Taking the top price of 12,000gns at the recent British Charolais society sale in Carlisle was Caylers Napoleon.

This bull bred by the Barker family is a son of the Irish-bred Rosanna Jupiter, a bull originally bred by Pat Stephens in Tullow.

Having claimed the reserve male and reserve intermediate championship in the pre-sale show, Napoleon went on to be knocked down as the top price of the sale. Securing the high seller was a two-way share between John and Raymond Irvine, Aberdeenshire, and Jim Muirhead, Angus.

The Barker family also went on to sell Caylers Oscar for 6,000gns. This January 2018 born bull is another son of Rosanna Jupiter and the homebred Caylers Glamour.

One other bull hit a five figure sum on the day – reserve junior champion Balmyle Oleary. Brought out by Bill Bruce, Oleary is homebred on both sides, with the sire the 11,000gns Balmyle Jasper. Securing the 13-month-old bull at a price of 10,000gns was Major David and Nick Walter, Balthayock.

A strong commercial trade took place throughout the sale, with 22 of the 61 bulls sold for 5,000gns or more. Clearance rate settled at 77% with average hitting £4,856.

Top of €3,800 for Charolais at Carrick

The continental breeds took centre stage in Carrick last weekend for the first round of the Midland & Western Livestock Improvement Society’s May sales. There was a 63% clearance rate and a top price of €3,800.

Taking the top price was Tullloyd Oz, a Potteragh Mark son from Gerry Beirne, Elphin. The second top price also came from an Elphin man, this time Tony O’Donnell with Summervilla Oisin. This Cavelands Fenian son was knocked down by auctioneer Francie McGowan at €3,650.

Thurles-based Matt Ryan sold his Enfield Plexus-sired Kilvilcorris Navarro 2 at €3,400. Matching him at the money was Goldstar Echo son Rocklands Oliver which was brought out by Brian McWeeney, Ballinamore. Hitting €3,200 was Noble Noel, a Cavelands Fenian son from the herd of Harry Noble, Edgworthstown. Not far behind and claiming a price tag of €3,100 for his bull Gortlettera Oyster was Colm Mitchell, Mohill. This bull was a son of Bivouac.

A total of 26 Charolais bulls sold to average €2,670. The small Limousin entry saw seven sell for an average price of €2,250. Taking the top price for this breed was Mohill breeder Patrick Beirne with Ohill Nigel. This Ampertaine Foreman sired bull met his reserve and was knocked down at €3,000.