Limavady man joins committee of Irish Beltex Club

The Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club held their AGM on January 27, electing office bearers and reflecting on another exciting and progressive year for the breed.

The members present voted to re-elect two office bearers, allowing ongoing progress to continue into 2026.

Eddie O’Neill from Glenarm remains as Chairman and Libby Wilson, Kells, is continuing as Club Secretary and Treasurer.

John Harbinson, Limavady, joins the pair as Vice-Chairman.

Newly elected to committee were Matthew Burleigh and Russell Smyton.

Re-elected were Kenny Preston and Willie Porter.

They will all serve alongside Hugh O’Neill, Sean Daly, Wade McCrabbe, Patrick Brolly and Leslie Bradley.

Four junior members (below) were also co-opted onto committee to add fresh perspectives, energy and future leadership development. They are Megan Porter, Cathaoir O’Connor, Eoghan O’Neill and Joshua Keys.

The AGM was held at Parklands Vets, Cookstown, where Senior Vet Joshua Kittle kicked things off with a very informative talk on Bluetongue, lambing and worming.

Eddie O’Neill then delivered his Chairman’s Report, mentioning the Club’s highlights and key member achievements during 2025.

Across the country, breeders continued to showcase the exceptional quality, character and performance that define the Beltex breed.

From strong show ring results to impressive sales ring prices, the commitment and passion of members has continued to strengthen the reputation of Beltex.

The Chairman extended his sincere thanks to all members for their continued support and gratefully acknowledged the hard work and guidance of the committee, whose leadership and effort has been central to moving the Club forward.

On behalf of the Club, Eddie also extended his gratitude to sponsors who supported the activities throughout the year including John Sisk & Son (Holdings), Eco Eggshell Soil Conditions, Galloway Macleod, Shortts Feeds, ABP, Boyd Feeds, Matthew Wilson Sheep Shearing & Plunge Dipping, C Johnston Farms Ltd and Glenkeen Livestock Supplies.