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.
Delighted sellers and delighted buyers was the theme in Roscrea on Saturday last when the South of Ireland Branch of the Suffolk Sheep Society held their Premier Show and Sale at Roscrea Mart. 100% clearance on Shearling Ewes; 93 % Clearance of Ewe Lambs: 75% clearance of Ram Lambs; 67% Clearance of Shearing Rams reflected the mood of the day. Buyers from France purchased four ram lambs and a number of very impressed Northern Ireland buyers were very happy to travel to Roscrea to invest in their choice of breeding ram lamb for the coming season.
Champion of the Show was selected by Judge Jimmy Rooney “Benwiskin Flock” as AJ & JA Lucas’s of the “Finnvale Flock” January born Ram lamb sired by Oakbridge Maxiumus. The judge was so impressed by this lamb that he chose to purchase him at the sale later in the afternoon. This same lamb was deemed as Male Champion and placed 1st in the open Ram Lamb Class.
Seamus Browne of the Errigal Flock came in as Reserve Champion with a late December born ram lamb sired by Lakeview Heart of Gold. This lamb also captured the Reserve Male Champion Rosette as was 1st prize winner in the Recorded Class and 2nd in the Group of Three Rams. Another Ram Lamb owned by Seamus, also sired by Lakeview Heart of Gold, was placed 2nd in the Open Ram Lamb Class.
Philip Lynch of the Glyde Flock followed up his success in the 2018 National Championships by winning the Female Championship for the second time in three years with a Rookery Rodeo sired Ewe Lamb, born in early January. This lamb won 1st prize in the Ewe Lamb Class as well as in the NSC in Kilkenny in June and sold for top female price of €1,200 gns. Philip also took 3rd prize in the open ram class with a Young Burnview the Duke sired lamb and 3rd in the Group of Three Rams; selling to Greg Rossiter.
Reserve Female Champion of the Show went to another Donegal Breeders Jeffrey & Robert Thornton of the Killyclug Flock. Their Shearling Ewe sired by Birness Bravado secured the Reserve Champion Rosette as well as 1st place in the Single Shearling Ewe Class.
Average prices: Shearling Ewes €910.00: Ewe Lambs €605.00: Shearling Rams €700.00: Ram Lambs €1030.00 High Prices in €gns. Seamus Browne €4,200 gns; €2,800gns: €2,000gns: €1,900gns; €1,000gns. Susan O’Keeffe €3,200: €1,600gns. John A Doherty €3,000gns: €2,600gns. William R Wilson €2,050gns twice: €1,450gns: €1,200gns. Thomas Cavanagh €2,000gns. AJ & JA Lucas €2,000gns: €1,300gns. Philip Lynch €1,200gns Philp Byrne €1,200gns Colin Watchorn €1,100gns twice. Jeffrey & Robert Thornton €1,000gns Andrew Wilson €1,000gns.
