Name
Rachel Murphy
Where are you from?
Shanes Castle outside Antrim
Age
28
Details of your farm/wool handling business
I live on a farm estate outside Antrim, where my dad is shepherd. I help my dad on the farm at busy times of the year, lambing, shearing, dosing and weaning.
Your personal and professional achievements in wool handling
In 2017, I travelled to New Zealand as part of the Northern Ireland team for the Shearing and Wool Handling World Championships. This was my first experience at a World Championship, and it proved to be a remarkable opportunity. In 2018, I secured second place at the Balmoral Show in the Northern Ireland National, which qualified me for the team representing Northern Ireland at the World Championships in France in 2019. Additionally, I achieved first place in the novice category at the Royal Highland Show.
At the 2019 Balmoral Show, I won first place in the novice Wool Handling competition. Later that July, I travelled to France for the World Championships as a member of the Northern Ireland team. In 2021, we held a small show in September at Balmoral, during which I finished second in a national competition.
In 2022, at the Balmoral Show, I achieved first place in both the National and Open Wool Handling competitions, thereby qualifying for the team at the World Championships held at the Royal Highland Show in 2023. I finished in 13th place in the individual category at these Championships, which I was proud of, given the fierce competition from around the globe.
At the Balmoral Show in 2023, I was successful in winning both the National and Open Wool Handling competitions. Additionally, our team secured first place in the Novice/Open test. In August 2023, I participated in the All-Ireland competition at Clonmany, where I achieved first place in the Wool Handling category. The Six Nations event took place in France in September, and our team finished in second place.
In 2019, I assisted with a Wool Handling course that was held prior to the Balmoral Show, and I did so again in 2024. I encouraged a couple of young women to participate, and I thoroughly enjoyed instructing newcomers.
Last year, I finished 3rd in the National at Balmoral and won 1st at the All-Ireland in Mount Bellew. I've volunteered at various shows across Northern Ireland, helping with wool rolling and speed shear events.
How long have you been farming/wool handling
I have farmed all my life, since I was no height, I was running around after dad out on the farm. I always enjoyed going to the sheep sales with dad as well. The farming community is great to be involved in, I really enjoy sheep farming and rolling wool.
I started helping to roll the wool during shearing when I was younger but in 2015, I attended my first wool handling course. In 2016 I done my first novice wool handling competition at Balmoral Show I came 2nd place. I also qualified to be on the Northern Ireland team for the World Championships in New Zealand in 2017.
Proudest moment in wool handling
My proudest moment in Wool Handling had to be in 2022 and 2023 when I won the National and the Open Championships Balmoral Show.
Why did you want to be an UW Ambassador
I am passionate about wool handling, and I enjoy teaching others.
Who has been your inspiration
The person that pushed me to get involved in the shearing/ wool handling industry was my dad. When dad was younger, he done a lot of shearing competitions, travelled to New Zealand etc. Now dad is involved a lot in shearing, and as he has no sons, I thought I’d give the wool handling a go to see if I liked it and many years later I am still involved and enjoy it.
