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)

Reserve:  “Lakeview Lonesome Days” (Owner S&P O’Connor)

Certificate of Merit: “Errigal Jack the Lad” (Owner G Graham)