Young Handlers – Four Breed Calf Show, Ballymena 2024
Date: 30th November 2024
Judge: Molly Bradley
It was another record-breaking entry for the 4th annual Four Breed Calf Show held at Ballymena Livestock Market. This annual show is made up between the NI Simmental Cattle Breeders Club, The NI Blonde Cattle Club, The NI Salers Cattle Club and the NI British Blue Cattle Club.
Each breed had their own respective breed calf classes, with an interbreed young handlers event taking place as the grand finale. The show was judged by Molly Bradley, Killylea, Co Armagh, who is no stranger to the show ring, she won the senior All Ireland young handler competition in 2023 at Cappamore Show.
Coming 2nd in the junior section age between 8 – 12 years old was Owen Farrell with his blonde calf. Owen is a young stock man with incredible showing ability and a previous winner in 2023 of the Countryside Services shield.
Caitlin McGartland was hot on the heels of the winner of the 13 – 16-year-old category, coming 2nd with her blonde calf. Caitlin has a keen interest in cattle and enjoys attending the shows. She farms at home alongside her father Brian, under the Dumnafern prefix breeding pedigree Blondes based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
Young Handler Results
Junior 8 -12 years old
- Lewis Dodd
- Owen Farrell
- Danny Clarke
Intermediate 13 – 16 years old
- Jamie Dodd
- Caitlin McGartland
- Oliver Taggert
Senior 17-19 years old
- Russell Kelly
- Bethany Small
- Joesph McGinn