Formed in January 2018, Zwartbles Eire is the newest sheep society in Ireland.
It has already gained much traction, attracting nearly 40 members. With nearly 100 registered flocks in the country along with a number of unregistered ones, the society hopes this will grow steadily as time goes on.
Zwartbles sheep are black with main markings, a white blasé, two to four white socks and a distinguishable white tip on the tail. They came over from Holland to the UK in 1995 and into the Republic of Ireland in 2005. Originally brought in by Ray Sweeny, they have grown in strength and popularity.
Irish lamb is always a winner but this meat opens your senses to a new culinary delight that leaves you wanting more
The cross of Zwartbles with commercial sheep produce a sturdy and fast-growing lamb which reach good grades at the factory with a much leaner meat. They are known to be excellent mothers, with strong milking ability.
At the first Zwartbles Eire meeting, a council was elected as follows:
Michael Naughton, chair. Martin Harney, vice-chair. Tim Kellegher, secretary. Ruth Keane, treasurer.John Powell, PRO.Committee members: Francis Lyons, Denny Lyons, Ronan Lally, Mary Cannon and Gertie Brennon. Speaking about the formation of the society, committee chair Michael Naughton said: “I love all sheep breeds but the Zwartbles is a true premium breed and especially for cross breeding. Through experimentation I brought Zwartbles cross-breed lambs up to U grade at the factory. Irish lamb is always a winner but this meat opens your senses to a new culinary delight that leaves you wanting more. I can see Zwartbles playing a huge part in the meat industry in both Ireland and abroad over the coming years.”
Key events
The society has already organised a number of key events for 2018, starting with a launch night on 21 April at the Creggan Court Hotel in Athlone at 8pm. All those with an interest in joining the society are encouraged to attend.
Along with confirming their attendance at the National Sheep Breeders Association's sheep event in Cillín Hill and Sheep 2018 in Athenry, the society will also be attending 14 other summer shows.
The first big sale of the society will be its premier in Tullamore on 28 July.
Read more
Watch: ewe gives birth to six healthy lambs in Teagasc Athenry
Hoggets sell to €142 in Mountbellew Mart
Formed in January 2018, Zwartbles Eire is the newest sheep society in Ireland.
It has already gained much traction, attracting nearly 40 members. With nearly 100 registered flocks in the country along with a number of unregistered ones, the society hopes this will grow steadily as time goes on.
Zwartbles sheep are black with main markings, a white blasé, two to four white socks and a distinguishable white tip on the tail. They came over from Holland to the UK in 1995 and into the Republic of Ireland in 2005. Originally brought in by Ray Sweeny, they have grown in strength and popularity.
Irish lamb is always a winner but this meat opens your senses to a new culinary delight that leaves you wanting more
The cross of Zwartbles with commercial sheep produce a sturdy and fast-growing lamb which reach good grades at the factory with a much leaner meat. They are known to be excellent mothers, with strong milking ability.
At the first Zwartbles Eire meeting, a council was elected as follows:
Michael Naughton, chair. Martin Harney, vice-chair. Tim Kellegher, secretary. Ruth Keane, treasurer.John Powell, PRO.Committee members: Francis Lyons, Denny Lyons, Ronan Lally, Mary Cannon and Gertie Brennon. Speaking about the formation of the society, committee chair Michael Naughton said: “I love all sheep breeds but the Zwartbles is a true premium breed and especially for cross breeding. Through experimentation I brought Zwartbles cross-breed lambs up to U grade at the factory. Irish lamb is always a winner but this meat opens your senses to a new culinary delight that leaves you wanting more. I can see Zwartbles playing a huge part in the meat industry in both Ireland and abroad over the coming years.”
Key events
The society has already organised a number of key events for 2018, starting with a launch night on 21 April at the Creggan Court Hotel in Athlone at 8pm. All those with an interest in joining the society are encouraged to attend.
Along with confirming their attendance at the National Sheep Breeders Association's sheep event in Cillín Hill and Sheep 2018 in Athenry, the society will also be attending 14 other summer shows.
The first big sale of the society will be its premier in Tullamore on 28 July.
Read more
Watch: ewe gives birth to six healthy lambs in Teagasc Athenry
Hoggets sell to €142 in Mountbellew Mart
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: