The Aubrac cattle society held its annual spring sale in Tuam Mart on Easter Monday, matching last year’s clearances rates with over double the number of cattle forward.

In total, 24 animals were forward – eight bulls and 15 females. Similar to last year, females were met with a strong trade, with only one going home unsold. Averages for females came in at €1,698, up from €1,224 the previous year.

Bulls weren’t as easily sold, with four of the eight present meeting trade. This clearance is on par with last year’s sale. However, average price increased by nearly €350 to settle at €2,117.

Topping trade at the sale was John McEvaddy, Claremorris, Co Mayo, with Houndswood Kathleen. This two-year-old heifer was sired by AI bull Despagnou and carried a replacement index of €121. She found a new home with pedigree breeder James Ryan, Doon, Co Limerick, at €2,450.

John also got his in-calf Houndswood Jinger away at €2,000. Again sired by Despagnou, Jinger carried a massive replacement index of €185, making her five stars both within and across breed.

The top-priced bull Cloonmore Jarlath was next in the money. Bred by James Donnellan, Dunmore, Co Galway, Jarlath was sired by Armenien, with Thornhill Tango and Ramon Tommy in the back breeding. He sold at €2,350 to Padraig Moran, Borrisokane, Co Tipperary.

James also realised €2,300 for the five-year-old Clara Castle Harriet with a bull calf at foot.

This daughter of Dreylands Dagwood carried a replacement index €142 and was sold to Wexford-based William Lambert.

Females ranged from €1,100 to €2,450, while bulls started at €2,000 to €2,350.