Source: Connacht Tribune 14.10.1922

A meeting, convened by the Galway County Committee of Agriculture and the Galway Farmers’ Association, for the purpose of inaugurating a society, to be called the Galway Sheep Breeders Society, to encourage and development breeding of Galway sheep, took place at the Agricultural Station, Athenry, on the 5th October,1922. The following were present;—Messers J. D. O’Kelly, president, (Co. Galway Farmers’ Association, IFU; J. O’Sullivan, secretary, Co. Galway Farmers Association IFU; Ed. O’Dea, Loughrea ; John Smith, Masonhrook, Loughrea ; Martin Farrell, Craughwell; Chris. Kerins, Oranmore; A. Fahy, Moyvilla, Athenry; T. McD. Kelly, M.R.C.V.S., Athenry: T. Cotter, agricultural instructor. Co. Galway; G. G. Kelly, do.; J. Kelly, Rockmore, Athenry; P. J. Ledwith, farm manager, agricultural station, Athenry; V. F. Prendergast, inspector, Department of Agriculture, Athenry.

The objects of the meeting having been explained,Mr Kerins proposed that a Galway Sheep Breeders Society be established, and that for the carrying out of the objects  of the society a council be appointed consisting of a president, a vice-president, an honorary secretary, and fourteen members of the society; the council to be elected annually. The proposal was seconded by Mr. Smith, and was unanimously passed.

The meeting then proceeded to elect a council for the ensuing year, and appointed, provisionally, the following: President, Mr. J.D. O’Kelly; vice-president, Mr. Martin Farrell; hon .sec, Mr. J. C.O’Sullivan, and fourteen members: —Rev. Bro. Jarlath, Agricultural College, Mounitbellew ; Messrs. BenTaylor, Ardrahan; O. Kerins, Oranmore; A. Fahy, Moyvilla, Athenry; J. Colohan, Aughrim, Ballinasloe; W.Hession, Eyrccourt; John Kyne, Caherlistrane, Tuam; T. J. St. J. O’Dea, Co.C, Kilconly, Tuam : Ed. O’Dea, Loughrea; J. Smith. Masonbrook, Loughrea: — Studdert, Ballycrissane, Ballinasloe; T. Ruane, Co.C., Carnmore: J. Collins, Bnllygar; V. F. Preudcrgast, agricultural station, Athenry.

The following members of the council were appointed as an inspection and editing committee for the period of twelve mouths:—John Kyne, John Smith, Martin Farrell. It was decided to ask Mr. D. Twomey, Department’s livestock inspector to assist the inspection and editing committee when making their selections.

An interesting discussion ensued, and a scale of points of the breed was draw a up. The hon. secretary was asked to communicate with the principal breeders of Galway sheep in the county, and invite their cooperation and support towards the success of the society.

The president emphasised the necessity for this society, otherwise there is a danger that the breed, through constant crossing would, in a short time, be practically extinct.   In the Galway sheep they had got an animal worth   fostering,   and it would be the duty of the society to see that the breed was brought to a high Ievel of perfection.   When   the society was firmly established and a flock book published annually, the breeders of Galway sheep would soon realise the benefits to be derived from membership.   It was their intention to arrange a special sales of the sheep entered in the Galway Flock book, and to have classes and prizes at shows for exhibitors of the breed.   With the backing of the County Galway Fanners Association, I.F.U., he felt that the success of their society was assured.