Judges pick a ‘very correct’ winner

A Kingscourt farmer’s pedigree Hampshire Down hoggett ewe claimed top prize for the sheep section.

Coming into Wedneday’s Show, the ewe owned by Andrew Gilmore had form having won the All Ireland’s in Clonmel in July.

“She was against every breed in the Show here today, which is pretty good for a minority breed,” said a proud Andrew. “It’s a privilege to win.”

The ewe comes from good stock as Moybrick Brendan, an import from the North, was her father.

Great wool

“She has great wool, great on her feet, very correct in every way, and a real good confirmation for a Hampshire Down.”

A shearer, Andrew was introduced to the breed when shearing a flock owned by Nobber farmers Peter Britton and Anora Whitley. Suitably impressed, he started his own flock.

“You are looking for hardiness, good liveliness at birth, functional in today’s market as well - they have to be grading as well, and fattening well.

The majority of his own are Charolais, but he also keeps pedigree Vendéen. It was a good show for Andrew as he also picked up a runner’s up rosette in the ‘pair of any pedigree breed’ for his Charolais.

Given that the cost of rearing sheep have “gone through the roof”, Andrew contends the Hampshire Down’s traits are suitable in such a tough economic climate.

Success

He remains confident it will become an increasingly popular breed in Ireland.

“They [costs] have to be accounted for so you have to rely on your breed to do that, and Hampshire Down will do that for you.”

Asked what the future holds for Virginia’s overall champion sheep, Andrew replies: “She is currently in lamb to the premier sale champion from three years ago. So hopefully a couple of lambs in Spring and go from there.”