Page 134 - Beltex Year Book 2024

132 www.beltex.co.uk
The Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club held their AGM on 23
January, 2024, re-electing office bearers and reflecting on
a busy and brilliant year for the Club.
The gathered members voted to re-elect three office bearers,
providing continuity to allow for further improvement and
progress in 2024. Eddie O’Neill from Glenarm, remains as
Chairman and Patrick Brolly, Foreglen, as Vice-Chairman. Libby
Wilson, Kells, is continuing as Club Secretary and was also
elected as Treasurer.
Also re-elected onto committee were Wade McCrabbe, Raphoe,
and John Harbinson, Limavady, with the addition of a new
member, Leslie Bradley from Maghera. They will serve alongside
Sean Daly, Hugh O’Neill, Andrew McCutcheon, Daniel Patton
and Kenny Preston.
At the meeting, two guest speakers addressed members on
topical matters. Dessie from Eco EggShell talked to the Club
about his low carbon, natural, plant nutrient and liming product,
using fine crushed eggshell as a liming alternative.
Alastair Armstrong from UFU also spoke about issues affecting
the sheep industry.
Eddie O’Neill delivered his Chairman’s Report, reflecting on the
club’s highlights and key achievements over the past year.
The showing calendar started with a fantastic Balmoral Show in
May. Andrew Baillie travelled from Scotland to judge, with
Supreme Champion going to a shearling ewe, Matts Honeybee
ET, from Matthew Burleigh’s Matt’s Flock. Reserve Champion was
a ram lamb, Bodoney Jackpot ET, from Andrew and Jamie Mc
Cutcheon’s Bodoney Flock.
This was followed by
the Club’s Irish National
Show held at Omagh
Show in July, with
Scottish judge Grant
Maxwell picking out a
shearling ewe, Matt’s
Hazelnut, also from
Matthew Burleigh’s
Matt’s Flock as Supreme Champion. Reserve Champion was a
ram lamb, Artnagullion Jumbo, from Elizabeth McAllister’s
Artnagullion Flock.
The Irish National Show attracted a large number of Young
Handlers, and they must be congratulated on their
showmanship and great efforts.
August saw success and a steady trade for the Irish breeders in
Carlisle. Club members Michael and Kile Diamond won Female
Champion with their shearling ewe, Pointhouse Hotstuff ET.
BRILLIANT YEAR FOR IRISH BELTEX
IRISH BELTEX CLUB REPORT
Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club
CHAIRMAN
Eddie O’Neill
61 Dickeystown Road
Glenarm
Ballymena
Co Antrim
BT44 0BA
M: 07708 024333
SECRETARY
Elizabeth Wilson
92 Parkgate Road
Kells
Ballymena
Co Antrim
BT42 3PG
M: 07709 376361