2019 was an unusual for all us breeders with the breakaway group setting up their own championships and sales. As always our club members could be counted upon to help out at society events wherever required. Society Championships at Kilkenny saw several club members showing successfully with Colin Watchorn coming 2nd and 3rd in the novice ram lamb class and John Gahan coming 2nd with his ewe lamb in novice class.
Once again we gave a voucher to the Tullow Ewebreeders for €100 towards as ram at our club sales. This voucher was won by Peter Behan, Tinnahely Wicklow at the Ewe lamb pairs competition.
The Premier Sale in its new venue in Blessington saw several of our members both showing and selling well with Sean Durkin, John & Esther Gahan and J & J Corcoran all picking up Rosettes.
Our Premier Sale in Tullow was judged by Edward Jeffery from the Kilbeg Flock. He award Champion sheep to Brain and Gus Doyle for a stylish rams by Cairness Liam. This lamb had earlier won the Recorded Class. Reserve Champion went to John & Esther Gahan ram lamb by Glyde Rodeo .
Our Second Show and Sale was judged by Rodney Deacon. Alan Stanley’s ram lamb by Clyde Daredevil first won the Recorded class and then went on to become Champion .Oliver Deane had the Reserve Champion with a lamb by Rookery Apollo who had earlier won the Open Class. The bidding was brisk for this sheep with the hammer coming down at €750 which was the highest price on the day.
There was considerable interest in our promotion for €50.00 Vouchers sponsored by Quinns of Baltinglass and farmers happily filled in their own selection of which sheep would be champion.
Club Members were delighted with our Chairman Colin Watchorn winning the South of Ireland section of the Flock Competition. A wonderful day was enjoyed by all who attended Colin’s open day.
Prize Winners from our club sales: Brian Doyle, and Alan Stanley with club chairman Colin Watchorn
Champion sheep at Eastern Suffolk Club Premier Ram Sale 2019 from Brian and Gus Doyle’s Kilmacoo Flock
September Show & Sale Champion Alan Stanley Judge Rodney Deacon Reserve Champion Oliver Deane
The clubs activities started in July with a most enjoyable trip to many of the leading flocks within the breed Ballynacannon ,Crewelands, Donrho and Limestone .Many thanks to all for their outstanding hospitality and the excellent display of sheep on offer.
Donegal continues to be a stronghold for Irish Suffolks and 2019 was no exception and we congratulate our club members on their success throughout the year.
A trio of breeders made the long journey south to the National Sheep Championships in Kilkenny. Seamus Browne, Richard Thompson and Ronan McLaughlin all had a successful trip, with Richard Thompson winning the Novice Ram Lamb class and Ronan McLaughlin winning the Novice Ewe Lamb class.
Stirling Sale
Club members Andrew Wilson and Ronan McLaughlin had an extremely successful sale with Andrew’s pen of 6 lambs selling to a top of £21,000gns and achieving the top average of £12,232, whilst Ronan a first time exhibitor sold to a top of £4200gns.
Blessington Premier
Another successful sale for Donegal breeders, with Richard Wilson’s ram lamb winning the gigot class and then going on to take the overall Champion which sold for €2310 ,whilst Ronan McLaughlin’s strong ram lamb winning the Novice class and later sold for €2940 . Other leading prices from Donegal breeders include:
Darragh McMenamin €2730
Richard Wilson €2625
AJ &JA Lucas €2310
AJ &JA Lucas €2310
Raphoe Premier
Our Premier sale this year was judged this year by Mr Philip Gurney Oakbridge flock, and he chose a strong ram lamb from the Finn Vale flock of Messr’s Lucas as his Champion, with J A Doherty in Reserve. The pairs was won by J A Doherty. Leading prices on the night were J A Doherty €860, AJ &JA Lucas €650, €620 and PJ McMonagle €620.
Second Sale
Mr Patrick McVerry from Newry was our judge on the night, and he chose a strong ram lamb from Andrew Wilson as his Champion which later sold for €1450. Reserve Champion went to Robert Tait’s ram lamb. The pairs was won by Robert Tait . Other leading prices were €1320 for a strong ram lamb from the Wilsons, and JA Doherty received €910 for a January born ram lamb.
Third Sale
Lesley liggett from the Carony flock judged our third sale ,and his Champion on the night went to Tommy Cavanagh’s ram lamb, and in Reserve was Martin McDermott’s strong ram lamb. Leading prices on the night were €720-R Tait, €680- M McDermott, €650 -R Wilson.
