Irish Limousin, A History

In what was described as one of the most prestigious days in the history of the Limousin breed in Ireland, the Irish Limousin Cattle Society launched their newest publication, Irish Limousin, A History on the 23rd October in Kinnity Castle, in Co. Offaly.

Launched by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith T.D., this publication charts the progress of the Limousin breed in Ireland from its conception in 1971 to the massive success story that it is in modern day agriculture in Ireland now standing as the No.1 Beef Breed in AI and the No.1 Suckler Dam. The book encompasses 160 pages of stories, facts, statistics and pictures all brought together chronologically in one intriguing publication.

It was written by Donal O’Brien, an Agricultural Science and Masters graduate who also runs the family farm in Tallow, Co. Waterford. The book was the first publication of this avid Limousin breeder who has been a member of the Irish Limousin Cattle Society, since 1989.

At the launch were many people who, over the years, have given much to the development of the breed. Among them were the first importers of Limousin into Ireland. There were also founder members of the Irish Limousin Cattle Society and successive members and presidents of the Limousin council along with successive secretaries of the society. The society was also very pleased to welcome Mr Jim Bloom the recently appointed chairman of the British Limousin Cattle Society and his wife Margaret.

Also at the launch were representatives for the greater agricultural industry with whom the society has been associated – Department of Agriculture, Allied Irish Bank, who sponsored the launch, Agricultural Press, Mart Managers, AI bodies, FBD, and many more.

Commenting on the launch, breed Chief Executive Noel Gowen said that the day was a celebration of Irish Limousin cattle and the people who have made the breed so successful and it provided for a strong sense of achievement and history. It was great for people to remember the early days of the breed and to re-acquaint with many friends.

With the formalities over, guests were treated to a meal of Limousin steak provided by Eurovee and then some humorous memoirs of one of the founder members of the society, Dick Collins. Overall a very enjoyable day was had by all.

The book is available from the Limousin office (025 85036) at a cost of €26 (incl post & package).

" Irish Limousin-A History "
Noel Gowen, secretary ILCS, William Smith, Oldcastle, president ILCS, Brendan Smith, Minister for Agriculture & Donal O'Brien, Tallow, Co. Waterford, author.
Photo O'Gorman Photography

President
William Smith, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, president ILCS, Brendan Smith, Minister for Agriculture & Donal O'Brien, Tallow, Co. Waterford, author.
Photo O'Gorman Photography

Past presidents
( front ) Seamus Cody, Templemore, William Smith, Oldcastle,( current holder), Ray Carolan, Cavan, Roger McCarrick, Drumree, ( back ) Dick Collins, Fermoy, John Moroney, Corofin, Martin McCullagh, Drumconrath, Nicholas Grubb, Clogheen & Ernie Buttimer, Clonakilty.
Photo O'Gorman Photography.

Former secretaries
Michael Leahy, Cobh, Annette McAllister, Dublin, Ger Ryan, Cappamore, Barbara Grubb, Clogheen & Noel Gowen, Kilworth ( current holder ).
Photo O'Gorman Photography.