IHFA National Open Day 2024 hosted by Joe & Kevin Doran and family, Dondale Herd, Co. Kildare
Crowds travelled from far and wide to the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) National Open Day on July 10th hosted by the Doran family, Dondale Farm, Donadea, Co. Kildare. The IHFA National Open Day is an annual on-farm showcase for the Holstein Friesian breed highlighting efficiency of production. Holding the open day in different regions helps raise breed promotion and profile nationwide. Title Sponsors for the event were WWS Ireland and CowManager. FBD and Agriland were also sponsors on the day.
Interclub Stockjudging – A showcase of Dondale’s breeding
The itinerary of events on the day included the National Interclub stockjudging, Macra na Feirme National stockjudging, viewing of the Dondale herd, results and presentations of the IHFA National Herds Competition and a Dondale Open Day Celebration Sale offering choice youngstock from the herds best cow families. In addition, there was a vast and comprehensive trade stand display of over 50 commercial agri-business trade stands offering the most up-to-date products and services.
The best of Dondale’s breeding was on display for the stockjudging classes of Heifers in milk, Junior Cows and Senior Cows. In addition, there was a separate class of cows for Young Members aged under twelve years to judge. As well as the Interclub Stockjudging competition, an Open Stockjudging competition was available to all outside of the judging rings.
Thanks to Richard Jones, his team and the local Kildare Holstein Friesian Breeders club who gave tremendous help and support preparing and leading the cows for the judging classes.
The Master Judges for the day were, Gary Jones (Senior Cows), Victor Jackson (Junior Cows), Tom Kelly (Heifers) and Andrea Rafferty (Under 12s Class). Their job was made difficult yet enjoyable by the high calibre of animals on display. New to 2024, all YMA team members we invited to give reasons to judges, Emer Curtin, Pat Fanning and Paul Hannan.
Once the Master Judges had given their reasons, Kevin Doran stepped into the ring to welcome all to Dondale and talk through the pedigrees and impressive yields of the cows on display. Afterwards, Conor Morley, WWS Managing Director, spoke about the impressive production improvements the Dondale Herd have made in recent years. Crowds were then invited to walk through the Dondale herd as Conor and Kevin spoke of the breeding decisions and genetics used on farm.
The IHFA Open Day was officially opened by IFA President Francie Gorman, who addressed the crowds with recognition of the challenges the Dairy farmers are currently facing. He also congratulated the Doran family on a momentous day for industry.
Results of IHFA National Herds Competition 2024 sponsored by Greenvale Feeds
The IHFA National Herds Competition is computed on the basis of a balanced formula incorporating efficiency of production, conformation points and inspection points for quality as recognised by a visiting Judge. The Judge for the herds competition this year was Edward Griffiths from the Coachgate herd in Yorkshire. Over the course of six days, he travelled the length and breadth of Ireland visiting thirty-seven herds nominated as finalists by their respective clubs.
Results
| Category; Spring Calving Herds | |||
| Breeder Name | Herd Prefix | Address | |
| 1st | Michael McNamara | Barna | Newtownshandrum, Co. Limerick |
| 2nd | Ronan Siochru | Dingle | Dingle, Co. Kerry |
| 3rd | Michael Spillane | Mountain | Fethard, Co. Tipperary |
| Category; Herds 80 cows & less | |||
| Breeder Name | Herd Prefix | Address | |
| 1st | Noel O’Donovan | Ringleader | Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
| 2nd | Colin Walsh | Fairview | Drishogue, Co. Dublin |
| 3rd | Brendan Mennis | Boynevale | Navan, Co. Meath |
| Category; Herds greater than 80 cows | |||
| Breeder Name | Herd Prefix | Address | |
| 1st | Padraic Greenan | Greenlea | Monaghan, Co. Monaghan |
| 2nd | Paul Hannan | Lisnalty | Crecora, Co. Limerick |
| 3rd | Philip Jones | Hallow | Gorey, Co. Wexford |
| Category; Judges Choice Prize | |||
| Breeder Name | Herd Prefix | Address | |
| 1st | Padraic Greenan | Greenlea | Monaghan, Co. Monaghan |
| 2nd | Noel O’Donovan | Ringleader | Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
| 3rd Joint | Paul Hannan | Lisnalty | Crecora, Co. Limerick |
| 3rd Joint | Philip Jones | Hallow | Gorey, Co. Wexford |
Jack O’Connor, Ballykennedy herd, Ballingarry, Co. Limerick won the Judges recognition award. Judge Edward Griffiths spoke of Jack’s mind-blowing knowledge of the herd and the bright future he has ahead of him.
Geataban CWJ Carina 774 bred and owned by Richard Hinchion, Crookstown, Co.Cork won the Highest EBI Cow classified VG/EX award with an EBI of €416.
Finnow KOZ Heather 1560, bred and owned by Ivor Dulohery, Mallow, Co. Cork won the Highest EBI Cow not classified Award with an EBI of €413.
Open Day Interclub Stockjudging Results
| Section; 12 – 18 Years | ||
| Placing | Club Team | Team Members |
| 1st | Kerry | Cormac Walsh, Gearoid Harty, Jennifer Harty |
| 2nd | West Midlands | Eva Hickey, Olivia Gunn, Kayla McGrath |
| 3rd | Cork | James Coleman, Louise Coleman, Jack Shanahan |
| Highest Individual Award | Jennifer Harty, Kerry club |
| Section; 18 – 26 Years | ||
| Placing | Club Team | Team Members |
| 1st | Kerry | Muiris Harty, Jack Goulding, Aisling Harty |
| 2nd | Cork | Claire Kirby, Sarah Shannon, James Kingston |
| 3rd | Limerick Clare | Damien Burke, Rachel McNamara, Emma McNamara |
| Highest Individual Award | Muiris Harty, Kerry Club |
| Section; 12 – 18 Years | ||
| Placing | Club Team | Team Members |
| 1st | Carlow/Kilkenny | Aileen Murphy, Eamon Coleman, Padraic Murphy |
| 2nd | West Midlands | Emer Kelly, Austin Scott, Sean Kelly |
| 3rd | Breffni Oriel | Roy Cromie, Trevor Williamson, Padraic Greenan |
| Highest Individual Award | Roy Cromie, Breffni Oriel club |
| Open Stock Judging Competition | ||
| Placing | Name | Club |
| 1st | John Curtin | Limerick Clare |
| 2nd | Steven Nagle | Cork |
| 3rd | Alison Beattie | North Eastern |
Dondale Open Day Celebration Sale averages 3,166 guineas with a full 100% clearance
To coincide with the hosting of the IHFA National Open Day the Doran family offered thirty-seven choice youngstock lots from the Dondale herd in a special sale on the farm at the conclusion of the day. The sale was conducted by Taaffe Auctions. Top price went to Lot 13, Dondale Hansen Apple P, selling for €5,600. Sired by Hansen PP, the February 2023 born polled heifer traced back to the great KHW Regiment Apple Red. The sale was kindly sponsored by O’Donovan Engineering and Specialist Nutrition.
