The 2025 Balmoral Show welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to the Eikon Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 14th to Saturday 17th May for four unforgettable days of sunshine, smiles and endless showing classes.
On Wednesday the busy Show kicked off with a flurry of well-earned red rosettes and first to obtain a coveted championship title was Glenmarshal Dainty Lady, exhibited by Trevor Shields FRAgS from Newry, who was crowned the 2025 Pig Interbreed Individual Champion.
Boghill Dakota wasn’t far behind as the British Saanen exhibited by Marcus Galbraith from Coleraine was awarded the title of Champion Goat on Thursday.
In the sheep rings on Friday, Graham Foster from Omagh won the Overall Sheep Interbreed Individual Championship after two days of tough competition with his standout Charollais ewe.
Friday also saw the cattle rings come alive as Annaghmore Fitz Atlee, exhibited by Hallow Holsteins from County Wexford, was presented the Overall Dairy Champion of Champions award and Sidney, exhibited by Stephen Maginn from Downpatrick was crowned the Overall Beef Breed Champion of Champions.
Although bird flu restrictions were once again in place, visitors of all ages were able to enjoy a display of poultry, kindly provided by the McKibbin family from Carryduff, throughout this year’s Show.
As the Show drew to a close on Saturday, Olympic Gold medallist and Ulster Bank ambassador Hannah Scott MBE had the unenviable task of judging the Champion of Champions. After surveying all the finalists and speaking with their exhibitors, Hannah tapped out Stephen Maginn’s exceptional Saler stock bull Sidney as this year’s Champion.
Commenting on the 156th Balmoral Show Rhonda Geary, RUAS Group Operations Director remarked,
‘This year’s Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank was undoubtedly a great success.
At the RUAS, we pride ourselves on being able to provide a shop window for our field to fork journey and the people who make it all possible.
To all our exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and staff, we would just like to say a big thank you for making this year’s event so special’.
You can now browse a selection of photos from the event within our Gallery or relive some of the highlights with us on the official Balmoral Show Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels.
