YMA Club Notes Winter 2016

YMA Notes

The latest news, results and photos from the YMA Clubs.

Breffni / Oriel

Monaghan Rose Pamela Allen

Demonstrations This year our Easter workshop was held at the farm of Christian and Sinead Keenan, Threemilehouse, Co. Monaghan. Our young members were put through their paces on topics such as clipping, handling and stock judging. We would like to thank Brendan Greenan and David Boyd who provided their expertise on the day. Also we would like to thank the Keenan family as the demonstration would not be possible without a venue and to Sinead for the lovely food provided.

We held our second demo of the year in June at the farm of David and Kenny Boyd. This demo consisted of our clipping competition and a focus on or handling as show season grew ever closer. Brendan Greenan selected Colin Todd and Rachel Corley as the winners and they went on to represent the club at the National competition. We would again like to thank Brendan for all his help and to the Boyd brothers for the use of their farm, and to Mary Rafferty who provided refreshments on the day.

Calf Show This year our calf show was held at Virgina show centre Co. Cavan. We had a very large number of entries and an excellent attendance on the day. We would like to thank our sponsors; Virginia Show, Smith& Foley Veterinary, Intercool Engineers and Auctus Champion Milk Replacer. A big thanks also to Pat Gaynor and the Gaynor family who put in a huge amount of work in preparing for the show. Finally a massive thank you tour judge on the day, Gary Jones who did a brilliant job with both our handler and calf classes.

Handler results were as follows: Little Leaders: 1. Keith Bennet 2. Pauric Prunty 3. Jessica Coulter Junior Handlers: 1. Hollie Keenan 2. Hannah Williamson 3. Sinead Prunty

Intermediate Handlers: 1. Rachel Corley 2. Rebekah Williamson 3.Tara Sherlock Senior Handlers: 1. Andrea Rafferty 2. Colin Todd 3.Jamie Keenan Mature Handlers: 1. Edwin Gaynor 2. Eimear Gaynor Calf classes were as follows: March 2016: 1st Brackvale Armani Perfect- Paddy Rafferty 2nd Portvale Attitude Izzy- Clayton Coulter 3rd Coretard Gold Romeo- Christian Keenan Junior Calf: 1st Greenlea Pesky Alice- Padraic Greenan 2nd Portvale Soloman Ballerina- Clayton Coulter 3rd Dalevalley Doorman Embrace- Roy Cromie Intermediate Calf: 1st Dalevalley Doorman Embrace- Roy Cromie 2nd Mullaghlands Enforcer Fawn- Mullaghland Holsteins 3rd Mullaghlands Lapp P Bramur- Mullaghland Holsteins Senior Calf: 1st Dalevalley Doorman Tracey- Roy Cromie 2nd Cornboro Goldie Alice- Brian Corley 3rd Greenlake Shire Aroma- David& Kenny Boyd Mature Calf: 1st Greenlea Stonewall Oceane- Padraic Greenan 2nd Dalevalley Goldwyn Cosmopolitan- Roy Cromie 3rd Greenlea Dizzie Katie Red- Padraic Greenan Colour breed born 2016: 1st Threemile Prodigy Lulu- Christian Keenan 2nd Ninecounty Candy- Dermot Sherry 3rd Threemile Rusty Burdette- Christian Keenan Colour breed born 2015: 1st Threemile Pretty Rock- Christian Keenan 2nd Mullaghlands Pride Starlight- Mullaghland Holsteins 3rd Mullaghlands Jordan Pearl- Mullaghland Holsteins Champion Handler: Rachel Corley Reserve Champion Handler: Andrea Rafferty Honourable Mention: Colin Todd Champion Calf: Dalevalley Doorman Tracey- Roy Cromie Reserve Champion Calf: Greenlea Stonewall Oceane- Padraic Greenan Honourable Mention: Dalevalley Doorman Embrace- Roy Cromie Well done to all involved!!

