Sandra Bogan, Co. Meath is one of a number of farmers that are preserving the Roscommon sheep breeder. She acquired five breeding ewes from Noel Kiernan - a well-known conservationist.

The Irish Rare Breeds Society is calling on sheep farmers that have a passion for rare breeds to assist with the preservation of the ‘Roscommon’ breed.

Only one Irish flock has survived to the present day, but the owner - Noel Kiernan - a well-known conservationist - wishes to split this into five different flocks in a bid to save the breed from extinction.

“They are related to Lleyn sheep, a Welsh breed, once driven to the brink of extinction. The Lleyn sheep genetics were bolstered with the Roscommon genetics. Now it is the turn of the Lleyn to save the Roscommon.” A post published on Irish Rare Breed Society’s Facebook read.





Efforts

A total of three candidates have acquired Roscommon sheep, according to a spokesperson for the society; it is seeking an additional two farmers that will take on the mission of breeding them.

One such farmer is Sandra Bogan, who works alongside her husband on the Cavan/Meath border beside Oldcastle, Co. Meath overlooking Lough Crew hills.

The Longford native has a working knowledge of sheep, as she grew up on a farm comprising of 300 breeding ewes, some of which were exhibited at shows.

Sandra, who is the owner of ‘Crafts of Ireland’ and a pedigree Hereford cattle breeder, became involved in the campaign following the discovery of a.Facebook post published by the Irish Rare Breeds Society.

“The post outlined details about the sheep and stressed that the society wanted to preserve the breed and looking for people that were interested in them.”

Despite the fact that no sheep have been farmed on this holding for up to twenty-years, Sandra travelled to Noel Kiernan’s farm in Co. Longford and acquired five foundational females.



A suitable breeding ram will join the flock in October, with a view to welcoming the arrival of lambs in March-2019.





Her interest in the breed springs from the nature of her heritage craft business which focuses on the restoration and use of antique crafting tools.

“I have been spinning wool for the past number of years and I have sourced most of the wool that I have used locally from farmers.”

She believes that Roscommon sheep are perfect to intertwine with her business as they are a “true Irish breed” and the “wool should be of a nice quality as it has all the desirable components”.

“When spinning, the ultimate goal is to be able to do the full process using your own wool from your own flock,” Sandra said.

As part of her studies, Sandra completed examinations in wool spinning, which means that she has a broad knowledge of sheep breeds and the qualities of wool.

“Personally, I knew that the breed had existed because they were used to improve the Lleyn ewe from Wales.”

“I was well aware that Roscommon Sheep were in existence but I had thought that none of them remained.”

The Future

Going forward, Sandra will monitor the progress of the flock and strive to maintain and improve its quality while increasing numbers ever so slightly.

“Any ewe lambs that we breed will be able to other farmers that may be interested in taking up some the breed as well.”

She hopes to work closely with the Irish Rare Breeds Society to preserve the Roscommon breed and to encourage other breeders to take on the challenge.

More information

Anyone that expresses an interest in preserving the breed, should contact - 0857210439 - or see Facebook here.

Image source: Crafts of Ireland/ Facebook.