Minister praises farmers’ initiative

MICHELLE GILDERNEW has praised farmers’ resilience and initiative in livestock and bloodstock breeding despite economic downturn.

The North of Ireland’s agriculture and rural development minister was presenting the Athlone Agri Hall of Fame Awards, now in their seventh year.

“Breeders across Ireland have a tremendous reputation and tradition in both farming and equine sectors and their hard work and dedication deserve more recognition.

“Their efforts and successes provide a valuable confidence boost to an industry often under pressure from many sides,” she said.

Ms Gildernew said she is also very aware of how important agricultural shows are to breeders in general.

They provide them with a tremendous opportunity to show animals at events attended by large audiences of interested people – which also includes potential customers,” she said.

Ms Gildernew said one of her ministerial priorities is to introduce an all-island animal health and welfare strategy which will provide tangible benefits to participants in shows across Ireland.

Michael Flanagan, founder of the awards and its organising chairman, said the work of various breed societies was a vocation.

He thanked Tesco Ireland, the new sponsor of the awards, and the Kepak Group and Irish Angus Producer Group for supplying certified Irish Angus beef for the banquet over the past seven years.

Shows Association chairman John Browne, Tralee, launched the classes schedule for this year’s Athlone Agri Show, which will be held at Gaffey’s Farm, Moydrum, on June 28.

Hall of Fame awards were presented to the following nominees from the bovine, equine and ovine industries at the function.

Bovine

Aberdeen Angus Association – Francis Munnelly, Breaffy, Ballina, Co Mayo. Angus Cattle Society – John O’Hara, Elphin, Co Roscommon. Belgian Blue Cattle Breeding Society – Jim McDonnell, Barntown, Co Wexford. Charolais Cattle Society – Jim Kelly, Castlemartin Stud, Kilcullen, Co Kildare. Commercial Cattle Exhibitors Society – John Searson, Shehills, Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Hereford Cattle Society – David Carroll, Campile, New Ross, Co Wexford. Holstein Friesian Association – John Lambert, Maynooth, Co Kildare. Limousin Cattle Society – George F Candler, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny. Salers Cattle Society – Professor James Mason, Rathnew, Co Wicklow. Shorthrn Cattle Society – Noel Dowd, Creggs, Co Galway. Simmental Cattle Society – Padraig Kennedy, Elphin, and Ronnie McGuire, Strokestown, both Co Roscommon.

Equine

Draught Horse Breeders Association – Eddie Murphy, Charlestown, Co Mayo. Pony Society – Jim Lilley, Hillsborough, Co Down.

Ovine

Belgian Beltex Breeders Society – Breda Browne, Boherwillin, Cappagh, Co Waterford. Charrollais Sheep Society- Maeve Upton, Ramsgrange, Co Wexford. Galway Sheep Breeders Association – Dr Seamus Hanrahan, Teagasc, Athenry. Suffolk Sheep Society (South of Ireland Branch) – Herbert W Stanley, Rahtdowney, Co Laois. Vendeen Sheep Society – Cheryl O’Brien, Springvale, Kildorrery.