The tough trade witnessed at some of the pedigree sales in recent weeks was replicated at the Irish Limousin cattle society sale in Athenry on Thursday. While trade started well for older more able bulls, the later younger bulls proved harder sold. That said, overall clearance still hit 60% with an average price of €2,765.

Trade was led by the day's senior champion Roundhill Marlo 2 which auctioneer Denis Barrett dropped the hammer for at €4,300. Bred by Tim and Doreen Corridan, this Kaprico Eravelle son goes back on a Heinz bred mother from the successful Giroflee line. Tapped out by young judges Shannon and Aidan Kinahan as senior champion, Marlo also carried a line of stars and a calving index of only 5.7%. This bull was the pick of Owain Llyr from Wales.

Junior champion

Also in the highlights was the day’s junior champion Millburn Miller. Bred and exhibited by Richard O’Beirne, Tuam, Co Galway, Miller is a November-2017 son of Plumtree Fantastic. Five stars on the terminal index and a calving index of 5.5% this bull hit market €3,900.

Overall a total of 15 of the 38 bulls sold for €3,000 or more.

Full report in next week’s Irish Farmers Journal.