey. musant The club fugiati had a hugely rem quas and audiLiam ad modigni successful first year, and included members being among officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem the prize winners at the Lancashire YMA Rally in the UK. sit lab impos et volo eos vitaepe commolu ptaquam venisitatis ea nonsere, qui in 1992 Success wasquiassit to continue for the club, as an AGM uteta huge velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri Their had turnout of over 80 people in attendance. events included annual field quo evening, ulparum qui atanque escipsae cus. with sketching competitions, showing and clipping demonstrations Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in pari- and stockjudging. bus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem reCork siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim Today, YMA remains a strong club, with over 70 members participating in our various events that run et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore through course of the year. These members voloritatthe imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic have gained recognition for their efforts over the past number tetyears, eius bringing dem. Vit, od the et voluptati of home YMA Clubratia of thedoYear Cup lupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione for the last 4 years. Thanks to its enthusiasticcorand talented members, club has seen success in photography, rorita audiathe dolupta corrovitist quiam quo showmanship, stockjudging, and Holstein tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiisbreeding am, at a local, national and international level. cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae 2015 Events vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus April 7th: Workshop at the Roche family farm, Mallow, aditate corempos quiatur rem nedemonstrations. volluptato include stockjudging and clipping tis dolorio.

Namat qui sitia Herd aspisofreRobert apit & SylJuly 3rd: FieldGa. evening the Eedy via Clonakilty. in Helen, nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi July 28thdoluptae. & 29th: National Calf Show, dunto Et eaquas essumKilkenny. que eum August: Farmyard Olympics social event. quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem net December: Dinner dance to celebrate our ne 25th Anniverfacercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam sary. inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend ioCork lookcore forward to a bright future, continuing to runteYMA corecta diciliquis sinullor aceptas encourage young people in every aspect of the dairy farmperchiciis laut asimus magnatem ing industry.cuscidebit We wish all our members and other YMA

Winners of Interclub Stockjudging 1991 were Tim Richardson, John Kirby, Donal Ring

Denis O’Neill, individual winner of National Stockjudging 1998 receives the Fr. Patrick Collins Trophy from Rev D O’Mahoney, Vice President IFBA.

clubs around the country the best of luck in 2015, and hope to continue to develop our social and professional ties with all young members throughout the country.

Bill Twomey presents the Milk Board Trophy to the Rockwell College Team of Denis Barrett, Noel Murphy, David Finn

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Cork

Rickey Barrett, YMA Champion Handler 1994 & ‘95

Denis Barrett, YMA Champion Handler 1999

Declan Barrett, second from left, Champion Handler, YMA Calf Show, 1996 with fellow class winners

Paul Murphy,YMA Champion Handler 2012

55

Cork Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem JJsit Kellylab pointsimpos out some ofet thevolo finer points of the “Ideal Cow forcommolu Ireland and the UK” eos vitaepe during the IFBA Dairy Conference in Cork. ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem 1973, Jackie Deasy had Supreme Champion at Cork Heiferne Showvollupta& Sale with Barryshall Dew Amy 3rd. tis dolorio.

Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

Michael McGrath had Supreme Champion at Midleton Show with Clashrinka Candy 3

George Gleasure, John Duggan, Billy Deane and Michael McGrath pictured at an IHFA Heifer Show & Sale

1976, DJ Crowley & his sister Teresa were placed 1st and 2nd in the Young Judges Competition at the RDS, pictured from left with Rev D O’Mahony, President IFBA, J.E. Price, President BFCS, Michael Buckley, Chairman IFBA, S. Wilson, Master Judge, H. Magee, Chairman Cork Club

56

Cork

Joe Clarke, Judge makes a presentation to John Noonan, Kildorrery who had Supreme Champion at Cork Mart’s Annual Bull Show & Sale in Fermoy with Dovetail Sovereign Boy

Sean Murphy receiving RDS Champion of Champions Award, 2011

John Barrett receiving RDS Champion of Champions Award, 2009 1986 - His Holiness Pope John Paul II receives a presentation of a “Model Friesian Cow” from Michael Buckley, President BFCS

J.F. & Mrs. A McCulloch presents the McCulloch Trophy to Richard Helen, one of the winning Cork Club Team. Also pictured is John Barrett, Chris Coleman

Michael Buckley, President makes a presentation to Bill Twomey on his retirement

57

Cork Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem sit lab impos et volo eos vitaepe commolu ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui utet Donal velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri Ring, National Herds Competition Winner, receives his prize from George Kingston, President ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis dolorio. Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit Lisduff Herd, hosts of the IHFA Open Day 1998 in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

Ballinahina, hosts of the IHFA Open Day 2001

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Laurelmore Herd, hosts of the IHFA Open Day 1994

Cradenhill, hosts of the IHFA Open Day 2006

Ryefarm, hosts of the IHFA Open Day 2002

Donegal Date Formed: 14th February 1975 Founding Committee: Chairman: John L Vance, Secretary: Ivan Greir, Treasurer: Norman Lockhart, Club’s Vet: Rob Moore Present Committee: Chairman: Charles McCandless, Secretary: Boyd Mackey, Treasurer: Trevor Lockhart

Present Club Committee:; Chairman: Charles McCandless, Treasurer: Trevor Lockhart, Secretary: Boyd Mackey

Donegal Friesian Breeders Club was founded at a meeting in Friel’s Hotel, Raphoe on Monday 14th February 1975 organised by the local Dept. of Agriculture milk recorder Bernard Brennan. This meeting was composed of a group of local dairy farmers and in attendance were Billy Witherow, the late John L Vance who already in his role as a board member of NWCBS (Sligo) was a major influence in the acquisition of the noted Holstein sire ROK into the nations AI, the late JPC Roulstone, the late David Gregg, David Patterson, John Carlin, the late Rob Moore, Ivan Grier and Norman Lockhart.

Bernard Brennan, local Milk Recorder with Dept of Agriculture who organised the first meeting of Donegal Friesian Breeders Club, pictured with an early ROK daughter

The following officers were elected, Chairman John L Vance, Secretary Ivan Greir and Treasurer Norman Lockhart with Rob Moore as vetinary surgeon for the club. It was decided at the meeting to organise a club heifer sale

Some of the original and older club members, Geoffrey Vance, Ivan Grier, Norman Lockhart, Billy Witherow, Roy Cromie and Norman Witherow.

which subsequently took place the following year on Wednesday 1st March and grew over the years to a maximum number of 4 annual sales which took place in November. January, March and April.

Donegal Stockjudging Team at the National Open Day 2007receives prizes from IHFA President & Donegal man Dessie Dunleavy

The club sales continue to this day and our last sale on Wednesday 4th March saw 50 heifers entered with a total clearance to an average price of 1980 euros. The satisfactory level of prices obtained over the years and more particularly in recent years indicates the con-

59

Donegal

The Donegal Team of Ivan Grier, W. Witherow & Roy Cromie won the Inter-club Stockjudging 1978

structive and positive influence of the shared knowledge which is derived from being a member of ones local club.

The club decided to enter a team in the Stockjudging at the Open Day on Peter McCulloch’s farm and the team of Roy Cromie, Billy Witherow and Ivan Grier recorded an overall team win with Roy placed as top individual.

Roy Cromie individual winner of the Father Patrick Collins Memorial Trophy, RDS 1981 with President & Secretary of IHFA

Ireland Senior Cow in Milk at Galway County Show in 1995.

Richard Tinney of the Drumcairn Herd with Corrib Sky Poppy won the Junior Champion at Galway Show and again at the RUAS Winter Fair in Balmoral in 1995.

Roy Cromie of the Dalevalley Herd with Dalevalley Stevenson 51 won the Supreme Championship at the National Dairy Show in 1999 and again in 2000 with Dalevalley Royalty 2 who went on to be the only cow to take Supreme Championship honours at the National Dairy Show, the Bailey’s and the National Livestock Show, Tullamore, in the same year. In fact Roy Cromie has bred four Supreme Champions at the Baileys; Dalevalley Royalty 2, Dalevalley Grace (Victor

1981 - Swilly Cathie 3rd RM, RMX, GP who had averaged over 2,000 gallons for her five lactations, photo taken on the day she was dried off after giving 23,890 lbs @ 4.12% BF, 985lbs fat in 305.

Many notable successes at both national and international levels have been achieved by club members including: Stuart Scott of the Tulnaree Herd with Tulnaree Helga 12 won the Champion Cow in Milk and Reserve Supreme Champion at the National Dairy Spring Fair 1994, overall Supreme Champion and Interbreed Champion at Balmoral Spring Show in 1994 and All

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1990 - Innishowen Rose 5 owned by Wesley McKeague was Supreme Champion at Bonagee Show

Donegal

Tulnaree Helga 12

Dalevalley Rubens Astro Lulu Red, Supreme Champion Balmoral 2006

Dalevalley Stevenson 51

Dalevalley Royalty 2

Jackson) and twice winner Dalevalley OTI Lulu (Sean Murphy). The success and prominence of the Dalevalley Herd resulted in the IHFA bringing it’s National Open Day to Dalevalley in 1999 in recognition of the achievements of Dalevalley cattle and the breed in Donegal. It was a memorable occassion with a huge attendance in which all our club members played a part. More recently Roy in his partnership with Philip Jones has taken the Supreme Championship at the 2014 RUAS Royal Winter Fair with Desmond Dundee Embrace.

Trevor Lockhart of the Ballyelly Herd with Dalevalley Rubens Astro Lulu Red winning the Intermediate Championship and the North Eastern Spring Fair, All Ireland Champion Heifer in Milk, Intermediate Champion at the National Livestock Show 2004 and Supreme and InterMosstown James Romulet, owned by Charles McCandless, was Senior Heifer in breed Champion at the RUAS Winter Milk at the European Holstein Show,Royal Agribex, in Brussels inFair 2002.in 2006.

Also in 2006 Trevor took an Irish Junior Championship ti-

Charles McCandless’s cow Mosstown James Romulet Senior Heifer in Milk and member of the winning country team at the European Show, Agribex 2002

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Donegal

Boarding for the European Show, Agribex

tle with Ballyelly Astro Eve and took the 2007 Champion of Champions highest index award with Leagh Oman Pietje.

The club has also had the honour of providing cattle to represent Ireland on the International stage at the European Championships in Brussels with Dalevalley Stevenson 51 in 1998, Dalevalley Royalty 2 in 2000 who both finished in the top three but the crowning achievement on this stage was the winning of the Senior Heifer in Milk in 2002 by Charles Mc Candless’s heifer Mosstown James Romulet who was subsequently a member of the overall winning team when Ireland went on to take the European Championship title in that year.

Donegal Club YMA Teams pictured at National Calf Show over the years.

These achievements have justified all the effort and commitment to the club by its members and, in so doing, the club has provided a source of inspiration, encouragement, education and reward to the Black & White breeders in Donegal and further afield.

Donegal Young Breeders at the National Calf Show 1998 were presented the C. Johnson & Co. Leaderboard trophy for the Club with the most points

Julie Cromie, Flag Bearer at Agribex with Irish Daughter Group

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Galway Date Formed: 1978 Founding Committee: President: Br. Luke McCarthy, Chairman: Tom Connolly, Secretary: Paddy Kilgarriff, Treasurer: Mickey Forde.

Galway Club Committee pictured with IHFA CE Charles Gallagher in 2009

Present Committee: Chairman: Liam O’Grady, Vice-Chairman: Senan Glynn, Secretary: Paul Ruane, Treasurer: Brendan Gildea and President: Tom Connolly.

The Galway Club was first formed after a meeting in Haydens Hotel Ballinasloe in 1978. In its early years it was called the Galway Roscommon Friesian Breeders Club. There was great excitement and enthusiasm with the formation of the new club. A Committee was elected on the night, Chairman Tom Connolly, Secretary Paddy Kilgarriff, Treasurer Mickey Forde and President Brother Luke Mc Carthy. No one that night could ever have

Tom Connolly, President Galway Club

Tommy Forde and Tom Joe Kelly at Galway show with Creva Mary.

predicted the success that the newly formed club members would later have in the show rings throughout the country. So with the newly formed club up and running it was full steam ahead for the coming year and it was decided to run a show in conjunction with the Athenry Agricultural Show. The judge on the day was Hugh McGee, a former IFBA President.

Br. Gerard Cahill, P. Finn, T. Breen pictured at the RDS in 1992

The club also decided to make every effort to go on a trip at least once a year, the first being to Cork which took in a visit to the Lisduff Herd and then to George Kingston’s Cradenhill Herd where there was also a classification demonstration. The years that followed many great trips were made around the country both north and south where the best herds possible were

Peter Finn’s Rhinn Duchess 3, won the Supreme Championship Clonmel 1984, also pictured is D. Grogan, Chairman Tipperary / Waterford Club.

