Suffolk sheep originated from the crossing of Norfolk horned ewes with Southdown rams. Suffolks were first recognised as a breed in 1810. Since then, the breed has developed to become the dominant terminal sire used in the British Isles. The first Suffolk flock was registered in Ireland in 1891 by a west of Ireland man, Henry Strevins from Roscommon. The breeds popularity rapidly spread to every county in Ireland today.
The West of Ireland being predominantly a sheep breeding area, was quick to recognise the superior traits of the Suffolk breed, hardiness, prolifacy, rapid growth rate, meatiness and wool quality. The Suffolk soon became the most popular breed in the area. In 1971 the West of Ireland Suffolk Breeders club was formed. Since its formation the club has been independently run and it has been responsible for the day to day running costs. Since then it has played an active part in the promotion of the Suffolk breed. To date, the club has a membership of 38 members.
Our catchment area covers the five counties of Connacht ,Longford, Westmeath and due to the retirement of two breeders we now have one breeder from County Clare. It stretches from Shannon bridge on the Offaly / Roscommon border to the outskirts of Bundoran in County Donegal and from the borders of County Cavan to Belmullet in west Mayo. Ram sales are held annually starting with our premier sale in Roscommon in early August and further sales in Athenry, Tuam, Ballinasloe, Ballinrobe, and Ballina throughout August, September and October. Since 2019 our members are now in a position to offer an EU approved certificate by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine with all stock both male and female. These certificates are not a print out from a web site. The Department of Agriculture has informed us that all males /females MUST be sold with a valid ZC .