There is a new player in the pedigree sheep world.

The Irish Suffolk Sheep Society was formed in February by previously prominent members of the South of Ireland Suffolk Sheep Society, which is affiliated to the English-based Suffolk Sheep Society.

Brexit is a factor, but the subject of an independent Irish organisation has been mooted for years.

The new society has been registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO), and the website and Facebook page will be online in the next few days.

The society will hold its national championships in Kilkenny Mart on Saturday 9 June, followed by a Premier Show and Sale at Roscrea Mart on Saturday 4 August.