NI Texel Sheep Breeders’ Club celebrates year’s achievements

THE NI Texel Sheep Breeders’ Club recently celebrated the successes of 2022 at its AGM and Awards Night in The Royal Hotel, Cookstown.

Outgoing Chairman Frazer Tweed

welcomed all members present and commenced proceedings with the pre-sentation of a cheque to Prostate Cancer Research QUB, which was raised at the club’s annual open night, hosted by Stephen and Jean McCollam, Carmavy Flock.

Stephen O’Reilly from Queen’s University Research was present to accept the cheque and acknowledged how the contribution would support the ongoing research work.

Stephen and Jean McCollam thanked all the sponsors, those who gave donations and supplied ballot prizes. They also thanked outgoing Chairman Frazer Tweed and the committee for their help and support with the organising and promoting of the event.

Thanks were extended to James Wilkinson and David Chestnutt for providing the barbecue on behalf of the Texel Young Breeders’ Club and to their daughters Christina and Stephanie and sisters Mary and Wilma for providing and serving desserts and refreshments. They also expressed gratitude to Ian Miller who acted as master judge for the sheep judging and to those who helped organise the livestock.

Thanks also went to Rodney Clark for auctioneering the raffle and charity auction which raised £4,500 for Prostate Cancer Research at Queen’s University Belfast.

The McCollam family especially wishes to mention its sponsors, namely AB Europe, John Thompson & Sons Feeding Innovation, Tracesure, RUAS, Alan Blackwood Auld-houseburn Flock, Doagh Farm Feeds, Martin Supplies, Greenmount Country Stores, Clare Vets, Ballyclare, Fane Valley, Ross Farm Supplies, Galloway & MacLeod, Parklands Vet Clinic, D Johnston CCTV, Ulster Farmers’ Union, Stockmaster, Sam McConnell, Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, Islandbawn Stores, McCollam Heating and Plumbing, Strabane Mills and Nigel Hamill.

Mr Tweed gave a short report on the club events and sales, including the new Dungannon Export Sale, and acknowledged the top prices received by club members. The club extends thanks to the judges and sponsors of its events.

The Treasurer’s report was circulated followed by acknowledgement of the outgoing committee and election of new committee members Nigel Ross, Philip Whyte and Neil Watson. Andrew Moses then stepped into the position of the club’s Chairman.

The AGM was followed by a finger buffet and presentation of awards. This year’s Flock Competition was judged by Donald MacPherson, Hexel Flock, Northumberland, and kindly sponsored by Danske Bank.

Flock Competition Results

Small Flock – 1 A Liggett, Corbo; 2 J Adams, Kerryhill; 3 D Wilson, Firgrove.

Medium Flock – 1 S & J McCollam, Carmavy; 2 A Glendinning, Lylehill; 3 S McNeilly, Drumadowney.

Large Flock – 1 R Strawbridge, Tamnamoney; 2 A Gault, Forkins; 3 M & C Millar, Millars.

Senior Ram – 1 N& R O’Hare, Millburn; 2 A Gault, Forkins; 3 P Dodds, Tullybrannigan.

Junior Ram – 1 A Glendinning, Lylehill; 2 D. Wilson, Firgrove; 3 R Henderson, Ballynahone.

Small Flock Ewe Lambs – 1 D Wilson, Firgrove; 2 J Adams, Kerryhill; 3 I Strawbridge, Lynbrooke.

Medium Flock Ewe Lambs – 1 C & M Mullan, Bluegates; 2 N & R O’Hare, Millburn; 3 P Dodds, Tullybrannigan.

Large Flock Ewe Lambs – 1 R Henderson, Ballynahone; 2 A Gault, Forkins; 3 M & C Millar, Millars.

Overall Danske Bank Flock of the Year 2022 – R Strawbridge, Tamnamoney; Reserve -A Liggett, Corbo.

The Show Flock Sponsored by Volac

Results

Lurgan Show: Ram Lamb – N & R O’Hare, Millburn

Ballymena Show: Shearling Ewe – A Gault, Forkins

Limavady & Londonderry Show: Aged Ewe – J Adams, Kerryhill

Antrim Show: Ewe Lamb – M McConville, Glenhone

Clogher Valley Show: Aged Ram – A Liggett, Corbo

Overall Volac Show Champion 2022: Martin McConville, Glenhone; Reserve: A Gault, Forkins

The evening’s awards presentations closed with Andrew Moses presenting the Texel Young Breeders’ Presidents Cup to Martin McConville, Glenhone Flock.

The club looks forward to the remainder of 2022 with the in-lamb sales starting with the club sale in Ballymena on Monday evening, December 5, in Ballymena Livestock Market. Judging commences at 6pm followed by the sale at 7pm. Catalogues available online at www.texel.co.uk or contact Club Secretary Martin Warnock on 07791 679112.