Ambassadors

Ambassador & Member Representative

Rachel Murphy

Based at Shanes Castle outside Antrim, I live and work on a farm estate where my dad is the shepherd. I help out on the farm throughout the year, particularly during busy periods such as lambing, shearing, dosing and weaning, and have been involved in farming from a very young age.

I began helping with wool rolling during shearing as a child and attended my first wool handling course in 2015. A year later, I competed in my first novice wool handling competition at Balmoral Show, finishing second, which marked the start of my competitive journey. In 2017, I travelled to New Zealand as part of the Northern Ireland team for the Shearing and Wool Handling World Championships – my first experience on the world stage.

Since then, I have competed successfully at the highest level. Highlights include multiple wins at Balmoral Show, where I secured first place in both the National and Open Wool Handling competitions in 2022 and 2023, qualifying for the World Championships at the Royal Highland Show in 2023. I finished 13th individually at those Championships, an achievement I was proud of given the strength of global competition. I have also won at the Royal Highland Show (Novice), All-Ireland competitions at Clonmany and Mount Bellew, and represented Northern Ireland at events including the World Championships and Six Nations.

Alongside competing, I am passionate about developing the next generation. I have assisted with wool handling courses ahead of Balmoral Show in 2019 and 2024, encouraging new entrants into the sport and enjoying the opportunity to teach and support others. I also regularly volunteer at shows across Northern Ireland, helping with wool rolling and speed shear events.

My proudest moments in wool handling came in 2022 and 2023 when I won both the National and Open Championships at Balmoral Show. I wanted to become an Ulster Wool Ambassador because of my passion for wool handling and my enjoyment in sharing skills and knowledge with others. My greatest inspiration has always been my dad, who competed widely in shearing and continues to be heavily involved in the industry – his encouragement is what first led me into wool handling, and it’s a sport I continue to love.

21 Shanes Castle Park, Antrim , BT41 4NE

07595413939

Ambassador & Member Representative

Jack Robinson