Club Reports – Donegal 2019

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.

Club Reports – Donegal 2018

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.

South Of Ireland Flock Competition – 2019

South Of Ireland Flock Competition – 2019

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)

Irish Championships – Kilkenny 2019

Irish Championships – Kilkenny 2019

Arthur O’Keeffe’s Shearling Ewe takes 2019 Supreme Champion

Judge: Campbell Watson, Bannview Flock

Supreme Champion

Arthur O’Keeffe (Shearling Ewe)

R15:18:05795 by Shannagh Knockout

Reserve Champion

Susan O’Keeffe (Ram Lamb)

BYD:19:02137 by Strathbogie A Kind Of Magic

Male Champion

Susan O’Keeffe (ram lamb)

BYD:19:02137 by Strathbogie A Kind Of Magic

Male Reserve Champion

Philip Lynch (Shearling Ram & Upwards)

Female Champion

Arthur O’Keeffe (Shearling Ewe)

R15:18:05795 by Shannagh Knockout

Reserve Female Champion

Susan O’Keeffe (Ewe Lamb Trimmed)

BYD:19:02105 by Strathbogie A Kind Of Magic

Class 1 Shearling Ram & Upwards

1st Philip Lynch

2nd Coote Geelan

3rd Coote Geelan

Class 2 Aged Ewe & Upwards

1st Arthur O’Keeffe

R15:16:05310 by Rookery Classic

2nd Philip Lynch

3rd Patrick O’Keeffe

NBK:17:05610 by Clyda Dream Catcher

Class 3 Shearling Ewe

1st Arthur O’Keeffe

R15:18:05795 by Shannagh Knockout

2nd Susan O’Keeffe

BYD:18:02369 by Forkins Black and White

3rd Philip Lynch

Class 4 Novice Ram Lamb

1st Richard Thompson

TDL:19:02649 by Limepark Las Vegas

2nd Colin Watchorn

PXL:19:00474 by Rookery Rodeo

3rd Colin Watchorn

PXL:19:00477 by Mountford Classic

Class 5 Open Ram Lamb Class

1st Susan O’Keeffe

BYD:19:02137 by Strathbogie A Kind Of Magic

2nd Arthur O’Keeffe

R15:19:05248 by Strathbogie A Kind Of Magic

3rd Richard Thompson

Class 6 Novice Ewe Lamb

1st Ronan McLaughlin

2nd John & Esther Gahan

3rd Kenneth Bailey

Class 7 Ewe Lamb (Trimmed)

1st Susan O’Keeffe

BYD:19:02105 by Strathbogie A Kind Of Magic

2nd Arthur O’Keeffe

R15:19:05234 by Kinally Black Panther

3rd Gerry Killilea

Class 8 Ewe Lamb (Untrimmed)

1st Arthur O’Keeffe

R15:19:05256 by Burnview One For Arthur

2nd Arthur O’Keeffe

R15:19:05203 by Strathbogie A Kind Of Magic

3rd John & Esther Gahan

Club Reports – Eastern 2018

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.

Show & Sale Winners 2018

Premier Show & Sale

Shearling Class

Colin Watchorn

Recorded Class:

1st      Alan Stanley

2nd     Colin Watchorn

3rd      S & S Gahan

4th      Robert & Irene Sands

Open Ram Class

1st      Alan Stanley

2nd     S & S Gahan

3rd      John & Esther Gahan

4th      Robert & Irene Sands

Pairs Class

1st      S & S Gahan

2nd     Colin Watchorn

3rd      Robert & Irene Sands

Champion                                Colin Watchorn

Reserve Champion                  Alan Stanley      

2nd Show & Sale

Recorded Class:

1st      Alan Stanley

2nd     Colin Watchorn

3rd      S & S Gahan

4th      Robert & Irene Sands

Open Ram Class

1st      John Stacey

2nd     Alan Stanley

3rd      Colin Watchorn

 4th     J & J Corcoran

Pairs Class

1st      Colin Watchorn

2nd     J & J Corcoran

3rd      Alan Stanley

Champion                                Alan Stanley

Reserve Champion                  John Stacey