The Irish Limousin Cattle Society (ILCS) this year replaced the RDS champion of champions with a new competition of its own, following the news that the RDS would be dropping much of the money it awarded to the livestock section.

Generally, animals that top their breeds at shows would be awarded prize money. However, the slashed fund was now to be awarded to animals selected by the ICBF and Sheep Ireland.

This new Limousin contest consisted of three categories: male born on or after 1 January 2018; female born on or after 1 January 2018; and female born prior to 1 January 2018, with all animals having to qualify at one of 14 qualifying shows.

The final of the competition took place at Trim Show over the weekend, with all qualified animals fighting it out for their share of the €1,000 prize fund in each category, with a further €500 up for grabs for the overall champion.

Securing this €500 and the title of male champion of the year and Irish Limousin champion of champions 2019 was Rhyne Noah from Mark Hagan, Killoe, Co Longford.

This very stylish April 2018-born bull is sired by Dovea AI bull Wilodge Joskins and is out of the Festin dam Clonadrum Urselle.

Noah is no stranger to winning ways, having collected the reserve senior male championship at the society’s national show at Tullamore last month.

Tasked with judging the event was Northern Irish breeder Jim Quail. His other two category winners stood in the ring as Foxhillfarm Naughtybutnice and Whitehall Noelle ET.

Senior female champion Foxhillfarm Naughtybutnice from John McInerney. \ Alfie Shaw

Foxhillfarm Naughtybutnice took the senior championship and was exhibited by John McInerney, Co Clare.

This powerful heifer is a daughter of Neuf and goes back to the famous Bankdalke Alice. Naughtybutnice is also no stranger to winning ways, having claimed the overall female championship at the 2018 national show.

The McInerney family also took the interbreed championship of the show with their young heifer Drummin Natasha. This stylish young heifer is out of Goldies Jackpot and the homebred Drummin Kylie.

Closing off the champion of champions was the junior female of the year, which was secured by Whitehall Noelle ET.

This September 2018-born heifer from Dan Tynan needs no introduction, having claimed the overall Limousin championship at the national finals in Tullamore.