The continental breeds took pride of place in Carrick-on-Shannon for the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society’s April sales last weekend. Trade was much improved on that of the traditional breeds the previous weekend, with this week’s clearance hitting 84%. Matching the clearance rate, the Charolais and Limousin bulls on offer sold to average just shy of €2,650.

Charolais bulls saw a 78% clearance rate, with the average settling at €2,675. This average is on par with last year, but clearance is up by nearly 15%.

Leading the way in the sales ring with a top call of €4,250 was Mohil Ned from Frank Kavanagh.

This October 2017-born bull placed second in his class and is a son of Cavelands Fenian. Four stars on the replacement index, this bull was one of nine exported on the day.

This topped an exceptional day for Mr Kavanagh, who sold his second offering, Mohil Noel, for €4,000. Another October 2017-born bull, this time out of Lisnagree Hansome and out of a Pirate-bred dam. With five stars on the terminal index, Noel was also secured by a Northern buyer.

Joseph O’Reilly’s Brickland Nike was next in line when he sold for €3,750. This double four-star bull off Cavelands Fenian is out of the homebred Brickland Linda.

Just below that and hitting the price of €3,700 was Clogher Oll from Kathleen Crowe. This January 2018-born bull is out of Pirate, with the dam a Fury Action daughter.

Joseph Doorigan from Dromod, Co Leitrim, realised €3,600 for his February 2018-born bull Tooman Olaf. This four-star bull is sired by Carrickbrack96 Hutch and out of a Cloverfield Excellent-bred dam.

Limousins

It also went down as an exceptional day for Limousin bulls, which achieved a 100% clearance and an average of €2,555.

Last year, a top price of €2,000 was seen for the breed. However, all but one this year achieved that price or more.

Top of the Limousin bulls was the overall champion Red Glera Maxwell. Bred and exhibited by Francis Joe McGourty, Ballinaglera, Co Leitrim, the July 2017-born bull carries five stars down the line.

Sired by Ampertaine Foreman and out of the homebred Red Glera Isabelle, Maxwell sold for €3,900.

Second-top in the Limousin section was the February 2018-born Drumrahill Nigel from Thomas John Moran, which sold for €3,050.

This bull’s pedigree includes Bavardage, Elite Erasmus and Mas Du Clo.

Patrick Bruen realised €3,000 for his Carrowreagh Max. This bull is a son of Usse and Wilodge Cerberus daughter Carrowreagh Josephine ET.