Held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast during the National AGM weekend, the dinner brought together members from across the UK to celebrate the club’s milestone and recognise this year’s competition winners.
David Anderson’s Ballyhunsley flock was named Champion Flock, with Graham Foster’s Springhill flock taking Reserve Champion honours.
Novice Section
Ewes: 1 Jack King; 2 Nigel Flanagan; 3 Mervyn Garrett
Ewe Lambs: 1 Jack King; 2 Mervyn Garrett
Small Flock Section
Ewes: 1 Graham Foster; 2 William McAllister; 3 Harold McBratney
Ewe Lambs: 1 Graham Foster; 2 William McAllister; 3 Harold McBratney
Medium Flock Section
Ewes: 1 David Anderson; 2 Allister & Philip Crawford; 3 Gareth Beacom
Ewe Lambs: 1 David Anderson; 2 Allister & Philip Crawford; 3 Sam Watson
Large Flock Section
Ewes: 1 Derek Fenton; 2 Ian Goudy; 3 Alistair Moore
Ewe Lambs: 1 Ian Goudy; 2 Derek Fenton; 3 Alistair Moore
Stock Rams: 1 William McAllister – Lineside Denton; 2 Derek Fenton – Hollylodge Williewonka; 3 Harold McBratney – Riverdale Cotton Lad
Ram Lamb: 1 Alistair Moore – Hollylodge Easy Rider; 2 David Anderson & Graham Foster – Springhill Extra Special; 3 Sam Watson – Hollylodge Eddie
Overall All Ewe Lambs – David Anderson
Club Awards
Highest price sheep sold on the mainland – Graham Foster
Dungannon Premier Sale Champion – William McAllister
Young Breeders Class Dungannon – Jack King
Male Champion National Show in Armagh – William McAllister – Lineside Denton
Overall National Show Champion – William McAllister
Novice Show Competitor – Nigel Flanagan
Chairperson Trophy – Drew Cowan for 40 years of contributing to NI Charollais Sheep Club, good luck on his upcoming 40th anniversary sale on Saturday, 14th November 2026.
Robert Gregory from the Edstaston flock in Shropshire had this to say after judging the flock competition.
"I was very honoured to be asked to judge the Northern Ireland flock competition and what a tremendous show of sheep I had before me.
"The ram lamb class deserves a special mention with several excellent ram lambs competing for the top prize.
"The consistency within the flocks of ewes was particularly pleasing to see and all the breeders had a clear vision of what they were wanting to achieve with their sheep.
"In Northern Ireland you have an exceptional group of young breeders which is so important for the future of the breed and the quality of the flocks in the novice class means that some of the more established flocks will need to keep their eye on the ball, great competition which is very healthy and a firm standing for the future of the Charollais breed in Northern Ireland.
"I thought my champion flock was outstanding. A complete flock with a very matching group of breedy flock ewes producing consistently good uniform ewe lambs. The stock ram and ram lambs emphasised the completeness of the flock with a clear vision of where the flock was heading.”
The anniversary celebrations continued on Saturday with a visit to Ladies Day at Down Royal racecourse, before members headed home on Sunday following a weekend of club celebrations and competition honours. It was great to see the number of members who made the journey across from the mainland and the support from Northern Ireland.
The club extends its sincere thanks to Norbrook for its continued sponsorship of the flock competition, and to Robert Gregory for his time and expertise in judging. Thank you also to every member who has contributed to the club over the past 40 years. Here’s to many more years of shared success —members look forward to coming together again at the club AGM in April.
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David Anderson being awarded Champion Flock by judge Robert Gregory Photo: freelance