Leinster Rugby’s Seán O’Brien kick starts the search for Ireland’s top photographers and budding artists, as Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society launch 4th Annual Hereford Charity Photo and Calendar Competition
Seán O’Brien swaps the rugby pitch for picturesque farmland for the launch of the Hereford Charity Photo and Calendar Competition, in association with Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society. Now in its fourth year, the competition encourages artists an photographers to see their work published and to be in with the chance of scooping a cash prize, all with a view to raising vital funds for an important Irish charity.
The farm in question, located in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, is home to Irish Hereford Prime farmer Tennyson Egar, who splits his time between his farming duties and his role as operations and strategic account manager at Irish Hereford Prime. Tennyson’s daughters, Adrianna (8) and Erika (5) were on hand to support the launch, along with their neighbours Jack McCarville (4) and his sister Katie (10).
These gorgeous and bubbly children were the guests of honour at today’s launch and made the morning very special, given that the Children’s Health Foundation has just been named as the charity partner for the 2024 calendar. All proceeds raised through the sale of this upcoming calendar will go directly to this extremely worthy cause, which is instrumental in supporting sick children and their families.
As an Irish Hereford Prime member, former Irish Rugby star Seán O’Brien was delighted to assist with the launch – and to give the inside scoop on a brand-new competition category that will appeal to budding young artists across Ireland.
Commenting on this exciting new category, Seán explained: “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 added: “Getting to be directly involved in events such as today’s launch, 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 in recognition of their tireless efforts and in support of the amazing children in need of their
services.”
Echoing this sentiment, Corporate Manager at the Children’s Health Foundation, Liam Redmond commented:
’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! 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!’’
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.
This competition is now open for entry, with images uploaded here, accepted from now until Friday 15th September. 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 22nd September until midnight Sunday 1st October on Irish Hereford Breed Society Facebook page.
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 sough-after charity calendar due to go on sale in early November – giving people plenty of time to add it to their Santa lists!
For more information and full competition terms and conditions click here. Any further queries may be sent by e-mail to info@irishherefordprime.com