The Galway Sheep Breeders Association report their 92nd annual show and sale, held in Athenry on 15 September, as being a big success.

The group says the survival of Ireland’s only native breed has been helped by the dedication of breeders, but also a revival in interest in recent years. This was a notable feature of this year’s sale, with a higher number of rams reported purchased to be run with commercial flocks.

Local breeder Tom Feeney claimed the accolade of the champion hogget ram, selling for €400, as well as the best pen of ewe hoggets. Hubert Melia, Corrandulla, Galway, also had a successful show and sale, winning first and second prizes in the ram lamb class. This followed his success in winning the all-Ireland for the best pair of ewe lambs at Mountbellew Show.

Tom Murphy won the Joe Casey Memorial Cup for the best pen of female sheep, which were sold for €175. Breeder Gerry Nolan from Ardrahan won the ewe lamb class, while Seán Kilkelly received the highest price of €515 for one of his hogget rams. The sale had a clearance of 120 out of 127 lots on offer, with another highlight being a number of new flocks established.

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