Demand for top-quality in-lamb Lanark ewes is currently at a high as was reflected in the recent South of Ireland Lanark Sheep Breeders sale. The price for an entry of 16 in-lamb ewes was recorded at a fine average of €1,473 per head, up by over €500/head on the corresponding sale in 2025.

The group’s second annual online timed auction, hosted by Roscommon Mart and taking place on the Marteye online sales platform, also set a new Irish breed record of €3,500 for a female Lanark sheep. The gimmer, offered by Kieran Donaghey’s flock located in Co Donegal, had top breeding in her background and style to match.

A group spokesperson said the hogget ewe was bred by the £10,000 Loughash with her dam by the £16,000 Auldhouseburn. She was scanned carrying twins to the £34,000 Mike Grant ram from Craigdoo. The sheep saw strong interest throughout the sale and generated a flurry of late bids before eventually setting the record price of €3,500.

Top sellers

Another flashy gimmer ewe, again with top breeding, which was sold by Brian Curran’s Glackmore flock in Co Donegal also generated a flurry of bidding activity at the death of the auction and sold for €2,900. The hogget ewe is by the £4,500 Auldhouseburn and a £38,000 Crossflatt mother and scanned carrying twins to the £11,000 McSwiggan.

Liam Donaghey had a strong showing and sold two stylish first crop ewes for €1,800 each. The first of these was by the £100,000 Loughash, carrying a single lamb to the £34,000 M Grant ram, while the second was by a son of the £20,000 Loughash, carrying twins to the £38,000 Fullerton.

Tom Staunton’s Maskview flock in Co Mayo sold a powerful gimmer by the £3,500 Midlock for €1,500. She was scanned carrying twins to Maskview Martínez (son of £82,000 Loughash). Meanwhile, Charlie Gallagher from Co Donegal sold three sheep for €1,200, €1,200 and €1,000.

Half of the sheep in the sale were sold for €1,000 or more. The group say the high sale price was testament to the quality of stock on offer and huge level of interest in hill areas.