Local farmers land prizes for top lamb quality

Several local farmers were big winners at a Longford Lamb Producer Group presentation event recently.

This year, in the absence of a full members meeting, the presentation took place in line with Government and HSE guidelines.

The main prize winner for early, mid and late-season lamb producers was this year won by Owen and David Jones, The Pigeons Athlone.

Meanwhile, the prize for mid season lamb producer was awarded to George Gibson Brabazon, Rathconrath, Mullingar, and the late lamb producer was awarded to Eamonn O'Donohoe, Walderstown, Athlone.

Congratulating this year's winners, Chairman Joe Esler thanked the group members for the effort they are making to improve the quality and presentation of the lamb they produce.

"In these unprecedented times, the group committee asks members and their families to take all necessary precautions as we continue to carry out our business while living with the pandemic. We thank the members for observing precautions when delivering sheep to the lorry at Ballymahon Mart. Always follow the co-ordinators instructions, remain in your vehicle, have your dispatch dockets filled in, and depart when your sheep are loaded," he said.

The Longford Lamb Producer Group has steadily grown over the years and now comprises of in excess of 100 members and cater for a large area in South Longford and South Westmeath.

Lambs are loaded on a weekly basis at Ballymahon and transported to Kepak, Athleague.

A delighted Eamonn O'Donohoe who farms alongside his brother Andy at their farm in Walderstown said he was delighted with his award and to be part of the group. He looks forward to a time when it would be possible for all the group members to meet again.

In the absence of the annual members draw for 2020 all members have been issued with a voucher. For any inquiries, the group can be contacted at 087 1359011.