Herd Profile – Meencraig
Gerard McCloskey runs his pedigree Meencraig Irish Moiled herd high up the Sperrin Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty in Northern Ireland.
His foundation herd of 10 females were purchased from the Glassdrummond herd of Sam Smiley’s based in Ballynahinch. The following year he purchased a young bull called Ravelglen Christy from the renown Ravelglen herd of Brian O’Kane’s.
The Irish Moileds suited Gerards rougher ground and as Gerard puts it “he wanted a land management tool that didn’t burn diesel !!!” Farming needs to be economically viable these days and moilies fit that bill.
Gerard loves traditional agriculture such as horse ploughing etc., and in particular he loves traditional music and singing, The Irish Moiled was a natural choice especially when this breed is steeped in history being one of the oldest of the surviving indigenous breeds of Irish Cattle.
The Magnificent Moilie Spring Online Sale takes place from 6th May to 8th May through Auctioneers Harrison & Hetherington. The senior stock sire, Ravelglen Christy owned by Gerard is entered in the sale, he has some lovely calves on the ground full of breed character. The full H and H catalogue will be released a week before the sale meantime please keep following the IMCS facebook page and website.
