Laois breeder Dan Tynan, Beechhill Farm, Mountrath, had to part with no less than stg55,000gns in a bid to secure the overall reserve champion at the British Limousin Society show and sale in Carlisle at the weekend.
Once entering the ring, the reserve champion, Aultside Hulk, commanded intense interest that included two high-profile British breeders, along with Kevin Bohan who was acting on behalf of Dan.
After a high opening offer of 4,000gns, brisk bidding saw the champion completely surpass the expectation of owner Gary Patterson from Aultmore, Keith, who made his debut at Carlisle on Saturday. Indeed, this was only his second time ever to offer a bull at a society sale.
Not realising the quality of his animal, the reserve champion was soon knocked down at 55,000gns (€70,400) to Kevin Bohan, who is the farm manager of the Ardlea Limousin herd in Co Laois.
This makes Aultside Hulk the highest-priced British bull to be exported from Britain.
The sale topper attracted a lot of attention over the course of the day, something which was not anticipated by owner Gary Patterson.
“The 55,000gns price tag is way beyond my wildest expectations,” he said.
Having won the intermediate championship, Aultside Hulk was tapped forward out of the final line-up to take the overall reserve champion.
Incidentally, the champion, Foxhillfarm Impecabull, was exhibited by Michael and Melanie Alford, Devon, and sold for 14,000gns. The Alfords took home 75,500gns for four bulls sold.
An embryo calf by Wilodge Cerberus, Hulk is out of the dam Spittalton Flush, who was purchased at one of the Stirling sales for 2,000gns.
Interestingly, the Aultside herd only comprises three pedigree cows, along with 180 commercial cows.
The first bull to be sold by Gary at a society sale made 7,000gns at Stirling in February this year.
It is understood that the reserve champion will be put to the Ardlea herd upon arriving at his new home in Co Laois. It is also suggested that semen may be taken from him.
Meanwhile, Northern breeder James McKay, Maghera, Co Derry, took home 28,000gns for his reserve intermediate champion, Ampertaine Hotshot.
By the 32,000gns Ampertaine Elgin, he is out of a Sympa-sired cow and was bought by Procters Farm. Indeed, the Ampertaine herd grossed 46,200gns for four bulls sold.
G & E Conway, Omagh, received 11,000gns for their bull, Paramor Icebreaker, a Plumtree Deus son out of a Haltcliffe Underwriter daughter.
Overall, 114 bulls sold to average stg£6,290, with three bulls making over 25,000gns.
Forty-four heifers sold to average €2,510 at the recent Limousin Society premier heifer sale in Roscrea. When compared to the same sale last year, the average is down from €3,343 but this included a whooping top price of €12,500.
The top price at this year’s sale at €3,500 was given for a stylish maiden heifer by Sympa, bred by Michael Brady, Granard, Co Longford.
Breed secretary Paul Sykes said: “In-calf heifers were in demand with purchasers anxious to secure them.
“While the clearance rate was disappointing at 41%, breeders have invested heavily in producing the stock on offer and, as such, were only willing to part with their animals on attaining their merited reserves.”
In the ring, judge Duncan Hazard of the Mereside pedigree Limousin herd, Saltby Heath Farm, Lincolnshire, awarded the championship rosette to the yearling heifer Baileys Iceprincess.
A daughter of Baileys Darwin, this stylish heifer is out of the Nenuphar dam Roundhill Vjoyeuse 820. She came to the ring with five-star ratings in terminal index, carcase weight and carcase conformation.
Bred by Thomas Bailey, Batterstown, Co Meath, Iceprincess was unsold in the ring, having failed to meet her reserve, but sold afterwards to an undisclosed customer for €5,000.
In reserve was Esker-hill Holly from the herd of Padraig Brady, Ballinalee, Co Longford.
By Wilodge Vantastic, she is out of Newtown Florence (an Amptertaine Abracadabra daughter) and has a muscle score of 127 and a skeletal score of 135. She went unsold.
