As well as being chief steward, overseeing the running of the dairy section at Friday’s show, he also had a big team of Holstein cattle from his Glenalbus Stud take to the show ring.

In what is believed to be a first for the successful breeder and exhibitor, he took out the award named in his late father’s honour for junior champion Holstein, the Furn Garratty Memorial.

While Alan’s daughters, Melissa (Chittick) and Kyleigh (Cochrane) leading cattle from the family stud, have previously won the award it is the first time Alan has taken out the top junior award.

He was presented with the memorial award by his proud mother Mrs Bess Garratty.

“I’ve presented the award for many years and have been lucky enough to present it to both my granddaughters but this is the first time I have presented it to my son,” she said.

“It’s lovely.”