Padraic Niland was one of just 15 breeders selected to purchase Texels from the original importation by the Department of Agriculture in 1976. Today, he is the last surviving breeder from that group. Since then, the Niland family and the Chessy prefix have become household names in Texel circles throughout Ireland and the UK.

A passionate advocate for the breed, Padraic has always believed that showing sheep is the best shop window for any flock.

His enthusiasm for showing came from his father, who won 11 Galway Sheep Championship titles at the RDS. Over the years, the Niland’s have enjoyed success at many of the country’s premier events, including the RDS, the Growvite All-Ireland Championships, the National Livestock Show in Tullamore, the Irish Texel Premier Sale and numerous local shows and sales.

Padraic has now passed this passion on to his son Gerard, who has taken the reins.

Key to success

Padraic believes that following proven breeding lines has been one of the keys to the Chessy flock’s success.

“Some of the ewe families I’m breeding from today go right back to the original ewes I bought 50 years ago. Good breeding lines stand the test of time,” he says.

Looking back over five decades, Padraic recalls many memorable moments. One that stands out was selling Chessy Regal Monarch for 3,500gns in 1979 – a record price that stood for 21 years.

What would a lamb have to make today to build a house?”

“At the time, you could build a bungalow for about £3,000. That’s what the ram was worth. What would a lamb have to make today to build a house?”

While the prices and accolades have been special, Padraic says the friendships made through Texels have meant even more. “I’ve made exceptional friends all over Ireland and the UK. We’re still in touch throughout the year; talking about how lambing went, what rams we’re using and how different sheep are breeding. I also love getting out to the shows and catching up with fellow breeders and friends.”

He is quick to acknowledge the role his wife, Margaret, has played in the success of the Chessy flock.

“Margaret has been there every step of the way. She’s been a huge part of everything we’ve achieved.”

Greatest achievement

When asked about his greatest breeding achievement, Padraic recalls a ewe he sold for €10,000, a record price at the time. She went on to breed some of the leading rams in both Ireland and the UK, producing progeny that generated an estimated £270,000 in sales under the watchful eye of Jeff Aiken.

It’s the commercial farmer who has made Texels the success they are today

Despite these successes, Padraic believes the real strength of the Texel breed lies with the commercial sheep farmer.

“It’s great to see pedigree sheep making big money, but it’s the commercial farmer who has made Texels the success they are today,” he says. “I’ve seen the society grow from just 15 breeders to more than 500, and that would not have happened if Texels weren’t delivering for commercial producers.”

Padraic has run other breeds over the years but now keeps only Texels.

“They’re easy to work with, require very little intervention and suit the type of sheep I want to farm.”

Today, he carries out a limited amount of embryo flushing to expand his best bloodlines, while remaining committed to breeding functional, naturally reared sheep.

“I’m very proud to have three lambs heading to Blessington this year. All three are twins reared by first-lambing ewes, and they represent the kind of sheep I’m aiming to breed. I’m also very proud of the strong flock of around 50 pedigree ewes we’ve built.”

The quality at Blessington is now as good as you’ll find anywhere

Having purchased rams throughout both Ireland and the UK over the years, Padraic believes the quality on offer at the Irish Texel Premier Sale has never been better.

“The quality at Blessington is now as good as you’ll find anywhere. I’m really looking forward to the premier sale this year, especially as I’ve been honoured with judging the female classes during the society’s 50th anniversary celebrations.”

There is certainly no sign of Padraic slowing down. As he prepares for his 51st breeding season, he is already looking ahead with enthusiasm.

“We’re getting this year’s ewes ready for AI, and I’m already excited to see next year’s lamb crop. After 50 years, the enjoyment of breeding Texels is as strong as ever.”