With just over one-third of the catalogued animals forward for sale, the bulls present were in high demand. In all, 28 of the 34 bulls sold to average €3,537, up €350 on last year.

Coming out on top of the show ring and subsequently the sales ring was Thomas and Collette Connor's Derrylough Leader. After much deliberation, judge Sean McGovern tapped the December 2015-born bull forward. Leader had secured the red ribbon in the second class earlier in the morning.

Sired by Hideal with Doonally New and Donnally Donald in the back breeding, Leader attracted a number of bids before the hammer finally fell at €6,800. The successful bidder was Padraic Hegarty, Farnagh Hill, Co Longford.

Reserve to Kilkenny breeder

Claiming reserve championship honours was John Bambrick, Castlewarren, Co Kilkenny with Baurnafea Major Et. This embryo-born Goldstar Echo son carried five stars on the terminal index and went on to claim the third top price of €5,200. Major Et found a new home in Co Armagh with Aaron and Niall O’Rourke.

Kevin Molloy realised €10,700 for the very first two bulls into the ring. Securing the second top price of €5,600 was Molloy’s November 2015 born Dolland Luke. This Cavelands Fenian-sired bull carried five stars down the line and was secured by Ivan Hughes, Co Armagh.

Cavelands Fenian was also the sire behind Molloy's second exhibit, Dolland Lewis 2. Again five stars down the line, this bull sold to Thomas Corcoran, Co Galway for €5,100.

In total, six bulls were exported on the day.

Full report and pictures to follow.