A massive crowd of people attended the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society's centenary show and sale at the showgrounds in Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday evening.

A milestone event for the society, almost 80 head of Angus, Charolais, Limousin and Hereford cattle weer brought for sale.

When all was said and done, auctioneers Francis McGowan and Cian Connolly reported 45 cattle sold to an average price of €3,848.

Leading the charge and selling for a whopping €10,000 was the Charolais bull Bunnymore Archie, bred and exhibited by local breeder Michael Reynolds.

A son of the great CF52, it was only fitting that a son of his would lead proceedings at such a prestigious event, with countless sons and daughters achieving high prices at the venue over the last 30 years.

Offering breeders a five-star terminal index of €204 and a calving figure of 5.8% on beef cows, he was acquired by Kevin Maheady from Co Mayo.

Angus heifer

Not far behind Archie at €9,600 was the champion Angus female Clonee Betsy, an April 2025-born heifer bred and exhibited by David Faughnan.

A daughter of Drumcrow Reeko, this tremendous Angus-type female goes back to a long line of Corry-bred cows.

Clonee Betsy, champion female Angus, which sold for €9,600, shown by David and Jack Faughnan. \ Tricia Kennedy

Despite carrying just a one-star replacement index of €98, she attracted bids from all corners of the ring, eventually falling to Patrick Mangan from Co Meath.

Limousin bull

Patrick Logan's Limousin bull Creenagh Avicii was next in line at €7,000, selling to Clive Stoddart from Newtowngore.

A son of Trueman Idol going back to Castleview Gringo ET, this July 2025-born bull garnished the champion sash and presented a nicely balanced set of figures, including a beef sub-index of €207.

Creenagh Avicii, champion Limousin, which sold for €7,000. \ Tricia Kennedy

Adam and William Woods were next in line with their champion Charolais bull Mashantucket Andrew, a February 2025-born son of Orbi.

Out of a Fiston-bred dam, he ranks in the top 10% of the breed for terminal traits and sold to a suckler herd in Co Westmeath for €6,600.

Celebrations

The evening concluded with an open forum discussion chaired by Irish Farmers Journal editor Adam Woods, which was complemented by wonderful food and entertainment for all in attendance.

Some of the key speakers in attendance were MEP Ciaran Mullooly, Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman and well-known agricultural leader and strategist Michael Berkery.