Topping the sale at €3,500 was the second prize winner Copperdoor Indigo, bred and exhibited by Michael Brady, Granard, Co Longford.
This stylish maiden heifer is a daughter of Sympa and out of the homebred Milbrook Tanko dam, Copperdoor Frances.
Indigo came to the ring with five-star ratings in most traits, as well as a muscle score of 129 and a skeletal score of 133. Indigo was one of two heifers purchased by the Bridgeview Limousin herd of George McCague, Newry, Co Down.
Following his success at the recent Athenry sale where he sold the sale topper, Des Joyce, Williamstown, sold his fourth prize winning heifer, Lisangeeragh Haper 7, for €3,100. By Ronick Hawk and with back-breeding to Navarin and Nino, she sold in-calf to Ampertaine Elgin. Haper 7 has an excellent replacement index of €218. The purchaser was John Clinton, Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Other top prices included:
€2,500 for the Acajou daughter Keltic Harabella. Bred by Teleri Thomas, Enfield, this 24-month-old heifer came to the ring with a muscle score of 122 and a skeletal score of 129. She sold in-calf to the society sire Bavardage to Gerry Casey, Newtown, Cashel, Co Tipperary. €2,450 for Green Hill Hilda, a daughter of Procters Commander, bred by Mary McLoughlin, Ballina, Co Mayo. Out of the homebred Malibu dam, Green Hill Donna, she sold in-calf to Nexen and was one of two heifers purchased by David Talbot, Danganreagh, Roscrea, Co Tipperary.€2,400 for Wood Road Hyacinth, bred by Noel Fennessy, Castleconnell, Co Limerick. This 16-month-old heifer has a sire stack that includes Wilodge Cerberus, Sympa and Festin. The buyer was David Talbot, Roscrea. €2,350 for the Wilodge Cerberus daughter, Lisangeeragh Hortensi, bred by Des Joyce, Williamstown, Co Galway. She has back breeding to Omer-Mn and Gamin and has a terminal index of €141 and replacement index of €207. She was bought by Pat Brennan, Brookfield House, Ballylinan, Co Laois, to join his Stans pedigree herd.€2,200 for Mount Scott Irene 2, bred by Michael Sexton, Mullagh, Co Clare. A daughter of Micheal’s stock bull, Aloor Felix (a Wilodge Vantastic son), this 13-month-old heifer came to the ring with a muscle score of 118 and skeletal score of 115. The purchaser was Padraig Gormley, Carrigallen, Co Leitrim.€2,150 for the Haltcliffe Dancer daughter, Creggpark Irene, bred by Robert McNevin, Tubber, Co Galway. Born February 2013, her sire stack includes Scorboro Regius and Meridien. She was purchased by John Jennings, Williamstown, Castlerea.The next Limousin Society sale is the Premier on Saturday 10 May 2014 where there will be 73 bulls on offer. The next sale after that is Roscommon on 24 May.
Prices started at €2,000 and topped €6,000 at the Charolais Society show and sale in Tullamore recently.
A steady commercial demand saw in excess of 60% of the bulls finding new homes at an average price of €3,100 (similar to last year at €3,060), with two bulls going for export to Scotland.
The top price of €6,000 went to the senior champion, Clenagh Hilton, bred by the Quin family, Clenagh, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare.
Described by the judge as “one of the best bulls” he had seen this spring, a sentiment which was certainly backed by customers around the ring as it only took a minute for auctioneer Tom Cox to drop the hammer at €6,000.
By Texan-Gie and out of a homebred dam by Roundhill Rocky, he has five stars for carcase weight, carcase conformation and docility, and 4.5 stars for terminal index.
The purchaser was Rosemary Murphy, Ballybinaby, Dundalk, Co Louth.
The Quin family sold their second sale offering, 14-month-old Clenagh Ideal, for €3,000.
Second in his class to the reserve junior champion, he is by Panama (PNZ) and out of a homebred dam by Mogador.
The purchaser was Thomas Quigley, Timahoe, Portlaoise, Co Laois.
