This will be Zwartbles Eire’s first year as an Irish society in the sheep tunnel at the Ploughing championships. Council members are looking forward to showing their sheep and talking to people who are interested in the breed and explain to breeders the benefits of crossing Zwartbles with commercials.

A good-quality meat, ewes having an abundance of milk and easy lambing are just some of the breed’s qualities.

The society now has 50 members and growing, with a few young handlers coming on the scene who are looking forward to showing and going from strength to strength.

In August, the society had a charity event where it roasted a Zwartbles-cross lamb on a spit. People commented favourably on the meat, with it being a great hit on the day.

After the Ploughing, the society will look to its in-lamb sale at Tullamore Mart on 28 November following a highly successful first premier sale, with good stock demanding top prizes.