National YMA Finals We had a very successful participation of at the National Calf show this year which took place in Kilkenny at the end of July with Rachel Corley and Colin Todd placed third in the clipping competition. After this the handling classes commenced and the results were as follows: Novice Handler: Adrian Allen 3rd; Junior Handler: Hollie Keenan 1st; Intermediate Handler: Rachel Corley 1st; Senior Handler: Andrea Rafferty 4th Colin Todd 5th; Mature Handler: Edwin Gaynor 5th; Reserve champion handler: Rachel Corley

Club Notes

The club enjoyed a very successful National Calf Show, winning the overall handling trophy as well as Champion Colour Breed Calf owned

by Christian Keenan

Colour breeds Junior Calf: 2nd Threemile Prodigy Lulu- Christian Keenan; 3rd Mullaghlands Starbuck Swiss- Mullaghland Holsteins; Colour breeds Intermediate Calf: 1st Mullaghlands Pride Starlight- Mullaghland Holsteins; 3rd Mullaghlands Jordan Pearl- Mullaghlands Holsteins; Colour breeds Senior Calf: 1st Threemile Pretty Rock- Christian Keenan; 2nd Threemile Hollie Napier- Christian Keenan; Colour breed Champion: Threemile Pretty Rock- Christian Keenan; Colour breed Honourable Mention: Mullaghlands Pride StarlightMullaghland Holsteins Intermediate Calf: 3rd Dalevalley Doorman Embrace- Roy Cromie; Senior Calf: 1st Dalevalley Doorman Tracey- Roy Cromie; 2nd Cornboro Goldie Alice- Brian Corley Mature Calf: 2nd Greenlea Stonewall Oceane; Champion Calf: Dalevalley Doorman Tracey- Roy Cromie On top of these fantastic results the club also won the overall handling trophy. Well done to all involved in an excellent show!!

EYBS We would like to say a massive well done to club members Edwin Gaynor and Jamie Keenan who were part of Ireland team who travelled to Belgium. They both competed among the top from across Europe and the Breffni /Oriel club are proud to have been represented.

Rose of Tralee We would like to say a huge well done to club member Pamela Allen who took part in this year’s Rose of Tralee competition. Pamela did fantastically well by winning the Monaghan Rose title and then making it all the way to the live television show for the National Final.

Excellent work Pamela, well done again!!

Northern Ireland Calf Show This year we had some members take part in the Northern Ireland Calf Show. Jamie Keenan was second in his class of the Ayrshire showmanship, with sister Hollie also claiming the same position in her class. Hollie went on then to claim Reserve Champion Handler of the Ayrshire showmanship. In the Holstein classes Rachel Corley won her class and then went on to be named Champion Handler. We would like to congratulate all three members on their fantastic achievements and wish them all the best at the All Britain Calf Show.

Colin Todd Champion and honourable mention calves of Breffni / Oriel show owned by Roy Cromie

Champion Handler of NI Calf Show Rachel Corley

Cork Clipping competition: 2nd Brian and Kevin Smith Ag Analysis: 1st Padraig Hayes, Stephen Shannon and Conor Lehane Novice Handler 15-26: 1st James O’Sullivan 2nd Christy McCarthy Intermediate Handler: 2nd Kevin Smith Senior Handler: 1st Paul Murphy Mature Handler: 3rd Diarmuid Murphy Handler Championship: Champion Handler Paul Murphy Honourable Mention Handler Kevin Smith Summer Yearling Calf: 3rd Laurelmore Doder Dandy- Ricky Barrett Well done to all members who competed and thank you to everyone who travelled up to support us.

Presentation to Down Syndrome Ireland and Marymount Hospice Charities

Workshop This year, Margret Murphy was kind enough to talk to our young members about calf nutrition at the Viaduct Inn, Cork on the 24th March 2016. Margret gave us a great insight into the importance of calf nutrition from their early days as a calf right through as they mature into heifers. Thanks to everyone who came to support.

European Show Cork YMA would like to extend a massive congratulations to club member Paul Murphy who was chosen to compete at the European Show in Colmar, France in June 2016. Paul placed 2nd in the clipping section and 1st in the Showmanship making him the overall European Champion in the Junior section.

Field Evening Cork YMA held our annual Field Evening in Dock Holsteins of the Hayes family. With a great turnout, the evening was enjoyed by everyone. A selection of embryos and straws were auctioned for the charities of Down Syndrome Ireland and Marymount Hospice which raised â‚Ź1500 between the two charities. Thank you to our hosts, master judge Diarmuid Murphy and to everyone who made the evening possible.

