Irish Hereford Breed Society issues final call for entries to its fourth annual charity competition in aid of Children's Health Foundation

Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society have issued a final call for entries to their fourth annual Hereford Charity Photo and Calendar Competition.

Launched by Leinster Rugby’s Contact Skills Coach Seán O’Brien, this competition encourages artists and photographers of all abilities, from hobbyists to professionals, to see their work published and to be in with the chance of scooping a cash prize.

However, the overarching aim is to raise vital funds for an important Irish charity, which this year is the Children’s Health Foundation, specifically Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, who work tirelessly to help hundreds of sick children and their families daily.

Commenting on the competition, Seán gave the inside scoop on a brand-new category that will appeal to budding young artists across Ireland: "For this year’s calendar competition, we’ve decided to shake things up a little by adding the 'Creative Calves' category, which is open to children and teens aged 16 and under.

"We’re inviting entrants to draw, paint or sketch a Hereford animal and use all of their creativity in support of their peers undergoing treatment and recovering at Crumlin Children’s Hospital."

He continued: "Getting to be directly involved in events such as this, is a perk of being an Irish Hereford Prime member.

"I’m very passionate about supporting young people and raising awareness for causes that help them out in any way. Children’s Health Foundation does just this, so I would encourage people to enter this year’s competition before it closes in recognition of their tireless efforts and in support of the amazing children in need of their services."

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Echoing this sentiment, Corporate Manager at the Children’s Health Foundation, Liam Redmond added: "We are thrilled to have been chosen by Irish Hereford Prime as their partner charity for this year’s calendar photo competition.

"With the great addition of the 'Creative Calves' drawing or painting category for children under the age of 16, we hope some of our patients and families will be excited to take part too, as being creative through photography or drawing is a great outlet for people of all ages.

"Thank you to Irish Hereford Prime for choosing to support sick children in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin; we can’t wait to see all the entries!’"

As an Irish Hereford Prime member, Seán O’Brien assisted with the launch, which took place earlier this month on the farm of Tennyson Egar in Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare.

Tennyson, who splits his time between his farming duties and his role as operations and strategic account manager at Irish Hereford Prime, was joined on the day of the launch by some very special young guests of honour: his daughters Adrianna (8) and Erika (5), their neighbours Jack McCarville (4) and his sister Katie (10), all excited to show Seán their creative skills.

HAVING A BALL: Pictured at Irish Hereford Prime member Tennyson Egar’s Ballymore Eustace farm, at the launch of the Hereford Charity Photo and Calendar Competition, in association with Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society, is (LEFT TO RIGHT): Adrianna Egar (8), Katie Mc Carville (10), Jack McCarville (4), Erika Egar (5) and former Irish Rugby star and Irish Hereford Prime member, Seán O'Brien. Photo by Jeff Harvey.

Aside from this year’s 'Creative Calves', there are three additional competition categories that are sure to inspire those that fancy their skills behind the lens as promising photographers.

These include: 

·       Herefords - The Natural Choice - Pedigree Hereford animals – all cows, heifers, bulls, calves accepted.

·       The HEX Factor – Hereford cross cattle (male or female) in their natural environment.

·       Hereford: An Environmentally Sustainable Breed – For Hereford farmers it is so much more than just award-winning beef, it is passion and commitment to the environment, community and the future. This category calls for the best photo showcasing how our Hereford farmers care for the environment and make significant contributions to biodiversity and sustainability.

To enter, upload your image to www.irishherefordprime.com/crumlin-charity-calendar from now until Friday, September 15.

An independent judge will shortlist the submitted entries in each category and following this, the shortlisted photos will be up for public vote online from Friday, September 22 until Sunday, October 1.

The overall competition winner will receive an impressive cash prize of €500, while first and second place in each category will be awarded with €250 and €150 vouchers respectively.

Winners will be announced at the beginning of October, with the much sought-after charity calendar due to go on sale in early November.

For more information and full competition terms and conditions, please visit www.irishherefordprime.com/crumlin-charity-calendar.

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HISTORY OF IRISH HEREFORD PRIME

Irish Hereford Prime was established in 1997 to market Hereford beef as a premium brand synonymous with quality and sustainability.

Today, it is Europe’s largest and oldest Hereford producer group, with members all across Ireland.

Members receive a bonus for stock that meets Irish Hereford Prime’s strict certification requirements.

Sourcing new Hereford sires and sharing the latest research findings are among the many features of membership.

Irish Hereford Prime is distributed to food service by Sysco Ireland and is available as part of the SuperValu Signature Tastes range.

ABOUT CHILDREN'S HEALTH FOUNDATION

Children’s Health Foundation are committed to supporting the little patients and their families who attend Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) hospitals and urgent care centres in Temple Street, Crumlin, Connolly and Tallaght.

Children’s Health Foundation ensures every sick child has the very best chance.

For more information on Children’s Health Foundation, visit www.childrenshealth.ie.

WINNING SMILES: Pictured at Irish Hereford Prime member Tennyson Egar’s Ballymore Eustace farm, at the launch of the Hereford Charity Photo and Calendar Competition, in association with Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society, is (BACK, LEFT TO RIGHT) former Irish Rugby star Seán O'Brien; Operations and Strategic Account Manager at Irish Hereford Prime, Tennyson Egar; and Corporate Partnership Executive at Children’s Health Foundation, Oisin Fahy; along with (FRONT, LEFT TO RIGHT) Katie Mc Carville (10), Erika Egar (5), Jack McCarville (4) and Adrianna Egar (8). Photo by Jeff Harvey.