The South of Ireland Hampshire Down Premier Show and Sale was held in Tullow Mart recently, attracting a strong entry of top-quality Hampshire Downs from across the country.
Under the experienced eye of Welsh judge Stuart Jones, exhibitors competed for the prestigious championship titles ahead of the annual sale which continues to grow every year.
It proved a remarkable day for Andrew Gilmore’s Rocksolid flock based in Co Cavan. His smart ewe not only won her class but also secured the overall champion title before later topping the sale at €1,500.
The best opposite sex award was presented to Alymer Power’s ram lamb, Powerpack Governor, the reigning all-Ireland champion ram lamb, which went on to sell for the second-highest price of €1,350.
A busy day of trading followed, with strong interest from buyers both online and ringside.
In the shearling ram class, Monaghan breeders Colin and Carol Sloan claimed first place with Creevagh Fernando which later topped the shearling ram trade at €850.
The ram lamb section was divided into two classes due to the large number of entries. The first class, for ram lambs born in December, was won by Michael White from Co Dublin with Whitehart Gavino, a strong ram lamb that later sold for €900.
In the subsequent ram lamb class for January-born entries, Limerick breeder Alymer Power was back in the red ribbons again with the stylish Powerpack Guinness, which went on to realise €1,180.
In the ewe lamb class, Dublin breeder Michael White again enjoyed success, taking first place and securing the reserve overall champion title, before later selling her for €800.
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