The winner of the win a ewe competition, launched by the Irish Texel sheep society in association with the Irish Farmers Journal, was announced at last weekend’s NSBA championships in Kilkenny.

The competition is aimed at rewarding the most dedicated young sheep breeders in Ireland.

Entrants had to upload a short video to Facebook saying why they enjoy sheep farming and why they should win a pedigree Texel ewe. The entrants were then narrowed down to four, who undertook an interview with a panel of three at the NSBA championships on Saturday. Taking into account the video, the amount of traction it received and the final interview, the winners were then announced in front of a large crowd at the finals.

Winner

Securing top spot and walking home with a double five-star Texel ewe was Gerard Shiels, from Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Gerard had first to claim first prize in the junior section before being pitted against the senior section winner for the overall championship.

Gerard (14), a keen sheep enthusiast, would be well known by many in the showing circuit, and could be seen on the day of the interview showing an array of breeds. Along with the double five-star ewe, Gerald also picks up a €300 voucher to be used against the purchase of any ewe at the Texel premier in Blessington on 11 August for coming out on top of the junior section.

Winning the senior section, and also securing a €300 voucher, was Wexford breeder Matthew Kehoe. Liam Moran from Castlerea, Co Roscommon, secured second place in the junior section and will receive a €200 voucher, while Labhaoise Mullins from Ennis, Co Clare, will receive a €100 voucher for coming third.