The second round of the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society’s April sales took place in Carrick over the weekend. One of the largest entries of any sale this spring was on show and while averages were back substantially on the year, bulls were moving.

The Angus breed made up the majority of entries present. In total, 47 of the 79 Angus bulls forward sold to represent a 60% clearance. This clearance is back from 83% in 2017. However, the number of bulls sold is on par with last year’s sale.

It was the average price which took a big hit on the equivalent sale in 2017. Last weekend’s Angus average levelled at €2,310, which is back by over €300.

Leading trade with a call of €4,000 was the second-prizewinner Ballyshannon Pat. This February 2017-born bull, exhibited by James Marrow, Co Donegal, ticked all the boxes for Meath-based pedigree breeder Malachy Tighe, who runs the well-established Tara Angus herd in Batterstown. Pat is sired by Westellen Diego, while the dam’s pedigree features Priestown Jupiter and Lawsons Ford Bagatelle.

Second-best and top of the McCormack outfit was Steil Nutcracker 341 who sold for €3,700. This five-star bull is sired by Drumcrow Joker, while the dam is homebred Aynho Rossiter Eric daughter Steil K Winnie.

Pat Murphy, Claremorris, Co Mayo, sold his first-prizewinning Lecarrow Norman at a price of €3,500. This 16-month-old bull’s pedigree includes Beryl Jamey, Belvin Patriach and Fordel Eisenhower.

The Lecarrow herd also secured the overall male championship with Lecarrow Peter. This February 2017-born bull was out of Bunlahy John G, while the dam was homebred Lecarrow Cleona. Unfortunately, Peter failed to make his reserve, so left the ring unsold.

Given the task of judging was Angela Armstrong, Navan, Co Meath. Angela is the first woman to judge a pedigree show and sale at the venue.

After much deliberation, she eventually tapped out Knockadrinian Blackboy T644 as her reserve overall champion. This March 2017-born bull was exhibited by Tom Reynolds, Bornacoola, Co Leitrim. Sired by Dovea AI bull Mogeely Joe and going back to the famous cow Blackbird 9Y, this five-star bull met his reserve at €2,800.

Knockmountragh Preacher from Eamon McKiernan realised a bid of €3,500. This 14-month-old bull was sired by popular AI bull Netherton Americano, while the homebred dam is sired by Rawburn Lord Rocket.

Females

Female trade was well back on 2017 levels. However, last year’s sale incorporated a production sale from Steil Angus, which helped to boost averages significantly.

In total, eight of the 12 heifers forward sold to average just shy of €2,000. The 2017 sale recorded 17 sold to average €2,750.

Heifers sold to a high of €2,500, which was hit twice, both times by Athlone breeder Patrick Harrison. First at the money was Brideswell Nora, a rising two-year-old Cahirmee Gino daughter. Matching her at the money was Brideswell Noleen, a July 2016-born daughter of former all-Ireland champion Ballyshannon Eric.

Joe Farrell, Leitrim, claimed the overall female champion with Mong Princess 2nd. This yearling heifer was sired by Mogeely Joe, while the dam was by Luddenmore Fionn. With five stars on the replacement index, she sold for €2,000. Securing the reserve overall championship was Kerins Normandy from Bernard Kerins, Ballymote, Co Sligo. This heifer was sired by Priestown Tornado. However, she failed to meet her reserve.

Trade for the small number of Hereford and Shorthorn present was almost non-existent.