Sheep breeders flock to annual awards dinner in Wexford

SHEEP Breeders from all over the county flocked to The Farmer’s Kitchen in Wexford in anticipation of a great night for the Wexford Sheep Breeders annual Christmas dinner. While farmers of all kinds have had to endure a difficult year this year, the atmosphere was upbeat and excitement built ahead of the handing out of prizes.

A great social occasion, the annual dinner has become a staple on the sheep breeders’ calendar and it’s a tradition that stretches back nearly 50 years. Some 40 farmers travelled the length and breadth of Wexford to be there on the night and enjoyed a slap up meal before Chairperson June Harpur from Bannow took the floor. She reflected on a busy year before moving onto the awards, stating that the standard this year, as always was incredibly high.

The Award for the Suffolk Group of three went to Ballywilliam and Brendan Fitzpatrick. There were double celebrations for Michelle O’Reilly from Camolin as she scooped the awards for Champion Novice Suffolk and Champion Female Suffolk. In the Charrolais section, Willie Gleeson of Fethard on Sea scooped the top prize with Ann Murphy from Camolin winning the Champion Texel section. Greg Rossiter from Bannow won the Champion Suffolk, while Jim Kavanagh from Rathnure was the winner of Champion Cross-breed.

Ms Harpur congratulated all of the winners that collected prizes on the night and a great evening was had by all with secretary Michael Brennan even treating those present to a bit of live music with his tin whistle in tow!