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Galway

Ga On Tlway our

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Galway visited. In later years it was decided to broaden these trips and visit h e r d s abroad. The first trip was to Lancashire where some very notable herds were visited. A visit to the Royal Show Stoneleigh became an annual trip for some members and later a visit to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.

draig Carrs Palmrock Beauty, who was the first homebred excellent cow in the club, won in Limerick while her full sister Palmrock Daisy won classes in Galway, Limerick, Charleville and Navan. Another one of the great Kilbanivane Starlight Monty (FSM) cows was the famous Creva Mary. The family originally started out in the Ravenhill Herd in Co. Antrim, from there they made their way to the Sungrove herd on Tom Connollys in Athenry and later to the Creva herd of Tom Joe and Kathleen Kelly. She held the record for highest butterfat producer in the British Isles. She was All Ireland Lifetime Production record holder winning Production classes in the RDS Spring Show 1982

One of the clubs prominent members Tom Connolly was the first man to bring the Canadian Holsteins to the Galway Club in the spring of 1975. It’s from here that some notable families, the Snowflake and Stella, developed under the breeding expertise of Tom. At that time it was compulsory to bring in bulls as well as heifers.

It was from this trip that the famous bull Kilbanivane Starlight Monty (FSM) arrived. This turned out to be a very infleuential bull both nationally and for club members from whom they formed many fine cows as well as show winners. Some of the cows are Peter and John Finns Rhinn Duchess 3 who won many classes including Galway, Limerick and Supreme Champion, Clonmel. PaEastside S Twain, NDS Champion 2002 & 2004, owned by the Burke Family

as well as in Galway, Sligo and Limerick Shows. Her legacy still lives on in the Lisduff herd where some very good cows and bulls have been produced. She really was a great cow.

The club took part in the Connacht-Donegal herds competition where they always gave a good account of themselves with the Creva, Kilcahill, Clarinbridge, Galwaybay, Rhinn and Corrib herds to the fore. They also did very well in the National Herds competitions where the Galwaybay herd were winners in the Under 50 Section in ’95, ’96 and ’97.

Herds Competition winners of the early days

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Galway Galway County Show

Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem sit lab impos et volo eos vitaepe commolu ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis dolorio. Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

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Galway

The club organised a regular heifer and bull sale in conjunction with Athenry mart which was of great benefit to club members where a top price of 8000gns was paid for Sprucegrove MT Illinda from Keypoint Holsteins in Tuam.

The Galway Show really took off in the early 1980’s when it was held in Clarinbridge. Exhibitors travelled from far and near to compete, from Donegal, Cork, Louth, Sligo, Kerry and everywhere in between. The All Ireland cow class was one of the big attractions. The judge for the first show in Clarinbridge was Aubrey Patterson from Antrim with Champion of the day being Michael Meade from Miltown-Malbay. It was a very competitive show for club members right up until it ceased in 2002 after being cancelled for 2 years running due to foot and mouth scare and bad weather. It was revived again in 2014 at its new venue of Ballybrit Racecourse. Its first year was a great success with 40 entries between calves and milking classes. Judge on the day was Kevin Flynn and show champion was Tommy Screene’s Ardrass Clover 29.

Down through the years the club members had great success outside the county with Martin Cahill from Kilcahill winning the Baileys Champion in 1986. Trevor Wardell of the Glenloe herd won Champion of Millstreet Show in the early 1980’s. He was the first winner from Galway, later followed by the Burke family in 2002 & 2004, with Eastside S Twain who’s legacy still lives on with one of her family members winning the YMA National Finals in 2013 for Michael Booth and later being sold to the Ponderosa herd in Spain and winning Junior Champion at Swiss Expo. Another great Galway cow was Creva Formation Judy 2 who was Supreme Champion and Best Udder in Tullamore Show. She would have greater success but for the misfortune of the Creva herd being taken out in 2003 with BSE, one of the greatest herds of all time, just gone in the blink of an eye, a truly great shame. How someone’s life’s hard work and dedication can be taken away.

Another great herd was the Westmount herd of Peter Tighe, he himself a former President of IHFA. They had many show winners with Corrib Bok Yates being Junior

Champion at Cavan Expo and Millstreet and later Reserve Champion NI Holstein Show.

The YMA was also a very active part of the club with the younger members taking pride in their calves and showmanship with the Tighe’s winning the Champion and Reserve Champion at the YMA National Calf Show in Portlaoise. All the families did us proud with Kelly’s, Burke’s, Carr’s and Forde’s all doing well at their time. Of late it’s the Boal and Gildea families flying the Galway Flag with the Screene, Glynn, Tarpey, O’Grady and Coppinger families taking part in the 2014 YMA finals where they had a very successful few days with the Gildea’s winning the January Calf Class plus the Summer Yearling Class. Kane Boal was 2nd Summer Yearling. The YMA club is getting stronger every year with more members and the revival of the Galway Show giving them something to aim for.

After a few years without any activity the club was reformed again in 2009 after a meeting in Athenry, the following Committee was elected, Chairman Liam O’Grady, Vice Chair Senan Glynn, Secretary Paul Ruane, Treasurer Brendan Gildea and President Tom Connolly. The up coming events for the year 2015 will be to hold two stock judging evenings, a herds competition, Galway Show, Silage Competition, a trip away and a calf show.

Finally I would like to thank all the people who helped put this article together, for their memories, photos and most of all their time. There were many, many more achievements for Club members throughout it’s time, too many to mention but a big congratulations to all of you who did our club proud throughout the years and we hope to continue with success in the future.

So from the first night in Ballinasloe to where we are today, a lot has happened and we are grateful to those who started it all off and for those who kept it going.

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Galway Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem sit lab impos et volo eos vitaepe commolu ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis dolorio. Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

Mary Rose just before the announcement she had Champion Calf at the Nationa YMA Calf Show 1993 with Creva Mary 45

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James Gildea & Rory Timlin of Galway YMA are winners of the Clipping Class at National Finals 2012, with Kathleen Kelly, President and Gareth O’Brien, National YMA Chairman

Kerry Date Formed: 1975 Founding Committee: Chariman: John B. Collins, Secretary: Michael Kennelly, Treasurer: Des O’connor, Committeemaurice Kennelly, Tim Mcellistrim, Jackie, Goulding Present Committee: Geraldine Harty, Lauren Fitzmaurice, Ann-Marie Cotter, Maurice Harty, Seamus Curran, Peter Kennelly, Richard Langford, Donal Leahy & John Walsh

Tom Maunsell and JB Collins at a field evening.

Fr. Pat Collins from Moyvane, sowed the seed of enthusiasm for the Black & White breed in many a student in Pallaskenry & Warrenstown.

JJ O’Connor, Tralee received a presentation from JB. Collins (Past President), on his retirement as Club Secretary. Also pictured is his wife Maureen O’Connor

Mike Maunsell, Peter Kennelly and Tim Fitzmaurice, winners of the stockjudging RDS 1990, they receive their trophies from H Magee, DDMB, also David Nutting, President HFS & JJ Kelly, President IFBA

At a Kerry Club Meeting in Tralee, 1985 were Gerry Twomey, Twomey Feeds, James Brosnan, Volac, Maxine Fleming, Joe McKeon, Twomey Feeds, John B. Collins, Club President, Eddie Costelloe, Michel Hill, Limpsfield Herd, Surrey, Robert Groves, Club Secretary, Joe McSwiney, Twomey Feeds

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Kerry Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem sit imposwithetLeagh volo vitaepe Johnlab Joe Fitzmaurice Lady eos 5, Supreme Championcommolu at Kingdom County Des O’Connor with his Champion Bull, recieves a presentation from Tim O’Keeffe, Lee Show, Tralee. quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui Strand, and John O’Sullivan, Judge ptaquam utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis dolorio. Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net JJ Fitzmaurice with Leagh Emperor, Supreme Champion, North Munster Cattle Breeders Show 1982 facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

John B Collins with his Champion Bull Ardfert Monarch at North Munster Cattle Breeders Show & Sale

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Kilbanivane Starlite Monty (FSM)

Kerry

First Kerry Bull Sale

Michael Maunsell recipient of the National YMA Hall Of Fame Award 2012

John & Tim Kirby presentd with RDS Champion of Champions Award for SmearlaView A Storm Vixan, 2007

Robert Groves, IHFA President 1994

Emer Kennelly receiving the President’s Medal at the IHFA Awards Night in 2014

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Kildare Date Formed: 26th March 1980 Founding Committee: Jim Thornton, Tom McMyler, Paddy O’Loughlin, George Beattie, Bernard Campbell, Edward Coonan, Christy Hart, Richard McGlynn, Noel Lambert, Joan Lambert, Catherine Harney, Malachy Harney, Charlie O’Neill, Clement Matuschka, Harold Jennings, George Dunne, Nina Dunne, Brochan Cocoman, Joe Joe Murphy, Robin Darker, Mervyn Eager, John O’Dea, Rob Beattie Present Committee: President: Kevin Behan, Chairman: John Murphy, Secretary: Joan Lambert, Treasurer: Mervyn Eager, PRO: John O’Dea, Committee: Joe Doran, Robert Beattie, Pat Loughlin, John Coyle, Pat Fanning, Derek Tierney, Tony Jackson, Chris Mulally, Norman Stanley, Trevor Hanley, John Coakley (Jnr), Kevin Walsh, Emma Behan The Club was inaugerated on 26th of March 1980 at a public meeting in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge.

The late Noel Hayes chaired the meeting and we received valuable help from officers of the North Eastern club in establishment. Of great help to us were Brendan Dunleavy and Elizabeth O’Mahony from IFBA, and Bill Twomey, Dublin District Milk Board, who donated a cheque for €100, and Hugh Magee of

Club Committee Members in the early ‘80’s

Dublin District Milk Board.

The first committee meeting was held on 01.04.1980.

Baron Kende was our first Chairman, John O’Dea Secretary, Christy Hart - Treasurer and Joan Lambert - President. The first Field Evening was held in

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First meeting of the Kildare Club: Seamus Kelly, Tim Harding, Baron Kende, Mervyn Eager in attendance at the first Club Meeting

Kildare Holstein Friesian Club officers and committee for 2015 (standing l-r) Norman Stanley, Kevin Walsh, John Coakley, Trevor Hanley, John O’Dea, Chris Mullally, Pat Fanning, Oliver Burns, Mervyn Eager, John Coakley Jun; (seated l-r) Joan Lambert, Secretary; John Murphy, Chairman; Kevin Behan President; John Coyle, Vice-Chairman; and Peter Taaffe.

Clongowes, over 150 attended and some 60 took part in stockjudging. Hugh Magee was the Master Judge. We went from strength to strength with big attendance figures. Our annual Dance was a great success.

One memorable evening took place in Castledermot, guestspeaker was Baron Kende. Gabor left Hungary when the Russian tanks were supressing a bid for independence from Communist dominance. He eventually arrived in Ireland and thence to Peru where he managed a sugar plantation. On a break back in Ireland he met Rosa, his wife. They married and went back to Peru for some years. Eventually coming back to Ireland and establishing the “Robertstown” herd. He was a big influence in our Club. We have some of the most successful herds in the Country, featuring in all the major shows and Herds Competitions. Situated where we are, geographically, we have lost some notable pedigree herds to development, but hopefully we’ll still be here in another 35 years.

Kildare

Pictured during the early years, early 1980’s were Seamus Kelly, Baron Kende, Noel Hayes, John Moffitt (Dalton), Mervyn Eager, Brendan Dunleavy, Secretary IFBA.

Cyril Dowling, Baldonnel Herd, with Barbican Sautern Darkie 2 EX94, Supreme Champion RDS Spring Show 1985. Cyril’s Baldonnel Herd hosted the IHFA Open Day 1996

John Dowling won Best Handler, RDS Spring Show 1990, also pictured is Mr. Magee & Rev. D O’Mahoney

Victor Jackson, Crossnacole, host of the first IFBA Open Day

IHFA Open Days

IHFA Open Days have been hosted by three Kildare herds. The first ever being Charles Jackson & Sons, Crossnacole in 1991. Cyril Dowling and family of Baldonnel Herd hosted the IHFA Open Day in 1996. Most recently the Open Day was hosted by Clongowes in 2008

International Show winnings

Cyril Dowling, (Baileys’ x 6 times winner (1985, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2006) pic in Silver Jubilee Journal, 1985 RDS Champion, NDS & Expo Champions Victor Jackson, (Bailey’s Champion 1990 & 96) Brochan Cocoman - His cow was a member of the Agribex team. He has won numerous awards in the National Herds Competition.

