Excellence on Display at Balmoral Show 2025
Balmoral Show 2025 Results & Report
Balmoral Show 2025 – Show Report
Judge: Mr Rhys Francis
The Balmoral Show 2025 once again showcased popularity of the Dutch Spotted breed, showcasing the largest number of breed entries across the sheep section at the show!
A lively atmosphere surrounded the showring throughout Balmoral Show day, with a packed ringside adding to the excitement. Large class numbers—some exceeding 40 entries—ensured fierce competition and kept the crowd engaged, creating a real buzz that carried through the remainder of the week at the Show.
Judged by Mr Rhys Francis, who made the journey from Carmarthenshire, South Wales; this year’s entries demonstrated high standards of conformation, presentation, and breed character throughout the event. Rhys commented “It was an honour to judge the pinnacle show in Northern Irelands calendar. The standard from start to finish throughout the classes were exceptional, thank you to the Dutch Spotted Sheep Society for inviting me to judge”.
Judge Rhys Francis made his final selections with confidence, swiftly choosing his Male and Female Champions following a strong day of class judging. Taking top honours was Merryboro Gabrielle, exhibited by the Limestone Flock and owned by Mark Priestley. Gabrielle was awarded Female Champion before going on to be tapped out as Overall Champion of the Dutch Spotted section.
Gabrielle is no stranger to success, having previously taken the Female Champion Title at Balmoral 2024 and Female Champion and Reserve Overall at the Spotlight Sale in Carlisle, where she was purchased by the Limestone Flock for 2,500gns. She is sired by the acclaimed Dutch Dominator and out of Princess Belle, a much-admired ewe at Merryboro. Her twin sister remains in the Merryboro flock in South Wales, marking the strength of that breeding line.
In an extraordinary achievement, the Limestone Flock didn’t just secure the Dutch Spotted Overall Championship—they also claimed Champion titles in both the Suffolk and Texel rings.
It was a standout day for James Johnston of the Broadwater Flock, who topped the highly competitive 27-strong ram lamb class with Longfield Iceman, before going on to secure Male Champion and ultimately claim the title of Reserve Overall Champion. Iceman is sired by Milltown Fireman Sam that has also had prolific breeding history.
After a successful judging day in the sun, exhibitors and spectating members enjoying light snacks and plenty of refreshments at the Society social. It was great for members to reflect on the day with a well-deserved drink in hand!
Aged Ram 2 Shear and over (5 forward)
1st - 328 - Rolex, A Colhoun
2nd - 329 - Glentaisie, J Reilly
3rd - 325 - Glencloy, L Campbell
4th - 326 - Derg & Knockmult, A Shortt & R Millen
5th - 330 - Fellowshall, A Steenson
Shearling Ram (10 forward)
1st - 333 - Derg & Knockmult, A Shortt & R Millen
2nd - 331 - Binnan, A Trainor
3rd - 332 - Johnstown, C Johnston
4th - 339 - Milltown, T Jackson
5th - 340 - Rolex, A Colhoun
6th - 338 - Headditch, P McKeown
Ram Lamb (27 forward)
1st - 365 - Broadwater, J Johnston
2nd - 360 - Craigdoo, P Grant
3rd - 364 - Broadwater, J Johnston
4th - 369 - Kirkinriola, J King
5th - 370 - Moyad, C Laverty
6th - 371 - Limestone, M Priestley
Aged Ewe, two year old and over (6 forward)
1st - 385 - Limestone, M Priestley
2nd- 383 - Johnstown, C Johnston
3rd - 387 - Mourneview, G McCabe
4th - 384 - Milltown, T Jackson
5th - 389 - Fellowshall, A Steenson
6th - 388 - Fellowshall, A Steenson
Shearling Ewes (28 forward)
1st - 420 - Derg, S. Allen & A.Shortt
2nd - 408 - Ballintur, S Killen
3rd - 410 - Rolex, A Colhoun
4th - 391 - Ballybraddin, J Watt
5th - 406 - Milltown, T Jackson
6th - 395 - Glencloy, L Campbell
Ewe Lambs (42 forward)
1st - 452 - Broadwater, J Johnston
2nd - 448 - Milltown, T Jackson
3rd - 467 - Moneyscalp, G McClelland
4th - 454 - Ballintur, S Killen
5th - 461 - Limestone, M Priestley
6th - 426 - Binnan, A Trainor
Pairs (property of one exhibitor) - 5 forward
1st - James Johnson, Broadwater
2nd - Alex Colhoun, Rolex
Group of Three (property of one exhibitor)
1st - Paddy & Orla Grant, Craigdoo
2nd - Alex Colhoun, Rolex
Male Champion – 365 Broadwater, J Johnston (ram lamb)
Reserve Male Champion - 328 Rolex, A Colhoun (aged ram)
Female Champion - 385 Limestone, M Priestley (Aged Ewe)
Reserve Female Champion - 452 Broadwater, J Johnston (Ewe Lamb)
Overall Champion - 385 Limestone, M Priestley (Aged ewe) – Merryboro Gabrielle
Reserve Overall Champion - 365 Broadwater, J Johnston (ram lamb) - Longfield Iceman
