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Spring 2009

NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER Spring 2009

you the customer, to succeed together in these demanding

times, by securing meaningful cost reduction without
compromising the performance of the animals in our care.

Throughout our history we have upheld the values we

believe are the key to our success - the products and
services we provide are of the highest quality available
in the industry. More than ever, Connolly’s RED MILLS is
committed to researching and developing new technologies
Joe and Bill Connolly
and ingredients to provide you our customers with that
winning edge. We wish you success in overcoming the

Welcome issues you encounter during 2009 and look forward to

the next 100 years of feeding winners and champions!
We are now entering into our 101st year of business, facing
new challenges along with our customers as the economy “There will be a recovery – prepare now !”
endures rapid change. 2008 presented many challenges to William V. (Liam) Connolly (1919-1998)
us and we can now see that 2009 will present even more.
Our feed and grain industry has evolved through necessity
to serve and supply customers who have chosen freely
to purchase processed, quality assured compound feeds
and that necessity is still there. The challenge we face is
finding a way for Connolly’s RED MILLS as supplier and Directors

RACER PLUS STAKE...

To celebrate the launch of our new formula RACER PLUS greyhound
food we were delighted to run the “RED MILLS RACER PLUS
A3 525 SERIES” in conjunction with the Irish Greyhound Board
(I.G.B.). With a combined prize pool of €26,350 this series added
great excitment and competition to the A3 greyhound group.
The Series covered all tracks around the country. Connolly’s RED
MILLS would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff from
all tracks, and the I.G.B, for their help in rolling out the series
and making it such a success. Gareth Connolly (Sales Manager)
commented, “It was great to be involved in this series and RED
MILLS would like to congratulate all the winners and wish all
entrants the best of luck in the future.” To see images of the CORK WINNERS; Niamh Rigney, John Geoghegan, Brian
series winners go to: http://www.igb.ie/top/News/Photo-Gallery/ Collins, Noel Rigney and Joe Morgan with Knockalyre Jim
Red-Mills-Racer-A3-Series/

66% What’s inside?

did you know...

HORSE Feeding the Foal & Weanling | News

OF THE WINNERS
PET » Tips for you & your puppy
at the Christmas Racing
GREYHOUND » Winners | New Product Lineup
Festival ARE FED ON
AGRI » Prizewinners | Organic Cheeses
CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS
EQUINE FEEDS Roundup » Competition | New Staff | Stud Success
 Spring 2009

NEWSLETTER
Equine Section

Feeding the foal and weanling

Deciding what to feed the foal or weanling
is an important decision as nutrition is most
influential from the age of 3 – 9 months. One
of the key issues facing breeders is DOD
(developmental orthopedic disease), which
can result from genetic problems, traumas or
incorrect feeding. DOD is a term used to cover
a range of bone related problems from physitis
to limb deformities to cartilage problems.
Good feeding becomes particularly important
from 3 months on when the mares milk quality
starts to drop and the foal becomes more
reliant on grazing and hard feeds. The foal can
efficiently start digesting cereals prior to 3
months and creep feeding can start from as
early as 3 weeks. The benefit of creep feeding
is, less stress at the time of weaning and
hopefully less disturbance to the growth of
the foal. Weaning often causes a temporary
drop in weight at a time when development
is critical, having your foal accustomed to
concentrate feeds and eating from a bucket
/feeder will help avoid this problem.
Traditionally we think of protein, calcium and
phosphorus when we think of good nutrients
for strong bones. But there is a whole range
of nutrients involved and having the balance of
all of these is the key to success. For example,
iodine is involved in thyroid function; the
thyroid helps regulate growth rates. Vitamin
A is important for osteoclasts, which are cells
that make the bone. Too little vitamin A and
your weanling will not reach his true height
potential. Zinc and manganese are needed
for good cartilage formation, whilst copper
is essential for the cross-links that provide
strength in the bone. All of these elements
are the building block of the foal and weanling
and most effective in the first 9 months.
The second element of nutrition that effects
development is the question of how much
to feed. Overfeeding or pushing the foal
or weanling can cause DOD, as the joints
are not able to adapt quickly enough
to the sudden increase in bodyweight.
Also variations in growth due to times
of stress, e.g. weaning or seasonal
variations (fresh new grass) can lead
to DOD. The ideal situation is for
steady growth of the foal; that
balancers are ideal.
is in itself an art to achieve.
Balancers provide all
Whilst every foal is an individual the nutrients needed in a
and weight will be affected by much more concentrated
type, the following averages form, so have smaller
will help as a guide. The average feeding volumes and fewer
birth weight is 55kg, within the “calories”. Balancers can
first 90 days the foal will gain around 110kg be used to top up or replace part
and in the next 90 days a further 70kg will of an existing diet, or can be fed as
be gained. Following this the 3rd set of 90 the sole feed, making them very flexible. In
days will see a 60kg increase and the 4th set a case of DOD it is recommended to feed
of 90 days a final 45kg increase will occur. a reduced energy (calorie) diet, for example
a balancer along with plenty of forage.
Traditional stud cubes and mixes are an easy
way to feed young stock and provide all the For further advice please contact
nutrients required. However they do not suit one of our nutritionists at Connolly’s
all types, especially those that are naturally RED MILLS on +353 (0)59 9775800.
heavier or are easy keepers. In these cases