HYB Rally This year, three Cork members were chosen to travel to the HYB Rally.

Rachel White, Gerard Kirby and Diarmuid Murphy. Congratulations to Diarmuid on coming joint 3rd in the clipping competition. Well done to everyone on taking part.

EYBS Well done to Cork YMA member Brian Smith who was selected to take part in the European Young Breeders School in Belgium this year which is a fantastic achievement which is often the highlight of YMA to compete internationally. Brian was placed 7th in his handling class and did his club proud while he was abroad.

On behalf of the Cork YMA committee, we would like to thank everybody who was involved in the club this year. We would like to extend ours thanks to the Cork senior club for their ongoing support and enthusiasm to get young members involved in the association; to our sponsors who never fail to ensure our events can take place and to our parents and families who are always there to help and support us in our events. We look forward to another great year.

Claire Kirby

Cork YMA Calf Show Our annual calf show was held on the 11th July 2016 at the West Cork Equine Centre, Kilbrittain. Over 60 calves and over 40 handlers competed for their place at Nationals, making those who qualified a truly worthy bunch! A big thank you to all those involved in organising a hugely successful evening; and a special thank you to our judges Brendan Greenan and Garry Hurley and of course our generous sponsors without which the show could not have gone ahead. This year Gordon Kingston owner of Dellview Cancun Angel took home Champion Calf 2nd year in a row and Champion Handler went to Gerard Kirby. Well done and congratulations to everyone for competing and supporting our show.

Cork YMA at Nationals We would like to thank all the club members and their parents for their help throughout the year. Also congratulations to all our members who competed at nationals this year.

Margaret Murphy receives a token of appreciation at the YMA workshop

Club Notes

Photos from Cork YMA Calf Show and Cork YMA members at National YMA Finals

Cork YMA Field Evening

Kerry 2016 proved to be a hugely successful year for Kerry YMA and probably the most successful in our 25 year history.

Kerry Club Field Evening A great night was had at the Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club field evening on the farm on Richard and Breda Langford, Laune Herd, Killorglin. The quality of cows on display was excellent, it was great to get a chance to see such a uniform herd of cows of such a high calibre. The winners of the YMA aged classes were as follows:U-26 1st(joint)Roisin Shanahan & Edel O’Connell 2nd Noirin Kennelly 3rd Katie Kennelly U-18 1st.Jack Walsh 2nd Chris Heffernan 3rd (Joint) Aisling Harty & Padraig Broderick . U-12 1st Muiris Harty 2nd Micheal Savage 3rd Connal Savage.

IHFA Open Day Windfield The Under 26 and Under 18 travelled to the IHFA National Open day, in Menlough, Co.Galway on the farm of Tommy & Orla Screene, Windfield Holsteins. The quality of cow developed by the Screenes was tremendous and the enture occassion was a huge success for all involved. Although no silver ware was brought back to the Kingdom our teams competed admirably and are a credit to the Club.

Kerry YMA Calf Show The Annual Kerry YMA Calf show was held in Castleisland Mart on the 9th of July. Thankfully the day stayed dry, which was unusual or one of our calf shows! Our judges on the day were Thomas Neville for the Handling classes and Brian Hayes for the Calf classes.

Results were as follows: Novice handlers: 1st Gearoid Hearty 2nd Ciara Cronin Junior Handlers: 1st Muiris Harty 2nd Gearoid Harty Intermediate Handlers: 1st Donnacha Daly 2nd Aisling Harty Senior Handlers:1st Lauren Fitzmaurice 2nd Tj Maunsell Champion Handler: Lauren Fitzmaurice, Reserve Handler: Tj Maunsell,

Lauren Fitzmaurice with Handler judge- Thomas Neville and Maurice Harty, Kerry Club President, after she was crowned champion handler of the Kerry YMA Calf show.

Gearoid Harty (Honerable Mention Calf), Bryan Daly (Reserve Champion Calf), Lauren FItzmaurice (Champion Calf), Brian Hayes (calf show judge)

Club Notes Honourable Mention: Donnacha Daly.

