Young Charolais bull scoops top Tullamore Show prize for Sligo farmer

A CHAROLAIS bull born in December certainly made the trip to the Tullamore Show worthwhile for one Sligo competitor.

Tubbernadur Thor – named Thor because he looked like a “good strong calf” - was the victor in the Best Registered Charolais Bull Calf born in December 2022 class.

Owner Kieran Doddy from Achonry, Tubbercurry was elated when the judges selected his animal for the top prize.

“I came up hoping to get top three and he pulled it out of the bag, thank God,” said Kieran, after leading his young bull for the official winner's photograph.

Kieran is a Tullamore Show regular: “I come up every year but I've got thirds and fourths. I got the junior championship three years ago in Elphin at the calf show but this is the first time getting the red rosette here so I'm over the moon to say the least.

“This is the biggest win you can get, the biggest I ever got so I'm delighted.”

The young bull saw off rivals from all over the country, including Offaly, Westmeath, Leitrim, Kilkenny and Clare.

“He's off a French bull, Hatenon, and his mother is an embryo brought in from France four or five years ago. She's breeding very well, she's bred a junior all Ireland champion and now a first prize winner in Tullamore.”

Now a valuable bull, Tubbernadur Thor could well be picking up further rosettes.

“The plan is that hopefully he's good enough to get into the premier [Charolais Society sale] in March, if he keeps going. I'll hold onto him but if someone wants to buy him before that, I won't argue with them.”