Hampshire Down NI held their Annual National Show at Armagh on Saturday 14/06/2025, however the continuous rain did not stop our enthusiastic breeders from showing their sheep.

The Judge Mr Edward Buckley from Co.Cork was delighted at the number of sheep on show and congratulated the breeders on the high standard of sheep in the ring.

The Lougbrae Flock was to the fore in a highly competitive Shearling Ewe class of 26 entries. The Judge for the day selected  a very stylish ewe sired by Creely Ultra. This ewe really made an impression on the Judge, as she went on to be crowned Overall Breed Champion of the National show 2025.

The ewe lamb class was another competitive class with 21 entries was kindly sponsored by Connelly’s Redmills. The winner which immediately caught Edward’s eye, was a stylish lamb from Adam Gregg’s, Kildowney flock. This ewe lamb sired Whitby Dracula really impressed seeing her being crowned Reserve Breed Champion on the day.

In the Aged Ram class, sponsored by Connelly’s Redmills, a Two shear ram by Ashley Black Jack from Adam Gregg’s Kildowney Flock stood out for  Edward. This ram had a great presence in the ring, displaying  strength combined with excellent breed characteristics.

The Aged Ewe class with 15 entries of good quality ewes provided the Judge with a challenge  selecting an outstanding ewe sired by Glenbrook Jack the Rip Ear  from  Sean & Gillian Doyle’s Loughbrae Flock.

The Ram lamb class was equally competitive with 18 entries again the winner was a strong framed lamb sired by Kildowney Cannonball from the Loughbrae Flock.

The untrimmed Ram lamb class had 10 entries, with the Judge selected his 1^st placed lamb a very smart lamb sired by Ballycreelly Viking from the Loughbrae Flock..

In the pairs class, sponsored by Neill Acheson a striking pair of ram lambs from J, A & J Fletcher, Loughan Moss flock were placed first. In the pair of Shearling Ewes class, a superb pair from Sean & Gillian Doyle, Loughbrae Flock  gained  placed first. A very strong group of three from Loughbrae Flock impressed the judge, seeing them being placed Champion Group, with Jake Wells, Whistlinthorns flock receiving Reserve Champion Group.

Our Novice class saw a great increase in new young breeders, with Jake Wells Whistlinthorns flock being placed first with Peter Boden of Magherdroll Flock gaining second.

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Armagh Show for allowing us to host our national show once again with them, a big thank to our sponsors Connelly Redmills and Neill Acheson for supporting the single and group classes.

Thank you to our Judge Edward Buckley Co.Cork for making the journey up, to spend the day with us in the rain.

The NI Club held its first Fleece Competition at Armagh Show which was kindly sponsored by Ulster Wool.     Results:

1st Ballycreelly Flock, 2nd Ashley Flock & 3rd Ballycreelly Flock