Leinster Rugby's Sean O' Brien kick starts the search for Ireland's top photographer and budding artists, as Irish Hereford Prime and the Irish Hereford Breed Society launch the 4th Annual Hereford Charity Photo and Calendar Competition
On Monday, July 31st 2023, Leinster Rugby’s Contact Skills Coach Sean O’ Brien, swapped 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 and photographers to see their work published, and to be in with a chance of scooping a cash prize, all with a view to raise vital funds for Children’s Health Foundation.
The farm in question, located in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, is home to Hereford 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 and Erika were also on hand to support the launch, along with their neighbour Katie Mc Carville, aged 10, who is currently receiving treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Katie’s presence was particularly significant at the launch, given that 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 – such as Katie, her four-year-old brother Jack and their parents Sue and Darren – in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.
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, Sean 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 calf or calves and muster up all of their creativity in support of their peers undergoing treatment and recovering each day at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.
Getting to be directly involved in events such as today’s launch, is truly a perk of being an Irish Hereford Prime member. Anyone that knows me, knows how passionate I am about supporting young people and raising awareness for causes that help them in their daily lives. 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 amazing children like Katie and her family.”
Echoing this sentiment, Children’s Health Foundation Corporate Manager, 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 to: https://herefordprime.net/photo_comp.php being 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 Sunday 1st October. 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, please visit: https://herefordprime.net/photo_comp.php