Sellers of working sheepdogs gave a demonstration on groups of six blackface hoggets in a field adjacent to the mart before auctioneer William Blackburn took bids from the crowd.

Topping the sale at 1,200 guineas (gns) was a 20-month old bitch named Bess that was exhibited by Noel Doherty from Castlederg. Doherty’s only entry at sale was the last in the catalogue and had an impressive demonstration on the fast-moving group of hoggets. It was also stated that Bess had a long outrun that could not be fully demonstrated in the paddock that was around two acres in size.

Ivan Stevenson from Broughshane received the next highest price of 920 gns for his two and half year-old dog Glen. The non-registered dog had an impressive run with a rally of bids coming once the dog was put on the market after a slow start.

John McAlister from Clonmany sold a 13-month old dog, Toby, for 400 gns and an 11-month old dog named Max that was shown by the William Torrens from Castlederg later went for the same price.

Poor quality

Apart from the highest selling prices, the standard of most of the demonstrations was of poor quality and failed to generate bids from the fairly large crowd gathered, meaning the majority of dogs were passed by exhibitors.

Gerard McSorley from Draperstown had a good run with his five-year-old dog Dan but passed him at 800 gns. William Doherty sold his four-year-old bitch Tess for 350 gns following a second demonstration after a 200 gns sale from an initial run failed to go through.

All pups on offer were passed except for a four-month old pup that sold for 280 gns. John McAlister exhibited the unbroken pup moving round a group of hoggets which increased demand from bidders.

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