The Belclare Sheep Society hosted its All-Ireland Championships in blistering sunshine at the Mullingar Agricultural Show, Co. Westmeath.

According to the society, there was "an outstanding display of Belclare sheep" on Sunday (July 12), which "highlighted the quality of the breed and the dedication of its breeders".

The judge on the day was Michael Neenan and he tapped forward Barry Cunningham's ram lamb Togherbeg Magnificent as the Overall Champion Belclare.

The Reserve Champion Belclare title was awarded to a ewe lamb exhibited by Liam and Eoin Dunne of the Tubber Flock.

Ram classes

The Senior Ram class was won by Tim Keady's Oltore Flock. The impressive exhibit from this flock headed a highly competitive class.

Liam Delaney secured second place, followed by Eugene Russell in third, while Neil O'Donnell claimed fourth.

In the Hogget Ram class, Liam Delaney of the Coolgarragh flock took top honours with an "outstanding entry", according to the society.

Sonny Jennings finished in second place, John Kennedy was awarded third, while Tim Keady claimed fourth and sixth positions. Eugene Russell completed the line-up in fifth place.

The Ram Lamb class produced the day's eventual Overall Champion, with Barry Cunningham taking first prize.

Liam and Eoin Dunne enjoyed an excellent class, securing both second and third places, while David Cooke finished fourth.

An entry from Neil O'Donnell claimed fifth and Eugene Russell rounded off the class in sixth.

Ewe classes

The Senior Ewe class was another success for Barry Cunningham of the Togerbeg Flock, whose ewe claimed first place.

Liam Delaney demonstrated the strength of his flock by taking both second and third positions, while Tim Keady finished fourth and David Cooke was awarded fifth.

The Hogget Ewe class was won by an entry from Liam and Eoin Dunne, who also secured third place with another entry.

Liam Delaney claimed second and fifth places, Barry Cunningham finished fourth and Tim Keady completed the placings in sixth.

Belclare Sheep Society

According to the society, competition was "exceptionally strong across all classes, with exhibitors presenting some of the finest Belclare sheep in the country".

The Belclare Sheep Society will host its premier sale on Friday, August 7, at GVM Tullamore Mart, Co. Offaly where "an excellent selection of Belclare sheep is expected to be offered for sale", according to the society.