Top-quality Herefords were the order of the day at Dungannon Mart on Saturday, 8th November 2025, where breeders from across the province gathered for a strong showcase of pedigree cattle. Among the standout entries were Benburb 1 Christian from Alan Shaw and Dorepoll 1 Sally 708 from Ivan Haire. The event once again highlighted the depth of quality within Northern Ireland’s Hereford herds, with competition strong across all classes.
Benburb 1 Christian is an April 2025-born bull calf from the herd of Alan Shaw, sired by Sessiagh 1 Superduty. Christian took the Junior and Overall male Championship on the day. Displaying outstanding breed character and excellent conformation for such a young calf, Christian caught the judge’s eye with his balanced frame, strength, topline, and natural presence in the ring. His quality and potential mark him out as one to watch for the future, and will no doubt enhance the reputation of the Benburb herd.
Benburb 1 Christian – Overall Male Champion
Dorepoll 1 Sally 708, exhibited by Ivan Haire, represented the depth and consistency that has long been associated with the renowned Dorepoll herd achieving the Senior and Overall female championship. This stylish September 2024 born female combined femininity with length, displaying excellent breed character and a smooth, balanced frame. Her easy movement and overall ring presence impressed the judge Di Harrison, underlining the quality of the Sally bloodline within the Dorepoll prefix.
Dorepoll 1 Sally 708 – Overall Female Champion
The Reserve Overall & Junior Male Champion title went to Solpoll 1 Casino. A January 2024 born calf bred by J & W McMordie Showed exceptional length, a rich dark coat, and strong breed character. Casino demonstrated the hallmark qualities of the Solpoll herd, which currently holds top honours across the UK for producing top quality Pedigree Herefords. A trademark McMordie bull, Casino displayed plenty of potential for both the show ring and future breeding.
Solpoll 1 Casino – Reserve Overall Male Champion
The Reserve Senior Heifer Champion and Reserve Overall Female Champion honours also headed back to Ballygowan as they were awarded to Solpoll 1 Dainty C9. Another outstanding entry from J & W McMordie. This December 2024-born calf, sired by Rempstone 1 Worldwide, Dainty C9 is an impressive calf and this was reflected in the standings at the end of the day.
Solpoll 1 Dainty C9 – Reserve Overall Female Champion
Next into the spotlight was Bradley Graham with Richmount 1 Cracker Corleone, who entered the ring fresh from being crowned NI Bull of the Year 2025. Continuing his impressive form, Cracker Corleone went on to secure the Senior Bull Championship on the day. Displaying tremendous power, scale, and breed character, the bull impressed the judge with his combination of muscle, balance, and presence — a true example of the breed, who has consistently brought home the ribbons to the Richmount herd throughout 2025 show season.
Richmount 1 Cracker Corleone – Senior Bull Champion
The Senior Bull Reserve Champion title went to Barnburn 1 Cola, exhibited by B & G Watson. Bred by one of the Watson’s most notable females Barnburn 1 Nolana, last year’s overall breed and female champion at the 2024 National Show. Cola is a nicely marked bull with a great coat and was well turned on the day. He impressed with his strength, depth and width while in the show ring.
Barnburn 1 Cola – Senior Bull Reserve Champion
The Junior Female Champion title was awarded to Annaghbeg Kaitlyn 027 (X) from M & L Moore. Sired by Cave Hill Max, Kaitlyn 027. Another fine young heifer from the Moore’s of the back of Cave Hill Max as he continues to prove his worth. Following on from last year’s success for the Moores, having sired the overall male champion in 2024. Kaitlyn has a lot of confirmation to show at this young age and the Annaghbeg herd has also proven that investment of a top sire is key to success.
Annaghbeg Kaitlyn 027 (X) – Junior Female Champion
The Junior Female Reserve Champion was awarded to Dorepoll 1 Catalina 711, exhibited by JE, RI & W Haire. Born in May 2025, Catalina 711 is the daughter of Dorepoll 1 Catalina 681 and competed in the youngest class of the day. Despite her age, she made her mark proving that quality can overcome age making her a promising prospect for the future.
Dorepoll 1 Catalina 711 – Junior Female Reserve Champion
The show also featured a number of highly competitive classes that highlighted the depth of quality in the Hereford calves on display.
- Class 3 – This first class of the day was won by Solpoll 1 Crossfire, a September-born bull calf exhibited by J & W McMordie. Sired by Fabb 1 Top Prize, Crossfire impressed with his strong conformation and natural presence.
Solpoll 1 Crossfire – Class 3 Winner
- Class 7 – May 2025 onwards – The title went to Benburb 1 Chester from Alan Shaw, who claimed victory in a competitive class with a calf showing early promise.
Benburb 1 Chester – Class 7 Winner
- Class 11 – Heifer Born March 2025 – April 2025: Moyadd 1 Cornflower, exhibited by C Fitzpatrick and sired by Richmount 1 Towmac, won this class, displaying balance, femininity, and poise well beyond her months.
