To celebrate 40 years in business, Ashbourne Meats are running a cow carcass competition during the first week of July 2025.

This competition is back by popular demand, having previously run in conjunction with the Irish Limousin Cattle Society as the John O’Grady Cup - Limousin Cow Competition.

This year, Ashbourne Meats is opening our 40 years' celebration competition to all cow breeds.

Willie McCormack, Procurement Manager in Ashbourne Meats' Roscrea site, has outlined the criteria for potential participants.

He said: "We are looking for the all-round top cow in conformation and fat. Every breed will bring its own unique characteristics and I’m looking forward to seeing a large entry of top-quality cows from the top breeds in Ireland."

Peter McMahon, Managing Director of Ashbourne Meats, has advised clients in France, Holland and Belgium of the competition and has received extremely positive feedback.

Danny Houlihan, CEO of Ashbourne Meats, outlined the importance of promoting and trying to maintain the status of their suckler herd.

"Ireland is world-renowned for producing the best beef and we need the suckler herd influence to maintain our high standards and so by running this competition we hope to encourage farmers to maintain and grow the suckler herd," Houlihan said.

The competition will run for three days (June 30, July 1, and July 2) with the winner announced on July 3.

Top carcass prices will be paid, and prizes will be awarded for first, second, third-place winners.

To enter, simply call Willie McCormack on 0858502994 or Justin Kinsella on 0879679211.

Rules: 70 days plus in the herd, Open to all breeds.