Fourth Sale
Our last sale was judged by club member JJ Doherty, and he chose a January born lamb from Richard Wilson as his Champion, with Reserve going to Martin McDermotts ram lamb. Leading prices on the night were €520- M McDermott, €480 – AJ&JA Lucas and €480 – R Tait. Many thanks to all our customers and Sponsors throughout the year.
Another fantastic year for Donegal Suffolk Breeders, with sheep from our club members exported to Belguim ,France, Spain and Portugal and the Uk, which reiterates the quality of Suffolks in Donegal.
NSC Kilkenny
Our sole representative Seamus Browne had a successful day after making the long journey South, with the Errigal flock winning 2nd prize ram lamb,2nd prize ewe lamb and Reserve Male Champion.
Scottish Premier
At the Scottish Premier sale in Stirling, Andrew Wilson’s Castleisle flock enjoyed a strong days selling with his 5 ram lambs av £3255, selling to a top of £ 7000gns, whilst at the Dark Diamonds in lamb sale in the Autumn. Andrew achieved the top price of £7,000gns selling to S Cobbald.
Irish Premier
At the Irish Premier Sale in Roscrea, Donegal Breeders were once again dominant throughout, winning all the major prizes, and achieving a remarkable 10 out of the 11 top prices on the day.
A huge congratulations to AJ&JA Lucas Finn Vale flock on winning the much coveted Surpreme Champion with their excellent ram lamb selling for €2000gns to the judge Mr James Rooney.
Seamus Brownes Errigal flock also enjoyed a successful days trading with his Res Champion selling for €2800gns. Seamus also received the days top price of €4200 selling to Patrick Donnellys Donhro flock.
Wm J &R Wilson’s Shannagh flock enjoyed a steady days trade with his 1st prize winning Group of Three selling at € 2050, €2050 and €1400gns. John A Dohertys Malinhead flock were also in the prices selling at €2600 and €3000gns to the Ballynacannon and Forkins flocks. Carndonagh breeder Tommy Cavanagh received €2000gns for his best selling to the Cairness/Limestone flocks. J&R Thornton ‘s ram lamb won the strongly contested Novice flock.
Raphoe Premier
Our local Premier sale was judged by Elizabeth Gould,Ringsend, and she chose Andrew wilson’s strong ram lamb as her Champion, this lamb later sold for €1100gns.Reserve Champion on the night went to John A Dohertys ram lamb which sold for €690gns.1st in the pairs was also won by the Doherty’s. Seamus Browne received €780gns and €620 for 2 ram lambs.
Second Sale
Mr Philip Gurnney from the Oakbridge flock was our judge, and he chose his Champion from John A Dohertys Malinhead flock which later sold for €660gns, with Reserve going to a lamb from Seamus Brownes Errigal flock which sold for €670gns .Seamus also won the pairs class, and received €670gns for another lamb. Other prices on the night were €750,€780gns from J A Dohertys 2nd prize pair.
Third Sale
Mr William Tait from the Burnview flock judged our 3rd sale and he chose a lamb from J A Dohertys Malinhead flock as his Champion, this lamb later sold for €660gns.Res Champion went to a strong ram lamb from Robert Taits Bawn flock which sold for the top price of €800gns. 1st in the pairs also went to Robert Tait.
Fourth Sale
Our final sale was judged by club member Mr PJ McMonagle who awarded the Champion and Reserve to two excellent ram lambs from Robert Taits Bawn flock, with Robert’s Res Champion selling at € 550gns. Commercial buyers were more selective, with strong tight skinned, and good carcased lambs selling well.
Many thanks to all our sponsors throughout the year.
Overall Champion Colin Watchorn celebrates his Beechbrook Flock
Judge: Mr Iain Barbour, Solwaybank Flock
This year’s flock competition was judged by the highly respected Suffolk breeder, Mr Iain Barbour of the Solwaybank Flock, Scotland. As with recent years, the South of Ireland competition was held in conjunction with the Suffolk Sheep Society Flock competition and our Irish members performed well against flocks from N Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
In the Society competition, S & P O’Connor (Kerry) was awarded the John Long Cup for the best flock of 16-30 ewes and Ronan McLoughlin (Donegal) was presented with the Best Stud Ram trophy for ‘Limestone Aston Martin’. Both Sean and Ronan, along with Garth Graham (Sligo), Gerry Killilea (Galway) and Colin Watchorn (Wicklow) picked up a total of 7 Certificates of Merit for different classes in the Society Competition. In the South of Ireland Competition, Colin Watchorn lifted the overall trophy for best flock in Ireland. Colin (ably supported by the family) hosted an excellent viewing day and presentation on Saturday 10th August.
