Beef Shorthorns were in hot demand at the Southwestern Shorthorn Breeders Club annual sale at Macroom Mart on Saturday, with a 100% clearance rate achieved on the day.

A total of 46 lots were offered for sale. These included eight in-calf heifers, 10 maiden heifers, four breeding bulls and 24 weanling heifers.

Before the sale got underway, John Brosnan of the renowned Glounlea Beef Shorthorn Herd in Co Kerry placed his winners, giving the overall championship to Kealkil Rose 1st, a September 2025-born heifer, bred and exhibited by Ciaran Kelleher from Bantry in Co Cork.

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Sired by Doon Jupiter and out of Clashagad Rose 8th, the stylish roan heifer went on to sell for the second highest price of €3,940.

Kealkil Rose 1st, shown by Ciaran and Ella Kelleher, was overall champion and sold for €3,940.

High seller

Achieving the highest price of the day at €4,220 and selling to a local breeder was the reserve champion, Cooldaniel Finn 2nd.

Bred and exhibited by Mary Hallahan, Macroom, Co Cork, this young bull is sired by Finlough Finn and is out of Rockville Yabby 430.

Maiden heifers were highly sought after, with the September 2025-born Brideview Dana, bred by Peter Cooper, Farnanes, Co Cork, going under the hammer and achieving €3,600. This flashy young heifer is sired by Ballyart Lucky and out of Dunbullogue Dana 941.

Topping the in-calf heifer section at €3,040 was the second-prize winner, Castlehaven Primrose 12, exhibited by Philip Salter, Skibbereen, Co Cork.

Sired by Creaga Vertigo and out of Castlehaven Primrose, a Malton Zenith-bred cow, she sold in-calf to Alta Cedar Code Red.

Weanling heifers reached a high of €3,500 for the second-prize winner, Paddock Brenda. Owned and bred by Martin O’Neill, Drinagh, Co Cork, she is a daughter of Ballinlig Rocky and Dunbullogue Carly 913.

Speaking after the sale, PRO Áine O'Donovan Nicholson said, “We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Cork Marts – Macroom for their continued support.

“Our sale is growing year on year, and we look forward to the next one.”

Sale averages

In-calf heifers: €2,525

Maiden heifers: €2,486

Bulls: €3,106

Weanling heifers: €1,933