25th Anniversary Celebration

The first imports of Belgian Blue cattle into Ireland a quarter of a century ago has been recalled with a presentation to the first Irish farmer to bring the specialist beef breed on to his farm.
Michael Woods, who imported the first animals in 1980, was presented with a special commemorative plaque at the 25th anniversary dinner of the Irish Belgian Blue Society, attended by leading livestock breeding figures and representatives of the breed in Belgium, Britain and Northern Ireland.
Those present at the Montague Hotel, Portlaoise, included Gill Evans, representing the British herdbook; Northern Ireland breeders James Martin, Jim Sloan and Alan Cleland; Derek Deane, Vice Chairman, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and 2004 Bord bia Quality Beef Producer; John Fleming, Secretary of the British Belgian Blue Society; Cyril Martin, President of the Irish Society; Pierre Mallieu, Secretary of the Belgian Herdbook; Richard Duff, Secretary of the Irish Society; and Michel Lefevre of the Belgian herdbook.
Michael Woods, who farms at Drogheda, Co. Louth continues to run the Clonmore herd of Belgian Blues. He was the longest serving president of the Society, completing 13 years at the helm, before being appointed inspector for the breed to succeed the late Maurice O'Brien, Clare. He is still a member of the Belgian Blue National Council.

Council members who presented Michael Woods with a plate

commemorating the fact that he imported the first
belgian blue into this country in 1980.

Myles Mc Dermott, Frank Campbell, Al Grogan (Dept of Agriculture), Anthony O'Connor (former
President), Jarlath Duggan (former Secretary), Michael Woods (Inspector + former President). Cyril
Martin (President), Eamon Butler, Richard Duff (Secretary), John Searson. Tom Foynes.

Derek Deane emphasised the necessity to produce high quality cattle in the new single farm payment regime, and said the Belgian Blue bull will provide the type of cattle needed for the European Market.
The first Irish President was Paddy Nolan. The first Secretary was Hugh Magee. John Vaughan, who was also a pioneering importer, served as secretary for 20 years. Jarlath Duggan took over as Secretary from John Vaughan for three years before handing over to Richard Duff recently. Cyril Martin took overHhePresidency a year ago from Anthony O Connor who served as president for 9 years.

Front row seated: Hugh Magee ( first Secretary), Aileen Woods, Austin Mescal
(Dept of Agriculture), Michael Woods (Inspector).

Standing 1 to r: Gill Evans ( British BB herdbook), James Martin (N.I. Breeder), Alan Cleland (N.I. Breeder) Derek Deane (Vice Chairman ICBF+ Bord Bia Quality Producer of the year '04), John Fleming (Secretary British BB Society), Cyril Martin(President of Irish BB Society). Pierre Mallieu (Secretary of Belgian Herdbook), Richard Duff ( Secretary of Irish BB Society), Michel Lefevre (Belgian herdbook), Jim Sloan (N.I. Breeder).

Richard Duff presenting Aileen Woods with a bouquet of flowers at the 25th anniversary