It was another enthralling finale to the 2026 FBD All-Ireland Young Shepherd and Shepherdess competition held at Ossory Show on Sunday 26 July.

Organised by the Irish Shows Association (ISA) in partnership with FBD Insurance and the Irish Farmers Journal, the competition took place for the first time in 2025 and was open once again to young shepherds and shepherdesses aged from eight to 22 years old.

All those competing at the finals in Ossory had qualified at local shows throughout the country this summer.

Broken down into three age categories – senior, intermediate and juniors – the day commenced with the competitors grooming and preparing their sheep for the show ring. This was overseen by the two well-experienced judges, Michael Graham and Padraig Murphy.

Following on from this, the youngsters got the opportunity to display their ring craft skills in front of a packed ringside.

They then moved on to some stock judging duties, before taking part in a short interview with the judges.

When the tasks were all completed and the scores were totted up, ISA national secretary Jim Harrison announced the winners, commencing with the juniors.

Juniors

Taking the number one spot in the junior section was Oisín Hogan, a 10-year-old from Roscommon. A young shepherd with a passion for Dutch Spotted sheep, Oisín loves attending marts and exhibiting at summer shows.

In second place was Alana Steenson, a young girl from Northern Ireland who qualified at Armagh Show.

Like many of the competitors, Alana loves all aspects of sheep farming and showing.

In third place was another proud Roscommon man, William Murray. A firm believer that showing has taught him responsibility, patience and confidence, William qualified at Athenry Show.

Intermediates

A cheer to rival the one that echoed around Croke Park on Sunday was heard around the ring when Harry Hargroves was called out as the intermediate winner.

A local, Harry grew up in Coolrain, Co Laois, where he farms with his family and has recently ventured into pedigree Blue Texels.

Standing second to Harry was Luke Rothwell, who qualified at Adamstown Show. Hailing from the sunny southeast, Luke is a newcomer to the show circuit this year, but has already picked up some silverware, winning reserve champion at Gorey Show.

Longford Show qualifier Thomas Deniston was next in line, picking up the third place ticket. A young suckler and sheep farmer, Thomas loves showing and following the bloodlines.

Seniors

Standing top of the line in the senior section was an extraordinary young woman from Co Donegal, Jessica Wilson. Farming alongside her sister, the 21-year-old keeps her own pedigree Blue Texel flock, as well as a commercial flock of breeding ewes.

Recently graduated, this capable young woman loves seeing how her stock go on and breed for their new owners.

Pushing the Donegal woman all the way was Robbie Kilduff, a pedigree Dutch Spotted and Zwartbles breeder based in Co Wexford.

Another extremely capable young shepherd, Robbie loves travelling to shows across the country and not just to take part. In 2024 and 2025, he picked up the overall champion titles at the FBD National Livestock Show in Tullamore.

Coming it third place in the senior category was 18-year-old Orla Carey. A native of Co Tipperary, Orla was the youngest in her group, but made up for it in spades with her manner and overall enthusiasm.

She also loves attending summer shows and helping out on her uncle's dairy farm when the opportunity arises.