The Champion was top pick of judge Philip Hegarty, Corlea Flock, Omagh, before topping the females and selling for 700gns to John Duggan, Co. Meath. She is by Bellewstown Hawkeye H568 and homebred out of Ashvale E0649.
Caroline’s Ashvale flock also topped the sale with her second-placed ram lamb, Ashvale Ironman I1504. The last son available to purchase from Beechmount Edwardo E671, he is also homebred out of Ashvale D0389. Ironman was purchased for 1,200gns and is going to Finn Davidson, Gibston Farm Dorsets, Aberdeen.
Continuing her success, Caroline was second and third in the ewe lamb class with Lots 29 and 31, who were also bought by John Duggan for 420gns and 480gns respectively. Lot 26, an Oliver Tree Glen daughter out of an Ashvale ewe, went to judge Philip Hegarty for 450gns.
The Reserve Champion and Opposite Sex to the Champion was Lot 12, Ballymacnamee Invincible ZD71 I0182, from Elaine and Peter Breen, Portaferry. Invincible was The Breen’s sole entry in the sale and came first in the ram lamb class before taking Reserve Champion.
The Lisnafillan Del Torro son, out of Islandview F0071, sold for 550 gns to Richard and Matthew Hall.
The average price for ram lambs jumped by £120 compared with last year, while the average price for ewe lambs increased by over ten pounds. The Club would like to sincerely thank Strabane Mills for their generous sponsorship, along with all the exhibitors, buyers, officials and everyone who supported the event.
Looking ahead the Club’s next event, the NI Dorset Autumn Show & Sale in Ballymena Livestock Mart is on Monday, 12 October 2026.
For more information, including the catalogue when it is released, visit the Northern Ireland Dorset Horn and Polled Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Club Facebook page or website.
NI Dorset Sheep Breeders Club 5th Annual Swatragh Show and Sale Results – Friday 21st August 2026
Judge: Philip Hegarty, Corlea Flock, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Ram Lambs: 1st P&E Breen, Lot 12; 2nd C McKeown, Lot 7; 3rd P Knowles, Lot 9; 4th G&S Miller, Lot 4; 5th P McKinney, Lot 5
Ewe Lambs: 1st C McKeown, Lot 35; 2nd C McKeown, Lot 29; 3rd C McKeown, Lot 31; 4th G&S Miller, Lot 18; 5th G&S Miller, Lot 22
Overall Champion - Lot 35, Caroline McKeown
Reserve Champion and Opposite Sex to the Champion - Lot 12, P&E Breen
Sale Averages
Ram lambs £645.75
Ewe lambs £427.35
Kindly sponsored by Strabane Mills.
1. 3 - Ewe lambs.jpg
The top three ewe lambs, all from Caroline McKeown’s Ashvale Flock. Photo: freelance
3. 5 - Ashvale Ironman I1504.jpg
Caroline McKeown with the sale topper, Ashvale Ironman I1504, who sold for 1,200gns. Photo: freelance
4. 2 - Swatragh Reserve Champion.jpg
Judge Philip Hegarty and Peter Breen are pictured with the Reserve Champion and Opposite Sex to the Champion, Ballymacnamee Invincible ZD71 I0182. Photo: freelance