Friesian breeders gather for annual awards night
MEMBERS of the Slaney Holstein Friesian Breeders Club from across Counties Wexford and Wicklow gathered in the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey for the annual dinner dance and awards ceremony.
The club is 42 years in existence and the event saw around 90 members gather to celebrate their respective achievements.
A number of prizes were handed out on the night across four different categories: Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Elite.
The junior category was aimed at first time entrants while the elite prizes were handed out to breeders of premier animals.
A spokesperson for the club commented that the latter category represented ‘the highest standard’ of Holstein.
Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places in each of the categories in addition to extra prizes in each section. There was also an even spread of awards between the Wexford and Wicklow based members.
In addition to the formal aspect of the occasion those in attendance enjoyed a lovely meal and following that danced to the music of the Wicklow Man.
An annual event it has long been one of the most eagerly awaited dates on the club members’ social calendar and there was a great air of excitement as the members gathered in the hotel in the lead up to the ceremony.
Holstein Friesians are a breed of cattle that originated from the provinces of North Holland and Friesland.
It’s a dairy breed and the animals are known for their relatively large size and colouring.