NSBA Championship judges go crackers for Cathal’s Jacobs

KILDARE man Cathal Walsh beat off competition from three rival breeders to land the top awards in the Jacob sheep classes at the NSBA Championships at Kilkenny, writes Martin Ryan.

Cathal, of Donadea, Naas, Co Kildare, showed the best in class ram and ewe, with the duo going on to be awarded Champion and Reserve Champion sashes by judge Derek Browne.

While number of Jacob f locks in this countr y remain low, the distinctive speckled black and white sheep are believed to be one of the oldest in the world, with origins in the Middle East and with historical references dating to the Book of Genesis.

The breed has become well established in the UK and other parts of the world.

Pedigree breeding f locks predominate but this easily managed breed also attracts attention from spinners and knitters, to commercial cross breeders.

RESULTS Jacob Ram

1. Cathal Walsh, Donadea, Naas, Co Kildare; 2&3. Kevin Harney, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

Jacob Ram Lamb

1&2. Matthew Kehoe, High Grove, Glen Richards, Gorey, Co Wexford; 3. Kevin Harney

Jacob Ewe

1&2. Cathal Walsh; 3. Joseph Hughes, Tomacork, Carnew, Co Wicklow.

Jacob Ewe Lamb

1. Matthew Kehoe; 2. Matthew Hughes, Gorey; 3. Joseph Hughes.