The South of Ireland Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders' Association held its annual Premier Sale in Ballinrobe Mart on Saturday 12 September.

The association thanked judge Kieran McFadden, Ballyportery flock, Co Antrim, for judging.

The sale saw a clearance rate of 75%, as 160 sheep sold from the 215 presented.

While trade did not quite reach the exceptional heights of last year, quality stock continued to meet strong demand.

The shearling section was a sale highlight, with 40 of the 43 shearlings presented selling for an outstanding clearance rate of over 93%. The section averaged €890.

Judge Kieran McFadden awarded the ram lamb championship to a powerful and stylish ram lamb from Paul and Deirdre Clinton's Rockview flock.

The lamb, sired by Beeches Wingman, had previously won his class at Tullamore Show also.

Second place in the class also went to the Rockview flock. Third prize was awarded to a lamb from John O'Brien's Barr na Sléibhte flock, a son of a Drummuck ram purchased by the flock last year.

Top ram lamb of the day came from the Woodview flock, selling for €2,300.

The Maskview flock sold the joint second-top-priced ram lamb to €2,000. He was purchased by a local Mule breeder. Joining him at €2,000 was a ram lamb from Jack Wickham's Deer View flock, purchased by Richard Staunton.

Kieran McGrath's Caoramor flock enjoyed a successful day, selling two ram lambs for €1,700 and €1,600. Both lambs were sired by Mistyburn Bolt.

Joe Scahill's Faughburren flock also recorded a strong trade, with two Mistyburn-bred ram lambs selling for €1,350 and €1,150. The top-priced of these was purchased by Michael and Rachel Staunton's Markethill flock.

In total, 100 ram lambs sold from the 151 presented, with the section averaging just over €700.

Steady female trade

Female trade was steady, with 15 of the 21 females forward finding new homes and averaging €360.

The top-priced female was the first-prizewinning ewe lamb from Jonathan Wall's Clogher flock, which sold for €650.

Reflecting on the sale, association members acknowledged that while trade was back from the exceptional prices witnessed in 2025, buyers had the opportunity to secure quality breeding stock at realistic values. Vendors were pleased to see genuine demand for the sheep on offer.

The South of Ireland Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders' Association would like to thank all vendors, purchasers, sponsors, Ballinrobe Mart management and staff, stewards, volunteers and members whose efforts helped make the event a success.