The Galway Sheep Breeders’ Association are holding their 101st Show and Sale in Athenry Mart on Friday September 22nd and, in a break with a century of tradition, this is our first Evening Sale. All sheep must be penned by 3p.m.with the judging starting at 4p.m. and the sale at 6p.m. (sharp) All sheep entered must be registered with Sheep Ireland in accordance with the Association’s Rules.

This is a significant new departure for the Association but the Galways are Ireland’s only native sheep breed and have survived the many changes in sheep farming practices in this country over the past century. The Breed can trace its origins back to the Age of Improvement in Irish Agriculture (circa 1750 -1815) when Leicester type rams were introduced to enhance the native sheep.

 There will be two classes in the sale for males – Hogget Rams and Ram Lambs and the Association is also considering a novice class for Ram Lambs if there is sufficient demand. All rams will be genotyped and parentage must be verified. There will be three female classes - Breeding Ewes, Ewe Hoggets and Ewe Lambs. In the female section a breeder must present five sheep in order to be considered for the show but may offer a lesser number for sale. There are also individual sales of Ewe Hoggets and Ewe Lambs - the individual lots will facilitate new breeders and small flocks in particular. This year the wool classes have a particular significance due to the renewed interest in Galway wool.

The Breeders are hoping to meet old and new friends from all parts of the country on the evening, as this sale is an integral and landmark occasion in Ireland’s sheep breeding year for over a century now. The Association is conscious of the fact that many buyers and sellers travel long journeys to the sale. While the Association was formed in 1922 some of the traditional flocks can trace their origins and bloodlines back to Pre - Famine times.

 In recent years the Breed has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence as many flock owners are beginning to re-discover the many fine traits of the Galway Breed including docility, strength, prolificacy and immunity from certain diseases. A number of new flocks have been established and the number of ladies and children participating is particularly encouraging. The formation of The Galway Wool Co-op has given huge momentum to the breed as Galway Wool has now secured a niche market and has been finally recognised as the premium Irish heritage product that it is. The Acres scheme also has helped to attract new breeders.

The sale will be conducted in conjunction with the Mart staff and will adhere strictly to any Covid guidelines being implemented by the Mart on the advice of the HSE. The female sheep will be judged in the pens and the males will be shown in the traditional manner. The sale will be streamed in conjunction with the Mart and potential buyers will have the option of bidding on-line using Mart Eye. As this event is not being held in conjunction with the general weekly mart sale no sheep can be sold within the precincts of the mart except those listed in the catalogue and put through the ring.

Last year’s sale was the most successful one in the past 50 years and this year has already seen an unprecedented number of enquiries from around the country. There is a strong entry of female sheep and many of the rams entered are eligible for the SIS scheme. As Ireland’s only native breed the sheep are eligible for payments under the Acres scheme subject to certain conditions.                                                                                                                                                                             

Each year brings changes and over the past few years the Association has lost a number of its stalwart members as well as traditional buyers of rams for commercial flocks. The sale is always a nostalgic occasion for some families as they remember deceased members and friends who have gone to meet the greatest Shepherd of all.