Class 1 – Single shearling ewe 1 Lot 3 J+R Thornton
PWU:17:03884 by Birness Bravado 2 Lot 2 J+E Gahan
SKW:17:00455 by Rookery Best of the Best 3 Lot 5 M+J O’Neill
DBJ:17:01921 by Ballygarvanstud Bullseye
Class 2 – Single ewe lamb 1 Lot 23 P Lynch
CZK:18:00902 by Rookery Rodeo
2 Lot 18 G Killilea
HOL:18:03298 by Solwaybank Overdrive
3 Lot 10 C Watchorn
PXL:18:00358 by Mountford Classic
Class 3 – Shearling Ram
1 Lot 26 L+A Kirkpatrick
PWW:17:00076 BY Solwaybank Major
2 Lot 28 K Bailey
HDC:17:00914 by Ballygarvanstud Flashdance
3 Lot 24 M Ennett
LZN:17:00729 by Limestone Will Griggs on Fire
Class 4 – Ram Lamb sired by a SOI Bred Ram
1 Lot 106 J Doherty
CFN:18:02731 by Malinhead Viking
2 Lot 118 T Cavanagh
KFR:18:12637 by Gulladuff McGregor
3 Lot 98 P O’Keeffe
NBK:18:05919 by Shannagh Knockout
Class 5–Recorded Class 1 Lot 52 S Browne
PBH:18:01174 by Lakeview Heart of Gold 2 Lot 158 WJ + R Wilson
78A:18:06367 by Lakeview Armani 3 Lot 77 S O’Keeffe
BYD:18:02442 by Muirton One Direction
Class 6 – Novice ram lamb 1 Lot 162 J+R Thornton
PWU:18:03955 by Birness Bacardi
2Lot 92 J+R Thornton
PWU:18:03956 by Birness Bacardi
3 Lot 116 C Watchorn
PXL:18:00384 by Mountford Classic
Class 7 – Open Ram Lamb 1 Lot 88 AJ + JA Lucas
DWT:18:01017 by Oakbridge Maximus 2 Lot 51 S Browne
PBH:18:01198 by Lakeview Heart of Gold 3 Lot 101 P Lynch
CZK:18:00915 by Burnview the Duke
Class 8- Groups of Three Ram Lambs
1 Lots 85, 86 & 158 RJ Wilson
78A: 18:06388, 78A: 18:06401 and 78A: 18:06367
S Browne
P Lynch
Female champion
Lot 23 P Lynch
CZK:18:00902 by Rookery Rodeo
Reserve female champion
Lot 3 J+R Thornton
PWU:17:03884 by Birness Bravado
Male and Supreme Champion
Lot 88 AJ Lucas
DWT:18:01017 by Oakbridge Maximus
Reserve Male and Overall Reserve Champion
Lot 52 S Browne
PBH:18:01174 by Lakeview heart of Gold
Lot 23 Female Champion CZK:18:00902 from P Lynch top female price 1,200gns
Lot 51 PBH:18:01190 Highest Price from S Browne sold for 4,200gns
Lot 52 Reserve Male and overall reserve champion PBH:18:01174 from S Browne sold for 2,800gns
Lot 77 BYD:18:02404 from S O’Keeffe sold for 3,200gns
Lot 88 Male and Supreme Champion DWT:18:01017 from AJ Lucas sold for 2,000gns
Lot 105 CFN:18:02763 from JA Doherty sold for 3,000gns
2018 was a challenging year in every way with weather conditions not very favourable for the breeder. Lambing time proved difficult with stock having to be housed for longer than normal and with delay’s getting stock out to grass.
The first outing for the Suffolk Sheep Society was the National Sheep Championships which was this year in Kilkenny as part of the NSA on June 9th. I would like to congratulate our members Coote Geelan, Kennith Bailey and Garth Graham who were among the prize winners.
The calendar for the club opened this year on 7th July with the Club Championships being held at the “ Sheep 2018 Farm to Fork “run by Teagasc of Athenry . This event was a great shop window to show case Suffolk’s and the high standard of Suffolk’s that are available from our members here in the West of Ireland. Kennith Baileys aged ewe was champion with Mattie & Kevin Kelly’s ram lamb as reserve. Congratulations both.
The south of Ireland premier was held once again in Roscrea and once again the west was well represented in the line-up for rosettes. I would like to congratulate all members who took part.
The 2018 sales opened with the West’s premier show and sale in Roscommon in early August. Johnathan Lucas from Killygorden, Donegal was the appointed judge .His choice on the day for champion was the winner of the ram lamb open class which came from the Benwiskin flock with the 1st prize winner in the Reordered class taking reserve champion from Priorview flock.
Our final show and sale for 2018 was also in Roscommon and with a large entry. John Doherty from Malinhead Donegal choose the 1st place open ram class winner from Benwiskin Suffolk’s as champion with Mattie & Kevin Kelly Summerhill Suffolk’s Galway taking reserve champion with their 1st prize winner in the recordered class.
Congratulations to all who took part in our shows this year and look forward to seeing you all back in 2019.
