Crowds flocked in their thousands for the 34th Royal Ulster Winter Fair in Balmoral Park on Thursday.

Those in attendance got to witness one of the best shows of cattle seen at the event for a number of years.

Topping these cattle to take the title of interbreed champion was the second calver Lisnalty Megasire Ritual. Bred and exhibited by Paul Hannon and family from Co Limerick, the stylish VG88 classified cow is far from a stranger in the show ring, having secured the overall National title at Millstreet two months ago.

Family

This is only the second time the family has exhibited at the Royal Ulster show, with the other time just last year when the same exhibit took the title of interbreed heifer in milk.

Described by Paul as “the best cow I've bred in 20 years”, Ritual calved back in August and is currently giving 53l per day. This massive production is off the back of an 11,600kg first lactation of which nearly 1,000kg was solids.

Describing his champion, Australian judge Rob Anderson said: “She was the whole package. I know she’s not the oldest cow but I love the square shape and outline to the cow and the youth that her udder holds. She just has bloom and quality throughout.”

Standing as reserve interbreed champion was the show's Jersey breed champion Clandeboye Tequilla Cookie from the Clandeboye estate. This fourth-calver is calved five weeks and currently giving 36l/day. This animal is again no stranger to the show ring, having claimed the breed championship at the 2017 winter fair and the Balmoral show back in May.

Commenting on his Jersey champion, the judge said: “She just has so much quality through her frame. A cow that just has tremendous balance and dairyness. Taking nothing away from our Jersey cow the champion just had more youth and bloom in the rear udder.”

Standing as honourable mention in the supreme champion was the Holstein reserve champion Tubbertoby Armani Fleur. This September 2015-born cow is a third calver and is a daughter of Mr Apples Armani.

Inter breed heifer championship

Champion: Mr Alan Paul with BOGHILL GLAMOUR HURRICANE CARLIN D ET.

Reserve Champion: McLean Family with PRIESTLAND 6146 ATWOOD JAMES ROSE.

Honourble mention: The Fleming Family with POTTERSWALLS CHROME GLAMOUR.

Inter breed junior championship

Champion: Greenan Holsteins & Clandeboye Estate with CLANDEBOYE OLIVER-P MABLE.

Reserve Champion: Matthew Breen with WILTOR EMILIO CHASSITY.

Honourble mention: Hallow Holsteins with HALLOW SOLOMON TWIZZLE.