The Irish Charollais Sheep Society held its 2018 premier sale in Tullow Mart late last month. This Smyths Daleside-sponsored sale in Carlow stands as the society’s main summer sale, so quality throughout was high. A sales ring that was packed to capacity throughout the day saw a strong demand coming from both the pedigree and commercial sectors.

While overall clearance was down, a number of top prices showed that both pedigree and commercial buyers were willing to pay for the right animal, despite a harder than expected spring and summer. Overall, 67% of animals through the ring sold, back on the 85% witnessed at the 2017 premier.

Leading the way in the show ring for the second year in a row was the Cork team of Jim and Frampton Jeffery with their Bawnard flock.

Their very smart ram lamb by Fiddawn Fiddler ticked all the boxes for Welsh judge Brian Davies who runs the Honddhu flock. Having come out in front of a very competitive ram lamb class, the stylish Bawnard pick went on to claim the male and supreme championships. Later in the day, he changed hands at €2,600.

The reserve supreme championship also came from the male entries, this time going the way of Willie Gleeson of the Wexfo flock. Top of the shearling class and reserve male champion, this son of Rhaeadr Alaska later sold for €1,000 to Robbie Jackson.

On to the female championship and Mr Davies found his top ewe in the form of Lisfuncheon flock’s smart hogget ewe. Brought out by E and P O’Gorman, this stylish ewe was sired by Knockcroghery Constable and was knocked down to Tom McCormack for €1,420.

The Jeffery brothers were back in the limelight when they secured the reserve female championship. The Bawnard flock placed first and second in the ewe lamb class, with the red rosette winner later going on to claim the reserve female championship. Sired by Fiddawn Fiddler, the same ram as the champion, the neat ewe was secured by new Cork breeder Eamon Shanahan.

Leading the way in terms of prices was the Ballyhibben flock of Michael and Alymer Power. This correct young lamb was sired by 9,000gns stock ram Sant Andras Sergeant Major and earlier in the summer placed second at the all-Ireland championships. After a flurry of bids, he was eventually knocked down to the Duiske flock of Dymphna and Gerry Grogan at a price of €3,100.

Edward Buckley of the Kilbarry flock was next to reap rewards when he sold his top lot for €3,000. This stylish ram lamb sired by Knockin Seabiscuit was secured by Wexford breeders Michael and Sarah O’Neill, who will be holding a reduction sale later in the year.

Another leading price went to Stewart Thompson (H64) who presented a very true-to-breed ram lamb (Lot 60) sired by Drumsallagh Nevin. He was bought by Kevin Brady for €2,000.

David Argue made the journey with two very catchy sons of Loanhead Scotsman. These sold to PJ Glennon and James McMordie for €1,500 and €1,600 respectively.

Overall, the trade saw female hoggets selling for on average €575 each, while ewe lambs made the average price of €561 each.

In the male categories, hogget rams and ram lambs sold for an average of €616 and €832 respectively.

A ewe lamb was kindly donated by R and D Darker (H77) and was auctioned in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. This created an active buzz within the ring. In total, well in excess of €1,800 was raised by the auction and donations.