This week marked the launch of the National Sheep Breeders Association (NSBA) championship due to be held in Cillín Hill, Kilkenny, on Saturday 9 June. The event, set to attract thousands of sheep, has already confirmed national competitions from breed societies including Charollais, Texel, Suffolk, Belclare and the Zwartbles.

There will also be classes for other breeds as well as an extensive programme of commercial classes sponsored by the Irish Farmers Journal, which will take place alongside timely and informative demonstrations on the day.

Support

One of the biggest attraction for breeders is that the NSBA has confirmed the RDS will be supporting the event. This means that the champions of champions award recipients will be chosen on the day, an honour admired by many but only won by a few.

Speaking on the launch night, NSBA chair Sinead Brophy said: “This stands as a day to show people in Ireland and abroad the quality in the sheep sectors. We have some of the best sheep in the world and a day devoted to them will hopefully show people the calibre they have and get them the recognition they deserve. Cillín Hill is a world-class event centre, and it’s our intention to maximise it to its full potential.”

Anna-May McHugh was the guest speaker on the night and she echoed the point of how the Ploughing championship had come from small beginnings to what it is today and that she hoped it would be the same for the NSBA championships.

Closing off the night, Sinead thanked each sponsor for their commitment and dedication in making the whole day possible.

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