Dermot Jackson, Rob Beattie, the late Gerry O’Grady (DDMB), Victor Jackson

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Kildare

Clongowes Wood College hosts IHFA Open Day in 2008

Emma Behan, YMA Champion Handler 2011, who was also Chamapion Handler in 2007

Prize winners and sponsors of the Club Herds Competition in 1981

Kildare Stockjudging Team of Dermot, Tony and Victor Jackson receiving prizes from IHFA President Noel Hayes at the RDS, 1987

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Kildare

Herds Competition during the early1980’s, pictured are Herbie Eager, George Beattie, Cyril Dowling, Tommie McMyler with sponsors Michael Sheridan ACC, AIB Representative, John O’Dea, Chairman, Gerry McFadden, BOI and John Monahan, Monahan Trophies

Back: Noeleen Loughlin, Peter Thornton, Joe Doran, Michael Barry, Kevin Behan, Noel Lambert. Front: Joan Lamber, Mervyn Eager (Small Herds) Peter O’Reilly (Large Herds), John O’Dea (Chairman)

Final of the Herds Competition circa 1990, George Gleasure was Master Judge

Brochan Cocoman winning the Herds Competition during the 1990’s, Dessie Dunleavy was Master Judge

The Kildare team who came first in the Senior Stockjudging at the IHFA Open Day 2014 l-r Victor Jackson,Trevor Hanley and Gerry Flynn pictured with Padraig Young of Lakeland Dairies, sponsor

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Laois / Offaly Date Formed: 30th March 1987 Founding Committee: Chairman: Bill Flynn, Assistant Chairman: Noel Minnock, Secretary: Marie Lyons, Treasurer: George Gill, Committee: Charles Gallagher, Richard Palmer, Peter Ging, Pat Corbet, John Healy, Canice Hyland Present Committee: Chairman: Kevin Flynn, Ollie Neville, Robert Miller, Gareth O’Brien, John Gill, Peter Ging, Paul Molloy, Richard Hamilton, Cormac Guinan, Tony Roe, Andy Fleming, Helen Kelly, Tommy Finlay, Marie Lyons, Brian Rohan, Andrew Kelly & Charles Gallagher.

President Bill Flynn at the official opening of the IHFA Office in 2002

Mr & Mrs. Melvin Dagg pictured with Mrs. JJ Kelly at the RDS 1974

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In the early days members of the Laois Offaly area joined clubs from Carlow Kilkenny, Kildare and Tipperary/Waterford. In Early 1987 the membership was such that there was a need for a local club to best serve members so the youngest IHFA club was formed in March 1987. The club spans two counties Laois and Offaly and events are organised alternating between the two counties.

It is a very active club organizing three field evenings, a herds competition and a YMA calf show to promote the Holstein Friesian breed locally. There is also a good winter programme with guest speakers on current issues of the day. To promote and ensure efficiency there is a grass and maize silage competition and a milk quality competition.

The club serves as a great social outing for members to meet up and prizes for all competitions are presented at their annual dinner dance.

Pictured are the current members of the committee L-R Ollie Neville, Robert Miller, Gareth O’Brien, John Gill, Peter Ging, Paul Molloy, Kevin Flynn(Chairman), Richard Hamilton, Cormac Guinan, Tony Roe, Andy Fleming and Helen Kelly. Absent from the photo were Tommy Finlay, Marie Lyons, Brian Rohan, Andrew Kelly and Charles Gallagher.

2015 - Peter Ging, President IHFA with outgoing Presidents Tom Murphy and Charles Gallagher CE

Laois / Offaly The club has also adopted the latest technology in setting up a website to promote its activities. Such is the success of the club and the calibre of the HF herds that The Ballyclider herd of Peter &Mary Ging was selected to host the IHFA Open Day in 1995.The Reary herd of the late Bill Flynn & his son Kevin hosted the IHFA open day in 2000.

Members are also active in promoting local shows namely Tommy Finlay who heads up the dairy section at the National livestock show, Tullamore. Peter Ging, Chairman of Ossory show, Rathdowney and Kevin Flynn who serves on the the Clonaslee show committee.

The Laois Offaly club wish IHFA every success with their 50th anniversary and thank them for all their help over the years.

Peter Ging, National Herds Competition category winner 1997

Bill & Kevin Flynn host the National Open Day 2000

Peter Ging Winners of the Medium Section, National Herds Competition, 2000

Kevin & Bill Flynn, Winner of the Over 70 Section National Herds Competition 2008, Kevin receives the award from Mervyn Eager, President

Charles Gallagher, winner of the Senior Inter-Club Stockjudging receives the Jack McCulloch Memorial Trophy from IHFA President, Peter Tighe, 1999

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Laois / Offaly Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem sit lab impos et volo eos vitaepe commolu ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui Laois/Offaly Stockjudging team utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis dolorio. Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi Peter & Mary Ging, Ballyclider host the National Open Day in 1995, dunto EtMichael eaquas Mary receivesdoluptae. a presentation from Buckley,essum President. que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

Bill, Anne & Kevin Flynn are the Protein 350 Regional award winners in 1998, they receive their prize from John Malone, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture, also pictured are John Kennedy, Teagasc (Laois) and Jim Skelly, ACC Bank

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Kevin Flynn while at Warrenstown College won the Fr. Collins Trophy in 1990 for the highest individual winner in the Interclub & Colleges Competition, he receives the trophy from Rev D O’Mahoney, Vice-President IFBA, also pictured are David Nutting, President HFS and JJ Kelly, President IFBA.

Stockjudging 1998, Charlie Gallagher, Chairman, Anthony Kealy, Judge, Seamus Costigan, Host

Tom Julian with son Thomas before leaving for Agribex, the European Holstein Show, 1998 with Bunacloy SB Ginger

Laois / Offaly

Herds Competition winners of the early days

Laois / Offlay YMA prizewinner in 1998, Eoin Lyons, Paula Finlay, John Buggy, Joan Flynn, Kevin Flynn with Brendan Dunleavy, Secretary IFBA.

1990 Calf Competition, Back: John Buggy, Denis O’Meara, John Gill, Kevin Flynn, Colm Hanrahan, Eoin Lyons & Nigel Dunne. Front: Joan Flynn, Martina Finley, Paula Finley, Jon Moore, Marie Finley, Carmel Finley & Eimear Lyons.

YMA enthusiasts and prize winners

Seanacourt TFG Lilac, owned by Denis Donohue, handler Mary Conroy takes 1st place in the Senior Calf Class at the YMA Finals 2014

YMA Champion Calf 2012, Michael Booth’s ‘Beechrow Atwood Twain’, handler Michael Booth Jnr, Stradbally, Co. Laois.

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Limerick / Clare Date Formed: September 1973 Founding Committee: Chairman: John McDonogh, Vice Chairman: Kevin Culhane, Secretary: Jimmy Hannan, Treasurer: Eddie Walsh Present Committee: Chairman: Willie Walsh, Vice Chairman: Mike McNamara, Secretary: Annemarie McNamara, Treasurer: Mike Laffan, PRO: John Curtin

1974 - First Limerick / Clare Club Council. Secretary: Jimmy Hannan, National Council Rep: Rev. Fr. O’Mahony S.D.B, Chairman: John McDonough, Vice-Chairman: Kevin Culhane.

Back: James Walsh, Treasurer: Ed Walsh, JA Clarke, J Berkery & T. Bluett

The first meeting of the Limerick & Clare Friesian Breeders club was held in September 1973 in Shannon Arms Hotel. Guest speaker on the night was Fr. Dan O Mahony former National Chairman of I.F.B.A. Vice Chairman Kevin Culhane, Secretary Jimmy Hannon, Treasurer Eddie Walsh In October 1973 John McDonogh the first Chairman of the club paid a record 1000gns at Jack Deasys sale for a 27 month old incalf calf heifer “Barryshall Kirsty 3rd”

Present Club Committee: Michael Laffan, Treasurer, Annmarie McNamara, Secretary, Willie Walsh, Chairman, John Curtin, PRO, Michael McNamara, Vice Chairman

1989 Baileys Champion, Ewefields Jane 16, owned by Seamus Martin with Brendan Smyth, Virginia Milk Products, Ted Sheehan, Chairman Irish Shows Association, Finbarr McLoughlin, MD, Virginia Milk Products, John Wilson, TD, Garry McGann, Gilbey’s Ireland.

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Limerick / Clare

1973 - Rev. D O’Mahony, Chairman IFBA with friends & well wishers after his bull, Felicitas Pat became Supreme Champion at Limerick Show

John Kearney, Chairman IFBA with Seamus McCormick who had Supreme Champion of the 1982 Premier Bull Sale with Cappavilla Jacobite 8. Also pictured is John Copland judge.

1985 - JJ Kelly, President IFBA presents the Fr Patrick Collins Memorial Trophy to James Maher, highest individual winner in National Stockjudging. He also won the trophy in 1983.

1978 - Pat & Breda Frawley, Champion & Reserve at IFBA Bull Sale

1986 - Limerick / Clare Team winners of Inter Club Stockjudging, from left Seamus Kelly (Master judge), President IFBA, Paul Hannan, Paul Dillon, John Maher, Richard Harney, Manager Imokilly Co-Op (sponsor)

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Limerick / Clare Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem sit lab impos et volo eos vitaepe commolu ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri Mervyn Kearney, Herd Manager & Gene McGrath, Farm Manager, Salesian Agricultural Joe Clarke, pictured as heatapproached his 90th birthday having received ulparum qui que escipsae quo cus.

College, Pallaskenry the Hall of Fame Award from Athlone Show Society, he is congratulated Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in pariby Kevin Dillon, CE, IHFA bus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis -dolorio. qui aspis re Gallery, apit BOI with his wife Breda 1985 Patrick Frawley,Ga. CroaghNam receives the dairysitia herd award from Dan 1985 - Bob Shanahan, BOI present the dairy herd award to Frawley, John McDonogh, Chairman Limerick / Clare Club & Eileen McDonogh James & Mrs. Culhane, Ballysimon in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

Michael Moroney exhibits Pedran Jonathon AG Clover 40 at the Navan Dairy Show 1989

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1990 Champion of National Dairy Show, James O’Neill with Ewefield Dimple 92, pictured with JJ Kelly, President IFBA, Kitty Horgan, President Cork Club, Stephen Cadogan, Cork Examiner, & Chris Coleman Show Director

Limerick / Clare

Michael Moroney pictured at RDS 1992 The Hannan and Martin families are joined by fellow club members having won Supreme & Reserve Championships at RDS Spring Show 1990

Brothers George & Kevin Marlboro pictured at the RDS 1976

Gaye O’Dwyer, Kevin Culhane and Jimmy Hannan pictured at the RDS 1988

Pat Mullane, John Noonan, Aidan Hickey & Seamus Mullane at RDS Spring Show 1991

Senator Rory Kiely with Tom Storan & Seamus McCormick pictured at RDS Spring Show 1988 Aidan Liston, Sean Curtin, Brendan McMahon, Maeve & Seamus Martin pictured at the RDS 1991

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Limerick / Clare

Pat & Breda Frawley, Croagh hosts the 2005 IHFA Open Day, with President David Boyd Martin O’Sullivan was awarded RDS Champion of Champions award 2006 for Peamount Duc Dainty

Angela Boyce, Champion Female Handler, John Frawley, Champion Male Handler, National Dairy Show 1994

Jimmy Hannan receives the Cork Friesian Breeders Club Trophy from President Kitty Horgan, Paul handles Ullswater Sunray 107, with Denise Murphy “Rose of Tralee” & Donal Murphy, Farm Exam

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Patrick Frawley presented with the RDS Champion of Champions Award in 2012 and 2013

Johnny Moroney, Limerick & National YMA Champion Handler 1993

Limerick / Clare

Tadhg Bourke, Champion Handler YMA Finals 2006

Dermot McCarthy, Champion Handler YMA Finals 2009

Caitriona Neville, Champion Handler YMA Finals 2013

Thomas Neville, Champion Handler YMA Finals 2014

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Mayo

Jim Boyle, James Byrne, George Dee, John Foy, Padraic Hunt, Seamus Keane, Jimmie Macken, Joe McDonnell, Paddy Owens, Seamus Ronayne and their wives at the annual dinner dance in 1982

Billy Connor having won the Ardtarmon Perpetual Cup, pictured with his wife Deirdre, Michael Lynch, Greenvale & Michael Farrell, Connacht Gold Kieran O’Connor, Aidan and Jason Foody, Stockjudging team at the Royal Show, Stoneleigh

Rory Timlin winner of a clipping competition in Canada, 2012 Paddy Corcoran showing Deal River Bessie at Crossmolina Show 1981

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North Eastern Date Formed: August 1976 Founding Committee: President: Noel Lambert: Chairman: Noel Hayes, Secretary: Thomas Maguire, Treasurer: Bill Doran.

Committee: Bob Rochford, Seamus Kelly, Maurice Kellett, Denis Sullivan, Peter McCulloch, Tom Clarke, Eamon McCullough, James Taaffe, Peter Flanagan.

