The South of Ireland Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association show and sale was held on Saturday 19 September at Balyboffey and Stranorlar Co-operative Livestock Mart.

The pre-sale show was judged by Geoff Marwood.

Aaron Boyle’s shearling ram Garvan Dynasty was crowned overall show champion, while Patrick McGill’s shearling ewe stood in reserve.

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Boyle had further cause for celebration as his champion shearling ram went on to take the top sale price of the day, purchased by David Coyne for €3,000.

Enda Gillespie also enjoyed a good trade on the day, selling his reserve male champion shearling ram for €2,900 to John McCarty. He then went on to realise €2,550 with another shearling ram, this one knocked down to Eric McCarty.

To add to his success, Enda’s aged ram reached €1,140 and headed home with Alexander Padraig Burke.

Consistent

David Coyne’s shearling rams realised a consistent trade also. Joe Milligan purchased the first for €1,650, with the second being knocked down to Wilbert Steen for €1,450.

The final of his three shearling rams raised the pen average again, going on to take €1,600, purchased by Cornelius O’Sullivan.

Overall, shearling rams averaged €969.50, while aged rams averaged €995.

Leading the way in the female sale ring was the pre-sale overall reserve champion from Patrick McGill, which realised €680, selling to Kevin Mcnern.

David Coyne’s gimmer shearling made €670 and was knocked down to Eddie Haughey.

Top aged ewe price was €600 from Brendan Carter. She also went home with Eddie Haughey.

Leading the trade in the ewe lamb section was David Coyne who reached €400, selling to Alexander Padraig Burke.

Shearling ewes averaged €151.60, while ewe lambs averaged €127.80. Aged ewes averaged €144.20.