Exhibitors in the sheep section travelled from near and far to Clonmel Show to compete on Sunday 6 July. There was fierce competition, with classes for 18 different breeds of sheep. There were also three breed All-Ireland championships held at the show, which attracted a large number of spectators.

All of the breed champions and reserve champions where out in force in the interbreed championship, making it a difficult task for judge Rian O’Hare. However, it was the flashy Suftex ewe lamb from Damien Davoren that took the top honours being crowned interbreed champion with Arthur and Patrick O’Keeffe’s mighty Suffolk shearling ewe coming in as reserve interbreed champion.

All Ireland Zwartble champion from Paul Conroy and family pictured with judge Cyril Cromie. / Sean McCarthy

Championship results

  • Texel: Robert Welden.
  • Hampshire Down: Malcolm Workman.
  • Border Leicester: Brian Jordan.
  • Zwartbles (All-Ireland): Paul Conroy.
  • Dorset (All-Ireland): Kevin O’Connell.
  • Jacob (All-Ireland): Matthew Kehoe.
  • Dutch Spotted: Rachel Gallagher.
  • Valais Blacknose: Gemma Hurley.
  • Blue Texel: Seamus Walsh.
  • Badgerface: Kieran Finnerty.
  • Rouge de L’Ouest: Edwin Draper.
  • Suffolk: Arthur O’Keeffe.
  • Vendeen: Shay Kennedy.
  • Charollais: James Walsh.
  • Beltex: John Maher.
  • Blackface: Pa Whyte.
  • Any other breed: Brian Jordan.
  • Commercial: Damien Davoren .

    • All Ireland Dorset champion from Kevin O'Connell and reserve from John Duggan with judge Samuel Caldwell. / Lauren Payne