Overall Champion
Winner: C Watchorn, Co Wicklow (Beechbrook Flock)
Reserve: S&P O’Connor, Co Kerry (Islandmore Flock)
Flock up to 30 Ewes
Winner: S&P O’Connor, Co Kerry (Islandmore Flock)
Reserve: R McLoughlin, Co Donegal (Ballyboe Flock)
Certificate of Merit: P Byrne
Flock Over 30 Ewes
Winner: C Watchorn Co Wicklow (Beechbrook Flock)
Reserve: G Killilea, Co Galway (Carragh Flock)
Certificates of Merit: G Graham, Co Sligo (Kirriemuir Flock)
Ewe Lamb Class
Winner: C Watchorn, Co Wicklow (Beechbrook Flock)
Reserve: G Killilea, Co Galway (Carragh Flock)
Certificates of Merit: S&P O’Connor, G Graham
Flock Ewes Class
Winner: C Watchorn, Co Wicklow (Beechbrook Flock)
Reserve: S&P O’Connor, Co Kerry (Islandmore Flock)
Stock Rams
Winner: “Limestone Aston Martin” (Owner R McLaughin)
THE 3rd Annual All Star Sale held at Blessington Mart on Saturday 30th November was a tremendous success with almost 100% clearance. A number of sheep were exported to the UK and Northern Ireland with the remainder sold to breeders all over Ireland.
The gimmers, ewes and ewe lambs on offer where of a very high standard and excellent value for money.
Name
Highest Price
No. of sheep sold
Average
Gerry Killilea – Carragh
1,400 gns
6
937 gns
Seamus Browne – Errigal
1,400 gns
13
887 gns
Alan Kilpatrick – Convoy
1,200 gns
12
818 gns
Trevor Burke – DeBurca
1,400 gns
6
783 gns
Oliver Deane – Mountford
950gns
22
477 gns
Garth Graham – Kirriemuir
720 gns
5
464 gns
We would like to thank anyone who helped in any way. We would also like to thank John Doyle and his staff for a job well done. Ian Donald for his professional grooming service to many of the flocks and to Alfie Shaw for the first class photos. Next All Star Sale, Saturday 28th November 2020.
Finally the best of luck to all the purchasers from Seamus Browne, Trevor Burke, Gerry Killilea and guest consigners Oliver Deane, Garth Graham and Alan Kilpatrick.
The 10th Annual Production Sale of Suffolk Sheep for Annakisha/Blackwater/Clyda, Barrowlands and Castleisle/Shannagh with guest consignments from Glyde, Malinhead and Finnvale flocks met with a very lively trade at Blessington Mart when they went under the hammer of John Doyle on Saturday, 9th of November 2019.
The quality of females on offer was testament to the high standard of sheep expected from these top flocks where the best of bloodlines in the breed were on offer and proved that, despite the uncertainity in farming due to Brexit, there is strong demand amongst Suffolk breeders for quality Suffolks.
The sale topper was a strong gimmer, the property of Andrew Wilson, of the Castleisle flock and out of a top female line. The dam is sister to the 16,000 gns. ram lamb sold earlier this year to Birness and Strathbogie flocks in Scotland. By Lakeview Armani and scanned in lamb to the 20,000gns. Castleisle Kilteskin Prince she was knocked down to Darragh McMenamin of the Mullinvale flock for 4,200gns. Andrew also received 3,200gns. for another ET sister in lamb to Castleisle Kilteskin Prince. This one was knocked down to Philip Lynch of the Glyde flock in Co. Louth, who earlier in the sale sold a strong pen of gimmers.
Richard Wilson received 2,200 gns. for his top shearling ewe in lamb to the 40,000gns. Limestone Aston Martin. Richard also received 2,000gns. for another Armani daughter in lamb to Ballynacannon Royal Flush. The Wilsons had an average of 1,400 euro for their 21 gimmers forward.
