'˜Mollies in the Glens' open day planned

The Irish Moiled Cattle Society will be hosting their AGM and Open Day at the farm of Brian and Annemarie O'Kane, Martinstown, Ballymena, Co. Antrim on Saturday 30th July.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jul 2016, 09:26 BST
Updated 21st Jul 2016, 10:28 BST
Brian and Annemarie O'Kane finalising details of the Open Day and AGM being held on Saturday 30th July with IMCS Chairman Nigel Edwards.Brian and Annemarie O'Kane finalising details of the Open Day and AGM being held on Saturday 30th July with IMCS Chairman Nigel Edwards.
Brian and Annemarie O'Kane finalising details of the Open Day and AGM being held on Saturday 30th July with IMCS Chairman Nigel Edwards.

The Ravelglen Herd was established in 2003 when Brian purchased his first heifer, Glenfield Polly from Richard McConnell’s Glenfield Herd. They were impressed with her that the O’Kane family decided to purchase a second heifer from the McConnells, a more dairy type heifer this time called Lagan Irish Elegance which originally was bred by the Late Sheila Clarke from Dorset, England. The Ravelglen herd has developed from these two cows with the use of various bulls from A.I such as Glenbrook Toro or hired bulls namely Silverwood Arkle. Purchased stock bulls in the past have included Carnearney Pedro from Kenneth Gawn, Kells, Braefield Bryan from William Millar, Aughafatten and Curraghnakeely Defender from Nigel Edwards, Tempo. The current stockbull is Glenmaquinn Blossom 4th purchased from Alfie McKnight in Donegal, recently classified ex93.

On the day there will also be the opportunity to pre view pedigree breeding stock that will be for sale from Brian and Annemarie O’Kane’s Ravelglen Herd.

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The main events of the day will begin at 1.30pm, this will consist of a farm walk, stock judging, various demonstrations such as bread making by Mary McCarthy, traditional bow making by Cailin O’Kane, blacksmithing by artist Eamon Higgins owner of Hot Milk Forge. The Hot Milk Forge is situated on the farm and will be open on the day with two Blacksmith classes the first one commencing at 10 am to 12 noon and the second class from 1pm to 3pm costing £20-00 per session. To find out more and book directly please visit www.hotmilkforge.com.

Chef Stephen Taylor-Winter throughout the afternoon will be cooking a range of different dishes using Irish Moiled Beef enabling everyone to taste this melt in your mouth beef. James Gannon, owner of the award winning Cloonconra Raw Milk Cheese made from Irish Moiled milk, will be present on the day.

There will also be a small vintage farm machinery display on site and Nathan Hylands will be present with his Model Farm which also includes Irish Moiled Cattle. Little World Fairy Houses – Louise O’Neill Slate Art and various other local crafts will also be on display. Junior enthusiasts present on the day can take time out to enjoy the kids colouring activities. The day will be rounded off by a barbecue at 6pm. (Booking Essential) complete with Irish Moiled beef of course!

The day will offer something of interest to everyone and is an open event, all we ask is for you to come along and enjoy the day. Anyone wishing to come along to the barbecue at 6pm we would ask you to contact the Secretary prior to the event on 07842185008 to help assist with catering arrangements.