One of the most respected mart managers in the west of Ireland is calling time on his long career.

Gerry Connellan has steered Elphin Mart to become one of the leading livestock sales venues in the west. Over the last few years, Elphin has become the go-to town for top quality commercial and pedigree sales.

It was fitting that the record price for a commercial heifer was set at the mart last Friday night with Gerry watching on when the hammer fell at €9,000.

He still has a busy November and December ahead, with the famous Irish Charolais Cattle Society Christmas Cracker sale of 120 bulls taking place on Saturday 5 December.

Gerry’s will be a big pair of boots to fill but The Dealer knows a man. The CV is in the post …