Present Committee: Chairman: Norris Beattie, Secretary: Linda Walsh, President: Rita Eivers, Treasurer: Kenneth Bray NEHFC Past Presidents 2001 - 25th year annniversary. Front row; Noel Hayes, Cathleen Hand, Michael Keaveny, Jill McCulloch. Back row; Malachy Tuite, Pater Flanagan, James Taaffe, Noel Lambert, Bob Rochford and Seamus Kelly. The Presidents and Chairmen were photographed at the Clubs 21st anniversary dinner in Kells in autumn 2001

My phone rang a few days ago. It was my good friend Dessie Dunlevy. It’s always good to hear from Dessie. Along with being a good friend of many years he is my link with the great involvement of my farming lifetime, the NEHFC (or the NE Friesian Breeders as we would have known it in its earlier years. “Richard Whelan and I were wondering if you could do something for us?” Being Dessie who was asking, I said yes while not knowing what I was agreeing to. “Could you write a history of the club for the jubilee issue of the IHFA journal Tom?” “We were saying that you would probably be the only one who was there at the beginning who could remember anything”. Lovely to be asked, but left you asking yourself many questions in turn.

Seamus & Michael Taaffe at the IFBA Heifer Show & Sale, RDS 1970

NEHFC Past Chairmen 2001 - 25th year anniversary. Front row; Eamon McCullough, Paddy Jordan, Seamus Kelly, Kevin Keaveny. Back row; Noel Hayes, Tom Kelly, James Taaffe, Sean Lynch, Peter Flanagan and Peter Mc Culloch

As I thought back over the last four decades happy memories came flooding in. One man stands out above all for his enormous contribution, the late Noel Hayes.

In summer of 1976 he contacted all members of the then British Friesian Cattle Society (BFCS) who lived in the North East. He specifically contacted those who lived in counties Louth, Meath, Dublin, Kildare, Westmeath and Longford. Cavan and Monaghan had already set up the Breffni-Oriel Club. The IFBA (now the IHFA) was a constituent club of the elite and austere BFCS. The society headquarters were in Scotsbridge House in the dormitory London suburb of Rickmansworth. It was a long way from there, in every, sense to the farms and fields of Louth-Meath and our neighbouring counties. Noel Hayes was an Irish council member of the BFCS and he had the inspiration to set up Irish Friesian Clubs with the

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North Eastern

L Wilding & JJ Kelly at the RDS in 1974

aim of promoting the Friesian breed in each club area.

The lack of enthusiasm with which his plan was greeted in London is evident from the fact that there were very few, if any, visits by the ruling elite of the time to the newly formed clubs. Apart from a visit to the annual RDS Spring Shows in May each year, I only re-

Mr & Mrs. LW Doran at the RDS 1974

vered, thankfully, and the inaugural meeting of our club was held in the Conyngham Arms Hotel in Slane in late August 1976. We are fortunate that among that group were some of the most dedicated and hardworking committee members who I ever had the pleasure of working with. Space and time restrict me from giving full credit to their hard work and from giving proper recognition to all who have contributed. It is something that could well

S Kelly & D Buckley inspecting Moneymore Herd 1959

member one visit by a BFCS Chief Executive to Navan.

That was when we hosted the IFBA AGM. Major General EGD Pounds informed us on that occasion that Ireland’s only contribution to the parent society was in Club Members at the RDS 1981, Pat Lawlor, D O’Sullivan, Noel Hayes, Jill McCulloch Mr & Mrs. E Monaghan exhibiting at the RDS Spring Show

late registration fines. Noel Hayes perse-

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be a project for our club’s 40th anniversary in 2016. Noel Hayes’ aim was fulfilled superbly. Yes, the Club promoted the Friesian breed in our area, but perhaps our greatest achievement of all is in how we have promoted the fortunes and enriched the lives of our members and their families. I once said at a Club anniversary dinner that our members are the blocks that we are built on with our common interest in Friesian-Holstein cattle being the mortar that binds us together.

The first Committee was made up of President, Noel

North Eastern

Paul Deering, Brendan Mennis and Michael Taaffe at the RDS in 1991

Lambert, Chairman, Noel Hayes, Secretary, Thomas Maguire and Treasurer, Bill Doran. They were joined on the committee by Bob Rochford, Seamus Kelly, Maurice Kellett, Denis Sullivan, Peter McCulloch, Tom Clarke, Eamon McCullough, James Taaffe and Peter Flanagan.

Through the years many other breeders, and more significantly their families, came on board. Families that come to mind include the Crinions, Dalys, Dunlevys,Tuites, Kellys, Mackens, Nultys, Mennises, Lawlors, Caseys, Hands, Keaveneys, Lynches, Reynolds, Jordans, Collins, Fullams, Eagers, Feeneys, Staffords, Brennans, Caffreys, Whelans and Byrnes.

These are the names that spring immediately to mind. My sincerest apologies to anyone who I may have unknowingly omitted. People often tend to disappear in the mists of time. One of the drawbacks of age is the onset of invisibility. As you can see from the list of our early members, it is families who really mattered. That is the great strength of NEHFC. After the inauguration of the club in autumn 1976 the committee literally set out on a high. Meetings on breed-

ing and dairy management were packed out.

The first club trip needed two buses to carry all who visited Trevor Gibney and Robbie Mulligan in Newry and Banbridge.

In following years the same numbers travelled north on many occasions to visit leading herds including Heenans, McCleans, Cromies, Cadoos among others.

Very successful trips were organised to

Pat Fullam Winner Herds Competition 1992. Front Row; Bill Telfer, Judge, Pat Fullam, Percy Telfer, Judge. Back Row; Sean Lynch, Club Chairman, Gerry Brennan, Chairman Herds Competition Committee , Tom Cannon, Judge, Patrick Tuite, Herds Competition Committee, Michael Keane AIB, Sponsors

visit leading herds across the Irish Sea in areas as far apart as Wales, Somerset, Yorkshire and even Scotland.

In the years that followed the Club has visited most of the leading herds throughout Ireland. Closer to home, three field evenings a year brought Club members to visit the herds who were successful in the annual herds competition. For those fortunate to have attended and travelled the knowledge gained has been invaluable.

Perhaps the Club’s greatest success has been the annual herds competition. Another inspired legacy of Noel Hayes. The first herds competition was held in late

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North Eastern

1985 Spring Navan Dairy Show

autumn 1978. The judge was David Gribbon, a great friend of ours over the years. All who took part were delighted with the outcome. Even when we learned that judges do not like working with 60 cows in a 40 acre field! In the early years great credit is due to the work of Noel Hayes and Denis Sullivan. Herd average milk yields had to be calculated manually from lactation certificates that were often three years old! The current format using a league system was suggested in

the early 80’s by visiting judges John Mallaber and John Crosier. To their credit it remains largely unchanged to this day. For most of us who were there, the greatest triumph of this contest has to be Pat Fullam’s winning the overall award in 1992. Pat had risen right up through the ranks thanks to years of extremely hard work and dedication. The cheer that greeted the news of his victory still echoes in our memory. The herds competition’s success is that it too remains to this day and is now more vibrant and relevant than it was in 1978.

Navan Show organising Committee 1992, Peter McCulloch, Harry Kellett, Phil McGrath, Jill McCulloch and Kathleen Hand (Secretaries) with Noel Hayes, Show Director

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Shows have been part of the NEHFC in all its lifetime. In the beginning leading members exhibited and sold cattle at the February RDS Bull Show and the May Spring Show. One great success from this era was Moneymore Bunty 6 from Seamus Kelly, under the capable management of Dessie Dunlevy, who was awarded RDS Spring Show supreme champion. In its earlier years the NEFBC played a leading role in the running of shows in Trim and Dundalk. Shows were held in the Navan Exhibition Centre organised entirely by the Club. Another highly successful development was the YMA. Calf classes were part of Trim and Dundalk

North Eastern Shows. These were followed by a Club calf show. Young club members were introduced to the world of cattle breeding and became hooked through taking part. Many of the current club stalwarts were introduced through YMA involvement.

One of those is Michael Taaffe.

His initial enthusiasm led to the purchase of the legendary Lachstone Midnight Pennyrealm.

“Penny” in her day brought fame and fortune to the Taaffe family in Knockatubber.

Competitions have been an integral part of the NEHFC through its lifetime. Along with the Herds Competition Pictured at the 21st Anniversary Celebration of the Club were; Back: P Flanagan, JJ Kelly, V Eivers, T Cannon & Front: J Taaffe, R McDonnell, Charlie Hovenden, R. Dalby judging competitions were and advice given by Teagasc advisers Des Keegan held on the nights of field evenings. Again Noel Hayes and Benny Keoghan. Winners in our club went on to was an integral part of setting these up. He devised win national awards on many occasions. the scoring grid which enabled the individual scores to be determined. The grid was difficult to understand A valuable part of the club’s work has been the promotion of information meetings and breeders forums with presentations by many prestigious speakers from home and abroad. One of our earliest and most generous sponsors was David Patton Ltd. of Monaghan. Pattons hospitality was legendary. So much so, that the lecture accompanying their night had to be delivered before dinner and drinks. This was decided after one night when most of the audience nodded off during a lecture on the nutrition of the dry cow! Much of the clubs great success has been thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. These have Richard Whelan, Lumville hosts IHFA Open Day in 2003 and receives a gift of appreciation from Joan Lambert, President included AIB, ACC, Bank of Ireland, Pattons as already mentioned, and set up and on many nights of field evenings frantic McAuleys, Maizetech, Cattle Breeding Companies Kay O’Sullivan with members of the Ladies Committee who provided pleas went out for Noel to unravel the mystery of the andhospitality many more. benefited greatly from their at Navan We Dairyhave Show 1986. scoring grid. Juniors were again greatly encouraged generosity and without them we would not have been with their own special section. Through the 90’s silage so successful. competitions were run for both grass and maize silages. Valuable lessons were learned thanks to the help

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North Eastern

Tom & Rhona Kelly, Monamore hosts 2009 IHFA Open Day, receiving a gift of appreciation from Liam Curran, President

Another great gift of the club to our social lives was golf. Thanks to the late Bob Rochford, Jill McCulloch and Kay Sullivan, with the help of the lady members of the Royal Meath Golf Club in Trim, many of us were introduced to the game through the NEFBC Golfing Society. Many happy outings were held in the golf clubs of Louth, Meath and North County Dublin.

A significant number of us remain hopelessly addicted to this day as a result of our involvement.

As I said at the beginning of this article the history of the North Eastern Friesian Breeders Club deserves a much longer and comprehensive account than I can give in this brief article. In four decades we have travelled a momentous journey. From being a small and relatively insignificant part of a faraway elite club, Ireland now has its own national herd-book and our Holstein Friesians rank among the best in the world.

In farming and breeding terms we in Ireland are now the world leaders in scientific cattle breeding, greatly aided by the amount of information contained on the ICBF database. We have succeeded in breeding an Irish cow which does not need to be cross bred to achieve greater fertility or production. EU milk quotas have come and gone and we are free to expand our businesses for the first time in 30 years. Our club has evolved and contributed in its four decades. We have led to the formation of two more clubs in our

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the years to come.

original area, Kildare and Longford – Westmeath. Thanks to the club’s influence groups of members have come together to form discussion groups and ultimately purchasing groups.

The greatest success of all has been the enthusing and encouragement of a new generation.

The breeders who are now at the helm are the children and grandchildren of our founders of four decades ago. It is great to see that the North Eastern Holstein Friesian club is now in the safe hands of Robbie Moore, President, Norris Beatty, Chairman and Linda Walsh, Secretary with the backing of a vibrant and enthusiastic committee and membership. We salute you all and wish you every success in

Our congratulations to IHFA on their achievement of this significant milestone in their history. We thank them for their help over the last 50 years and also wish them every success in the exciting times ahead.

Michael McDonnell, Cannontown hosts IHFA Open Day in 2007, pictured with Cathriena, Karl, Hayley, Michael, Nance & Richard

Slaney Date Formed: 7th September 1976 Present Committee: Chairman: Albert Symes, Secretary: Mary Brown, Treasurer: P. Kinsella, Vice Chairman: J Codd. Committee: Ml Byrne, T Codd, O Hadden, T Dowzard, J Honner, M Wade, F Morris, M Shortle, E Hammell, D Kennedy, S Kehoe, B Brown, P Banville, J Goff

Slaney Club Committee

Three dairy farmers in Co. Wicklow gathered in Paddy Nolan’s of Ballinagar House, to discuss forming a Friesian Club – Paddy Nolan, Michael Byrne and John Codd.

From this meeting, a further one was called for with Co. Wexford dairy farmers, when they all met in Murphy Floods Hotel, Enniscorthy on Fri. 17th September 1976 with Brendan Dunleavy from IFBA and Hugh McGee. The name Slaney was chosen as the river embraces Counties Wexford and Wicklow.

Heifer Show & Sale

The first Heifer Show & Sale was held in Ashford Mart in Feb 1977. Club sales were held most years until the mid 1990’s between Ashford and Enniscorthy Marts.