Calf Classes:March Calf: 1st Mullaghlands Ladd Susie Mist Red 2nd Ballylongane Mary 20 Junior Calf: 1st Leagh Armani Pledge 2nd Balylongane Joelle 5. Intermediate Calf: 1st Ballyline Comestar Renee 2nd Maunsell Mist Carlinda. Senior Calf : 1st Leagh McCutchen Primrose 2nd Emerld Iota Merrill. Spring Yearing: Chapelhill 1st Atwood Larissa Champion Calf – Chapelhill Atwood Larissa, Reserve Champion Calf – Leagh Armani Pledge, Honourable Mention – Ballylongane Joelle 5 National Calf Show Kilkenny On the 26/27th of July all roads ledto Killkenny for the National Calf show, this ear was undoubtedly Kerrys most successful year! Day 1 couldn’t have started off much better with Ciara Cronin winning the 2nd Novice Handlers class, this was followed with Muiris Harty finishing 3rd in a very competitive Junior Handlers class. To cap it all off, Lauren Fitzmaurice and TJ Maunsell finished 2nd and 3rd in the Senior Handlers class.

Wednesday the 27th was a day 25 years in the waiting, with Kerry YMA claiming our first ever winner in a calf class when Mullaghlands Ladd P Susie Mist Red, owned by the Maunsell Family, finished in 1st place in the March calf class! Leagh Armani Pledge owned by he Fitzmaurice family came 5th in the Junior calf class. This was closely followed by Leagh McCutchen Primrose coming 3rd in a hotly contested Senior Calf class! The last Kerry calf to enter the ring was Chapelhill Atwood Larissa, and she didn’t disappoint coming 2nd in the Spring Yearling class! To crown it all off the Kerry Stand was then named best stand, which was the cherry on top of a National Calf Show.

Friday 3rd June the club held a YMA workshop at John Curtin’s Rosstemple Herd. Over 30 children from ages 4 to 16 were present.

John‘s 15 “trained” calves were introduced as the children arrived.

It was some sight to see 15 children parading calves around a makeshift ring in the barn. After each child had done some leading, we gathered them together and with Dermot McCarthy leading a calf, Rachel McNamara gave a detailed and thorough walkthrough of the do’s and don’ts of leading and presenting a calf. Following the instructions from Rachel we again had the children parade and present the calves, assisted by instruction from Dermot, Rachel, Emma McNamara and Owen Laffan. We closed off the night with some refreshments and ice-cream. The YMA would like to thank John Curtin for hosting the event and for providing the calves, to Rachel, Emma, Owen for helping during the week in the preparation. Overall a great evenings fun and entertainment was had by all.

YMA Bridgetown Show report On July 10th we held the Limerick and Clare YMA calf and handler show by kind permission at Bridgetown South East Clare show. The day was damp but this did not detract from the superb atmosphere at the show. Andrea Murphy was judge for the day and we are very thankful to Andrea for doing this job. We had 25 handlers present and 50 calf entries. Andrea judged the handler classes first and discussed with each child the reasons for her placing. The results of the handler classes were as follows: Novice Hander 1st Aoife McNamara, 2nd Shane Boyce, 3rd Under 12 Handler: 1st Aoife McNamara 2nd Conor McNamara 3rd Shane Boyce Intermediate Handler: 1st Conor Lynch, 2nd Emma McNamara, 3rd Jack O’Neill Senior Hander: 1st Rachel McNamara Mature Handler: 1st Owen Laffan Champion Handler: Conor Lynch, Reserve Champion Handler: Rachel McNamara

HUK Weekend Rally & EYBS Well done to TJ Maunsell and Jack Walsh who flew the green and gold flag at the HUK Weekend Rally in Gloustershire , UK. A special mention also to Lauren Fitzmaurice who represented the club at the EBYS in Belgium, Lauren did tremendously well by coming 2nd in her class. Congrats Lauren!

Sláinte, Jack Walsh & Bryan Daly

Mullaghlands Ladd P Susie Mist after winning the March Calf class in Kilkenny!

