PRO and vice-chair of the Alpaca Association of Ireland Joe Phelan said: “Alpacas have been likened to long-legged, long-necked sheep. However, any likeness stops there, as alpacas are a very different animal to sheep.

“They are of the camelid family and have been domesticated for over 6,000 years. The Spanish did not recognise the value of these animals and wiped out almost 90% of the population.”

Recovery since has been very slow and it is only in the last 20 years that alpacas are making progress across the globe for all the right reasons.

Good-quality alpaca fibre sells for £12/kg in the UK, the legs and neck (called seconds and thirds) sell for £1/kg and are used in duvets, pillow and mattress toppers.

These are very light, but three times warmer than wool due to the fibre’s thermal characteristics. The meat is also very lean, low in cholesterol and high in protein – ideal for health-conscious active people.

The Alpaca Association of Ireland is the governing body for the breed and is striving to build a viable industry around these valuable animals.

“The association maintains a register of animals which protects the quality and value for anyone investing in the alpaca industry,” Joe said.

Each year, the association holds a composite show at Tullamore, meaning fleeces from both southern and Northern Ireland are allowed to compete, while also having a live animal competition for animals in the south only.

Generally, the association has three main categories based on colour, with up to four classes based on age within each category.

Judges view the animal for their conformation (40% points) and fleece (60% points).

In the fibre, the judge is looking at 11 different characteristics, the main aspects being fineness and density with good staple length and lack of guard hair.

Judging for the alpacas will take place from 9am onwards adjacent to the cattle rings.