The Suffolk Sheep Society all-Ireland finals had over 200 entries this year, with representation from the four corners of Ireland.

With an excellent show of pedigree Suffolk sheep spread across all classes, judge Campbell Watson from Co Antrim had a tough job.

Supreme champion was Arthur O’Keeffe’s shearling ewe, with the ram lamb of 2019 society president Susan O’Keeffe taking reserve.

Reserve male champion went to Philip Lynch from Co Louth for his winner of the shearling ram and upwards class. This ram is no stranger to the show ring, having taken the Suffolk breed championship title last year at Tullamore Show.

Coote Geelan (Co Longford) was runner up to Philip Lynch’s reserve male champion in the shearling ram and upwards class.

In the second class presented, Arthur O’Keeffe was tapped as winner, with Philip Lynch taking second.

The third class was for the shearling ewe, which was won by the eventual supreme champion from Arthur O’Keeffe. This stylish gimmer is a daughter of Shannagh Knock Out and also won a number of local shows in 2018. Following close behind was Arthur’s sister Susan, who took the blue rosette.

The novice ram lamb class was fiercely contested, with excellent sheep forward. Richard Thompson (Co Donegal) was the judge’s choice, with Colin Watchorn (Co Wicklow) coming second.

Susan O’Keeffe pipped brother Arthur to win the open ram lamb class. This powerful young ram is sired by Strathbogie AK Magic, while the dam is a homebred ewe.

It was the same order of preference in the ewe lamb (trimmed) class, with Susan taking pole position and going on to claim the reserve female championship title with the same ewe.

The novice ewe lamb class was won by Donegal man Ronan McLaughlin, with John and Esther Gahan pushing him all the way.

The last class of the day was for the untrimmed ewe lamb and, once again, this was dominated by Arthur O’Keeffe, whose excellent young females were awarded both first and second tickets by judge Campbell Watson.

Society chief executive Robin McIlrath told the Irish Farmers Journal: “It has been an excellent show and we are delighted to be involved as both exhibitor and sponsor.

“Congratulations not only to the O’Keeffes for continuing to turn out excellent sheep, but also to all our members who showed today.”

McIlrath also asked that readers note the change of venue for the society premier show and sale on 2-3 August, now in Blessington Mart.