The Byrne family from Roscommon were the headline performers in the unbroken pen at the Skipton Auction Mart’s latest sheepdog sale on Tuesday.

Father Pat and his three sons, Micheal, Daire and Niall, from Ballyglass in Co Roscommon, arrived with 12 youngsters and sold all but one of them for a combined 8,950gns.

Pat Byrne with one of his Skipton pups that achieved 1,600gns joint top price in Skipton’s unbroken pen. \ Adrian Legge

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Welsh handler Dewi Jenkins, producer of some of the most sought-after working sheep dogs in Britain currently, got the top dog price.

Farming Welsh Mountain ewes and Welsh Black cattle near Aberystwyth, Wales, he claimed his highest-ever price at Skipton of 8,500gns (€10,180) with his 13-month-old red and white bitch, Graylees Rose.

Dewi Jenkins with his 8,500gns top price Skipton dog, Graylees Rose. \ Adrian Legge

The second top price of 6,400gns fell to a tri-coloured bitch from David Murray.

The Shetland Islands sheep farmer made a 14-hour boat trip, followed by a six-and-a-half-hour drive south to attend the UK’s leading sheep dog sales venue.

Murray has a flock of Shetland-Cheviot crosses and has won Scottish trials, as well as running in the Scottish National.

David Murray with Maid, who sold for second top call of 6,400gns at Skipton’s latest working sheepdog sale. \ Adrian Legge

Another strong performer in the unbroken pen at 1,400gns was a four-month-old black and white dog, Ron, from Welshman Andrew Green, of Carmarthen.

Andrew Green with Ron, who made 1,400gns in Skipton’s unbroken pen. \ Adrian Legge