When compared with the February and March sales, there was a marked improvement in the trade at the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society show and sale last Saturday, which saw a notable lift in the overall clearance to 70%. Fifty-seven of the 75 Angus bulls sold (76% clearance) for an average of €2,400, while 13 Angus heifers averaged €1,650.

In the ring, Drumcarbin Powerpack, a Blelack Prince Consort son, was tapped forward as the supreme male Angus champion. Exhibited by Shane McKiernan, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, he later sold for the third highest price of €3,600. In reserve was Martin Herity, Ballinfull, Co Sligo, with Coolembley King, by Goulding Jumbo King. He sold for the top price of the day of €4,000.

Other top prices for Angus bulls included:

  • €3,700 for Lecarrow Kiefer, sired by Luddenmore Fionn and bred by Pat Murphy, Puntabeg, Charlestown. This was the second highest price at the sale.
  • €3,550 for Grove Keelan, sired by Friarstown Edition and bred by Winifred Haran, Cully, Charlestown.
  • €3,500 for Lisnanean, sired by Aynho Rossiter Eric and exhibited by Benny Mulrennan.
  • €3,500 for Tonroe King, sired by Corlismore Lord Dynasty and exhibited by Gerry Corrigan.
  • €3,400 for the youngest bull at the show, Bloomfield Keith, sired by Coney Island Legend and bred by James Doorley, Ardikellan, Strokestown.
  • €3,200 for Clontead Jamboree, sired by Goulding King Jumbo and bred by Eustace and Deirdre Burke, Carrigaline, Co Cork.
  • €3,200 for Rathra Jigger, sired by Luddenmore Fionn and bred Mary Ann Mahon, Tibohine, Castlerea.
  • €3,150 for Tobertelly Joel, sired by Goulding Jumbo King and bred by Bernard Brennan, Tobertelly, Tubbercurry.
  • €3,150 for Liscolvin King, sired by Crussin Mark and bred by Martin Garvey, Hillstreet, Carrick-on-Shannon.

    • Meanwhile, the top female price at €2,800 was achieved by Eamon and John McKiernan, Monasterboice, Drogheda, for Knockmountagh Laura, a Netherton Mr. Brazilian daughter. The McKiernans also sold Knockmountagh Justine, from the same sire, for €2,350.

    Herefords

    The Connacht branch of the Irish Hereford Breeders Association staged a special promotion for its members with 10 bulls and 11 heifers on show. Champion heifer, Steil Saoirse, a Mawarra Sentimental daughter, bred by Joseph McCormack, Steil, Tulsk, sold for €3,100. Joseph also exhibited the reserve champion Steil Pondra, from the same sire, and she sold for €2,750. Overall, four Hereford bulls sold for an average price of €1,800, while seven heifers averaged €2,060.

    Meanwhile, two Shorthorn heifers sold for an average of €1,100. The Society will host its show and sale of Charolais, Simmental and Limousin bulls and heifers this Saturday 19 April.

    Entries for the May sales will also close this Saturday. Full details from 086-3883112.

    Sliabhbui Prince daughter peaks at €2,250

    Similar to a number of other pedigree sales this spring, the recent Shorthorn Society beef sale in Roscommon met a tough trade, with less than a 50% clearance recorded. However, increased interest from the North saw seven bulls and heifers going for export with an average of €1,500 recorded for bulls and €1,200 for the females.

    In the ring, the male championship went to Clashagad Maddison, bred by Phil and Pat Sheedy, Roscrea. An Uppermill Maddison son, out of a Buffalo Lake Blockbuster cow, the champion sold for €2,000 to a Northern Irish buyer. In reserve was Lismacool Jobe, bred by Padraig Flanagan, Elphin. He was unsold on the day.

    Meanwhile, the champion female Jackie Kate, bred by brothers John and James Heneghan, Ballinlough, Co Roscommon, sold to a beef Shorthorn breeder from Co Cork, for €2,250. Kate is a Sliabhbui Prince daughter, out of a Tullagower Peter cow.

    Not stopping there, the Heneghan brothers also bred the reserve female champion Jackie April. She sold to a Northern Irish buyer for €1,800.