IRISH MOILED BREEDERS DAY AT KILLUA CASTLE – Saturday 3rd September 11am
Killua, Clonmellon, Co. Westmeath, C15 EWF2
The ‘Magnificent Moilies’ is a common catch-phrase used to describe Irish Moileds but nothing could be more magnificent than where a very special herd of Irish Moileds live – Killua Castle in the heart of Ireland in Clonmellon, Co. Westmeath described as one of the most romantic demesne in Ireland. The former home of Lawrence of Arabia which lay in ruins for over 60 years before being restored and brought back to life. The castle is surrounded by beautiful green landscape which rises and falls like waves as far as the eye can see and is now home to rare breeds such as the Irish Moileds, Jacob sheep, old Irish Goats and parkland deer as well as chickens all reared in a nature inclusive manner. Killua Castle is currently owned by Sangines-Krause family who has went to great lengths to restore the castle to its former glory by piecing together its history to make it as authentic as it would have been when first built.
Having purchased a number of females in the online Magnificent Moilie Sale through auctioneers Harrison & Hetherington, Anthony Gilsenan farm manager at Killua Castle also purchased one the best stock bulls he could buy Ravelglen Rocky privately from Brian O’Kane this was the start of the Killua herd of Irish Moileds.
In September Killua Castle will be opening the Twelve Points restaurant named after their signature stag with dishes featuring their own rare and native breeds such as Irish Moiled beef, lamb, venison, free range chickens and eggs. Their animals are sustainably raised on grass pastures. They also will be using local fresh produce in their restaurant. Visitors will get a preview of this very exciting new venture.
Killua Castle has already opened its doors to visitors for guided tours of the Castle and on Saturday 3rd September they have very kindly opened their doors to welcome Irish Moiled breeders particularly those interested who are presently setting the trend of selling meat boxes. There will be a tour of the processing plant at 11am and from 1pm onwards the beautiful herd of Irish Moileds at Killua Castle will be on view in the surrounding castle grounds. There will be an artisan street food van selling Irish Moiled burgers and refreshments.
If you would like to be part of the Irish Moiled breeders day at Killua Castle numbers are required as it is a first come first served basis, please contact Gillian if you plan to make a weekend of it and require names of local accommodation or to book your place.
In the ROI the Department of Agriculture announced a new agri-environment scheme in the next CAP which will be called the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), the successor to GLAS, “in brief” the objectives are to conserve the genetic diversity of native breeds that are at risk of extinction. Irish Moileds are one of nine eligible livestock species to qualify for payment. Requirements to be eligible for payment, participants must already be a member or become a member of the Irish Moiled Cattle Society and remain for the duration of the contract of three years, produce at least one offspring from a purebred mating to be registered with the Irish Moiled cattle society before the end of the three years of the contract. All progeny from a pure bred Irish Moiled must be registered with the Irish Moiled Cattle Society, full details, requirements and what documents are required to be eligible can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website (ROI) The bottom line is, anyone thinking of going into this scheme and thinking of purchasing an Irish Moiled to be eligible for payment, make sure your Irish Moiled is registered with the Irish Moiled Cattle Society or it will not qualify. If there is no pedigree certificate available from the seller, before any money parts, take the ear tag number and contact the Irish Moiled breed secretary who will do a search to see if this animal is registered with the Society. The scheme requires identification documents and pedigree certificates issued by the Society for each individual registered animal.
The annual autumn Magnificent Moilie Online Sale will be taking place from 7pm Tues 27th to 7pm Thurs 29th September which will have a large selection of elite females available for sale, online catalogue will be available through the Irish Moiled Cattle Society facebook page and Harrison and Hetheringtons Auctioneers. For further details on the above or to book your place for breeders day please contact Gillian at secretary@irishmoiledcattlesociety.com
