Page 35 - Beltex Year Book 2024

IRISH NATIONAL SHOW
33
Matt’s Hazelnut from the Kinawley-based Matt’s Flock of
Matthew Burleigh, won the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club’s
National Show, held at Omagh Show on Saturday 1 July. The
Shearling Ewe proved flavour of the day for Scottish judge
Grant Maxwell, as he tapped her out of a ster-ling line-up,
having already won Female Champion.
Sired by Buckles Fizzy Pop and out of Matt’s Equipped, she is a
full sister to the £8k ram lamb Matt’s Hercules, and Matt’s
Honeybee ET, who was Beltex Champion at Balmoral Show in
May. Matt’s Hazelnut has more winning ways in her blood with
her grandmother, Matt’s Curious, picking up the same title at
the Irish Beltex National Show in 2018 and her maternal sister,
Matt’s Gypsy Girl, taking Royal Welsh Show Champion in 2022.
Matthew has had a great track record at the Irish Beltex National
Show, this year taking home his fifth Championship.
In Reserve Champion position was Elizabeth McAllister’s
Artnagullion Jumbo, who was also the Male Champion and
Overall Ram Lamb Champion on the day. From the Artnagullion
Flock, Kells, he was sired by Edendiack Hitman, who was
purchased for the flock at Carlisle in 2022 for 14,000gns.
Artnagullion Jumbo’s dam is homebred ewe, Artnagullion
Fidget, who won the online Irish Beltex National Show as a
Shearling Ewe in 2021 during the throes of the pandemic. It was
a successful first outing for the lamb and kept the Artnagullion
flock in the top placings, having won the Championship the
previous two years. Elizabeth also won the Pair of Lambs and
Group of Three classes. Other notable wins included Gary Scott,
Omagh placing top in three classes and taking home Reserve
in the Ram Lamb, Ewe Lamb and Male Champion sections.
The National Show attracted a strong 80+ entries, showcasing
the best of the Beltex breed. Scottish judge Grant Maxwell was
impressed by the calibre and commented ‘The National Show
was a brilliant event, there was a great turnout out of very smart
sheep and tapping out the Champion was a difficult task. It was
also brilliant to see so many interested and capable young
handlers. The future of the Beltex breed is in safe hands.’
The Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club would like to extend their
gratitude to Omagh Show for their hosting and hospitality,
which helped make the show such a success.
Thanks to Kathryn Williamson for report and
Glenalla Photography for photographs.
MATT’S HAZELNUT FLAVOUR OF THE
DAY AT IRISH BELTEX NATIONAL SHOW
1
JULY