Meanwhile, the junior championship sash went to Stephen McGuinness, Drumboy, Mohill, Co Leitrim, for 12-month-old Drumboy Isaac.
By Ballylannon Franky (FYB) and out of a homebred dam by Prime Roberto, he sold for €3,600 to Oliver Leonard, Cabragh, Castlehill, Ballina, Co Mayo.
Matt & PJ Ryan, Clonismullen, Drom, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, took home €4,000 for Kilvilcorris Impeccable. By Doonally New and out of a homebred dam by Royal Viscount, he has five-star ratings for carcase weight, carcase conformation and terminal index.
The buyer was John Donoghue, Ballybur, Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny.
Other top prices:
€3,900 to Edward Walsh, Aghafad, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, for his first prize winner Hillcrest Indiana. By Excellent and out of a Meillard-bred dam, he was purchased by Michael Nally, Winetown, Rathown, Co Westmeath. €3,800 to Aidan Farrell, Boyanna, Moate, Co Westmeath, for 14-month-old Williamstown Ian. He is by Cloverfield Excellent and out of Ratesh Amber (by Neptune). With five stars for carcase weight and carcase conformation, and 3.5 stars for terminal index, he was bought by Billy Glazebrook, Crewburn Farm, Strathaven, Lanarkshire, Scotland.€3,500 to Richard Hackett, Coolistigue, Clonlara, for his reserve senior champion, 15-month-old Limkiln Improver. By Doonally New and out of a homebred dam by Doonally Olmeto, he was purchased by Paul Fallon, Bearnacullen, Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon. €3,300 to Louise Quinn, Ballymoran House, Edenderry, Co Offaly, for Ballym Hamilton. By their imported stock bull Ballym Falcon and out of a homebred dam by Ballym Tolerant, he was purchased by James Walshe, Park House, Carlow.€3,300 to Jim Geoghegan, Lisnagre, Streamstown, Mullingar, for the reserve junior champion, Lisnagre Ivan. Just 14 months old, he is by Utrillo Mic and out of a homebred dam by Hermes. The buyer was Joseph Tyther, Kilderry, Milltown, Co KerryThe final spring Charolais Society show and sale is on Saturday 24 May in Tullamore.
IHFA Young Members showmanship league
Following the recent Emerald Expo, the top 10 in the IHFA YMA showmanship league so far are:
Under 16 years: 1. Kevin Smith 12pts; 2. Pauric Coleman 10pts; 3. Doireann Mulhall 8pts; 4. Lauren O’Toole 6pts; 5. Michael O’Sullivan 4pts; 6. Sinead O’Sullivan 2pts.
17 to 26 years: 1. Edwin Gaynor 12pts; 2. Stacey O’Sullivan 10pts; 3. Kevin Behan 8pts; 4. Andrea Rafferty 6pts; 5. Emma Behan 4pts; 6. Ann Marie Manley 2pts.
Laois breeder Dan Tynan, Beechhill Farm, Mountrath, had to part with no less than stg55,000gns in a bid to secure the overall reserve champion at the British Limousin Society show and sale in Carlisle at the weekend.
Once entering the ring, the reserve champion, Aultside Hulk, commanded intense interest that included two high-profile British breeders, along with Kevin Bohan who was acting on behalf of Dan.
After a high opening offer of 4,000gns, brisk bidding saw the champion completely surpass the expectation of owner Gary Patterson from Aultmore, Keith, who made his debut at Carlisle on Saturday. Indeed, this was only his second time ever to offer a bull at a society sale.
Not realising the quality of his animal, the reserve champion was soon knocked down at 55,000gns (€70,400) to Kevin Bohan, who is the farm manager of the Ardlea Limousin herd in Co Laois.
This makes Aultside Hulk the highest-priced British bull to be exported from Britain.
The sale topper attracted a lot of attention over the course of the day, something which was not anticipated by owner Gary Patterson.
“The 55,000gns price tag is way beyond my wildest expectations,” he said.
Having won the intermediate championship, Aultside Hulk was tapped forward out of the final line-up to take the overall reserve champion.
