Last year at the Suffolk premier, Donegal native Liam McGonigle went home with €31,000gns for his champion ram lamb.This year, however, averages were back by nearly €300gns for rams. The sale, which was held on 6 August in Roscrea mart, saw a clearance of 66% with an average price of €970.

While the overall standard of sheep on display was very high, a key message was sent out that only the top-quality sheep were making the premiums and breeders were picking up the majority of quality lots on the day.

The title of show champion went to Donegal again this year. Andrew Wilson’s January-born ram lamb sired by Birness Murray out of a ewe by Strathisla Speed captured the title. He was sold for €1,500gns to Mark Grealy from Middle Third, Oranmore, after earlier in the day securing first in the open ram lamb class also. Andrew enjoyed great success in the sales ring, with his other two stylish lambs selling for €2,650gns and €1,300gns, respectively.

Judge Martin Butler of the Castlewood Flock was the able judge for the day. Martin lined up PJ Howard’s February-born ram lamb as reserve champion of the show and winner of the novice class. Sired by Garryhinch Impact out of a ewe sired by Kells Liam Og, this ram was purchased by Derry breeder Denis Taylor for the top price of the day at €3,100gns.

A number of breeders realised high prices for their lambs, including Susan O’Keeffe who sold one of her rams to Padraic Niland from Ardrahan, Co Galway, for €2,540gns. Susan also secured €1,900gns, €1,050gns, €1,000gns,€720gns, €700gns twice and €600gns for her pen of outstanding lambs.

The Barrowlands flock, owned by Shaun and Seamus Gahan from St Mullins, Co Carlow, sold a ram at €2,200gns, which was purchased by Edward Jeffery, Ladysbridge, Co Cork.

Seamus Browne, owner of the Errigal flock, sold a ram for €1,600gns to Richard Moore, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, while John Doherty from Malin Head, Donegal, sold two lambs for €2,100 each, one to Sean Halloran, a breeder from Roscahill, Co Galway, and one to John P Screene & Sons Menlough, Co Galway. John also sold the remainder of his pen for €1,020gns, €1,000 and €600gns.

The female section of the show was quieter than in previous years. Philip Lynch of the Glyde flock dominated with his female champion, a ewe lamb, daughter of Glyde Goldbar. She later sold for the top female price of €880gns to Augustus Doyle from Avoca, Co Wicklow. Gerry Killilea’s reserve champion ewe lamb sold to Shaun and Seamus Gahan from St Mullins, Co Carlow, for €700gns.

Matt Pearse from the Priorview flock sold two ewe lambs for €650gns and €580gns respectively, while Eric Campbell realised €600gns for his ewe lamb.