The Munster Lanark Sheep Breeders Group held its first breeding sale at Mid-Kerry Co-operative Mart in Milltown, Co Kerry, on Thursday 15 October.

The sale saw a commendable trade throughout with a large turnout of both new and pre-existing breeders filling the ringside.

Ewe lambs sold to a top of €395 with gimmers reaching a high of €700 for an entry from Michael Ketch, Dungarvan. John Egan, Blackwater, purchased the top-priced gimmers.

Shane Doona also enjoyed a creditable trade with his gimmers, realising a high of €530. These were knocked down to Victor Barber, Co Sligo.

The male trade was strong, with shearlings selling to an average of €742 and aged rams selling to an average of €638.

James and Stacey O’Connor had a day to remember, selling to the top price of the sale with a shearling ram who realised €1,640. He was knocked down to Patrick O’Connor, Keel.

Michael Ketch from Dungarvan also had a successful day, selling his leading shearling for €1,200 to Patrick Dwyer from Castlemaine.

Kieran Doona, Glencar, topped the aged-ram section, selling his ram for €800. Patsy Randles was hot on his heels, realising €760 with his aged ram.

Ram lambs sold to a top of €800 with John Egan, Blackwater, leading the section. Michael Ketch bought Egan’s top-priced ram lamb.

Overall, the first Munster Lanark Sheep Breeders Group sale sold to a clearance rate of 78%. Group member, Grant Rogerson, expressed his delight at the success of the first Munster Lanark Sale.

“The initial idea to form this new group came after realising there was a strong demand and appetite for quality Lanark Blackface sheep when showing at local shows in the Cork/Kerry region,” he said.

He commented on the volume of good, fit-for-purpose commercial sheep on offer at the society’s inaugural sale, stating that the volume of young breeders with enthusiasm for the Lanark type was immensely encouraging.