The Irish Simmental Society sale in Tullamore on Friday night proved far tougher then was to be expected, with only 15 of the 36 bulls on offer selling.

However, the average remained high, settling at just shy of €2,500.

This trade would have been much worse if not for a number of keen purchasers from southern Europe. These buyers helped secured a total of five bulls but also helped to lift a number of others.

ADVERTISEMENT

Along with the interest from overseas, the main highlight was the sale of the overall male champion Thornford King Kong.

Bred and exhibited by Ryan and Sean Callan from Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, King Kong was tapped out by judge Martin Regan.

This decision was vindicated in the sale ring when the February 2018-born bull went on to sell for the top price of €3,600. Sired by Dovea AI bull Curaheen Gunshot, he is out of Auroch Bullet PP-bred dam Seafort Fiona. No stranger to success, the 14-month-old bull was reserve northeastern club February bull in 2018.

Taking the reserve male championship was Clonguish Jer ET from Joe and Sean McGarry. This Milton Lord Tiffany-sired bull is out of Raceview King daughter Brogeen Victoria. With three stars on the replacement index, Jer left the ring unsold.

Full report in this week’s Irish Farmers Journal.