Offaly man chosen as Junior Stockperson of the Year at leading agricultural show

THE winner of the Aldi /YDP Junior Stockperson of the Year 2024 held recently at Iverk show was Raymond Dockery from Towra in Shinrone.

Raymond was one of nine contestants that took part in one of the most prestigious young handler events held in Ireland and indeed across Europe with a total prize fund of €3000 kindly sponsored by Aldi.

The event was held at Iverk show and following its 4th -year running has grown to be the highlight of young handler events with Irish Angus competitions.

Nine young handlers competed at this event all having qualified at previous show qualifiers in our 3 provincial regions Charleville show representing Munster, Longford show representing Leinster and Bonniconlon show representing Connaught.

The event was judged by the recently appointed pedigree livestock editor of the farmers journal Navan Mc Kiernan who did an excellent job and made it easier for those competing by his manner and professionalism.

Raymond was declared the overall winner having gained the highest score I when all 6 categories were totalled up which included

1. General knowledge questionnaire

2. Interviewing

3. Preparation and grooming

4. Showmanship

5. Stock judging

6. Best overall stockperson

Raymond says: “I was thrilled to win this competition, I love showing cattle, we breed angus and shorthorn at home and some commercials, and I love the whole buz around getting animals ready for showing . I do most of the halter training ahead of the shows. We are well set up at home with a clipping crate and good facilities and that makes it much easier and more enjoyable. I won the junior young handler in 2020 which was run by the ISA and FBD and IFJ so its great to be back winning again after 4 years. Well done to all my fellow handlers.”

The nine competitors that took part are:

Raymond Dockery, Shinrone Co Offaly – Overall winner Champion Junior stockperson 2024

Katie Flanagan – Elphin, Co Roscommon

Jason Dockery- Shinrone, Co Offaly

Anna and Jack Murphy, Co Cork

Sean Murray, Dunkerrin Co Offaly

Megan Reynolds – Leitrim

Patrick Regan – Roscommon

Liam Reilly – Leitrim