Peter Donger travelled from Northamptonshire to place the Salers cattle at the recent Balmoral Show, selecting as his Supreme Champion an outstanding young bull from the Drumlegagh herd of John Elliott and family, Newtownstewart.
Drumlegagh Felix was hailed an exceptional example of the breed by the judge, and went on to be placed second reserve in the Junior Interbreed Championships when competing against twelve other breeds.
Felix is sired by Blason, a former Balmoral Champion for the Elliott’s. This stock bull is continuing to breed well having already produced one Balmoral Champion in 2011, and progeny remaining in strong demand.
The Elliott family also secured the Junior Championship and Best Exhibitor entry with their Overall winner.
The Reserve Championship was awarded to a very stylish two year old heifer from Patrick Maginn, Downpatrick. “Lisnamaul Eimear” is out of the home bred cow Lisnamaul Barbie, and sired by Aston.
This winning duo then teamed up for the hotly contended Interbreed Beef Pairs Competition which was judged by Colin Hutchings. There was great delight when the pair were tapped out as Reserve Champions, the highest result for the breed to date at Balmoral.
County Armagh breeder George McCall chalked up the Reserve Junior Championship with his home bred heifer “Carrick View Heloise”. There is full French breeding behind this prize winner who was born in February 2012.
The Salers section was generously sponsored by Aircore Ltd, represented on the day by Andrew Thornton.
Class Results:
Cow in calf, or with calf at foot
1st – J & EA Elliott, Unity
2nd – G McCall, Fiere
3rd – J & EA Elliott, Drumlegagh Carina
4th – Seamus Connell, Carrickbawn June
5th – G McCall, Babette
Heifer, born on or before 31st December 2011
1st – P Maginn, Lisnamaul Eimear
2nd – J & EA Elliott, Drumlegagh Elise
3rd – Seamus Connell, Ballykeel Honey
Heifer, Born on or after 1st January 2012
1st – G McCall, Carrick View Heloise
2nd – Seamus Connell, Ballykeel Indigo
3rd – Seamus Connell, Hongarie
4th – J & EA Elliott, Drumlegagh Fern
5th – P Maginn, Lisnamaul Foxy
6th – G McCall, Carrick View Halona
7th – J & EA Elliott, Drumlegagh Fay
8th – P Maginn, Lisnamaul Floss
Bull, up to 2 years old on day of show
1st – J & EA Elliott, Drumlegagh Felix
2nd – J & EA Elliott, Drumlegagh Ferdinand
Bull, over 2 years old on day of show
1st – P Maginn, Lisnamaul Buster
2nd – J & EA Elliott, Cesar
3rd – D McClements & Sons, Seawell Guardian