Limerick Clare

Limerick and Clare YMA Calf Championship line up at Bridgetown Show

The Calf classes followed the handlers with the results as follows: March 16 Calf: 1st Paul Hannon’s Lisnalty Lorraine 285 2nd John McNamara’s Ardskeagh Vares Judy January 16 calf: 1st Tom Lynch’s Ballyelan Magnifico Embrace 2nd Paul Hannon’s Lisnalty Snowy Sunray Junior calf: 1st Tom Lynch’s Ballyelan Seven Robin 2nd Joe Boyce’s Kelboy Allround Ruby Intermediate calf: 1st John Curtin’s Rosstemple September Amy 2nd

Paul Hannon’s Lisnalty Breeze 899 Senior Calf: 1st Paul Hannon’s Lisnalty Peggy 867 2nd Joe Boyce’s Kelboy AT Helene 6 Mature Calf: 1st Tom Lynch’s Ballyelan Uno Embrace 2nd John Curtin’s Rosstemple Overtime Laura Champion Calf: Ballyelan Seven Robin, Reserve Champion Calf: Ballyelan Uno Embrace European Championships Congratulations to Thomas Neville on his super performance competing in Colmar, France. Together with Paul Murphy the YMA team were placed first in a tremendous European Show.

1st placed in the 12-18 years section were the Limerick / Clare team, Clare Hannan, Jane Hannan, Louis McCormick with Christy Doherty, FBD, sponsor

Open Day Congratulations to Jane Hannon, Claire Hannon and Louie McCormack for winning the U18 stock-judging at the Open Day in Tommy Screen’s. A special commendation to Louie for winning outright the U18 section receiving the Fr. Collins Perpetual Trophy cup. Well done to all.

YMA National Calf Show report 2016 July 26th was the handling day at the national calf show. Our club representatives did us proud with prominent showing in classes. We were represented by Tommy and Mikey Ryan, Bill Hannon, Shane Boyce in the Novice under 10 class. In the Novice under 14 class we were represented by Jane Hannon(with a superb 2nd placing), Claire Hannan and Kevin Maher. The under 12 class featured Aoife and Conor McNamara, while in the under 16 we had Conor Lynch (placed 3rd) and Emma McNamara in a very competitive class. We closed out the last 2 classes with Rachel McNamara in the Senior Class and Owen Laffan in the mature class.

In the calf classes we started the March class with a fine second for John McNamara with Ardskeagh Vares Judy. We progressed through the other classes with all the calves acquitting themselves well.

EYBS Well done to Emma McNamara representing the Club and YMA at the EYBS in Brussels.

“The Dream Team” Shane McNamara / Mickey Ryan at Limerick Show

Limerick Show We closed out the year with a Handler Demonstration at Limerick Show. Rachel McNamara explained the handling procedures very well assisted by Emma McNamara, Conor McNamara and Tommy Ryan. Following the demonstration we had the open Dairy young stockperson class of the show. 21 children from Limerick and Kerry participated in the class. Features of the class included “the Dream Team”. The class was won by Emma McNamara, with Donacha Daly 2nd and 3rd was Bryan Daly.

National Show Millstreet The showmanship league finals were completed on the Friday night.

Well done to all the club members that qualified for the finals. On the Saturday in the Show handling classes we had a win for Rachel McNamara in the 12-18 class and it was a memorable day for Rachel as she was selected as Champion Handler for the show.

Emma, handler winner at Limerick Show

Summary The YMA would like to thank the parents for transporting the members to the various events. To Mike Laffan, Michael McNamara and John McNamara for organising the schedule of events. Well done to all YMA members that took part, you left us with some fantastic memories, some even captured on photo. It was a fun year both learning and showing, Looking forward to next year. The YMA would like to thank the parents for transporting the members to the various events and providing the refreshments which contribute to the occasions.

Michael Laffan

Slaney McCutchen Twizzle placing 1st in the January ’16 Calf class. In the Mature Calf class Jim Sinnott’s Ballyboy Armani Carmen placed 3rd. In the championship Hallow McCutchen Twizzle was tapped out as Honourable Mention Calf of the show. The majority of Slaney’s calves were placed in the top 10 which led to the Slaney club winning the Breffni Oriel Perpetual Trophy for Best Team of Calves.

Well done to all our exhibitors and handlers who did the club proud.

Slaney team receiving the best team of calves cup.