RED MILLS - Pointing forward

Connolly’s RED MILLS UK is pleased to
announce its continued support to the UK
Point to Point scene with the sponsorship of
the Intermediate Point to Point Series 2009.
With 22 qualifying races throughout the UK
from January through to the end of April,
the first four will qualify for the Final at
Cheltenham Racecourse during its Hunter
Chase evening on Wednesday 6th May.
The Intermediate series is proving to be an
important event in the calendar for owners
from all over the UK, and is seen as a
stepping-stone for young horses to progress
up the Hunter Chase ladder. The 2007
winner Bon Accord, came out and finished
2nd in the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham
festival last year. The re-appearance of
2008 winner, Massimo, is eagerly awaited
following his impressive 7L win last year.

George Baker with SingleB and Music Box Express
“My horses have been having great success on the RED MILLS
range of racing feeds. My horses are in top condition. Not only are
we triumphant on the race track, we are also having huge success
2 in the ‘best turned out’ competitions.”
Creating a Commotion in Dundalk
Padge Gill (Connolly’s RED MILLS) presenting the prize to the
winners of the the RED MILLS race at the first harness race meeting
held at Dundalk all weather track. The winner was Bon Commotion
owned and trained by Finbar Quill, driven by Donal Murphy.

Equine Section
Blake’s Heaven
David Blake is still going strong, he
has been clocking up great results
wherever he goes. Last June, aboard
Killard Horizon, he came away with the
Mackey Equestrian Junior Rider Award.
He added this award to his collection
David Blake with some of the Connolly’s RED MILLS Equine team at our stand in the RDS
BHS LECTURES
British Horse Society are proud to present a lecture on:
Good feeding on a Budget
Understanding your Horses Digestive System and
How to Design a Diet
Date: 23rd March
Time: 7-9pm
Venue: Calliaghstown Riding Centre
by kind invitation of
Ms Grainnie Sugers BHSI
Tickets: €8 BHS members, €10 non-members.
For further info contact Jillie Rogers on (087) 1353367 or email jillr1@eircom.net
Carriage Demonstration
Top Driving Champion Barry Capstick in
association with Connolly’s RED MILLS
gave a tremendous driving demonstration
in Coilog Equestrian centre, Co. Kildare.
The crowd were delighted to see Barry
and his crew guide a four strong team
of horses through obstacles with great
skill, and at great speed.
Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
Connolly’s RED MILLS
Masters Series
following a fantastic win at the Galway
leg of the Showjumping Ireland
National Grand Prix League.
Congratulations to David from all at
RED MILLS and best of luck with the
future seasons.
Pictured above; Ray Coleman, Gareth Connolly, Padge Gill and Liz Bloomer
The 2009 Connolly’s RED MILLS Masters Series proved
to be a great contest again. The finals took place in the
Mullingar Equestrian Centre in the outdoor arenas this
year. The final was an exciting event with a three way
jump-off needed to decide the winner. Cavallo’s Ray
Coleman came out the winner with Mill Road’s Raynal
Cunningham in second and Coolbell’s Pat Ronayne
finishing in third place. Last years winner Liz Bloomer
was triumphant again taking the Leading Rider trophy.
Pony Club
Date: 20th April
Time: 7-9pm
Venue: Gurteen College
by kind permission of the prinicpal
Padge Gill with the winners at the
Pony Club Championships 2008.
The exciting part came when Barry
allowed spectators to climb aboard his
carriage and experience the adrenalin
rush of speeding around the arena.
Barry Capstick has been competing
successfully in the horse pair and horse
team classes since 1990, so everyone
was safe and all were delivered back to
the sideline in one piece!
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 Spring 2009

