THE winner of this year's All Ireland Heifer Derby was Ardlea Electra from Dan Tynan, Mountrath, Co Laois.
The judge - Ron Cruickshank - from the Kype herd in Scotland, said it was difficult to choose between this heifer and his reserve - Titchburn Elegance from Donal Murray, Cullyhanna, Co Armagh.
Mr Cruickshank said Electra was just slightly more balanced and showed great character and alertness.
Ardlea Electra is out of the French cow, Vorace, and by Fieldson Alfy.
Titchburn Elegance is a daughter of Annandale Bliss out of the noted and well known bull Wilodge Vantastic.
The heifers in second, third and fourth place were all daughters of Vantastic.
Although the Southern females out placed the Northern cattle there were three bulls from Northern Ireland in the top four in the Bull Derby.
Winner was Carrickaldreen Enrico from Peter Murphy.
Mr Cruickshank said that Peter's bull caught his eye as soon as he came into the ring. He was an excellent Limousin bull with great character, muscle and shape as well as being very good on his feet and legs.
In Reserve spot was the Southern Mas Du Clo son, Killycastle Eric from Alan Kelly.
The Challenge Shield for the overall highest points gained between the Irish Society and the Northern Club at the end of the judging ended in a draw.
The Irish Society had the top heifer and the reserve bull while the Northern club the top bull and reserve female. It was then decided to judge them as a pair to decide who would be awarded the shield. This added an extra dimension to the competition but in the end Ron Cruickshank picked the Northern pair as his overall winners which meant the Northern Limousin Club retained the Challenge Shield.
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