Top judge: tributes for Joe at cattle show

THE late Joe Clarke would have been pleased that some of the finest cattle in the country were being shown and judged at Charleville Agricultural Show just as he was being laid to rest in Limerick on Saturday.

For the 91-year-old Castletroy man, who died unexpectedly last week, was one of the most respected and decisive of livestock judges.

He managed many celebrated herds over the years and had judged both beef and dairy animals at shows all over the country.

Before the cattle showing rings in Charleville fell silent in tribute to his memory, Kevin Dillon, of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association, described Mr Clarke as one of the great characters of Irish cattle showing and judging.

“He was a tremendous man. No show was too big and no show was too small for him,” he said.

A four-year-old, Peamount Duc Dainty won dairy sector’s top prize — the €2,500 Maverick All-Ireland pedigree junior Friesian cow class.

Martin O’Sullivan, of the Desmond Holstein herd at Gortboy, Newcastlewest, Co Limerick, the successful exhibitor, was delighted.

His second calver also won the Friesian championship.