Club Tours

Brendan Dunleavy organised the first tours to the UK – the first one was to Carlisle in 1978. In 1980 the club

The aims of the club then were to promote the breed and improve dairy herd performance (as it still is today) and to organise events throughout the year to keep breeders connected throughout the country with discussion groups, heifer sales, shows and stock judging competitions.

The first event for the club was to host an information/ discussion evening in Inch Hall on 3rd Nov.1976 with speakers from Clondalkin and Dovea AI Station. The club hosted many of these evenings during the years with AI companies, vets, feed companies, grassland management and fellow farmers.

John Codd winning the first Slaney Club Show & Sale in Ashford Mart 1977

Trip to Wales 1997@ Cardsland Herd

visited Churchvale, Gowertonia, Horwood,Terling and Eranda herds. Members had the opportunity to further their knowledge of the breed and the latest sires and to speak to UK herdowners, who had long established herds. Club trips combine the educational and social

Slaney group wedding in Gretna Green – club trip to Carlisle 1985

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Slaney

Trip to Royal Highland Show – Lovely Legs Competition @ Logans

aspects of the club. Other trips during the 1980’s included The Royal Show, Stoneleigh and herds in Wales – Twilight, Crudwell, Trigibby and Holland in 1984.

Original Members- Sean & Eileen Kehoe, Albert Symes at Motor Exhibition Centre, Coventry on our way to Royal Show 2005

ended up with the auctioneer waving his hammer and asking him for his name. The heifer had to be resold as our bus driver refused to allow a heifer onto the bus for our return journey!! 1986 brought the club to Devon and Cornwall. One of our best Trips was indeed to Scotland in 1987. We flew to Glasgow and visited the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands. The visit to Logan’s Manorpowis Herd was a memorable one for both the quality of the stock, hospitality and the entertainment.

At the Royal Highland Show we saw Holmland Ruby 90

Trip to Yorkshire Show on a visit to Berryholme Herd 2010

One trip while on a stay in Blackpool in 1985 a prominent breeder of the club and his wife joined professional ballroom dancers on the floor in the hotel. Herds visited were Farleton, Marshide, Highoaks, Hillhead and Holmand herds. Another highlight of this trip was our visit to Gretna Green as pictured During a visit to Carlisle mart one member, while talking to someone beside him and waving his hands

Trip to Wales 1997 – boys had a pit stop

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Slaney Group at Sandersons Sandcrest Herd 1999

Slaney trip to Kerry at Tim Fitzmaurices 2002

Slaney During the early years the club had 2 or 3 field evenings to local dairy herds where members viewed the quality of each other’s stock. Stockjudging involved a day trip away to some of the top breeders in the country at the time. The first stockjudging was to Peter McCulloch’s Clonsword’s Herd in 1978, where Gary Hurley as a chap completely agreed with the judge.

This became an annual event and members travelled by bus to different herds each year.

Club Trip to Open Day in Cork 2013 & on avisit to Michael & Sile McGrath’s

crowned Show Champion. During the 1990’s the Club trips to England included the Lake District, Balmoral Show(1995),and a trip to Wales in 1997 which included visits to Brynhyfred, Grove, Gatrog, Triggiby and Cardsland Herds. We also had home trips to Barretts, Kingstons and Frawleys 1996, to Galway 1998. 2002 brought members to Kerry and Limerick – Maunsell’s, Fitzmaurise’s and Frawley’s . In 2003 the club went North – Ards, Clandeboye, Danevia and Smidddy hill herds.

2004 – Trip to Royal Welsh Show, 2005 the Royal Show, Stoneligh. 2006 – the Royal Highland Show. In 2009 the club visited the Giants Causeway, Bushmills Distillery and the Potterswall Jerseys, Relough, Ballycairn and Hilltara herds. 2010 brought the club to the Great Yorkshire Show and the home of James Herriot and Feizor and Berryholme herds. In 2011 club travelled to the National Dairy event in Birmingham. Recently our club trips have been to the IHFA Open Days visiting the Robinview herd of Michael and Sile McGrath and the Titanic Centre in 2013 on our return journey from Cork.

Field Evenings and Stockjudging

Club members @ Stockjudging trip to Kathleen Kellys 1998

In 1983 Michael O Brien, Maurice Sheehy and Garry Hurley won the National Stockjudging and represented Ireland at the Royal Show in Stoneleigh.

The club continued until 2000 to have just one stockjudging event , whereas we now have stockjudging at both field evenings.

Open Days

There have been 3 in our club area. From the beginning Bord Bainne sponsored the National Herds com-

The Hurley family of Clonpaddin, hosted the IHFA Open Day in 2011

Slaney Stockjudging team to Royal Show 1983 – Maurice Sheehy, Michael O’ Brien & Garry Hurley

petition. For a number of years the results were announced at Navan or Cavan Show until 1991 when they requested to present the winners at a farm set

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Slaney ting. Victor Jackson’s herd was chosen and from there the Open Days began. On 16th June 2004 the IHFA Open Day was held at Mervyn Jones’ Hallow herd.

On 21st June 2011 the Open day was held at Hurleys’ Clonpaddin Herd. Club members gathered for both these events to help with the preparations of the cattle and the painting and preparation of the farmyards.

Slaney Herds competition Winners 2013

members have competed very successfully at National level.

Silage Competition

Agriking have sponsored the competition since its beginning in 2011. It is well supported and the prizegiving evening is very informative and well attended.

Shows and Showing Mervyn Jones hosts the 2004 IHFA Open Day and receives an gift of appreciation from George Kingston, President

Herds Competition

The annual herd competition has proved very popular since its inception in 1985 with Granville Jones being our first judge and Bank of Ireland our first

Friesians were exhibited at 6 local shows throughout the club - Adamstown, Bannow Rathangan, Carnew, Enniscorthy, Gorey and Tinahely. Sadly due to lack of numbers showing cattle in recent years, there are only two or three shows left where Friesians are exhibited. In the early years showing was so popular that Enniscorthy had two judging rings from 1984. Club members have been very successful at National and even International level. Jim

First Herds Competition Winners 1985

Sponsors of the competition. Over the years its format has changed considerably to where it is today, where new members/ entrants start in the junior section and can progress through the years to elite. However, this competition could not function without the generous sponsorship during the years – notably Bank of Ireland, Waterford Mills, Connollys Red Mills and Wexford Creamery & Wexford Milk Producers. Many

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Agribex photo of Sinnott family

Slaney

First winner of Ml Shortle Cup for best homebred cow – John Shortle Noel Rothwell – winner, John Hurley – President

John & May Codd. John was recipient of the Hall of Fame Award, Athlone 2013

and Una Sinnott’s Ballyboy Juror Carmen was part of the Irish Team that went to the European Show in Agribex in 2004. She was placed 2nd in the Senior Cow class, standing second to the eventual overall Champion. She was also a member of the winning group of 4, which took top honours in the group class.

YMA

YMA is a very important part of all clubs as the youth must be encouraged to join in activities from a young

Slaney Club Calf Show 1996

John & May Codd 2013 Presentation for 60 yrs showing at Tinahely Show

Mr. & Mrs. Don Hadden with sons Mark and Garry, while Mervyn Jones is accompanied by son Philip, pictured at the RDS Spring Show

age. The first YMA event was held in Limerick show in 1987. The Slaney Club has been very dominant in the YMA over the years, with winning both the Champion Calf and Champion Handler on numerous occasions. The most memorable occasions were when Jim and Una Sinnott’s Ballyboy M.Storm Carmen was double YMA Champion, taking the crown in both ‘99 & ‘00. The Jones Family also made

Philip Jones, winner of the Senior Handler and Champion Handler at the YMA Finals in 1997

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history at the YMA Nationals in 2006 when they won all four of the Calf Classes, then going on to win Champion, Reserve and Honourable Mention. An incredible achievement that’s not likely to be repeated.

Social Events

Other social events include Table Quizzes, which were sponsored by Paul and Vincents and Progressive Genetics,

Slaney Winning team from Calf Show Finals 2000

Gary Jones, YMA Champion Handler 2004 with Judge James Tomlinson and Sponsor Michael Herlihy, Greenvale. Garry won three times in 2002, ‘03 & ‘04

Richard Jones, YMA Champion Handler 2005

YMA Finals 2004 Nicola Sinnott Intermediate Handler with Jones family Champion Calf

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Club YMA 2013

Colin Laird (judge) of Blythbird herd in Scotland, Champion Handler Louise Sinnott with her calf and Reserve Champion Laura Sinnott, 2010

Club Barbecues - hosted annually by club members.

These have been very popular through the years having Mr and Mrs Competitions, egg n spoon races, football, fashion shows! singing, the usual storytelling and jokes keeping us well entertained. The Christmas parties, bowling and swimming evenings are a selection of our other social activities.

Mervyn Jones, Garry Hurley, George Gleasure John Watson@benefit night 1997

L to R Champion Ardnasalem Kite Lulu 2, Senior Calf 1st Hallow Kite Floride, Hon Mention Hallow Kite Sweetheart, Res Champion Hallow Goldwyn

One of the most memorable events organised by the club was when we held a benefit night for a club member, who was seriously ill, to help with funding for a new treatment.

We held an auction and social evening in Arklow Bay Hotel on 21st January Colin Johnson auctioning off the smallest black n white ever 1997 1997.

Everything from calves, heifers, embryos, feed ration, diesel oil, a lamb ready for the freezer, logs,etc. and even

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Club Barbecue at Jones 1994children taking a break from football

6 sheepdog pups were generously donated – almost 200 lots. The auctioneer Mr. Colin Johnson very generously volunteered his services. It was a mammoth task with members from not only our Friesian club but also Friesian clubs from all parts of the country giving their support.

P Brown, Ina Helen, Carmel Fortune, Maura Duncan, Irene Condren and Kathleen Watson.

Treasurers: Paddy Kinsella, Mrs. Liz Walsh, Billy Codd, Maurice Sheehy, Victor Webb, Ned Copeland, Liz Atkinson, Valerie Copeland and Irene Condren.

Club Officers

Throughout the years the following is a list of club officers, who so willingly volunteered their time to the smooth running of the club and its events.

Club Barbecue at Jones’ 1994 – adults tucking in

Club Chairmen: Albert Symes, Michael Byrne, Billy Codd, Brendan Brown, Michael Shortle, Noel Rothwell, Paddy Goggins, John Watson, Trevor Wardell, John Hurley, Mervyn Jones, Pat Kavanagh, Jim Fortune, Garry Hurley, Harold Sweetnam, Larry Burke, Ned Copeland. Rory Hammill, Jim Sinnott, John Atkinson, Sean Condren and currently Enda Jordan.

Club Presidents: Albert Symes, Mervyn Jones, John Hurley and currently Billy Codd, Club Secretaries: Mary Brown, Eleanor Hadden, Mary

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25th Anniversary Dinner – First secretary, Mary Brown and Irene Condren

Our most dedicated original member is certainly John Hurley – he has only been absent from one AGM in 39yrs. He has never missed a club trip abroad and indeed he very rarely misses any club event.

Sligo The Club was founded: in 1975 with a Field Day to the herds of George Hammond and Verdun Hunter in Northern Ireland Present Committee: Jimmy Waters, Agatha McGee, Shay Monaghan & Kevin McGloin

Theresa Gilligan, President IHFA in 1996 attending the IHFA Open Day which was held at the Baldonnell Herd of Cyril Dowling and Family

Jim & Theresa Gilligan at the RDS in 1987

Carl Jones Henry

Ardtarmon Eve 22 EX - 1991 Many of the Ardtarmon cow families were founding stock for numerous herds throughout the country

Theresa Gilligan, Mrs. Lynch, Jim Gilligan, Henry Graham, Peter McCulloch, Michael Lynch (Judge), Jill McCulloch at Sligo Show 1998 Sligo AI NWCBS Advert 1976

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Sligo Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem Kevin Shevlin, Liam DePaor, Br. Brendan, Mellifont Abbey, John Cunnane, (1987 Creamery Supplier ofet the volo year) andeos Tom Gallogly at the Mayo / Sligo Club sit labMilkimpos vitaepe commolu Seminar ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis dolorio. Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi A. Higgins, PJ Donovan, T. Bree at the Stockjudging in 1981 dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

Club members on a visit to David & John Heenan’s Barbican Herd

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Jim Gilligan, Chairman, David Bourke, Br Brendan, Mellfont Abbey, John Cunnane (1987 Creamery Milk Supplier of the Year) and Hilary Beirne, Volac at Mayo & Sligo Breeders Club Seminar.

Peter Finnegan, Individual winner of the Inter Club Stockjudging receives the McCulloch Trophy from Peter McCulloch, then Chairman IHFA

Henry Graham, Patricia & Michael Marley, John Cunnane (Judge), Peter & Margaret Finnegan, Kevin McGloin at a Club’s stockjudging evening.

