Jim Gahan, Barrowlands Flock, receives National Hall of Fame Award
Mr Jim Gahan of the Barrowlands Flock was recently awarded the National Hall of Fame Award 2024 by the South of Ireland Suffolk Sheep Society for his lifetime contributions to the Suffolk breed.
The Barrowlands Flock was started in 1994. I had always kept the Tullow-type or cheviot ewe, used Suffolk Rams and kept our own replacements. It was one of the best decisions in my life to get into Suffolks and in the past 30 years I have enjoyed travelling throughout the 32 counties of Ireland and across to the UK to Suffolk Shows and Sales and Social Events.
I was honoured to be asked to Judge the Flock Competition in N.I. on two occasions and I have also enjoyed judging numerous Suffolk classes in shows and sales both in the South and North of Ireland.
I served on Society Committee for many years spending this time working for the betterment of the Society. I enjoyed sourcing sheep for the Suffolk stand at the Ploughing, spending the three days there manning the stand and meeting people from all over Ireland.
I am lucky enough to have been successful with my Flock, winning Novice Ram Lamb in Maynooth, Reserve Champion at National Championships and winning the Howard Peel Cup for the Best Stud Ram with my Stock Ram “Carragh Captivate” in 2018 was the icing on the cake.
My flock is involved in a very successful Female Sale every November “Black Beauties Sale” and from this sale I have sold females to Germany, France, Belgium, Portugal and Romania.
There is a great social side to the Society and its important that members exhibit at local shows as this is the shop window for our breed. I believer that the Suffolk’s ability to reach target weights in a shorter time frame combined with good fleshing ability makes them the ideal sire for the commercial flock. Also, the Suffolk Cross ewe is in great demand for breeding and Suffolk lambs commands a premium price from the butcher.
I would like to thank the South of Ireland Suffolk Society for nominating me to receive the Hall of Fame Award and also my family who have helped and supported me through the years.
Jim Gahan – Barrowlands Flock
