CATTLE dried with paper towels after every wash, twice daily dusting down and rubber mats underhoof – little wonder brothers Kevin and John Walsh were named Ireland’s top two dairy farmers for 2010 at the annual National Dairy Council (NDC) Quality in Citywest, Co Dublin, yesterday.

ELEVEN dairy farms in eight counties and representing eight co-ops have been shortlisted for a visit by the national judging panel in the 2010 National Dairy Council Quality Milk Awards – the competition which sets out to identify and reward top dairy farmers.

BREEDERS from the North served notice at the two-day Cork Summer Show that their dominance of the major horse shows south of the border is set to continue.

AQUILA, a five-year-old mare by Quiletto out of a Mr Lord mare, bred by Paul and Jan Turfery, Caheragh, owned by Brian Mangan, Fermoy, and ridden by Rose Marie Ahern, Carhue, Bandon, dominated the hunter classes at Clonakilty Show.