The Northern Ireland premier Blue Texel sale took place in Dungannon early last week, with a very strong demand for the females present.

Top of these females was a shearling ewe by the name of Cleenagh Dutch Woman which hit the market at 2,700gns. This stylish ewe was bred by Adrian and Clive Richardson and is a daughter of the homebred Cleenagh Coolio. After back and forth bidding, the sale-topper was eventually secured by new breeder Jordan McLaren.

Ewe lambs proved in very high demand and recorded the highest average of the day at £977.

Securing the top price in this section and second-top price overall was Derg Erin. Brought out by breeders Allen Shortt and Samantha Allen, she was the choice of S Williamson at 2,100gns.

Erin is sired by the imported ram Derg Cracker and out of a Cleenagh-bred ewe which already bred a Balmoral champion. The duo also sold a full sister to this ewe, Derg Elan, at 1,950gns to F Small.

Top of the males was a call of 2,000gns for Matts Etab from Matthew Burleigh. This large son of Saltire Derek is out of Nantyderri Becks and found a new home at Drumbad Farms.

Overall, rams proved harder sold, with lambs averaging £588 and shearlings £520 respectively.