The Zwartbles Sheep Breeders of Ireland (ZSBI) is set to host a breed development day, open to sheep enthusiasts of all levels of experience on Sunday, April 27.

According to a statement from the group of sheep breeders: "The educational and interactive event is open to all sheep enthusiasts and will take place at Paul Conroy’s family farm in Woodford, Co. Galway".

The host farm is home to the Twilight Blaze Zwartbles flock, and the event aims to "provide a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, refine skills, and gain hands-on experience," according to the event organisers.

The event will kick off at 10:45a.m and some of the key attractions on the day will include:

A master judges’ talk on showing craft and presentation with Martin Preston and Raymond Heigh;
Clipping demonstrations, along with an opportunity for attendees to practice, led by Peter Lamb;
Shears sharpening demonstration with John Powell;
Flock walk and talk with Paul Conroy and family;
Stock judging competition;
Showing demonstration for young handlers;
Light refreshments, tea, and coffee will be provided.

Commenting on the event, ZSBI public relations officer Denise Rafferty said: “Our primary objective is to expand the breed’s numbers, and we are committed to supporting both new and experienced breeders.

"This event is designed to help our current members refine their skills and to inspire the younger generation to engage in breeding and showing.

"As trainers for UK judges, we are fortunate to have them with us this year to provide valuable training for our own official judging panel."

2025 marks a significant milestone for the breed – it is 20 years since Zwartbles first arrived in Ireland.

"In 2005, Ray Sweeney of the Millrace flock imported the first four in-lamb ewes, with their offspring being registered in 2006.

“Following this, a few other breeders acquired stock from him, and additional consignments of sheep were imported,” Rafferty said.

According to the ZSBI, the breed is known for its ease of maintenance, strong maternal qualities, and striking appearance with its distinctive black wool and white blaze.

The sheep breed society explained that female Zwartbles are docile and inquisitive, making them a popular choice for smallholdings.

The breed is commonly known for producing multiples, with many ewes capable of naturally rearing three lambs due to their impressive milking abilities.

Zwartbles are easy to lamb, often doing so unassisted, and lambs are born with great vigour and a willingness to thrive.

Currently, there are just over 100 pedigree-registered Zwartbles flocks in Ireland, with membership growing from 60 to 100 in the past five years.

Rafferty said: "The breed’s popularity continues to rise each year. Along with interest from Zwartbles pedigree breeders, there is also a rising demand among farmers to use mismarked females as recipient dams.

"Additionally, their commercial appeal for crossbreeding with terminal breeds is on the rise. There is a market for all females.”

The ZSBI officially launched as a breed society at the 2022 National Ploughing Championships, following the amalgamation of the Irish Zwartbles Sheep Association and Zwartbles Éire Sheep Society.

The Twilight Blaze Zwartbles flock is owned and managed by Paul Conroy, who operates alongside his wife Lorraine and their children Éanna, Iarla, Rían, and Caitlin, with the assistance of Mary Stewart and David Durack.

The Conroy family also run several businesses, including Man and Beast (an animal nutritional wholesale company), which the ZSBI said it is 'indebted' to for being its main sponsor over the last number of years.

The flock was established in 2019 and comprises over 120 pedigree-registered Zwartbles breeding females and 80 non-registered pedigree Zwartbles.