June 12 2022, Claregalway Agricultural Show
The West of Ireland Registered Pedigree Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club held their Club Championships at Claregalway Agricultural Show recently. After an absence of three years as a result of the pandemic, breeders were keen to get to the Show and exhibit their stock to the public and other breeders again.
Breeders from the Club came out in force and the result was a phenomenal display of Pedigree Suffolks which were hugely admired by viewers. The breeders are to be commended for the quality of the stock presented to renowned Suffolk judge, Alaister Gault of the Forkins Flock in Northern Ireland.
Entries in each class were impressive and competition was fierce between breeders for the top four ribbons. The judge was presented with top quality sheep in each class, showcasing the best of the Suffolk breed in the West of Ireland. After winners had been chosen in each class, judging came down to the final four sheep for the Supreme Champion of the Show. It was James Cuffe’s home bred Shearling Ewe which took the top honours on the day. James is a Mayo Breeder whose INBHEAR flock was established in 2013. Reserve on the day went to a newly established young Breeder, Caillin Joyce of the Ballintleva Flock in Westport.
The Club actively encourages young breeders to join and it was fantastic to see so many of these enthusiastic young breeders competing for the top spots against the well established flocks in the West. The Young Handler Class was well subscribed to on the day and Harry Graham of Westside Suffolks took the red rosette with his aged ewe.
Winners in the other classes were Marie Jennings- Aged Ewe, Charles Hughes – Aged Ram, James Cuffe – Shearling Ram, Dylan Hughes – Ewe Lamb, Caillin Joyce- Ram Lamb, & Best New Entrant – Caillin Joyce
Special Guest of the Club on the day was Mr Robin Mcilrath, CEO of the Suffolk Sheep Society UK who expressed his great delight at seeing such a large entry of enthusiastic young breeders. The Club would like to congratulate all those who took part in the Championships and who presented such superb stock for the event. The Clubs next outing will be its 51st Premier Show and Sale which will take place in Roscommon Mart on August 6th. It is one of the highlights of the year for the Club drawing buyers from all over the country.
