Award-winning Ballyline herd to stage first production sale

Bertie Mannion runs a 30-cow pedigree Limousin herd at his family farm in Curraghboy, Athlone, Co Roscommon.

The farm is a true family enterprise, with Bertie receiving ample support from his wife Kathleen and their sons Alan and David.

Like many of the top pedigree herds, the Ballyline herd's remarkable rise to prominence in the pedigree Limousin world began with a single, well-chosen purchase in 1987.

That year, Bertie Mannion and his brother Ollie acquired their first pedigree Limousin cow - Castle Venetia - at a society sale in Naas, for IR£3,600.

“The combination of easy calving and the quality of the continental breed appealed to us,” Bertie reflects. “Venetia was the matriarch, and all our cows descended from her.”

Champions

Over the years, the herd has evolved to become one of the leading Limousin herds in the country, producing numerous champions and high sellers at sales across Ireland.

This weekend, new and existing breeders will have the opportunity to tap into this outstanding line of females, as the herd holds a production sale of breeding heifers.

Online sale

The sale will take place online via MartEye and Mid-Tipp Mart, featuring 15 exceptional Limousin females, from in-calf heifers to maidens and weanlings.

All females born on-farm in 2024 are included in the sale.

The cattle can be viewed on-farm on Saturday 11 October, from 2-5pm, at N37TK52. Bidding opens on Friday 10 October and closes at 7pm on Monday 13 October.