Kerry cow turns to gold

A wonderful atmosphere prevailed at Virginia Show despite heavy showers and it is now almost certain that the history making 70th show next year will be staged on a Saturday. It is quite clear there was a more diverse crowd this year and the children had lot of fun at the various side shows while the judges marvelled at the quality of the livestock and the competitive edge that prevailed at the 69th show. While Kerry footballers mourned their exit from the championship against Down, a bovine beauty with lovely legs and udder from Listowel was crowned the Bailey's All Ireland champion cow on Saturday. On a soft Irish day in Cavan, one Kerryman was smiling broadly as judge Michael Gould from Shropshire, England tapped out the winner, Smearlaview Storm Vixam. She is owned by Timothy and John Kirby from Derrindeffe, Duagh, Listowel and John was delighted as he revealed that the same cow had scooped the award in 2007. Her daughter was also competing and finished fourth; the mother of the winning cow was the grandmother of last year's champion. John Kirby was particularly proud of the fact that they had a mother and daughter modelling the shapes and makes in the same prestigious national competition. They left Kerry last Wednesday with one thing on their mind - to give the cow every chance of looking her best in the ring. She has had four calves and has an average lactation of 3,000 gallons. All the cows were pampered in a marquee for hours prior to walking into the ring and many had access to their own cattle fitters, the expert groomers who clips hairs and apply hair spray and talcum powder. Denis O'Neill was busy getting the eventual winner into immaculate shape to ensure she caught the eye of the judge. Minister Brendan Smith presented the Bailey's trophy to the winner and Marian Harkin MEP presented the An Grianan Scholarships. We noted that the Southern cows were not allowed to associate with the competitors from the North, due to Dept. of Agriculture regulations on disease control. It was a special day for Bailieboro horse owner Terence Dunne, whose brood mare was crowned champion of the show. UTV was filming him for Lesser Spotted Ulster. He first exhibited two heifers at the show in the early 1950s. Tom Kelly from Drogheda was making waves in the dairy cow ring and scooped the Senior Friesian Cow in milk crown. The Gunne Carnaross Mart All Ireland Male/Female Weanling Championship went to the Higgins sisters from Claremorris with their male calf, and Sean O'Brien from Burnfort showed a calf that won the female section. The Liffey Meats Beef Bullock Champion animal was owned by Ivan Whyte from Seefin, Bailieboro. Michael Ryan from Borrisinossary, Co. Laois was judging the mares and foals was impressed with the standard; it was "very competitive", he said. The home industries section was impressive again and judging was on Friday evening, something that gave the show renewed impetus and the hard working committee members Catherine Murtagh, Kathleen Duffy and Kaye Duffy a head start at entering results in their computers. Show president Ned Duffy said they were happy with the day and despite the showers, the new hardcore in the grounds ensured that it held up well. "We were happy overall and I can safely say that we will run with Saturday again," Ned confirmed. There were novelty events this year for the Saturday and to cater for the Dublin people who have moved to the area. Ned said the Baileys had lost none of its appeal and the crowds flocked around the arena to witness the drama unfolding. Looking to the future there are plans to erect an exhibition centre with a community kitchen; growers will have access to the complex with a view to developing and adding value to their produce. The project, which has planning permission, will include enterprise units. The complex will be located where the Baileys cows have been held in preparation for their walk into the arena.