Hereford photo competition to support Make-A-Wish

Conor Stone from Make A Wish and Tennyson Egar of Irish Hereford Prime launching the breed's annual charity photo competition, which is this year in aid of Make A Wish.

The annual Irish Hereford photo competition is back. The competition invites farmers, breeders, families and young photographers across the country to capture their best Hereford photographs for the chance to feature in the breed's 2027 calendar, share in an overall €1,700 prize pool, and raise funds for a very special cause.

This year’s competition features three categories:

• Herefords – The Natural Choice, for Pedigree Hereford animals,
• The HEX Factor, for Hereford cross animals,
• Under 18s category for younger photographers (either a Pedigree or HEX animal).

The 2026 competition also marks the beginning of a new charity partnership with Make-A-Wish Ireland, with all proceeds from the sale of the 2027 Hereford Calendar going to the charity.

Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children living with critical medical conditions, bringing hope, joy and lasting memories to children and their families. Since 1992, the charity has granted more than 3,600 wishes in Ireland, including 229 wishes in 2025.

Speaking at the competition launch on the Westmeath farm of Patrick Farrell from Cavehill Herefords, Conor Stone, Corporate Partnerships Manager with Make-A-Wish Ireland, said: “A wish gives a child living with a critical medical condition something positive to look forward to, creating hope and precious memories for the whole family. As we receive no government funding, partnerships and fundraising support are incredibly important in allowing us to continue granting wishes to children across Ireland.”

Irish Hereford Prime’s Tennyson Egar welcomed the new partnership and added: “If you ever have a child whose wish is to be a farmer for a day, I think that’s one wish we’d definitely work with you to make happen.” 

The competition celebrates not only the Hereford breed, but the farms, farmers and countryside around it. Every photograph entered must feature a Pedigree Hereford or Hereford cross animal, but entrants are encouraged to think beyond the animal itself, capturing the farm setting, the personality of the animal, the landscape around it or simply the right moment.

An independent judge will shortlist entries in each category before the finalists go forward to a public vote on the Irish Hereford Breed Society Facebook page from midday on September 21 until midnight on October 1.

First and second prizes, valued at €250 and €150 respectively, will be awarded in each category, with winners choosing between a SuperValu voucher or Farm Wardrobe voucher. An overall winner will also receive a €500 cash prize.

All shortlisted photographs will go forward for inclusion in the 2027 Hereford Calendar, which will be sold in aid of Make-A-Wish Ireland. Entries are open from August 19 until midnight on September 14, 2026.