The Irish Hereford Breed Society held the first of its Nenagh bull sales over the weekend. Trade remained tough throughout, with the clearance rate hitting 50%. Average remained nearly on par with last year, settling at €2,350.

However, there were some highlights, with bulls reaching as high as €3,000. This was achieved by local breeder Rory Farrell, Toomevara, for his bull Ballinveney United 2. This November 2017-born bull is homebred on both sides, with the sire Ballinveney Nigel. With five stars on the terminal index and four on the replacement, United carries a calving index of only 4.8%.

Mr Farrell also had a good day in the show ring with his second exhibit Ballinveney Utube tapped out as overall champion. This October 2017-born son of Steil Gerard goes back on Bowmont Storm-bred dam Ballinveney Pier. Despite his championship rosette, Utube failed to meet his reserve and left the ring unsold.

Ivor Anderson was next in line when he sold his first entry, Corran Hill Email, for €2,650. This five-star son of stock bull Glaslough Levi carries a calving figure of 4.1%. The second offering from Mr Anderson, Corran Hill Empire, sold for €2,550. This stylish five-star bull was another by the herd’s stock bull Levi.

A further four bulls traded at €2,500. First up was the first bull into the ring Ardmulchan Native. This two-year-old was bred by Philip Smyth and secured a red rosette in the pre-sale show. Sired by UK-bred stock bull Church Preen Gallileo, he goes back on a Westwood Uplifter-bred dam.

Matching him was Rathkenny Quercus from Richard and John Lawlor, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

This bull is sired by homebred Rathkenty Okavango and out of Allowdale Dowager.

Padraig McGrath was the last to hit that money, twice. Firstly, with Kye George, and then directly after with Kye Harry. Both December 2017-born bulls, George is a son of Trillick George while Harry is a son of Free Town Hotspur.