The 2nd Annual Meitheal built on the great work done by Galway Wool Co-Op members who have done a phenomenal job showcasing Native Irish Grown Galway Wool. Over 5000kg of wool was collected at this year’s event. They had two eager buyers, Donegal Yarns and Woolow Sheep. The Co-op is getting €2.50 per kilo of wool and they pass on €1.65 to the farmer. The rest is retained for running costs. This is up 10% from last year.
It was a great fellowship event where breeders were able to meet the buyers, learn more about fleece quality and get feedback on expectations from their buyers. All participants were able to enjoy a hand shearing demonstration by the Galway Sheep Breeders Association, hand weaving done by Irish Fibre Crafts, Traditional Music & Dance by Oranmore Coeltas and to celebrate the winners of the fleece competition.
RTE was also there filming the event. If you missed it, you can click here .
Winners of this year’s fleece competition are: John Green (Tom Murphy standing in) for flock size over 20. His prize is a €500 jacket from Magee 1866. Paddy Glynn for flock size under 20. His prize is €500 of Woolow Products.
If you would like to learn more about Galway sheep, please click the link here.