Club Calf Show This year our club calf show was held on Monday the 21st of June at Clough Parish Hall. The calf show was kindly sponsored by Brett Brothers Limited. Once again there was a great turn out of both Handlers and Exhibitors. We would like to thank our judge on the night Steven McLoughlin who did a tremendous job giving great care and attention to all our exhibitors especially our young handlers.

Champion Calf on the night was Ballyboy Armani Carmen owned by Jim & Una Sinnott and Reserve champion calf was Lask Shadow Bee owned by Thomas Byrne. Champion handler was Laura Sinnott and Reserve champion handler was Louise Sinnott. Well done all participants. Many thanks to those who came to support, especially Valerie and the ladies who provided the tea and refreshments.

EYBS Congratulations to Mark Hurley who was chosen as one of the members to represent team Ireland at the Young Breeders School in Battice. Well done to Mark who finished in the top 10 in his respective Handler class. We hope he enjoyed his experience and will bring everything he learned to YMA next year.

Well done to our National Chairperson Avril Helen and her committee in organising a tremendous calf show from all at Slaney YMA. We look forward to next year’s.

Louise Sinnott, Slaney YMA Co-Ordinator.

National YMA Calf Show Slaney was back in the top ranks this year at the national YMA taking home many prizes over the two days. The first day got off to a winning start with our clipping duo of Laura & Josh Sinnott taking top honours in the Clipping Competition. Not only did they win but they created a piece of history by being the first and maybe the only time a Parent and Child won a competition together. They received the Cork Friesian Breeders club YMA perpetual trophy for the Clipping Competiton. Leading on from the morning success our two u10 Novice handlers, Josh Sinnott and Will Jones placed 1st and 2nd respectively. This is a massive achievement for both young handlers with it being their first time to compete at the National YMA. Mark Hurley was placed 7th in a very high standard Senior handler class. Laura Sinnott rounded off her YMA career by placing 1st in the Mature Handler class.

Day 2 got off to another great start with Jim Sinnott’s Ballyboy Dempsey Carmen placing 3rd in the March ‘16 Calf class. Followed by Philip Jones’ Hallow

Sinead Byrne with her Reserve Champion Calf Josh Sinnott & Will Jones, 1st & 2nd u10 Novice Handler at Slaney Club Calf Show.

Mark Hurley concentrating hard at EYBS

Laura & Josh Sinnott, Clipping Competition Winners.

West Midlands Club Calf Show On the 15th of July, West Midlands held their annual YMA club calf show in Haydens Equestrian Centre, Co. Leitrim. This year the show was a very successful event with a great number of calves and handlers on the night. It is clear that the strength of the YMA is growing from year to year in the club. Clayton Coulter who was this year’s judge, did a fantastic job and really encouraged the young members on the night. The club would like to express their sincere thanks to Clayton for travelling down to the event and we thoroughly hope he enjoyed it! The club would also like to thank our show sponsor Volac who provided all handers with a gift bag on the night. Also to our ring steward YMA Club members at our calf show on the night, Avril Helen, many thanks. Once again a tasty BBQ was provided on the night and the club would like to thank Joe Devine for his help with this. I firmly believe no one went home hungry on the night.

As always, I would like to thank Haydens Equestrian Centre for allowing us to use the facilities and also for their full co-operation on the night. The team there are always a helping hand. The results of the show are as follows: Junior Handlers: 1. Cian Mallon 2. Rachel McGarry 3. Lauren McGarry Senior Handler: 1. Emer Kelly 2. Aaron Bennett 3. Craig Bennett Champion Handler: Cian Mallon Reserve Handler: Emer Kelly Honourable Mention: Aaron Bennett Junior Calf: (owned by) 1. Joe Devine 2. John Shorthall 3. Pj& John Kelly Intermediate Calf: LIttle leaders at our calf show 1. Edwin Bennett 2. Pj & John Kelly 3. Graeme Taylor Senior Calf: 1. John Whitney 2. Graeme Taylor Champion Calf: Kingboy Rosemary- Bennett Family Reserve Calf: Rochfort Domino Dot- Pj & John Kelly The club is looking forward to next years show and I would like on behalf of all YMA members to thank our club members and committee including Graeme Taylor, Oliver Costello, John Shorthall and Shane McHugh for their help in the organising of the show.

