Belgian Blue breeder honoured

THE first imports of Belgian Blue cattle into Ireland a quarter of a century ago has been recalled with a presentation to the first Irish farmer to bring the specialist beef breed on to his farm.

Michael Woods, who imported the first animals in 1980, was presented with a special commemorative plaque at the 25th anniversary dinner of the Irish Belgian Blue Society, attended by leading livestock breeding figures and representatives of the breed in Belgium, Britain, and Northern Ireland.

Those present at the Montague Hotel, Portlaoise, included Jill Evans, representing the British herdbook; Northern Irish breeders James Martin, Jim Sloan and Alan Cleland; Derek Deane, Vice Chairman, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and 2004 Bord Bia Quality Beef Producer; John Fleming, Secretary of the British Belgian Blue Society; Cyril Martin, President of the Irish Society; Pierre Mallieu, Secretary of the Belgian Herdbook; Richard Duff, Secretary of the Irish Society; and Michel Lefevre of the Belgian herdbook.