The Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society held its annual Pedigree Show and Sale on Saturday 24 October in Golden Vale Mart, Tullamore.

Males

Bulls were in strong demand with the three top priced bulls of the sale all exceeding the existing sale record. Noted Limousin breeder Karl Connell judged the pre-sale show.

Topping the day’s trade and setting a new Irish Aubrac sale record was a bull from Frances Donohoe’s Johnstown herd, Johnstown Volcano. It was a day to remember for the Co Westmeath breeder who was earlier placed reserve male champion with Johnstown Volcano and then went on to realise €7,200, selling to a Co Laois based breeder.

Co Longford breeder Michael Hanlon (Ashbrook Aubracs) was also among the record-breaking prices as well as standing overall champion in the pre-sale show with Ashbrook Vantastic, a son of Johnstown Prince. Vantastic went on to sell for €5,600 to a Co Wicklow breeder.

Hanlon’s second bull, Ashbrook Vital, set the trade alight once again, realising €7,000. He was also knocked down to a Co Wicklow buyer.

Of 10 bulls presented for sale, a sale clearance rate of 70% was achieved with an average selling price of €4,194.

Females

Standing to the fore of the in-calf cow section in the pre-sale show was Turloughmore Ultimate Best with a heifer calf at foot sired by Harmonieux. Bred by Kevin O’Brien of the Turloughmore herd, she went on to realise €4,700.

Eamonn Cass’s Ardough Roxy took second place of the section and went on to sell for €3,650.

The in-calf heifer title went to Leo Dooley’s Altamont Unice. Sired by Altamont Oats, the heifer who was carrying a calf to Turloughmore Sensational sold for €4,750.

A 100% sale clearance rate for both in-calf cows and heifers was achieved.

Maiden heifers were also in strong demand, selling to an average price of €3,211 with a 90% clearance rate for 30 presented.

Female champion, who also stood overall reserve champion of the pre-sale show, was a maiden heifer from John Walsh (Rockhill Aubracs), Ballintra Veronica. This daughter of Johnstown Nelson sold to a Northern Ireland breeder for €4,700.

Reserve female champion, Ballyclough Valentine, presented by Jim Woulfe (Ballyclough Aubracs) sold for the highest female price of €4,900. She was knocked down to a Co Laois breeder.

Weanling heifers sold to an average of €2,544. All 8 presented were sold.

James and Tomas Lacey’s Deerpark Vera took the red ribbons of the section and later went on to sell for the top weanling price of €3,000 to a Co Kilkenny breeder.

The Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society expressed its delight at the quality of stock on offer and the prices achieved. They voiced their thanks to all sellers, bidders and buyers.