Herdwatch Proud to Sponsor Bovine Section at 2026 FBD National Hall of Fame Awards
Herdwatch Proud to Sponsor Bovine Section at FBD National Hall of Fame Awards
As sponsor of the bovine section, Herdwatch was delighted to support this year’s awards and celebrate the farmers, breeders and breed societies driving excellence across Irish livestock farming.
Herdwatch proudly sponsored the bovine section of this year’s FBD National Hall of Fame Awards, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone on Sunday evening.
During the annual awards ceremony, representatives from 10 bovine, four equine and nine ovine breed societies gathered together, representing 19 counties across Ireland.
Meanwhile, guest of honour Michael Berkery, Chair of the FBD Trust, presented recipients with their awards during the evening ceremony.
Also supporting the event were Stephen Crowley, CEO of Herdwatch, sponsor of the bovine section; Denis Duggan, CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, sponsor of the equine section; and Alan Connaughton of Kepak Group, sponsor of the ovine section.
Celebrating Irish cattle breeding
As sponsor of the bovine section, Herdwatch was delighted to support the recognition of breeders and farming families who continue to make an important contribution to Irish agriculture.
In addition, the event highlighted the strong connection between livestock breeding, rural communities and the future of Irish farming.
Bovine award recipients
- Irish Angus Cattle Society: Pat Harrison, Co Roscommon
- Irish Aubrac Cattle Society: Francis Donohoe, Co Westmeath
- Belgian Blue Cattle Society: Mary Casey, Co Tipperary
- Irish Charolais Cattle Society: John Beirne, Co Longford
- Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society Ltd: Tom Mulligan, Co Leitrim
- Irish Hereford Breed Society: Francis Scott, Co Laois
- Irish Holstein Friesian Association: Tom Kelly, Co Louth
- Irish Salers Cattle Society: Meryl Gillespie, Co Tipperary
- Irish Shorthorn Cattle Society: Amelda Middleton Leonard, Co Westmeath
- Irish Simmental Cattle Society: Martin Regan, Co Roscommon
Herdwatch CEO Stephen Crowley presenting at the FBD National Hall of Fame Awards.
Special awards presented on the night
Alongside the breed society awards, two special honours were presented during the evening’s celebrations.
During the ceremony, guests recognised individuals whose contribution to Irish agriculture and rural business has made a lasting impact.
- Dan Ryan of ScanInsight received the FBD National Hall of Fame Farmers Oscar Award.
- John O’Sullivan, Chair of the Hodson Bay Group received the FBD National Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.
Supporting Irish farming communities
To round off the evening, TR Dallas entertained guests from across the farming community as attendees celebrated another successful year for Irish livestock breeding.
Afterwards, Michael Flanagan, CEO of the FBD National Hall of Fame Awards, and secretary Oliver Flanagan thanked sponsors and breed societies for their continued support of the event.
For livestock farmers, Herdwatch simplifies record keeping, reduces paperwork and makes farm management easier. As a result, supporting the bovine section of the awards reflects our ongoing commitment to Irish farming and rural communities.
Ultimately, events like these showcase the dedication and expertise that continue to drive Irish livestock farming forward.
Helping livestock farmers stay organised every day
With Herdwatch, farmers can reduce paperwork, improve record keeping and manage livestock records more efficiently from anywhere on the farm.