On Thursday 12th December 2024, the highly anticipated 38th Royal Ulster Winter Fair in association with sole sponsor Danske Bank, returned to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn.
The popular event formed the festive finale to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s 170th anniversary celebrations as their Patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, joined visitors and exhibitors alike to recognise a spectacular display of dairy excellence.
The Championships were once again hotly contested in Northern Ireland’s premier dairy Show with the competitive atmosphere adding to the excitement. Renowned American livestock judge Nathan Thomas commended the exceptional quality dairy cattle on display and congratulated the young handlers from the packed showmanship classes. After some deliberation Mr Thomas crowned Hallow Holsteins from Gorey as the winners of the coveted Supreme Interbreed Championship title for the second consecutive year. This year’s winning animal was none other than the exceptional four year old Holstein, Hallow Octain Twizzle. The Fleming Family from Downpatrick received the title of Reserve Champion with Potterswalls Bontino Dawn, and the Hynes Family from Cork returned home with the Honourable Mention for Eedy Rubicon Acclaim.
Organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), this superb Show once again enabled farmers, dairy enthusiasts and industry leaders to network and do business as the halls were packed to capacity with over 200 trade stands and almost 200 livestock entries. For many families and exhibitors, it provided the perfect opportunity to catch up and socialise in the countdown to Christmas.
Recognising 38 years of support, Rodney Brown, Head of AgriBusiness at Danske Bank said, “This year's RUAS Winter Fair has been an exceptional celebration, marked by a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional cattle displays. The quality of the livestock showcased was truly outstanding, a credit to the dedicated dairy farmers whose focus on high genetic merit continues to elevate the industry. It is with great pride that we at Danske Bank commemorate our 38th year of supporting this wonderful event, especially as we celebrate our own 200 year anniversary alongside RUAS's 170 years.
“Throughout the day, there was an undeniable buzz both in the show ring and across the numerous trade stands. Attendees enjoyed the chance to reconnect with old friends and forge new partnerships. The fair provided a platform for stakeholders to explore innovative solutions, ensuring they remain competitive and resilient in building a sustainable future for the agricultural sector.
“At Danske Bank, our enthusiasm for continuing our sponsorship of the RUAS Winter Fair remains as strong as ever. We are proud to be associated with an event that so clearly benefits everyone involved. This partnership highlights our ongoing commitment to fostering agricultural excellence and supporting the communities we serve.”
RUAS Group Operations Director, Rhonda Geary added; “This year’s Royal Ulster Winter Fair has been a very special one for the Society. The day’s festivities were a fitting finale to our 170th anniversary celebrations and we were so pleased to welcome our Patron HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to the event for the first time.
“We’re immensely grateful to our sole sponsor Danske Bank for their generous financial support of this ever evolving and renowned event.
“The festive spirit could be felt across the Show and made the crowning of our Championship winners an extra special occasion. The event was once again streamed online this year allowing diary enthusiasts across the world to enjoy part of the action.
“On behalf of the Society, I would like to thank our judges, stewards, exhibitors, and visitors for supporting this year’s Show. We look forward to welcoming you all again in 2025”.
Full results from the event can be found on the Winter Fair website.
