Belclare All Ireland, Mullingar Show 2026 - Report

Belclare Sheep Society All-Ireland Championships Shine at Mullingar Show

The Belclare Sheep Society All-Ireland Championships were held in blistering sunshine at the Mullingar Agricultural Show, where an outstanding display of Belclare sheep highlighted the quality of the breed and the dedication of its breeders.

Competition was exceptionally strong across all classes, with exhibitors presenting some of the finest Belclare sheep in the country. The Society extends its sincere thanks to every breeder who supported the event and contributed to making the championships such a success.

Michael Neenan carried out the judging duties, selecting Barry Cunningham's outstanding ram lamb ‘Togherbeg Magnificent’ as the Overall Champion Belclare. The Reserve Champion Belclare title was awarded to the exceptional ewe lamb exhibited by Liam and Eoin Dunne of the Tubber Flock.

The Belclare Sheep Society wishes to acknowledge the generous support of J. Grennan & Sons and Mayo HealthCare, whose sponsorship helped make the event possible and Mullingar show committee for hosting our All Irelands again.

The Society now looks forward to its Premier Sale, which will take place on Friday, 7th August, at GVM Group Tullamore Mart, where another excellent selection of Belclare sheep is expected to be offered for sale.

The Senior Ram class was won by Oltore Flock Tim Keady, whose impressive exhibit headed a highly competitive class. Liam Delaney secured second place, followed by Eugene Russell in third, while Neil O'Donnell claimed fourth.

In the Hogget Ram class, Liam Delaney of the Coolgarragh flock took top honours with an outstanding entry. Sonny Jennings finished in second place, John Kennedy was awarded third, while Tim Keady claimed fourth and sixth positions. Eugene Russell completed the line-up in fifth place.

The Ram Lamb class produced the day's eventual Overall Champion, with Barry Cunningham taking first prize. Liam and Eoin Dunne enjoyed an excellent class, securing both second and third places, while David Cooke finished fourth. Neil O'Donnell claimed fifth and Eugene Russell rounded off the class in sixth.

The Senior Ewe class was another success for Barry Cunningham of the Togerbeg, whose ewe claimed first place. Liam Delaney demonstrated the strength of his flock by taking both second and third positions, while Tim Keady finished fourth and David Cooke was awarded fifth.

The Hogget Ewe class was won by Liam and Eoin Dunne, who also secured third place with another quality exhibit. Liam Delaney claimed second and fifth places, Barry Cunningham finished fourth, and Tim Keady completed the placings in sixth.

The Ewe Lamb class saw Liam and Eoin Dunne continue their successful day by taking first place with the ewe lamb that would later be named Reserve Champion Belclare. John McTigue secured second place, while Barry Cunningham claimed third and fifth positions. Liam and Eoin Dunne added a fourth-place finish, with Liam Delaney taking sixth.

The Young Handlers competition showcased the enthusiasm and talent of the next generation of Belclare breeders. Mia O'Donnell was awarded first place following an excellent display of stockmanship, ahead of Charlotte O'Donnell in second, while Daniel Cooke completed the prizes in third.

The Belclare Sheep Society congratulates all exhibitors and prize winners on an excellent day's competition and thanks everyone who attended and supported the championships at Mullingar Agricultural Show. The standard of sheep on display once again demonstrated the continued progress of the Belclare breed and reflected the commitment and dedication of breeders throughout the country.