President to attend national wool harvest in Athenry

Transparency and traceability returning

The sixth National Wool Harvest from Ireland's native sheep breed called the Galway will take place on Saturday, July 18 at Athenry Livestock Mart, with the day's activities beginning at 9.30am.

The morning will begin with a convoy of wool growers arriving from all four provinces of Ireland, each bringing their annual wool clip to be included in the National Irish Wool Harvest. Known affectionately as the Galway Wool Meitheal, the event celebrates the collective efforts of farmers working together to restore value, transparency and traceability to Irish wool.

President Catherine Connolly will attend the National Wool Harvest in recognition of the dedication and commitment of Irish wool growers who, through the Galway Wool Co-operative, are rebuilding a transparent and fully traceable supply chain for Irish wool. Her attendance reflects the growing national importance of preserving Ireland's textile heritage while creating new opportunities for farmers, artisans and consumers seeking authentic Irish fibre.

Now in its sixth year, the Galway Wool Meitheal was established to rebuild a transparent supply chain for Irish wool from Ireland's native sheep breed called the Galway - an Irish fibre that has been largely absent from Irish knitwear, tweed, blankets, carpets, and rugs for more than 40 years.

Since its foundation, the Galway Wool Co-op has grown from just 20 members to almost 50 wool growers from across Ireland. Operated entirely by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis, every euro generated is reinvested into the running costs of the co-operative and the organisation of the annual Meitheal Day. Throughout the morning, the wool will be weighed, inspected and prepared for collection before beginning its journey to processors and manufacturers.

This year's wool clip was fully pre-booked by early May, reflecting the increasing demand for traceable, high quality native Irish wool. Returning buyers include AVOCA Ireland, supporting growers for a second consecutive year, alongside long-standing partners Wool Store Ireland and The Sheep Walk Ranch, Texas, USA. The asking price has remained the same at €2.50 per kilo with a clear focus on re-building the volume of the clip and re-opening markets for the cherished Irish Báinín.

Ériu, a farm to yarn family business in Co Wicklow, is a new buyer for this year's harvest. Adding to the celebrations this year, members of the Galway Artisans Collective will showcase an exhibition of handcrafted work celebrating the beauty, versatility and heritage of native Irish wool. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the makers and experience first-hand the creativity inspired by this unique natural fibre.

The day will also recognise excellence in wool production. Growers will compete for Best Fleece awards in two categories, flocks of 15 sheep and under, and over 15 sheep. With the national Galway flock numbering fewer than 2,000 sheep, these awards are designed to encourage emerging breeders to place an even greater emphasis on wool quality while recognising the important contribution of both small and established flocks.

Visitors will also enjoy a traditional hand-shearing demonstration by local Athenry sheep farmer Sean Kilkelly, while Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters will demonstrate the traditional art of hand spinning.

Throughout the morning, members of Oranmore Comhaltas will provide a backdrop of traditional Irish music and set dancing.