NEWSLETTER
Pet Section

Tips for you PET EXPO

Pet Expo returned once again. Following the
and your Puppy success of last years event the organisers
decided to hold two Expos this year. The first
was held over two days in Mallow in July and
1. M
 ake sure your puppy has all its vaccinations. They should the second took place in the RDS for three
days in October. Both events proved a great
have received their 6 week vaccine already, but they will
success, with a great variety of exhibits from
need another shot at about 10 weeks and one more at the doggie fashion show to the Clysdale
about 14 weeks. Consult your vet on these issues. horses.
2. If you are changing the diet of your puppy, make sure to do
so over a period of 7 -10 days to allow the puppy digestive
system to adjust to the new diet.
3. G
 et your puppy accustomed to travelling in the car from as
early an age as possible, there will be less chance of them
suffering from car sickness if they are comfortable and
relaxed on journeys.
4. It is good for your puppy to be left alone in his/her own
bed/kennel for short periods with you always returning to
reward the puppy when he/she is relaxed and quiet.
5. K
 eep treats to a minimum using them for training rather
than spoiling them.

Julie Holmes (Tag & Rye) and her dog

Prudence

The Connolly’s RED MILLS stand was

manned by our Pet Reps who were kept busy
with a constant flow of people with plenty of
questions. We were delighted to have Julie
Holmes, leading dog behaviouralists, on our
stand again with her companion Prudence.
Prudence kept the crowds entertained with
her wonderful tricks and Julie was on hand
to give advise.

The RED MILLS Pointer &

Setter Championships
The RED MILLS Pointer &
Setter Championships took
place on the Kinnity Moors
in August 2008. There was
double reason to celebrate
with RED MILLS in their
centenary year and Pointer
& Setter championship was
in its 50th year.

Aidan Dunne with Jamail

Adam, winners of the 2008
Pointer & Setter Championship
Fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS
dog foods.
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 Spring 2009

NEWSLETTER
Greyhound

NEW RACING LINE-UP

Following extensive research and development Connolly’s RED MILLS have launched new formula
RACER PLUS and XCEL. Our greyhound range consists of RACER PLUS, XCEL and TRACKER.

XCEL
• Increased protein and energy
• Added Chondrotin and glucosimine
for enhanced joint mobility
• Fully balanced with vitamins and minerals
• Contains FOS and MOS and optimal gut health
• Wheat Gluten free
RACER PLUS
• Increased Meat Content
• Rich in Omega 3&6
• Enriched with vitmains and minerals for
extra endurance and increased stamina
TRACKER
• Lower protein for injured or resting greyhounds
• Chicory Fibre for enhanced digestion
• Rich in omega 3&6
and optimal gut health
• Fully balanced with vitamins and minerals
• Nutritionally Balanced
• Chicory Fibre for enhanced digestion
• Top Quality ingredients

Double for Shelbourne Aston What a Legend!!

