CHEVIOT SHEEP OWNERS MARK MILESTONE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

THE 50th annual Wicklow Cheviot Sheepowners dinner dance was held in the Glendalough Hotel where over 100 guests enjoyed a meal of Wicklow lamb.

The group’s first dinner dance was held in 1968 in the Downshire Hotel in Blessington and there were several guests attending the landmark event in the Glendalough Hotel who were also present at that debut event.

Chairman John Malone welcomed the guests and thanked all members for their great support, commenting on what a tremendous achievement it was to reach such a milestone.

The association was set up in the late 1960s to support local farmers and the various issues affecting them, and also to promote the native Wicklow Cheviot Sheep throughout the country. The chairman paid tribute to all those involved at the very beginning and all those who have worked so hard to keep the association going strongly over the last 50 years

Guest speaker on the night was Sean Kelly MEP, who spoke of his great love for Wicklow and the many friends he has made in the county over the years. He also spoke passionately about the many challenges facing farming at present, including Brexit and CAP reform.

There were plenty of prizes handed out as part of a members draw, as well as a great selection of spot prizes.

PHOTOS BY PAUL MESSITT Pat Dunne, Anne Marie Whittle, Frank Maguire, John Malone, MEP Sean Kelly, Peter Behan, John Murphy and Sean Malone at the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Owners 50th annual dinner dance in the Glendalough Hotel.

Deputy Pat Casey and his wife Sonia with Deputy John Brady and his wife Gayle.

Valerie Hanlon and Katrina Hill.