Tipperary / Waterford Date Formed: 7th June 1974 Founding Committee: President: Michael Fitzpatrick, Chairman: William Sullivan, Vice-Chairman: Dan Grogan, Secretary: Patrick Fogarty, Seamus Grady, Patrick Ryan, Tom Fives, Tony Laurence, Michael Smyth, David Veale, Michael Hayes, Robert Dowley.

Absent: John Kiersey, Roger Shipsey

Tom Fives & Michael Hayes, President IFBA

The Tipperary/Waterford Club was established on the 7th June 1974 in Minella Hotel in Clonmel to promote the interest of the club and to encourage and intensify the Friesian breed in the area.

Present Committee: Chairman: Philip Cusack, Secretary: David Murphy, Treasurer: Aidan Power, PRO: Kathleen Kelly. Committe Members: Noel Hennessy, Liam Curran, Liam Hassett, Loraine Lafferty, Phelim O’ Dea, Eamon McLoughney, Tom Julian, Philip Kinnane, Phil Power, Eamon McGrath, Andy Phelan, Sean Kelly, Matt Ryan The club has been very active in its 40 years promoting Friesian/Holstein breeding. Tipperary/Waterford has had the great honour of having 4 of its members elected as President of IHFA, Michael Hayes, John Cantwell, Liam Curran, and Kathleen Kelly

John Skehan, Over the 40 years the club have held numerous heifer host of IHFA Open Day, 1993 sales. Every year we have two Stockjudging evenings

on our club members’ farms. We run a Herds Competition every year where lots of our members take part.

Our Stockjudging teams have been very successful over the years winning the National Final on a number of occasions and being in the top three positions several times.

Front L-R: Patrick Ryan, William Sullivan (Chairman), Michael Fitzpatrick (President), Patrick Fogarty (Secretary), Seamus Grady. Back: Dan Grogan (Vice-Chairman), Tom Fives, Tony Laurence, Michael Smyth, David Veale, Michael Hayes, Robert Dowley. Absent: John Kiersey, Roger Shipsey

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Tipperary / Waterford Uci ut apelites perferum inctem re sit libusanim experrore, qui bea autem de dolum quunto ius natur alit voluptur, sam, to eos num nemoluptatem aut hariorest lab ipit ut andis id ut eum rem conesciam dolupta turerum labor alisti unti dolesse laboria peles si alicabo rehenis magnihi llectem conseque liatat ilignit, odicimu sandita speriaspis rem quas audi ad modigni musant fugiati officimagnim idemolendi consequas eatem sit lab impos et volo eos vitaepe commolu ptaquam quiassit venisitatis ea nonsere, qui utet velesequo consequ ibusandae eturereri Tipperary/Waterford ulparum qui at que escipsae quo cus.

On Tour Ovid quam similitis nobit endiandel in paribus andem. Neque officit atquiandit quistem re siminima voluptasi restrum quiscim et volorem culparchitem expliti oriorpore voloritat imenihilique mostrum lantiunt eic tet eius dem. Vit, od et voluptati ratia dolupta quiatem andipsa nust quuntione corrorita audia dolupta corrovitist quiam quo tem a nis nos solupta que volor suntiis am, cuptaer iaeptatus.

Occae dem que sequam quo que consequae vendam natem et fugias es abo. Et eatibus aditate corempos quiatur rem ne volluptatis dolorio. Ga. Nam qui sitia aspis re apit in nihillorest harum, te a dolupta velisi sedi dunto doluptae. Et eaquas essum que eum quia quis et evendel illaccu sdandem ne net facercias il ipicabo resequid que nonsequam inturero molluptur? Quiatem faciend iorunte corecta core diciliquis sinullor aceptas perchiciis cuscidebit laut asimus magnatem

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Tipperary / Waterford

Field Evening Kathleen & Sean Kelly’s

Three of our Club’s herds - John & Henry Skehan, Eamon McLoughney and Noel Hennessy have won the National Herds Competition in their sections .

Our club hosted one of the earlier open day on the farm of John and Henry Skehan. It was huge success.

We had a very successful YMA Club over the years with one of our young members, Maria Kelly, winning the National Handlers Competition on a few occasions and going on to represent Ireland in UK and Belgium .

John Skehan, part of the Irish Team at Agribex

It was a great honour for two of our club members John and Henry Skehan and Kathleen and Sean Kelly to have cows on the teams representing Ireland in Brussels in the European Championship.

Our club Members have had huge success in the show ring over the 40 years winning Baileys Cow Championship, Glanbia Super Cow, and winning classes in Nation Sean Kelly prepares his cow at Agribex

John Cantwell & Arthur Moynan in Brussels

Irish Team at European Championships

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Tipperary / Waterford al Dairy Show Millstreet, to name a few.

Tipperary / Waterford Club have organised club trips every year in Ireland and abroad to see Holstein Breeding in different environments. Over the years we have visited most of the top herds in Ireland and have visited herds in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Holland, Denmark, France, Germany and the Chec Republic. These trips have been both educational and social which is necessary to keep the club spirit alive.

Tipperary/ Waterford club would like to wish IHFA every successs in it 50 years celebrations and into the future.

Tipperary Waterford’s John Cantwell, Liam Curran & Kathleen Kelly, all past President’s of IHFA

Kathleen Kelly with Tom Joe Kelly & Gerard Burke both from the Galway Club

Kathleen Kelly attended the World Conference in Toronto as part of her IHFA Presidency

Tipperary / Waterford Stockjudging teams

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Tipperary / Waterford

Herds Competition winners John Skehan, Eamon McGrath, Mary Sullivan & Sean Kelly Liam Hassett, Senior Herds Competition Winner 2014

Tipperary / Waterford Club Herds Competitions

Stockjudging team of Margaret Sheedy, Kathleen Kelly & John Dunne

Tipperary / Waterford Club Herds Competitions

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Tipperary / Waterford

Maria Kelly, part of the YMA team at EYBS, Belgium

Maria Kelly, Champion Handler, National Finals 1998 with Martin Ryan, Greenvale (Sponsor)

Tippererary / Waterford YMA Groups

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West Midlands Date Formed: 1984 Founding Committee: Chairman: Michael Malone, Secretary: Mel Harte, Treasurer: Fred Smyth.

Present Committee: Chairman: Seamus Claffey, Vice Chairman: John Shortall, Secretary: Oliver Costello, Assistant Secretary: Graeme Taylor, Treasurer: John Thompson, PRO: Haesel Dickson, YMA: Emer Kelly

Early Days

The first meeting of the Club was held in the Longford Arms Hotel, called by Noel Hayes, NEFBS and Mel Harte, Longford on 14th Jan 1981. The officers were elected as follows: Chairman: Michael Malone, Secretary: Mel Harte, Treasurer: Fred Smyth. Among the first members were Pat Cullen, PJ Maxwell, Mike Magan, Michael Farrrell, Frank Sweeney, John & James Gately, the Balfe brothers and Gerry Regan.

From humble beginnings, the club went from strength to strength. Michael acted as Chairman for two years. A

set of rules was drawn up and a very successful Herds Competition was established. It was kindly sponsored

by AIB and IFI. These firms paid for the original trophies and replicas and continue to do so to the present day. Noel Hayes was the first judge and he helped to get the club established.

The presentation of prizes was at a dinner in the Longford Arms Hotel. A special trophy for the overall winner was sponsored by Mel Harte and Mick Neary. This was won by Michael Malone, Tinevera. An auction of sponsored semen brought in good money and it still helps to pay the bills.

The formation of the club opened the gates to a whole new life for members and their families - social occasions, new friends and wonderful hospitality around

Pictured at the Dinner Dance in 1985 were back: Barry Reid, Gerry Regan, John Gately, Michael McCormack, Frank Sweeney, Noel O’Reilly, Jim Gately, Eamon O’Connell, Kevin Gunn, Dan Farrell. Front: Owen Balfe, Jim Berkery, Paddy & Billy McCormack, Mel Harte, PJ Maxwell.

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West Midlands its and this combined with a great variety of guest speakers at winter meetings has ensured a wealth of knowledge and a great source of information for the breders.

Herds Competition 1986, James Gately, John Gately, Mike Magan, Owen Balfe.

the country and even abroad. Farmers quickly learned from one another the type of animal to aim for, they took a new pride in their stock and standards improved rapidly.

If the eighties brought us the Holstein sire, the nineties saw quite a number of animals being imported into the country. West Midlands area was not left behind this development. Many herds made judicious importations of stock. Others that did not directly import, bought animals that originated from imported cattle. Another part of this club feature deals with this, but the consequence of all this, breeding and stock purchase, has resulted in herds in the club today that are radically different than anything that we could have envisaged 20 years previously. If somebody stated on

20 Years a-Growing

The early years of the WMHFB club was characterised by great energy and enthusiasm. The fear that an absence of nationally known breeders in the region, would prove to be a big disadvantage were completely unfounded as the interest generated by the club grew stronger and stronger.

Field evenings and stockjudging were well attended and many a lively debate developed as to what constituted a “good” cow. The club’s early years coincided Winners of the 1989 All Ireland Stockjudging, Tom Dickson, Mike Magan, Owen Balfe. with the increased use of Holstein sires and the diverse views on what were and indeed are, the best cows, are the night that the club was formed what would happen interesting to reflect on today. Ah for a return to the in the future, few would have believed them. What will the future bring? passion of the debate of that time!

As the club covers four counties, Leitrim, Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath, that geographical spread means a range of farming types and production systems. In South Westmeath (Moate area) the production system is mainly liquid milk, with more seasonal systems in the west of the club area. This diversity gave us a wonderful contrast for farm vis-

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Over a lifetime of the club, we hosted a number of events that deserve special mention. In 1995 we played host to all the clubs in Ireland for the National IHFA Stockjudging Competition. We did not win this “home game” but were winners of the team event when it was held in Kilkenny in 1988 with a team of O. Balfe, T. Dickson and M. Magan. This feat was repeated in 1994 when the club

West Midlands throught the country, that passed through the gates of Bunacloy. Indeed two cows purchased at these sales figured prominently in the European Championships at a later date. I refer of course to Bunacloy Ginger EX94 and Moralta Inspiration Fame EX97. Mike Magan is to be commended for his initial importation of deep pedigree Friesian cattle and for making their progeny available at the Invitational Sales.

Field Evenings

Field evenings are one of the most popular activities in our club. They began with the formation Herds Competition winners 2001, Back: J. Lavin, Michael Gunn, Tom Kelly, Des Dunleavy (Judge), of the club in the early eighties. Once the winter Bobby Franks, IHFA. Front: Kevin Gunn, Tom Dickson, John Stone, C. Garvey programme is over, preparations are made for the field evenings over the summer months, starting team of PJ Kelly, M. Reilly and O. Balfe were once again in May and concluding the one with our annual tour, victorious. which takes place to herds outside our own area.

In 1995 the West Midlands Club held an important Conference in Athlone on the Cattle Breeding Industry. This Looking back over the years it was interesting to Conference was held just prior to the formation of ICBF and had a number of National and International speakers that gave very timely papers on this important subject. The Club also hosted one of two open days that were held for YMA members on calf rearing and show preparation.

Some of the great early members of the Club are regretfully gone to their eternal reward and this loss, plus a reducing number of young people entering farming will pose a threat to all clubs - we are no exception. That fantastic work done by clubs will be difficult to maintain, but we should not reduce our effort.

IHFA is embarking on a journey into the future that will be different in many ways from where we’ve been. There will be a vital role for the clubs, but this role has yet to be fully defined. I have no doubt that the spirit that brought the West Midland Friesian Breeders Club from it’s humble beginning all those years ago to be a proud member of the family of Holstein Friesian Clubs today, will shine through.

Mention must be made of the Bunacloy Invitational Sale, held annually for a number of years on Mike Magan’s farm. Apart from the central location of the farm, the quality of stock on offer attracted breeders from every county in Ireland, from the UK and Canada. Today we have outstanding, mature animals in many farms

Mike and Michael Jnr Magan, proud breeders of Bunacloy SB Ginger at the European Championships at Brussels.

watch the change from mainly British Friesian in the mid-eighties to mostly Holstein by the late nineties.

The role of the Master Judge was very important while these changes were taking place. The decision of the master judge is waited for with anticipation and their decisions are often followed with heated discussion. Each evening sees a variation of winners. This is very encouraging to members. There is always great excitement and enthusiasm amongst the younger members at result time. Their spirit is encouraging for the future of the club.

Usually six animals are selected from each group i.e.

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West Midlands born and has grown steadily ever since.

The first club calf show was held in 1992 on Tom Kilduff’s farm. A true sense of camaraderie comes alive in club members and a great time is always had by all, whether they are showing calves, leading calves or involved in stand maintenance or maybe just spectating.

Club member John Kelly won the National Junior Handler class two years running in 1993/1994 and went on to represent Ireland in Stonleigh where he did the club proud again gaining 3rd place.

