YDP & Breeder’s Information Day – Bandon, Co. Cork
Saturday 14th October, 2023 was a big day for Shorthorn enthusiasts in West Cork. The YDP committee for the Irish Shorthorn Society held a Youth Development & Breeder’s Information Day in Bandon Mart.
The morning commenced with an address from Áine O’Donovan, PRO of the Irish Shorthorn Society and Amelda Middleton Leonard, Vice President of the Irish Shorthorn Society. The event included talks from Paschal Coughlan of ICBF and Richard Lee of Knockagarry Shorthorns. Paschal spoke about Eurostars and the new National Genomics Programme. Richard Lee told the crowd about his style of farming and why Shorthorns work well for him.
The event moved to the indoor arena where Amelda Middleton Leonard demonstrated how to clip an animal for a show or sale, and Shorthorn Breeder & Judge Philip Salter gave tips on what he looks for in an animal. Anthony Dockery from Rockville Pedigree Herd was MC on the day and gave tips on handling and presenting animals. Both Padraig and Katie Flanagan from Lismacool Shorthorns demonstrated washing and prepping animals for the showring, while John McDermott from Creevolan Shorthorns demonstrated haltering animals.
Young people in attendance had an opportunity to clip, blow-dry, handle animals, and learn different skills for both at home and the showring. At the end of the event a draw was held where participants won spot prizes from Natural Nutrition, Irish Shorthorn Merchandise, Agri Tech Merch, Readman Contracting Merch, Stockhealth Voucher, and Lisavaird Co Op Vouchers. Each young person took home a goody bag for their participation.
Twelve-year-old Chloe Hegarty from Bandon who is no stranger to the showring was in attendance and said “I had a great experience, had lots of fun and made lots of friends. Thanks for everything”. The Irish Shorthorn Society is grateful to Zurich Insurance for their continued support of the Youth Development Programme.