In sympathy On a final note, the club would like to extend it’s sincere sympathy on the sad passing of Shauna Banet a few weeks after the club calf show. Shauna had handled a calf in the past two calf shows and was a good friend of club member Edel Whitney. May she rest in peace.

Emer Kelly

Shauna Banet and pictured opposity with Edel Whitney at a recent club calf show.

Galway

Thomas Feeney was 3rd in the Novice Handler B class at the National YMA Finals in July.

Calf Show On a very wet morning on the 19th of June, we held our first outing of the year for Galway YMA members which was our calf show at the Ballybrit Racecourse. The two winning calves and handlers from each class went through to the National YMA finals in Kilkenny. The conditions were terrible and got worse as the day progressed but the show had to go on. I would like to thank Cormacoo, Gurteenacre, Keypoint, Massmore, Mirah, Palmrock, Riverview, Seafield, and Windfield Holsteins for bringing calves out on the day and for such a good group of promising young stock. A huge thanks also to Michael Maunsell for his excellent judging and reasons on the day in such bad conditions. Congratulations go to Michael Freeney on exhibiting the Champion Calf “Mirah Doorman Elizabeth” and the Boal family on the Reserve Champion “Sprucegrove Apples Peggy”.

It was an excellent year for Galway YMA as Tommy, Orla Aoibhínn and Rónán Screene of Windfield Holsteins took on the major event of the IHFA Open Day. As a club, we were very much involved, in the weeks leading up to this. Many thanks to the other YMA club members from different parts of the country who helped out in making this such a memorable day.

National YMA Finals Our next outing was the National YMA Finals. This year was one of our best years as a club with 8 calves travelling to Kilkenny. On the Tuesday evening, we had a strong group of young handlers who competed well in their classes. Thomas Freeney did the club proud coming third in the Novice Class Age 13-16 yrs. On Wednesday morning, the calf classes started well, a 2nd place for Sprucegrove Cuttion Dellia with Andy Gildea on the halter in the January class. It got better in the next class as Mirah Doorman Elizabeth came 1st in the November-December class shown by Kane Boal. Two more top four places resulted in a very good day for our club.

We were approached this year by Mountbellow Agricultural Show to bring back the black and white classes. The day consisted of two young stock classes: Class 1 Born after January 16 Class 2 Born after the 1st September 15 Class 3 Handler under 18 yrs Results: Class 1 Sprucegrove Cuttion Dellia / Mirah Lou Sofia / Ballythomas S1263 Annette Class 2 Sprucegrove Armani A Peggy / Mirah Magnifico Ria Champion Handler: Kane Boal Champion Calf: Sprucegrove Cuttion Dellia Many thanks to Mervyn Kearney for the excellent judging. Hopefully this can develop into an annual event for our club. Thanks also to Mountbellew Show for making these classes available to us.

Megan Boal was Reserve Champion Handler at the National Dairy Show.

National Dairy Show The last outing of the year was the National Dairy Show in Millstreet.

First into the ring on Saturday morning was the Under 18 handling class for Kane and Megan Boal. Kane finished 6th with Megan finishing in 2nd place and went on to be crowned Reserve Champion Handler. In class 5, Megan finished second with her calf Sprucegrove Cuttion Dellia in a very strong class of 25 entries.

In class 6, Sprucegrove Armani A Peggy and Kane finished second from 19 entries and Sprucegrove Apples Peggy was placed 6th with Megan. Mirah Axn Elle finished in 5th place in the class born after January 15 for owner Michael Freeney. In class 14, Confined cow in milk Palmrock Nancy 123 was placed 5th for owner Padraic Carr, his first outing at Millstreet for many years. Good to have him back!!

Many thanks to the Cork club for another successful show with record entries this year.

2016 has been a memorable year for the Galway Yma Club.

Looking forward to 2017.

M.B (Assistant PRO)

Thomas Freeney, Leena Freeney & Kane Boal at Mountbellew show.