Moyadd 1 Cornflower – Class 11 Winner
The pair classes provided another highlight of the day, with young stock demonstrating promising conformation and quality. The top placings were as follows:
- 1st: Alan Shaw
Alan Shaw, Benburb 1 Chester and Overall Male Champion, Benburb 1 Christian (Pair Class Winner)
- 2nd: J & W McMordie
- 3rd: I Haire
The day also saw two good turnout classes in the Young Handlers, with talented youngsters showcasing their skills alongside their pedigree Herefords. Rising to the top of their respective classes was young Albert Watson from the Barnburn along with Keziah Shaw from the Derryfubble herd, both taking 1st place on the day.
All of the young handlers impressed with their confidence and knowledge, handling their calves demonstrating the next generation’s commitment to the breed. The standard of handling was widely praised by the judges, reflecting the dedication, time and effort by these young exhibitors. Well done to all – Albert Watson, Keziah Shaw, Elise Watson, Oscar Moore, Andrew Heath, Jack Heath, Hollie Taggart, Bobby Morton.
Young handler, Keziah Shaw with judge, James Morrison
Special thanks to all involved both behind the scenes and on the day to put on a great display of young Hereford Stock.
This year again our gratitude goes to our principal sponsor WD Meats. The company operates a state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-foot plant on a 35-acre site in Coleraine. All aspects of production are conducted in house under one roof in purpose built facility. NIHBA wish to thank them for their support. Thanks also to out other sponsors include Boyd Haulage from Swatragh, this family run haulage company cover livestock transport and fallen stock and Stevenson Livestock Haulage from Carryduff for their financial support to the 2025 Calf show.
WD Meats
Newmills Road Lower, Coleraine BT52 2JR
028 7035 6111
W&C Stevenson Haulage
40 Upper Mealough Rd, Carryduff, Belfast BT8 8LR
028 9081 2297
Boyd Haulage
64 Lismoyle Rd, Swatragh, Maghera BT46 5QU
07710 944870
Overall Female Champion – JE, RI & W Haire Dorepoll 1 Sally 708
Senior Bull Champion – B J Graham Richmount 1 Cracker Corleone
Senior Heifer Champion – JE, RI & W Haire Dorepoll 1 Sally 708
Junior Bull Champion – A Shaw Benburb 1 Christian
Junior Female Champion – M & L Moore Annaghbeg Kaitlyn 027
Reserve Overall Male Champion – J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Casino
Reserve Senior Heifer Champion – No.48 J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Dainty C9
Senior Bull Reserve Champion – B & G Watson Barnburn 1 Cola
Reserve Overall Female Champion – J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Dainty C9
Junior Bull Reserve Champion – J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Casino
Junior Female Reserve Champion – No.65 JE, RI & W Haire Dorepoll 1 Catalina 711
1st Albert Watson
2nd Elsie Watson
3rd Oscar Moore
1st Keziah Shaw
2nd Andrew Heath
3rd Jack Heath
1st Alan Shaw
2nd J & W McMordie
3rd I Haire
1st No. 19 J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Crossfire
2nd No.18 S Cherry Ballypallady 1 Online
1st No.23 B J Graham Richmount 1 Cracker Corleone
2nd No.22 B & G Watson Barnburn 1 Cola
3rd No. 21 B & G Watson Barnburn 1 Coca
1st No.25 J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Casino
2nd No. 26 A Shaw Benburb 1 Connor
3rd No. 24 J E, R I & W Haire Dorepoll 1 Classic
1st No. 34 A Shaw Benburb 1 Christian
2nd No. 31 G & T Morton Nancy JJ (X) (DH)
3rd No. 29 C Fitzpatrick Moyadd 1 Chancer
1st No.36 A Shaw Benburb 1 Chester
2nd No. M & L Moore Annaghbeg Nomad
3rd No. M & L Moore Annaghbeg 1 Norman
1st No. 44 J E, RI & W Haire Dorepoll 1 Sally 708
2nd No. 43 S Cherry Ballypallady 1 Calamity Jane
3rd No. 45 A Shaw Benburb 1 Alice 14th
1st No.48 J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Dainty C9
2nd No. 47 A Shaw Benburb 1 Alice 15th
1st No. 51 M and L Moore Annaghbeg Kaitlyn 027
2nd No. 52 J & W McMordie Solpoll 1 Starlet C15
3rd No. 53 J, K & H Taggart Carney Hill 1 Gillian 15th
1st No. 61 C Fitzpatrick Moyadd 1 Cornflower
2nd No. 62 JE, RI & W Haire Dorepoll 1 Classic Kim 710
3rd No. 57 A Shaw Benburb 1 Chelsea
1st No. 65 JE, RI & W Haire Dorepoll 1 Catalina 711
2nd No.64 H King Somerville 1 Cora
3rd No. 67 M & L Moore Annaghbeg Flavia 033
Report by Ciaran Kerr