Kells breeder takes top honours at Omagh Beltex Show and Sale as Glenarm ram commands 1,450gns
The Champion Beltex at the Omagh Show and Sale was from Elizabeth McAllister
Sunday 11 October 2026
A shearling ram from Elizabeth McAllister’s Artnagullion Flock in Kells has claimed the championship at the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club’s Omagh Show and Sale, while a ram from Glenarm breeders Hugh and Eddie O’Neill secured the highest price of the evening at 1,450 guineas.
The event, held at Beatties Pedigree Livestock Centre on Friday 25 September, saw judge Cathaoir O’Connor of the Toberhill Flock select the Kells entry as his overall champion.
The results marked another successful outing for the Artnagullion Flock, following its victory at this year’s Premier Show and Export Sale.
Championship honours for Kells breeder
Judge for the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club’s Omagh Show and Sale, Cathaoir O’Connor of the Toberhill Flock, pictured with club chairman, Eddie O’Neill
Elizabeth McAllister’s winning shearling ram, Lot 13 (LIZ.L077), is out of Artnagullion Joanna and sired by Glenview Jeff, a ram with an impressive record in the show ring.
Glenview Jeff was crowned the 2024 Dungannon Premier Show Champion, won Best Overall Stock Ram in the Irish Beltex Flock Competition 2024 and went on to become the 2025 Balmoral Show Champion.
The ram is jointly owned by Elizabeth McAllister, Gary Beacom and Russell Smyton.
The Omagh victory adds to the flock’s achievements this year, with Elizabeth having previously won the Premier Show and Export Sale with a ram lamb that is a half-brother of the latest champion.
Artnagullion flock records further sales
The Kells breeder also sold her two other consignments at Omagh, completing a successful evening for the flock.
• Lot 12 sold to S Rankin, Castlederg, for 850gns.
• Lot 14 sold to Mark King, Ballyward, for 680gns.
Glenarm breeders secure top price
Eddie O’Neill is pictured with his Reserve Champion, Lagyveagh Kubota.
Father-and-son breeders Hugh and Eddie O’Neill, of the Lagyveagh Flock in Glenarm, secured the Reserve Championship with their aged ram Lagyveagh Kubota.
The ram, Lot 1, is out of Lagyveagh Darcy and sired by Lagyveagh Gran Torino.
Lagyveagh Kubota went on to top the sale at 1,450gns, with Mark King of Ballyward securing the purchase.
The Glenarm breeders also sold their second entry, Lagyveagh Lucas, a shearling ram, to Chris Johnston of Fivemiletown for 420gns.
The result gave the O’Neill family both the Reserve Championship and the highest-priced animal at the Omagh sale.
Upcoming Beltex events
The Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club has two further events scheduled before the end of 2026.
• Saturday 14 November – Club Dinner at The Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown.
• Saturday 19 December – In-Lamb Show and Sale at Ballymena Livestock Mart.
Further information about both events is available through the Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club’s Facebook page.
The December sale will bring the club’s activities back to Ballymena, offering local breeders another opportunity to showcase and trade their livestock before the end of the year.