The O’Keeffe’s also made a worthwhile journey to Blessington selling their top two gimmers for 2,000gns each. Arthur’s Annakisha flock received 2,000gns. for a Birness Coulter daughter,in lamb to Castleisle Kilteskin Prince which was purchased for 20,000gns. at Stirling earlier in the year. The Clyda flock of Susan O’Keeffe received 2,000 gns. for a Clyda Impeccable daughter also in lamb to Castleisle Kilteskin Prince. This one caught the eye of Richard Wilson of the Shannagh flock.
While European and Northern Ireland buyers were amongst the purchasers it was breeders from Southern Ireland who dominated resulting in a buoyant trade with nearly 100% clearance with a sale average of 990 euro. Over 20 lots sold for 1,000gns.or over which was testament to the quality of sheep on offer.
The 11th Annual Sale will be held at Blessington Mart on Saturday 14th of November,2020 where all sheep are eligible for export.
Thanks to the very generous sponsorship of Suffolk Sheep Society we were once again able to sponsor vouchers towards purchase of Suffolk ram at any of our sales for Suffolk/ Cheviot Ewe Lamb Class at Tullow Ewe Breeders Club Competition. This proves a good opportunity to meet commercial farmers who will be our customers at our Club ram sales. We were pleased this year to welcome Brian & Gus Doyle as new Club Members.
The National Championships were held this year in the Hub in Cillian Hill, Kilkenny. Congratulations to the Club Members who exhibited at this event and especially to all who won Rosettes. Congratulations to John Stacey coming 1st in the Novice Ram Lamb class and 3rd in the Open Ram Lamb class, to Aeron Kealy for coming 1st in Novice Ewe Lamb Class and to Colin Watchorn on taking 2nd prize in this class also and also 5th prize in Novice Ram Lamb Class.
At Premier Show & Sale Roscrea 2018, Club members picked up some rosettes in the show and were active at the sale both selling and buying. Congratulation to John & Esther Gahan winning 2nd and 4th prize for their Shearling Ewes, Colin Watchorn winning 3rd prize in Ewe lamb Class, 3rd in Novice Ram lamb class and 5th in Open Ram Lamb Class and J & J Corcoran winning 4th prize in Novice Ram Lamb .We may be only a small club but we had 8 members showing and selling at Premier Sale.
At our club Premier Show & Sale in Tullow Judge Padraig Murphy from the Murbro Flock awarded Champion Sheep to a very strong shearling ram exhibited by Colin Watchorn. This ram sired by Cairness Temptation had earlier won the Shearling Class. Reserve Champion went to Alan Stanley for his ram lamb by Glyda Dare Devil winner of the Recorded Ram Lamb Class. Highest price of the day €800 went to John & Esther Gahan’s ram lamb by Ballynacanon Bale. Prices were up on average from 2017 prices.
Our 2nd Show & Sale was judged by Arthur O’Keeffe from Annakisha Flock. Champion Sheep went to Alan Stanley for his ram lamb by Glyda Dare Devil winner of the Recorded Class. Reserve Champion was awarded to John Stacey for his Open Class winner sired by Strathbogie Dynamite. Highest price of the sale went to Alan Stanley’s Champion selling to Pedigree Breeder Gabriel Conroy
Thanks very much to our two judges Padraig Murphy and Arthur O’Keeffe who took time out to judge our shows.
Having secured sponsorship from Quinns of Baltinglass it was agreed to spend some of the sponsorship money and banners and flyers. The banners were very impressive and made our presence known around the mart Premises on sales days.
A big thanks to our Chairman Jonathan who has put in a big effort promoting the club and to everyone who helped out at the sales.
Congratulation to the Club Members who entered Society Flock Competition 2018 which was judged by Andrew Wilson. Well done to all the winners:
Flock up to 30 Ewes – Reserve Flock – John & Esther Gahan – Barronstown Flock
Flock over 30 Ewes – Reserve Flock – S & S Gahan – Barrowlands Flock
Ewe lamb Class – Reserve – Colin Watchorn – Beechbrook Flock
Best Stud Rams – Winner of the Howard Peel Cup – S & S Gahan for Carragh Captivate
Many thanks to our customers for their continued support and congratulations to all our exhibitors for excellent standard of sheep presented at all our sales. Also a big thank you to Manager and Staff of Tullow Mart.
