Barry Cunningham’s Togherbeg Belclare flock located in Co Galway claimed the top honours in the Belclare Sheep Society All-Ireland Championship held in Mullingar Show. ‘Togherbeg Magnificent’ claimed first prize in the ram lamb class before edging out a top-quality ewe lamb from the Tubber Flock of Liam and Eoin Dunne to win Champion of the Show.
Togherbeg Magnificient also edged out the Tubber Flock in the ram lamb class with rams bred by Liam and Eoin Dunne finishing in second and third position. David Cooke’s ram finished in fourth position ahead of a ram bred by Neil O’Donnell in fifth place, while Eugene Russell’s ram lamb completed the final-six line-up.
Judge Michael Neenan had a challenging task selecting winners in the classes sponsored by J Grennan and Sons and Mayo HealthCare. The Senior Ram class was won by the Oltore Flock of Tim Keady, whose impressive ram headed a highly competitive class. Liam Delaney secured second place, followed by Eugene Russell in third, while Neil O'Donnell claimed fourth.
In the Hogget Ram class, Liam Delaney of the Coolgarragh flock took top honours, with his ram described as an outstanding entry. Sonny Jennings finished in second place, John Kennedy was awarded third, while Tim Keady claimed fourth and sixth positions. Eugene Russell completed the line-up in fifth place.
Ewe classes
Barry Cunningham returned to first place in the senior ewe class while Liam Delaney, who also had a successful day, claimed second and third position. Tim Keady’s senior ewe finished fourth while David Cooke was awarded fifth position for his ewe.
The Hogget Ewe class was won by Liam and Eoin Dunne, who also secured third place. Liam Delaney claimed second and fifth places, Barry Cunningham finished fourth and Tim Keady completed the placings in sixth.
In the Ewe Lamb class, Liam and Eoin Dunne’s entry was a worthy winner, also being awarded the overall reserve champion. John McTigue secured second place, while Barry Cunningham claimed third and fifth positions. Liam and Eoin Dunne added a fourth-place finish, with Liam Delaney claimed sixth.
The Young Handlers competition showcased the enthusiasm and talent of the next generation of Belclare breeders. Mia O'Donnell was awarded first place following an excellent display of stockmanship, ahead of Charlotte O'Donnell in second, while Daniel Cooke completed the prizes in third.
Premier sale
The society is holding its premier sale on Friday evening, 7 August, in GVM Tullamore Mart, with the show at 3pm and sale at 6pm. There are 63 ram lambs, 10 hogget rams and a selection of top-quality females catalogued for the sale. A high percentage of rams will satisfy the requirements of the Sheep Improvement Scheme Genotyped ram action". To receive a copy of the sale catalogue or for further information text 0852774010 or email belclaresec@gmail.com.