The National Hereford Young Handler event took place on the Wednesday mid way through the National Ploughing Championships.
The six regional finalists competing were Henry Allen, Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory, Laois representing South Leinster qualified at Pilltown Show, Colin Anderson, Corran, Derrylane, Cavan representing Cavan/Monaghan qualified at Virginia Show, Ross Bateman, Slieveroe, Riverstick, Cork representing West Cork qualified at Bantry Show, Susan Dudley, Kilsunny, Dovea, Tipperary representing Munster qualified at Nenagh Show, Ciaran Farrell, Trillick-a-Temple, Longford representing North Leinster qualified at Longford Show and Marie Mullooly, Lavally, Strokestown, Roscommon representing Connaught qualified at Strokestown Show.
All the animals shown by the contestants were selected by a draw from the young Bulls exhibited on the Hereford Stand at the N.P.C. Following preparation and grooming of their charges they paraded the animals before the judges.
Competition was keen and intense as the top prize a trip to Canada for the World Hereford Conference in July 2012 was the top prize. The trip includes a visit to the world famous Calgary Stampede which celebrates its 100th Anniversary.
The judges well know Angus breeder Leo McEnroe, Virginia and Ger Ryan, Manager of Dovea AI put the group through their paces with marks awarded for knowledge of the breed, enthusiasm for the breed, knowledge of the animal itself, nutritional requirements, presentation of the handler with a special emphasis on ability to handle the animal and present to its best advantage.
Following a thorough examination and due consideration by the judges in an extremely close result Ciaran Farrell of the Trillick herd, Trillick-a-Temple, Longford was announced as the overall winner. He will represent Irish Herefords at the WHC Junior Bonanza Cattle Show to be held at the Olds Agricultural Society facility just outside Calgary, Alberta.
Congratulations to all the participants in the final and to all who competed at regional level.