It was a great honour for our club to have Vera Roche one of the founder members of our Club recognised at Suffolk Hall of Fame Award in 2018. Vera along with her late husband Tom established the Roundwood Flock in 1962. Vera travelled all over Ireland to Shows with her Suffolk’s and was quite successful in the show ring.
This year’s flock competition was judged by the highly respected Suffolk breeder, Mr Andrew Wilson , of the Castleisle Flock, Donegal. The South of Ireland competition was held in conjunction with the Suffolk Society Flock competition this year. Eamonn Duffy had a very successful year, winning the overall trophy for best flock in Ireland. This is the second year in a row that Eamonn has lifted the South of Ireland branch trophy, and the Kells Flock also featured strongly in the 2018 Society competition lifting the Brook Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best flock of over 100 ewes, competing against flocks from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Shannagh Resolve from A O’Keeffe claims 2018 Supreme Champion Title
Date: 9th June 2018
Judge: Iain Barbour, Solwaybank Flock
The 1st NSBA Championships was the chosen venue for the South of Ireland Branch of the Suffolk Sheep Society’s National championships 2018. Blessed with celestial sunshine over 80 of the highest quality Suffolks were lined out before Judge Iain Barbour from the “Solwaybank” Flock. Some classes boasted Suffolks from over ten counties. The venue was perfect.
Supreme Champion, Female Champion & 1st prize Shearling Ewe owned by Arthur O’Keeffe Sired by Shannagh Resolve; her dam by Cairness Galastar. This same ewe was reserve female of the year at the same event as last year.
Reserve Supreme Champion owned by Patrick O’Keeffe (son of Arthur) This Shearling Ewe also captured Reserve Supreme Champion & Reserve Female Champion 2nd Prize Shearling Ewe sired by Clyda Dreamcatcher: Dam by Rookery Classic
Male Champion owned by Susan O’Keeffe (president elect of the Suffolk Sheep Society) Male Champion & First Prize Ram Lamb sired by Muirton One Direction: Dam by Rookery Classic
Reserve Male Champion owned by Seamus Browne sired by Lakeview Heart of Gold: Dam by Rhaeadr Ron.
Female Champion owned by Arthur O’Keeffe sired by Shannagh Resolve: Dam by Cairness Galastar
Reserve female Champion owned by Patrick O’Keeffe sired by Clyda Dreamcatcher: Dam by Rookery Classic
Class Prize winners were as follows-
Class 1 Shearling Ram 1st Philip Lynch Castlebellingham, Co Louth ( Burnview The Duke sired by Birness Murray: Dam by Cairness Liam) 2nd Sean & Valerie Tiffin Kilgarvin, Co. Kerry 3rd Coote Geelan Carrick on Shannon,
Class 2 Aged Ewe 1st Philip Lynch Castlebellingham, Co. Louth (Sire Burnview Gin &Tonic: Dam by Cairnton the Cracker) 2nd Susan O’Keeffe Mallow, Co. Cork 3rd Kenneth Bailey Tulsk Co. Roscommon.
Class 3 Shearling Ewe 1st Arthur O’Keeffe Mallow, Co. Cork (Sire by Shannagh Resolve: Dam by Cairness Galastar) 2nd Patrick O’Keeffe Mallow, Co. Cork 3rd Susan O’Keeffe Mallow, Co. Cork
Class 4 Novice Ram Lamb 1st John Stacey Bunclody, Co. Wexford (Sire by Strathbogie Dynamite: Dam by Rhaeadr Johnny) 2nd Garth Graham Ballygawley, Co. Sligo 3rd David Quinlan Gowran, Co. Kilkenny
Class 5 Open Ram Class 1st Susan O’Keeffe Mallow, Co. Cork (Sire by Muirton One Direction: Dam by Rookery Classic) 2nd Seamus Browne Letterkenny, Co. Cork 3rd John Stacey Bunclody, Co. Wexford
Class 6 Novice Ewe Lamb 1st Aaron Kealy Dunshauglin, Co. Meath 2nd Colin Watchorn Newcastle Co. Wicklow 3rd David Quinlan Gowran, Co. Kilkenny
Class 7 Ewe Lamb 1st Philip Lynch Castlebellingham, Co. Louth,(Sire by Rookery Rodeo: Dam by Caireness Achievement) 2nd Seamus Browne Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. 3rd Patrick O’Keeffe, Mallow, Co. Cork.
