Southdowns
in N. Ireland

THE SOUTHDOWN SHEEP SOCIETY

Northern Ireland

Gosford 2007

The establishment of the Southdown breed in Northern Ireland took a huge step forward on 1st September, 2007 at Gosford RBST show and sale (normally held at Cultra, Belfast) when a number of breeders turned out in force with their sheep to compete for new classes set up specifically for the Southdown breed for the first time on this occasion.

To his surprise, judge Mr Jim Quail had a total of 36 registered Southdowns before him to tax his mind through the various classes, a most unusual sight in a region not noted for the presence of this particular brand of sheep. Eventually Jim ably managed to select his winning line-up - but the real surprise came later in the day when leading Suffolk breeder Mr. William Tait was tasked with judging the inter-breed Champion and chose a Southdown Shearling Ewe from the other "giants" of the field. He was later to say that he thought she had great presence as she trotted round the ring and was a very compact, correct little sheep.

So it turned out to be a great day for the breed at the end of a very successful showing season for Southdowns, beginning in May with Southdown taking RUAS Balmoral Rare Breed inter-breed Champion as well as Champion of numerous County Shows throughout the Summer.

Our thanks must go to Southdown Feeds, Rathfriland (a long established feed mill in Co. Down) and to our member Jonathan Harshaw for his work in establishing the classes.

John Newell

The photo shows the Gosford Derby Champion. Three generations in the show ring - Gawn, Mollie and John Newell:-

2004

Maurice Pogue's Southdown ram was Interbreed Champion at two of the larger shows in the Province in 2004 - Castlewellan and Saintfield.

Maurice Pogue with his Champion ram

2003

Mr Maurice Pogue of Cavanagarvan, Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, N.I. BT94 4GQ has been a member of the Society since 1998 and has had success in showing in the Province. His Southdown ewe came fifth at Balmoral and at Lurgan he had a 1st with his Shearling Ram, a 2nd with a Ewe any age, a 3rd with a Shearling Ewe, and Champion with his Pair of Southdowns. At Castlewellan he had a 3rd with his Ram Lamb and a 3rd with his Ram. At Cultra he had two 1st rosettes, one 2nd and a Breed Champion.

These were all in classes with other breeds and he is trying to find other Southdown breeders who will show against him. Are there any offers? If so ring him at 028 8953 1784. He has started selling rams from his Redhills flock (price £300) and has sold to England for the first time.

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