Matthew became involved with the Galway Wool Co-op as part of his studies for a MSc in Agricultural Innovation at NUIG in early 2021.
Originally from Castlegar but now living in Ballygar, Co. Galway, Matthew helps his father to run the family farm in the lowlands of the Suck Valley on the Roscommon/Galway border, where they keep around 120 breeding ewes which have been mainly Suffolk cross.
This year, with the help of the Galway Wool Co-op, they have reinstated a small flock of pedigree Galway Sheep to their farm. Matthew’s grand-uncle, Tim Carroll, had kept Galway Sheep on this farm in his time, so it is fitting that they now continue the tradition.
Matthew says “I became very interested in creating a sustainable value chain for Irish wool and this initiative has been a fine example of what can be achieved when farmers work together.”
He also says how he really enjoyed working with the fantastic group of founders and members and looks forward to the continued success of the Galway Wool Co-op in years to come.
