Unlike many of the other pedigree sales hosted across the country this autumn, the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society Northern Irish sale in Dungannon was a flying trade. Clearance rate surpassed the 80% mark, with average sale price rising by nearly £900 to settle at €3,459.

Leading this trade was the day’s pre-sale champion, Richhill Major U002, who was tapped out by judge Libby Clarke. Bred and exhibited by Robin Lamb and his sons Stuart, Ben and Peter the champion is no stranger to success having stood as bull calf champion at the society’s calf show November 2018. Sired by the herds current stock bull, Weeton King Lear, he goes back to the former record priced female Netherton Missie A114 who sold for 30,000gns.

Standing reserve overall male champion was Drumhill Darius U685 from Johnny and Lisa Doyle, Cookstown, Co Tyrone

Back-and-forth bidding in the ring from a number of interested parties saw auctioneer Trevor Wylie eventually drop the hammer at 5,800gns. Securing the day's champion was E O’Neill from Armagh.

Standing reserve overall male champion was Drumhill Darius U685 from Johnny and Lisa Doyle, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

Reserve male champion Drumhill Darius U685 who sold at 3,800gns. \ Julie Hazelton

This February 2018-born bull is a son of former herd stock bull the 11,000gns Hallington Jack Eric, while the dam goes back to the famous Diana line from the Skaill herd on Orkney island.

Securing the reserve at a bid of 3,800gns was N Booth.

Two bulls hit the 4,000gns mark. First at the money was Ember Daniel U402 from Freddie Davidson, Banbridge. This rising two-year-old bull is a son of Cheeklaw Edgar R515 and stood as yearling male champion at this year’s Balmoral Show. One of the easiest bull for calving based on EBVs, he was the choice of Gary Young.

Matching this price tag was the first prize-winning Birches Pride U556 from the Matchett family from Portadown.

First prize winning Birches Pride U566 who sold for 4,000gns. \ Julie Hazelton

His dam Cheeklaw Prima P475, was purchased as an in-calf cow for 4,500gns at the Cheeklaw dispersal with the resulting calf being Pride. Sire behind the stylish Angus bull was Balmachie Lord Jock with the successful bidder James Thompson.

The small female offering saw a top of 2,400gns for the female champion Coolermoney Erica U854

Securing a price of 3,800gns was Denmona Black Isaiah U813 from Moses Irwin. This May 2018-born bull features Blelack breeding on both sides of the pedigree with the sire Blelack Lord Heston and the dam out of Blelack Prince Camelot. This one was the pick of Alan Brady.

Overall 58% percent of the bulls sold for 3,000gns or more making it one of the most successful sales to date for the breed in Dungannon.

The small female offering saw a top of 2,400gns for the female champion Coolermoney Erica U854. This March 2018-born heifer was bred and exhibited by Adrian and Graeme Parke and is a daughter of former Highland Show interbreed champion Rawburn Jester Eric.

Securing the champion was Robert Robinson who also took home the reserve female champion, Home Farm Electric, at 1,300gns. This one was bred by Fintan Keown and was a May 2018 daughter of Bova Lord Bonanza.

Herefords to 3,400gns in Dungannon

The Northern Ireland Hereford breeders association hosted their autumn sale in Dungannon this week also. It proved a double triumph for the Solpoll herd of John and William McMordie who exhibited both the male champion and reserve who went on to claim the two top prices of the breed.

Securing the championship under judge Libby Clarke was Solpoll 1 Raqmpage. This April 2018-born bull is sired by the herds imported stock bull Moeskaer Upgrade and is out of a Panmure 1 Henry bred dam. In the top 10% of the breed on calving ease, he was knocked down at 3,400gns.

Hereford bulls were much harder sold than the Angus with five selling on the day to an average of 2,400gns

Standing in to take the reserve male championship was Solpoll 1 Real Deal. This Moeskaer Salute son is out of the same line, and again out of a Panmure 1 Henry daughter. This one left the ring at a price of 3,100gns.

Overall, Hereford bulls were much harder sold than the Angus with five selling on the day to an average of 2,400gns.

In the female section top price went to the female champion Black Water Ruby from S&N Heatrick. This Clondrina 1110th daughter sold five months in calf to Clooncullane Major at a price of 2,400gns.