Cork Summer Show bull ‘like part of family’
Despite tipping the scales at a hefty tonne and a half, the impressive Aberdeen Angus specimen is so good, his owner, Albert de Cogan, said last night that he was like a part of the family.
The East Cork-based farmer said it will be a day of mixed emotions as they put the world, European and All-Ireland title winner on public show for the last time during one of Ireland’s longest running agricultural festivals this weekend.
Korona’s appearance at the Cork Summer Show on Sunday will effectively bring the curtain down on his glittering show career.
“We never had a Angus animal as quiet. He has a super temperament,” Albert said. “Docility was one of his strongest genes. I’d give him to any child to lead. He was just super.
“He kind of grew into the family. We’ll miss him.
“But like any professional athlete, their time comes and we retired him from showing last year. He is still breeding very well though.”
Korona, who was bought privately in the UK about six years ago, is a triple All-Ireland champion, and a winner of a European gold and a world silver winner. He will retire to stud next week — but not before his last public show appearance at the Summer Show on Sunday.
Up to 55,000 people are expected to attend the huge event at the 100-acre Curraheen Showgrounds site on the western outskirts of Cork City over the next two days. Organised by the Munster Agricultural Society, the event has been running in one form or another since 1806.
Supported by the , the event will feature livestock shows, sheep shearing, show-jumping and vintage tractor displays, as well as farm to fork artisan food markets, craft beer stalls, musical entertainment, home and garden show, petting farm, and dog shows.
More than 1,700 animals, including 700 horses, 120 sheep, 80 goats, 100 poultry and 400 cattle will be on show, with 300 dogs competing across nine categories in the pet and pedigree dog shows.
The site will also host the largest country market in the region, and a huge show garden, designed by Tommy Laide of Designer Landscapes, and built by KMC Elevation.
The Cork Summer Show runs from 9am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday, with daily tickets €15 for adults and €13 for students and pensioners. Under 12s are free.
www.corksummershow.ie
