Carla Lockhart MP congratulates Ballylisk of Armagh on major success at British Virtual Cheese Awards

Carla Lockhart MP • June 24, 2025

Upper Bann MP and DUP Agriculture and Rural Affairs Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart has extended warm congratulations to Ballylisk of Armagh, a family-run artisan cheesemaker based in Portadown, after they scooped two Gold awards and a Bronze at the prestigious British Virtual Cheese Awards.

Their signature Triple Rose secured two Golds, while their Single Rose picked up a Bronze, a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship behind their unique range of cheeses.


Speaking after the announcement, Carla Lockhart said:


“I am absolutely thrilled for Mark Wright and the team at Ballylisk of Armagh on this incredible achievement. Mark is a passionate local entrepreneur who, alongside his family, has built a brand that is now rightly gaining national recognition for excellence.


This success isn’t just about cheese, it’s about what can be achieved when hard work, innovation, and deep respect for local produce come together. Ballylisk combines tradition with innovation with the result, producing world-class cheese while staying rooted in the farming heritage of our area.


From farm to table, every step of their process reflects quality and care, and it’s no surprise that they are winning accolades at the highest level. Their success helps put Portadown and Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector firmly on the map.


Ballylisk is a fantastic example of the kind of small business that drives our rural economy forward. I hope their success inspires others, and I look forward to seeing what they achieve next. They are a real credit to Upper Bann.”


Share

By Carla Lockhart MP March 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has criticised the Education Authority for its lack of transparency, following confirmation that halal meat is being unknowingly served in Northern Ireland schools.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has called on the Government to urgently provide clear guidance on the protection of single-sex spaces in workplaces, following a cross-party meeting at Westminster with nurses involved in high-profile legal cases.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has pledged her support for improved palliative and end of life care services following her attendance at Marie Curie ’s Great Daffodil Appeal event in Parliament.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed a strong turnout at the launch of her Church Funding Booklet at Oxford Island, with more than 140 people in attendance from churches and faith-based organisations across the constituency and beyond.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has welcomed the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting women and mothers in Lurgan.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has praised the generosity of the local community and the dedication of volunteers after taking part in a Northern Ireland-wide Big Bucket Collection in Banbridge in support of Evora Hospice .
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart , has spent a busy Saturday attending a wide range of community, church and charity events across the constituency.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to Mrs Esther Halliday from Waringstown following an extraordinary 55 years of service within the Health Trust, including more than four decades dedicated to maternity care. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her support, calling for stronger protections for local farmers, after attending a Westminster reception hosted jointly by the NFU, RSPCA and WWF.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 24, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has called for urgent action to expand access to the Safe Operation of Tractors training for young people, warning that current limitations risk undermining vital farm safety efforts.