Shelbourne Aston winner of the paddypower.com Irish
Derby and the Boylesports Champion Stakes. Owners: Pat
Curtin, Noel Hehir & Margaret Montgomerie. Trainer: Pat
Curtin Breeder: Shelbourne Stud. Shelbourne Aston is fed on
Connolly’s RED MILLS Greyhound foods.
Mr. Chris Houlihan Owner, Trainer and Breeder of Cashen
Legend, winner of 2008 Cashmans Bookmakers Irish
Laurels Final, Cashen Legend is fed on Connolly’s RED
MILLS Greyhound foods.
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 Spring 2009

NEWSLETTER
Agri

RED MILLS - PRIZE WINNERS FEED

BELGIAN BLUE SUPREME LIMOUSIN JUNIOR COW
CHAMPION BEEF EXPO 2008 PRIZE WINNER 2008

Congratulations to Shay Cullen from Ballinahinch, Co Wicklow.

Well done to Trevor Ashmore from Ferns, Co Wexford, who He had the winner of the Limousin Junior Cow born in 2005, Ballinahinch
was triumphant in the Junior Belgian Blue Bull born between Alexandria (fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS 17% Pedigree No.3 Bull/
01/09/06 and 31/08/07 with Rosemount Ashmore (fed on Calf Creep). This cow and calf sold at the premier sale in Roscrea the
Connolly’s RED MILLS 16% Cattle Cooked Mix). following day for the sales top price of €12,400.

ALL IRELAND BELGIAN BLUE

CROSS BRED CALF TINAHELY 2008

Prize Customers
Morrins Pedigree Animal Feeds are delighted to see so much success from
their Organic feed customers. Morrins and Connolly’s RED MILLS would
like to congratulate the following on their numerous awards to date:

Kelly’s Moonshine Organic Dairy Inagh Farmhouse: St Tola Cheese

Sean O’Brien, Ballydowen, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal came Co Westmeath Co Clare
away the winner of the All Ireland Belgian Blue Cross Bred
Calf Tinahely. Pictured above are Andrew Bellas (judge), Tara
O’ Brien, Thomas Burke. (the calf was fed on Connolly’s RED
MILLS 17% Pedigree No.3 Bull/Calf Creep)

Mossfield Cheese Kerry Organics Beal Cheese

Co Offaly Co Kerry

We would like to wish all our customers continued success

6 and hope those awards keep coming!
 Spring 2009

NEWSLETTER
Round-up

WARRENSTOWN WINNERS
Ronan Tynan is delighted with the success his
stud, Warrenstown, has had in show jumping
leagues. The team have been finishing high
in the ranks in many events across the
country. Warrenstown You 2, Warrenstown
Well Aware and Warrenstown Krafty Jack
have all achieved great results from the stud.
Tholm Keane narrowly missed 1st place in
the Showjumping Ireland National Grand Prix
League 2008 finishing 2nd, just 1 point behind
the winner.
We are delighted that the horses in
Warrenstown are fed on Connolly’s RED
MILLS horse feeds and hope that they will
have the same success, and more, in the
future. Pictured here is Ronan Tynan with
SJI Rachel Kane, Tholm Keane, and Linda
Leslie presenting Krafy Jack at the National
Championships in 2007.

New Staff Online Colouring

Member Competition
Kids, here’s your chance to win a
RED MILLS cooler rug for your pony
and a RED MILLS T-shirt (for you)
Simply log onto:
www.redmills.ie/competition
and follow the instructions.

Post your picture to

Laura McDonald,
Connolly's RED MILLS,
Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny
Entries must be in by
Friday 6th March.

Connolly’s RED MILLS are delighted

to welcome Aoife Barry MVB to their
staff. Aoife comes on board as head
of research and development.

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 Spring 2009

NEWSLETTER

all under one roof...

Connolly’s RED MILLS, Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, Ireland

Tel: +353 599 775 800 Fax: +353 599 775 378
Email: info@redmills.ie Web: www.redmills.com