John and Graeme Taylor of Cloonboyer, Co Leitrim, hosts of the IHFA Open Day 2014 with President Tom Murphy and Chairman Ricahard Whelan

cows in milk, dry cows and sometimes maiden heifers are chosen for placing by the master judge. Stockjudging is for both senior and junior members. In latter years, changes have been tried in the format of the judging. Members select what they consider to be the top six animals in the herd being visited. The master judge having selected his six animals beforehand. We feel club members get a better view of the entire herd this way. However this is an ongoing experiment. Field evenings have been found to be very educational and interesting for members over the years. The knowledge gained by members has been very worthwhile. This has been shown by the success of the club members at national level. Club teams have won the National Club Championship in ‘89 and ‘94.

Field evenings are usually well attended. They provide an opportunity to socialise over a cup of tea and refreshments at the end of the evening with the host family. Much preparation takes place to have a successful evening. The club would like to thank all host families who invite us along to their farms.

The West Midlands YMA has also been involved in various “Field to Photo’ compettions down through the years and had success when our team was placed 3rd in the competition held in Mountbellew Agricultural College in 1997. The Gunn sisters also brought success to the club in 1997 when they won second and third places in the YMA Animal Welfare Project competition. Deirdre Gunn was nominated by the club to represent IHFA and to compete for the President’s Medal Award in Scotsbridge House, December 1997. Deirdre is presently the Club’s YMA Co-ordinator. Patti Gunn did the Club proud when she was placed 4th in the National Stockjudging Competition in 1999.

All in all the West Midlands YMA has grown from strength to strength in the past ten years. Hopefully the next ten years will bring as much success and more importantly as many, if not more friendships.

Different companies in the agri-business sector have given sponsorship over the years very generously. This has been greatly appreciated by our club members.

YMA

The interest of young people in club events and Friesian breeding had to be recognised. As a result, at the club AGM on 8th April 1992, it was decided to do something to encourage and nurture this interest. Consequently, John Stone and Pat McCullen were given the task of organising the Junior Section. West Midlands YMA was

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West Midlands YMA at the Calf Show in 2000, were Michael Gunn, Aidan Geraghty, Colm Reilly, Eamon Sweeney, Patti Gunn, Jean Kelly, Deirdre Gunn, Eimear Kelly, Dee Kelly, Sean Kelly, Thomas Stone, John Kelly

Irish Pure Friesian

Date Formed: November 13th, 2003 Founding Committee: Martin Crowe, Dermot Cahill, Francis Fitzgerald, Michael Dempsey Present Committee: Martin Crowe, Francis Fitzgerald, Bill O’Keeffe, Conor O’Leary, Michael Dempsey

Dermot Cahill, Honorary President, Martin Crowe, Chairman, Francis Fitzgerald Secretary, and Michael Dempsey at the inaugural meeting of the Irish Pure Friesian Club

The history of the Friesian breed in Ireland is inextricably influenced by the establishment and development of the breed in the UK and Holland. The breed originated in Friesland in Holland. The Dutch concentrated on breeding and developing their native Black & White breed for its extra milk potential. They found open markets in Britain and the Americas for the breed due to its inherent ability to produce milk. By the turn of 1900 over 8,000 animals were imported into America which was the foundation of the American Holstein.

Because of the popularity of their stock for export the Dutch established the first herdbook in 1875 to record ancestry and promote the potential of their Black &White breed. The Friesian society was established in Britain in

1909 (BFCS) to develop and promote this breed and bring about improvement. The British formed a Herd Book in 1911 and in some of the earliest editions of the British Friesian Society’s herdbook you will find a number of Irish members.

During the 1920’s bulls were imported from the

The O’Connor Family, Ballykennedy Herd, host the Friesian Open Day in 2013, Martin Crowe, Club Chairman & Charles Gallagher, CE make presentations to John & Mike O’Connor

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Irish Pure Friesian UK and amongst them was the well known Hedges Kether imported by Mr. Jones Henry in Sligo. Northern Ireland breeders were also importing Friesian animals from Scotland and the North of England and were forming the nucleus of notable herds which were to supply the foundation stock for many of the better known herds in the Republic of Ireland with the major expansion of the breed in the sixties and seventies.

Linear scoring demonstration at “Firoda” Herd Open Day

One of the earliest registered herds was established by Karl Jones Henry in Sligo, “Ardtarmon” in 1918 under the BFCS. The dominant breed at the time was the Shorthorn and it remained so well into the middle of the 20th century.

The dominance of the Shorthorn breed was due to its dual purpose role of both milk and beef production.

However its popularity diminished with the increase use of beef genetics in the breed.

Conor (pic. right) & Rene O’Leary, Cunnaghill, host of Pure Freisian Open Day 2007

In 1965 the IFBA was established, affiliated to the BFCS, to promote the Friesian breed in Ireland. Friesians were 28% of the total cow population in this year. The average milk yield per cow supplied to the creameries was 454 gallons (Fr & Shorthorn-CS data). This increased to 722 gallons per cow in officially recorded cow schemes of that year.

The introduction of Artificial Insemination facilitated increased use of Friesian genetics. The overall satisfac-

A line up of VG & EX cows at the Firoda Herd Open Day, hosted by Peadar & Maureen Healy in 2009

Irish Pure Friesian Open Day was hosted by Pat Flynn, Coolmohan in 2008

114

Martin Crowe Chairman makes a presentation to Michael Dempsey, host Friesian Open Day 2004

Irish Pure Friesian

Friesian Club exhibiting at Emerald Expo

Pictured, John Kiersey. The Kiersey Family of Ballyhussa hosted the Pure Freisian Open Day in 2005

Timothy Twomey, Banteer hosted the Pure Friesian Open Day in 2006, Oisin Daffodil VG, in her 12th lact demonstrating the longevity of Friesians in Twomey’s herd.

tion with the breed brought increased popularity with the result that usage in AI increased from a base of 6.4% in 1950 to 36.6 % in 1970 .

Friesian Club Open Day was hosted byThere Peadar & Maureen were 18,000 registered Pure Friesians in 1970.

Healy in 2009, John Kirby gives By the mid- 1970s, Freisian popularity outstripped the a linear scoring demonstration

Shorthorn and the Friesian type cow numerically surpassed Shorthorn type cows, a landmark achievement.

Following the introduction of Holstein breeding, so

Pat Cleary, Collin Pillock, Gain Feeds (sponsor), Martin Ryan, Glanbia (sponsor), & Martin Cleary at Carrickshock, Pure Freisian Open Day 2012.

Crowds at Carrickshock Pure Freisian Open Day 2012

115

Irish Pure Friesian

The Dudley Family, hosts of Pure Friesian Club Open Day 2011

Martin Crowe, Club Chairman with Francis Fitzgerald, host of 2010 Friesian Open Day and Bill O’Keeffe, Club PRO

rapid was its popularity that by the early 1990’s, Holstein dominated Black and White cattle breeding.

The decline in use of Pure Friesian sires declined until the early 2000s when a new Index, EBI came into being.

This Index gave a greater recognition to Fertility with the result that the Pure Friesian has regained some of its early popularity. See graphs below.

Pure Friesian Registration

Martin & Paddy Crowe, hosts of the 2014 Friesian Open Day receive a presentation from Charles Gallagher, CE IHFA

Registration of Friesian having 87.5% Fraction

Charles Gallagher, CE preseting a Pure Friesian jacket to Pat Cleary host of the 2012 Pure Freisian Open Day

116

The numbers increased significantly where there is 12.5% Holstein Breed Fraction

117

IHFA Past Presidents 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

118

Rev Padraig Collins Rev Padraig Collins Rev Padraig Collins Capt. J.R. McCarthy Capt. J.R. McCarthy Capt. J.R. McCarthy J. F. McCulloch J. F. McCulloch J. F. McCulloch J. F. McCulloch Rev D O’Mahoney Rev D O’Mahoney Rev D O’Mahoney Rev D O’Mahoney Rev D O’Mahoney Rev D O’Mahoney Rev D O’Mahoney JJ. Kelly JJ. Kelly JJ. Kelly JJ. Kelly Michael Hayes Michael Hayes Hugh Magee Hugh Magee JJ. Kelly Michael Buckley John Kearney Noel Hayes Robert Groves Jill McCulloch Tom Kelly Theresa Gilligan Jimmy Hannon Peter McCulloch Peter Tighe John Cantwell Bill Flynn Joan Lambert George Kingston David Boyd John Barrett Dessie Dunleavy Mervyn Eager Liam Curran Mervyn Jones Tony Jackson Kathleen Kelly John O’Flynn Tom Murphy Peter Ging

SDB, Warrenstown Agr College SDB, Warrenstown Agr College SDB, Warrenstown Agr College Bracklyn Bracklyn Bracklyn Clonswords Clonswords Clonswords Clonswords SDB, Pallaskenry Agr College SDB, Pallaskenry Agr College SDB, Pallaskenry Agr College SDB, Pallaskenry Agr College SDB, Pallaskenry Agr College SDB, Pallaskenry Agr College SDB, Pallaskenry Agr College Moneymore Moneymore Moneymore Moneymore Orchardstown Orchardstown Carnmeen Carnmeen Moneymore Ballinahina Mountalto Kellsingram Ballyackey Clonswords Monamore Cartronbree Lisnalty Clonswords Westmount Boulabane Reary Edenfarm Cradenhill Glaslough Laurelmore Herdsman Moneymore Evergrange Bayvilla Hallow Keadeen Coolrue Ryefarm Swiftsheath Ballyclider

IHFA National Herds Competition

Large Medium Small 1995

John Barrett, Laurelmore

C &V Jackson, Crossnacole

Gerard Burke, Galwaybay

1996

Tom Kelly, Monamore

P & P Flanagan,Tubbertoby

Gerard Burke, Galwaybay

1997

Tom Kelly, Monamore

Peter Ging, Ballyclider

Gerard Burke, Galwaybay

1998

John Barrett, Laurelmore

Alan Deacon, Meadowstream

David & Kenneth Boyd, Glaslough

1999

Paddy Reilly, Castledermot

Alan Deacon, Meadowstream

Mervyn Eager, Evergrange

2000

John Barrett, Laurelmore

Peter Ging, Ballyclider

Gerard Burke, Galwaybay

OVER 70 COWS UNDER 70 COWS

SPRING

2001

John Barrett, Laurelmore

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Donal Ring, Richardstown

2002

John Barrett, Laurelmore

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Donal Ring, Richardstown

2003

Peter Ging, Ballyclider

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Donal Ring, Richardstown

2004

John Barrett, Laurelmore

Billy Connor, Ballyroon

Donal Ring, Richardstown

2005

John Barrett, Laurelmore

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Donal Ring, Richardstown

2006

Victor Jackson, Crossnacole

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Donal Ring, Richardstown

2007

John Barrett, Laurelmore

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Donal Ring, Richardstown

2008

Kevin Flynn, Reary

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Eamonn McLoughney, Ballythomas

2009

Paul Hannan, Lisnalty

David & Kenneth Boyd, Glaslough

William Horgan, Aghaleemore

2010

Paul Hannan, Lisnalty

DamianWynne, Rowantree

Eamonn McLoughney, Ballythomas

2011

Paul Hannan, Lisnalty

DamianWynne, Rowantree

Eamonn McLoughney, Ballythomas

2012

John & Rickey Barrett, Laurelelm

DamianWynne, Rowantree

Eamonn McLoughney, Ballythomas

2013

Brochan Cocoman, Kilwarden

Noel Hennessy, Bishopstown

Thomas Byrne, Lask

2014

Rickey Barrett, Laurelelm

RichardWhelan, Lumville

Eamonn McLoughney, Ballythomas

119

IHFA Open Day Hosts Year

HOST

HERD PREFIX

1991

Charles Jackson & Sons

Crossnacole

1992

Tom Kelly

Monamore

1993

John & Henry Skehan

Rossbridge

1994

John Barrett

Laurelmore

1995

Peter Ging

Ballyclider

1996

Cyril Dowling

Baldonnel

1997

David & Kenneth Boyd

Glaslough

1998

John O’Sullivan

Lisduff

1999

Roy & Helen Cromie

Dalevalley

2000

Bill & Kevin Flynn

Reary

2002

John & Eddie O’Flynn

Ryefarm

2003

Richard Whelan

Lumville

2004

Mervyn Jones

Hallow

2005

Pat & Breda Frawley

Croagh

2006

George & Peter Kingston

Cradenhill

2007

Michael McDonnell

Cannontown

2008

Clongowes Wood College (Pat Fanning)

Clongowes

2009

Tom Kelly

Monamore

2010

Thomas & Michael Buckley

Ballinahina

2011

The Hurley Family

Clonpaddin

2012

Tom & Maura Murphy

Swiftsheath

2013

Richard & Mervyn Helen

Kilgarriffe

2014

John & Graeme Taylor

Cloonboygher

NOTE: 2001 (Open Day not held due to Foot & Mouth Disease)

