The Salers society had a busy may bank holiday weekend with a number of events kicking of the show season around the country. First stop was the future stars of the ring show in Roscrea mart on the Saturday. This was a multi breed event which gave new exhibitors a chance to ease themselves into the show circuit in a secure environment whilst learning the tricks of the trade with grooming demonstrations provided on the day along with health and nutrition stands for advice.
There were two Salers classes on the day senior male calf born after 01/08/22 to 31/12/22 and senior female calf, the Salers had a nice turn out of good quality calves on the day, Judge on the day was Eddie Brennan from Woodview Salers Co. Kilkenny.
In the senior bull class 1st prize went to Catherine Minogue of Coolagoree Salers Co. Clare with Coolagoree Bruno, a very stylish November born Manclaux calf with 2nd prize going to Ryan Gibbons from Glengowla Salers Co. Galway with Glengowla Bobby, an August born Ulsan calf and finally 3rd place going to John Burke of Manusmore Salers Co. Clare with Manusmore Ben, a September born Knottown Randy sired calf
Next into the ring was the heifers with John Burke taking home 1st prize with Manusmore Blossom, a lovely September born Knottown Randy daughter, just behind him in 2nd place was Declan Bell from Ballyvonnavaun Salers Co. Clare with Ballyvonnavaun blossom a Knottown Raj sired calf followed by John burke once again in 3rd place with Manusmore Beatrice a September born Knottown Randy heifer.
Proceedings came to a finish with the decision for overall champion being made and going to Catherine Minogue for her Manclaux Sired bull calf followed by John burke as reserve champion with his heifer calf. The day was thoroughly enjoyable for all and helped encourage new exhibitors to join the show circuit.
The very next day the jeeps and trailers headed for Newmarket on Fergus show for the Salers breed’s first ever appearance at the show. Exhibitors turned out in force and provided a superb display of the breed in amongst the heavyweights which attracted a lot of interest from spectators ringside.
A highlight of the day was the Salers breed’s presence in the 4&5 star ideal suckler type heifer class sponsored by DAFM which had come exceptional heifers on display across all breeds. However this did not knock the Salers of their stride with Saler bred stock taking home 3rd, 4th and 5th on the day. 3rd and 5th were owned by Declan Bell while 4th place was owned by Niall Hunt, Templeboy Salers Co. Sligo.
Niall went on to bring home the overall Saler champion Templeboy Violetta, a 2020 born heifer sired by Variegeois. Reserve champion was owned by Catherine Minogue with a Beguin Sired Heifer
The weekend was a great success with new exhibitors emerging along with new stock from established herds lining up what looks to be a very promising summer on the show circuit for the Salers breed.
Declan Bell with his 5th prize heifer in the Ideal suckler type heifer class
Catherine Minogue with The reserve Champion at Newmarket on Fergus show
Declan Bell Irish Salers Chairman presenting Niall Hunt with The overall champion prize at Newmarket on fergus show
Catherine Minogue with the champion bull calf at the future stars of the ring show Roscrea. Also Pictured is John Burke and Evan Creaven with the first prized heifer and reserve champion