It proved another hugely successful day in Thurles for the Liss team who secured this year’s supreme National calf show championship. The herd which is ran by John and Sean McEnroe in Oldcastle, Co Meath have had a hugely successful couple of weeks having also secured the Supreme All-Ireland championship last month.
Taking top place and securing the Joe Tighe Memorial trophy was Liss Patricia B485. This September 2025 born heifer is sired by the homebred Liss Emotions W000 and out of Corridan Profit W033. Tasked with judging this year’s event was Albert DeCogan of the noted Mogeely herd in Cork. He put Patricia first in the first class of the day before tapping her senior female champion and eventually Angus Beef Ireland supreme champion.
Just behind Patricia, securing the reserve senior female and reserve supreme championship was Rathmooney Ebony B181. This stylish young heifer claimed first in the second female class of the day and was brought out by Enda and Adam Kearney from Co Clare having purchased her at the recent Extravaganza sale earlier this month. This heifer is sired by Laheens Virgo and out of Gigginstown Eclipse.
Taking the title of Zurich senior bull calf champion was Lemonfield Dunkirk Dynamo C262. This bull was bred and exhibited by Donogh McCarthy and family from Co Limerick. Sired by Drumcrow Prophecy, the end of January 2026 born bull is out of Carrigroe S Dawn. Standing reserve in the senior male section was Liss Murphy B512 from John and Sean McEnroe. This January born bull was sired by Te Mania Nebo N424 and out of Liss Mural W012.
In the Zurich junior heifer category, top place went to Ardnacraney Pretty Cleo from the Hickey family in Longford. This young heifer also placed reserve junior champion at this year’s All-Ireland finals. Sired by Lisduff Eddard she is out of Clonmeen Roxanne. This topped an exceptional day for the family who claimed first with all three animals exhibited. Standing reserve junior female was the second prize-winner in the same class, Knockcroghery Gloria C483. Bred and exhibited by new breeder Declan Miley, this stylish heifer was sired by Morpheus Kodiak and out of Ryans Whitney.
Last of the championships was the Angus Beef Ireland junior male which went the way of Luddenmore Feic Whatabull from Dr Michael Sheahan. This March 2026 born bull was sired by Luddenmore Ebony Boy and out of Luddenmore Fleur X499. Standing reserve junior having stood second in the class was Ballykilroe Justice C195 from Eoin Robinson. This February 2026 born bull is sired by the herds stock bull Laheens Alisder and out of Mercury Jody A929.
The day started with a super entry of young handlers divided among two classes. These classes seen goodie bags sponsored by Animal Farmacy for all participants and prizemoney right down the line. Tasked with judging this year’s competition was Cliodna Smith was won the senior young handler at this year’s All-Ireland finals. She selected her junior champion as Conor McCarthy from Co limerick and her senior winner as Roisin Flannagan from Co Clare. Well done to all participants for such a good show!
A massive thank you to our sponsors on the day including Angus Beef Ireland, Zurich, Animal Farmacy, ARC animal care and Target Genetics.
Also a big thank you to Ciara and all the team at Thurles mart, Shanon on pictures and all the stewards who helped on the day.