Carlow / Kilkenny Workshop On the 9th of April the club held it’s annual yma workshop on the farm of Liam and Sandra Murphy, Evergreen Holsteins. There was a great turnout and it was nice to see young members from neighbouring clubs come along and learn some new skills. Steve McLoughlin shared his expertise on stockjudging, reason giving and showmanship while Gerry Ahern of Barrowvale Veterinary Clinic gave a very beneficial talk on nutrition management and the requirements of calves and show animals. Thanks to Steve and Gerry for sharing their knowledge.

Many thanks also to Liam and Sandra for holding the workshop and providing refreshments on the day.

Open Day Our club members did extremely well in the IHFA Open Day stockjudging with Doireann Mulhall winning the individual award in the 18-26 section. Doireann was also part of the team along with Aoife O’Shea and Liam O’Shea who came 3rd in the 18-26 section.

Well done to them on their achievements.

Local YMA This years YMA took place on July 9th in Cillin Hill. There was a large turnout of handlers and calves. A special thanks to our master judge Paul Murphy who did a fantastic job. I would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to our sponsors Paul and Vincent’s and Barrowvale Veterinary Clinic. The results of the handler and calf classes are as follows: Handlers: Junior:1st Manus Murphy 2nd Amy Roche Intermediate: 1st Pauric Coleman 2nd Cathal Mulhall Senior: 1st Lauren O’Toole. 2nd Doireann Mulhall Mature: 1st Philip Murphy. 2nd Ann O’Toole Champion: Lauren O’Toole. Reserve: Doireann Mulhall.

Calves: March: 1st Grangecon Laurie Overtime 4, Anthony Kealy.

Junior: 1st Swiftsheath Breeze 1573, Tom and Maura Murphy.

2nd Evergreen Susie Mist 17, Liam and Sandra Murphy.

Intermediate: 1st Swiftsheath Fran 1563, Tom and Maura Murphy. 2nd Evergreen Fame 2, Liam and Sandra Murphy.

Senior: 1st Swiftsheath Roxy 1552, Tom and Maura Murphy.

2nd Danville Doorman Fame ET Jim Mulhall.

Summer Yearling: 1st Windfield Irene 24, Pat Murphy.

Mature: 1st Evergreen Susie Mist 11 ET, Liam and Sandra Murphy. 2nd Corstown Atwood Altitude 2 ET, Pat Murphy.

Champion: Swiftsheath Roxy 1552, Tom and Maura Murphy.

Reserve: Evergreen Susie Mist 11 ET, Liam & Sandra Murphy.

National YMA The National YMA Finals were held in Cillin Hill in the last week of July. Well done to all members who competed this year. On the first day Peter Murphy, Pauric Coleman and Cathal Mulhall came 2nd in the Ag-Analysis Competition. Special mention also to our handlers Conor Coleman who came 3rd in the Novice A class, while Amy Roche came 2nd and Manus Murphy was 4th in the Junior class. The success continued on the second day with Tom & Maura Murphy’s calves Swiftsheath Fran 1563 coming 2nd in the Intermediate class and Swiftsheath Breeze 1573 coming 3rd in the Junior class. An enjoy-

Doireann Mulhall, highest inidividual winner in the 18 - 26 stockjudging section, IHFA Open Day

able two days was topped off when the enthusiasm and team spirit of the club was rewarded when it won the Denis Barrett Auctions and Pedigree Sales Perpetual Trophy for Sportsmanship. Thank you to everyone who helped out over the few days and a big thank you to Jordan Agri for sponsoring hoodies for the club.

EYBS Congratulates to Lauren O’Toole who represented Ireland in Battice. Lauren did exceptionally well coming 3rd in her showmanship class, all her hard work paying off. Special mention to Liam Murphy who was team leader this year.

Showmanship League The clubs showmanship league continues to be a great success.

The showmanship league cup is kindly sponsored by the Tynan Family, Ardboy in memory of the late Mr. Larry Tynan. Well done to everyone who took part this year. Thanks to Animal Pharmacy for sponsoring the competition. The results of the league are as follows: 1st Doireann Mulhall 2nd Cathal Mulhall 3rd Lauren O’Toole Padraic Murphy

Eoin Jordan, Jordanagri who kindly sponsored the hoodies for YMA Carlow/Kilkenny