Kells breeder secures double victory at Balmoral Show 2025 Beltex Championship

Sophie McAllister, judge Sue Wilkinson and Elizabeth McAllister pictured with the Balmoral Show Beltex Champion and Reserve Champion.

The Beltex sheep classes at this year’s Balmoral Show were dominated by the Artnagullion Flock, owned by Elizabeth McAllister of Kells, who impressively secured both Overall Champion and Reserve Champion titles – a rare feat and a significant highlight of the Northern Ireland agricultural calendar.

The judging of the hotly contested Beltex section fell to Yorkshire-based breeder Sue Wilkinson of Langlands Flock, who had the difficult task of selecting from a strong field of entries.

The prestigious title of Overall Champion was awarded to Glenview Jeff, an aged ram bred by Sean Daly’s Glenview Flock.

Balmoral Show Beltex Champion - Glenview Jeff

The ram was jointly purchased for 2,800 guineas at the Dungannon Show and Export Sale in August 2024 by McAllister, Gary Beacom, and Russell Smyton.

Glenview Jeff, a half-brother to the Dungannon Champion Glenview Jaguar, caught the judge’s eye from the outset. Sired by Ardstewart Galileo and out of Glenview Eimear, he first claimed his class and went on to secure Male Champion before ultimately being named Overall Champion.

McAllister also took Reserve Champion with Artnagullion Kitty, a well-bred shearling ewe sired by Edendiack Hitman – a 14,000 guineas addition to the flock in 2022.

Balmoral Show Beltex Reserve Champion - Artnagullion Kitty

Out of Artnagullion Hitty, Kitty has a strong show pedigree, having won her ewe lamb class (born after 1 March) at the Irish Beltex National Show at Omagh in July 2024.

Her success continued at Balmoral, where she not only took Reserve but also, along with Glenview Jeff, led Artnagullion to victory in the Sheep Interbreed Pairs Championship on the Friday of the show.

This year’s triumph marks the ninth time that Elizabeth McAllister has won the Overall Beltex Champion title at Balmoral – a testament to her enduring excellence in sheep breeding and showmanship.

Reflecting on the event, Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club Chairman Eddie O’Neill from Glenarm commented:

“As usual, Balmoral was a brilliant start to the showing season for our club members, who all brought quality, well turned-out sheep and did the breed proud. There were many conversations over the four days with friends and customers old and new, and show goers interested in getting started with Beltex, which is great to see. Thank you to Sue Wilkinson for diligently judging as well ABP for sponsoring the Beltex classes.”

The Beltex competition continues to be a major attraction at Balmoral Show, drawing interest from both seasoned breeders and new enthusiasts across the UK and Ireland. The continued success of breeders like Elizabeth McAllister not only highlights the quality of livestock on show but also inspires the next generation of Beltex enthusiasts.

For updates on future events and show successes, follow the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club on Facebook.