120

Pure Friesian Open Day Hosts Year

HOST

HERD PREFIX

2004

Michael & Oliver Dempsey

Barrowvale

2005

Kiersey Family

Ballyhussa

2006

Timothy Twomey

Banteer

2007

Conor & Rena O’Leary

Curraghill

2008

Pat Flynn

Kilworth

2009

Peadar & Maureen Healy

Firoda

2010

Fitzgerald Family

Gortfadda

2011

Trevor & Louise Dudley

Kilsunny

2012

Pat & Martin Cleary

Carrickshock

2013

O’Connor Family

Ballykennedy

2014

Paddy & Martin Crowe

Dunum

121

YMA National Calf Show Finals - Champion Calf

122

Year

Venue

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Tattersalls Nenagh Nenagh Portlaoise Portaloise Portlaoise Portlaoise Portlaoise Portlaoise Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Kilkenny Tullamore Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny

Champion Calf

Exhibitor

Judge

Moneymore Enhancer Janina J.J. & E. Kelly Ian Montgomery Laurelsbay Tempo Johanna John Barrett Harold Sweetnam Creva Mary 45 T.J. Kelly Victor Jackson Tubbertoby Blackstar Roxanne P & P Flanagan David Boyd Westmount Astre Nimble Tighe Brothers Mike Magan Westmount Astre Nimble Tighe Brothers Tom Kelly Dalevalley Astro Lulu 9 Roy & Heather Cromie Henry Skehan Croagh Betsy Ann P & D Frawley Paul Flanagan Ballyboy M. Storm Carmen Jim & Una Sinnott Paul Hannan Ballyboy M. Storm Carmen Jim & Una Sinnott Mervyn Eager Hallow Storm Dawn Jones Family Philip Errill Hallow Rubens Floride Jones Family Eddie Barrett Hallow Champion Daisy M & P Jones Ashley Fleming Copsewood Morty Lette Kevin Behan Dessie Dunleavy Bordermist Gibson Rhoda Bordermist Syndicate Ricky Barrett Hallow Lheros Indianink Mervyn & Philip Jones Elwin Thomas Ardnasalem Kite Lulu 2 M. & P. Jones & R. Cromie Mike Haliwell Hallow Sept Storm Indianink Jones Family Juame Serrabassa Ballincurra Jasper Royalty Dermot McCarthy Iwan Morgan Cahirmee Shot Presence Pat Smith James Tomlinson Beechrow Atwood Twain Michael Booth David Gray Hallow Boss Twain M. & P. Jones Steven Miller Chapelhill Million Larissa Donal Bourke Ben Yates

YMA National Calf Show Finals - Champion Handler Year

Venue

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Tattersalls Nenagh Nenagh Portlaoise Portaloise Portlaoise Portlaoise Portlaoise Portlaoise n/a Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Kilkenny Tullamore Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny

Champion Handler

Judge

No Championship Robert Mulligan Dermot Sherry, Breffni/Oriel Norman Walker John Moroney, Limerick/Clare Lyndon Bustard Rickey Barrett, Cork Peter Prior Rickey Barrett, Cork Sue Cope Declan Barrett, Cork Andrew Hindmarsh Philip Jones, Slaney Richard Bown Maria Kelly, Tipperary/Waterford Andy Cope Denis Barrett, Cork Christina Hastings Maria Faulkner, Donegal Claire Swale Garry Jones, Slaney Ian Montgomery Garry Jones, Slaney Ashley Fleming Garry Jones, Slaney James Tomlinson Richard Jones, Slaney David Gray Tadhg Bourke, Limerick/Clare Paul Miller Emma Behan, Kildare Jane Steel Liz Tomlinson, Kildare Stephen Millar Dermot McCarthy, Limerick/Clare Lucy Middleton Louise Sinnott, Slaney Colin Laird Emma Behan, Kildare James Tomlinson Paul Murphy, Cork Brian Weatherup Caitriona Neville, Limerick/Clare Erica Rijnveld Thomas Neville, Limerick/Clare Claire Swale

NOTE: 2001 (Show not held due to Foot & Mouth Disease)

123

Archive of Baileys Champion Cow Competition Devised in 1982 by John O’ Reilly (Chairman) and Ned Duffy (Secretary) Virginia Show, sponsored by Brendan Smyth, Virginia Milk Products with Peter O’ Connor, Baileys

Year Champion 1983 Barbican Royal Rosebud 1984 Moneymore Torch 59 1985 Monamore Joan 1986 Printshop Eclipse 8 1987 Brague Sunshine 6 1988 Brague Just Georgina 1989 Ewefields Jane 16 1990 Dalevalley Grace 13 1991 Ullswater Sunray 109 1992 Lachstone Pennyrealm 1993 Laurelmore Cattina 1994 Cherrylane TT Dream 1995 Moralto Inspiration Fame 1996 Glenridge Delegate Crystal 1997 Rossbridge Lancer Electra 1998 Wikkerink Astre Sylvia 1999 Wikkerink Astre Sylvia 2000 Dalevalley Royalty 2 2002 Monashee Leo Lady 2003 Grousehall Form Rhoda 2004 Ballyboy Juror Carmen 2005 Baldonnel B Charles Rosebud 2006 Baldonnel B Charles Rosebud 2007 Smearlaview A Storm Vixen 2008 Lumville Danoise 2 2009 Smearlaview Forbidden Vixen 2010 Smearlaview A Storm Vixen 2011 Dalevalley OTI J Lulu 2012 Ridgefield Dundee Portea 2013 Sahara Goldwyn Ambrosia 4 2014 Dalevalley OTI J Lulu NOTE: 2001 (Show not held due to Foot & Mouth Disease)

124

Exhibitor Crawford Brothers JJ & E. Kelly Cyril Dowling Martin Cahill Robert Mulligan Robert Mulligan Seamus Martin Victor Jackson Jimmy Hannan Sean Taaffe John Barrett George Tanner Peter Kingston Victor Jackson John Skehan Cyril Dowling Cyril Dowling Roy Cromie Cyril Dowling R & G O’ Reilly J & U Sinnott Cyril Dowling Cyril Dowling J. & T. Kirby Richard Whelan & Earle Kelly J. & T. Kirby J. & T. Kirby E. & S. Murphy P. & D. Frawley Neal Pepper E. & S. Murphy

Tullamore National Livestock Show Year Champion 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Fradon Astre Vixan Rossbridge Lancer Electra Grazzano Ontario Altura Wikkerink Astre Sylvia Dalevalley Royalty 2 Creva Formation Judy Grousehall Farm Rhoda Ballyboy Juror Carmen Desmond Leduc Cairnbrae Peamount Duc Dainty Croagh Maureen 7 Croagh Fran 26 Lissaniskey Lheros Unity 1 Lisnacunna Lheros Passion Ridgefield Dundee Portea Baldonnel Goldie Larissa

Exhibitor

Judge

T & J Kirby Philip Davies John & Henry Skehan Ashley Fleming M & S Quinn Eric Hansen Cyril Dowling Edward Morgan Roy Cromie Ian Montgomery T.J. & N. Kelly Bev Baker R & G O’ Reilly John Lawson Jim & Una Sinnott Harry Evans Martin O’ Sullivan Ken Proctor Martin O’ Sullivan Tom Philips P. & D. Frawley Ken Proctor M. & P. Jones Mark Knutsford J. & D. Murphy Brian Millar Patrick Coffey Guido Simon P. & D. Frawley John Cousar C & J Dowling & Tadhg Bourke Paul Miller

NOTE: 2001 (Show not held due to Foot & Mouth Disease), 2007 & 2008 (Cancelled)

125

Royal Dublin Society’s Spring Show

Perpetual Challenge Trophy Presented by The British Friesian Cattle Society for the Best Female in the British Friesian Cattle Classes 1956 Galtee Cattle Breeding Station & Farm 1957 J McCulloch & Sons Clonswords 1958 Capt J.R. McCarthy Bracklyn 1959 T.C. Jones Henry Ardtarmon 1960 S. Wilson & Co. Ravenhill 1961 Capt. J.R. McCarthy Bracklyn 1962 Capt. J.R. McCarthy Bracklyn 1963 S. Wilson & Co. Ravenhill 1964 Capt. J.R. McCarthy, M.C. Bracklyn 1965 Hugh Magee Carnmeen 1966 Hugh Magee Carnmeen 1967 Jack Deasy Barryshall 1968 Jack Deasy Barryshall 1969 Jerry Crowley Uacter 1970 J.A. Wood Gawsworth 1971 J.A. Wood Gawsworth 1972 Reps of John A Wood Gawsworth

Now awarded for the best animal 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1999

126

Richard Wood Michael Meade Patrick Ring Richard Wood John J. O’Sullivan George Kingston George Kingston George Kingston Robert Mulligan Peter McCulloch J.J. & E. Kelly John J. O’Sullivan Cyril Dowling Victor Jackson Robert Mulligan Robert Mulligan Seamus Martin James Hannan James Hannan James Hannan T. & K. Kelly M. J. & S. Quinn John Barrett & Sons

Gawsworth Senaghcastle Coolowen Gawsworth Lisduff Cradenhill Cradenhill Cradenhill Brague Clonswords Moneymore Lisduff Baldonnel Crossnacole Brague Brague Drombanna Lisnalty Lisnalty Lisnalty Knockanroe Hillmar Laurelmore

National Dairy Show Year

Champion

Exhibitor

HERD PREFIX

1982

Moneymore Bluebell 22 EX92

JJ Kelly

Moneymore

1983

Glenloe Eowyn VG86

Trevor Wardell

Glenloe

1984

Glenloe Eowyn VG86

Trevor Wardell

Glenloe

1985

Moneymore Alma 21 EX91

JJ Kelly

Moneymore

1986

Rossbridge Spirit Flora VG86

Skehan Family

Rossbridge

1987

Somerford Falcon Lassie EX93

Kingston Family

Cradenhill

1988

Hillmar Enhancer Penelope EX90

Quinn Family

Hillmar

1989

Ballynanny Breeze 84 EX94

Hannan Family

Lisnalty

1990

Ewefields Dimple 92 EX93

Jim O’Neill

Clonvalley

Hannan Family

Lisnalty

1991 Ullswater Sunray 107 EX93 1992

Lachstone Pennyrealm EX94

James Taaffe & Sons

Knockatubber

1993

Stevinholme Astra Missy EX94

M & T Buckley

Ballinahina

1994

Laurelmore Fascine EX94

J Barrett & Sons

Laurelmore

1995

Moralta Inspiration Fame EX97

Kingston Family

Cradenhill

1996

Moralta Inspiration Fame EX97

Kingston Family

Cradenhill

1997

Moralta Inspiration Fame EX97

Kingston Family

Cradenhill

1998

Wikkerink Astre Sylvia EX95

Cyril Dowling

Baldonnel

1999

Dalevalley Stevenson 51 EX94

Roy Cromie

Dalevalley

2000

Dalevalley Royalty 2 EX93

Roy Cromie

Dalevalley

2002

Eastside S Twain EX96

Burke Family

Galway Bay

2003

Quintana Melisa Grand EX96

Kingston Family

Cradenhill

2004

Eastside S Twain EX96

Burke Family

Galway Bay

2005

Desmond Leduc Cairnbrae EX94

M. O’Sullivan

Desmond

2006

Desmond Leduc Cairnbrae EX94

M. O’Sullivan

Desmond

2007

Smearlaview A Storm Vixan EX94

T & J Kirby

Smearlaview

2008

Croagh Fran 26 EX94

Jones Family

Hallow

2009

Laurelmore Ruben Sassy EX94

R & J Barrett

Laurelmore

2010

Laurelmore Ruben Sassy EX94

R & J Barrett

Laurelmore

2011

Ardnasalem Drake Walburga EX92

Murphy Family

Goldenfield

2012

Ridgefield Dundee Portea EX93

P & D Frawley

Croagh

2013

Ridgefield Dundee Portea EX95

P & D Frawley

Croagh

2014

Glaslough Miss Petra EX93

D & K Boyd

Glaslough

NOTE: 2001 (Show not held due to Foot & Mouth Disease)

127

Hall Of Fame

Champion of Champions

Awarded by Athlone Show Society

YEAR IHFA MEMBER 2004 2005 2206 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

128

Joe Clarke George Kingston Cyril Dowling Roy Comie John Barrett Joan Lambert John Hurley Br. Gerard Cahill Michael Buckley John Codd Paddy Crowe

Awarded by the Royal Dublin Society

YEAR IHFA MEMBER 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

CHAMPION COW

Martin O’ Sullivan Peamount Duc Dainty Tim & John Kirby Smearlaview A Storm Vixan Richard Whelan Lumville Danoise 2 John & Ricky Barrett Laurelmore Rubens Sassy Mervyn & Philip Jones Croagh Fran 26 E. & S. Murphy Dalevalley OTI J Lulu P. & D. Frawley Ridgefield Dundee Portea P. & D. Frawley Ridgefield Dundee Portea D. & K. Boyd Glaslough Miss Petra