Raheenarran Herd host Pure Friesian Open Day 2018

The sun shone on Kilkenny for the IHFA Pure Friesian Open Day held at the Raheenarran Herd of Bryan and Gail Daniels, Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny. Situated 950 feet above sea level, they run a 300+ cow pedigree registered herd based on mostly Friesian breeding.

Charles Gallagher, CE of IHFA with Pure Friesian Open Day hosts Gail and Bryan Daniels, Raheenarran Herd and Francis Fitzgerald, Pure Friesian Club Secretary

Bryan’s parents had worked hard over the years such that Bryan and Gail and children Shannon and Toby, ably assisted by farm manager Andrew Doyle and other key staff, now continue that progressive farming legacy.

Charles Gallagher, CE of IHFA with Simon Doocey of FBD Insurance, sponsor, making a presentation to Micheál Spillane, Mountain Herd, Co. Tipperary – winner of the Pure Friesian National Herds Competition. Also pictured, Francis Fitzgerald, Secretary and Martin Crowe, Chairperson of the Irish Pure Friesian Club

Having taken over the farm aged 19, Bryan focused entirely on building the dairy herd. Since then he has continued to identify and meet key benchmarks in efficiency in herd output and performance.

Stock Judging in progress at the Raheenarran Herd

Farming near Kilmoganny in south Kilkenny, the farm sold over 440kgs of milk solids in 2017. The target is to sell between 480 and 500kgs from a predominantly grazed grass diet.

Tom Murphy, Swiftsheath Herd, judge on the day

The proceedings on the day included the stock judging with Tom Murphy, Swiftsheath Herd as judge for the day, a view through the herd, trade exhibition, presentation of prizes and auction of a few select lots of the high genetic merit Raheenarran Herd.

Pure Friesian Herds Competition – sponsored by FBD – Results

Representatives from FBD Insurance – sponsors – with Charles Gallagher, IHFA CE. Mary Dunphy, Brian Prout and Simon Doocey.

1st – Micheál Spillane, Mountain Herd, Tullamaine, Fethard, Co. Tipperary
2nd – Bill O’Keeffe, Churchclara Herd, Co. Kilkenny
3rd – Peadar Healy, Firoda Herd, Castlecomer Herd, Co. Kilkenny

Stock judging results – sponsored by DeLaval

Under 18s Stock Judging
1st – Lar Murphy, Co. Kilkenny
2nd – Pauric Coleman, Co. Carlow
3rd – Christopher Walsh, Co. Waterford

Charles Gallagher, IHFA with representatives from DeLaval

Charles Gallagher, IHFA CE with Tom Murphy, Swiftsheath Herd, Judge, Amy Coyle, Delaval (sponsor), Aileen Murphy on behalf of John C Murphy, George Moore, Delaval and Martin Crowe, Chairperson of the Irish Pure Friesian Club.

Senior Stock Judging
1st – John C Murphy, Ballagh, Kilmannagh, Co. Kilkenny
2nd – Johnathan Crowley, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny
3rd -Ernest Seale, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

The Irish Pure Friesian Club consists of members who are committed to Friesian breeding and the achievement of quality in conformation and production using dedicated Friesian bloodlines. The breed is recognized for fertility, high ilk solids output, longevity and providing additional family farm income through the sale of surplus stock.

To learn more about the IHFA or the Irish Pure Friesian Club, go to www.ihfa.ie or call 023 8833443.