Incidentally, the champion, Foxhillfarm Impecabull, was exhibited by Michael and Melanie Alford, Devon, and sold for 14,000gns. The Alfords took home 75,500gns for four bulls sold.
An embryo calf by Wilodge Cerberus, Hulk is out of the dam Spittalton Flush, who was purchased at one of the Stirling sales for 2,000gns.
Interestingly, the Aultside herd only comprises three pedigree cows, along with 180 commercial cows.
The first bull to be sold by Gary at a society sale made 7,000gns at Stirling in February this year.
It is understood that the reserve champion will be put to the Ardlea herd upon arriving at his new home in Co Laois. It is also suggested that semen may be taken from him.
Meanwhile, Northern breeder James McKay, Maghera, Co Derry, took home 28,000gns for his reserve intermediate champion, Ampertaine Hotshot.
By the 32,000gns Ampertaine Elgin, he is out of a Sympa-sired cow and was bought by Procters Farm. Indeed, the Ampertaine herd grossed 46,200gns for four bulls sold.
G & E Conway, Omagh, received 11,000gns for their bull, Paramor Icebreaker, a Plumtree Deus son out of a Haltcliffe Underwriter daughter.
Overall, 114 bulls sold to average stg£6,290, with three bulls making over 25,000gns.
Forty-four heifers sold to average €2,510 at the recent Limousin Society premier heifer sale in Roscrea. When compared to the same sale last year, the average is down from €3,343 but this included a whooping top price of €12,500.
The top price at this year’s sale at €3,500 was given for a stylish maiden heifer by Sympa, bred by Michael Brady, Granard, Co Longford.
Breed secretary Paul Sykes said: “In-calf heifers were in demand with purchasers anxious to secure them.
“While the clearance rate was disappointing at 41%, breeders have invested heavily in producing the stock on offer and, as such, were only willing to part with their animals on attaining their merited reserves.”
In the ring, judge Duncan Hazard of the Mereside pedigree Limousin herd, Saltby Heath Farm, Lincolnshire, awarded the championship rosette to the yearling heifer Baileys Iceprincess.
A daughter of Baileys Darwin, this stylish heifer is out of the Nenuphar dam Roundhill Vjoyeuse 820. She came to the ring with five-star ratings in terminal index, carcase weight and carcase conformation.
Bred by Thomas Bailey, Batterstown, Co Meath, Iceprincess was unsold in the ring, having failed to meet her reserve, but sold afterwards to an undisclosed customer for €5,000.
In reserve was Esker-hill Holly from the herd of Padraig Brady, Ballinalee, Co Longford.
By Wilodge Vantastic, she is out of Newtown Florence (an Amptertaine Abracadabra daughter) and has a muscle score of 127 and a skeletal score of 135. She went unsold.
Topping the sale at €3,500 was the second prize winner Copperdoor Indigo, bred and exhibited by Michael Brady, Granard, Co Longford.
This stylish maiden heifer is a daughter of Sympa and out of the homebred Milbrook Tanko dam, Copperdoor Frances.
Indigo came to the ring with five-star ratings in most traits, as well as a muscle score of 129 and a skeletal score of 133. Indigo was one of two heifers purchased by the Bridgeview Limousin herd of George McCague, Newry, Co Down.
Following his success at the recent Athenry sale where he sold the sale topper, Des Joyce, Williamstown, sold his fourth prize winning heifer, Lisangeeragh Haper 7, for €3,100. By Ronick Hawk and with back-breeding to Navarin and Nino, she sold in-calf to Ampertaine Elgin. Haper 7 has an excellent replacement index of €218. The purchaser was John Clinton, Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Other top prices included:
€2,500 for the Acajou daughter Keltic Harabella. Bred by Teleri Thomas, Enfield, this 24-month-old heifer came to the ring with a muscle score of 122 and a skeletal score of 129. She sold in-calf to the society sire Bavardage to Gerry Casey, Newtown, Cashel, Co Tipperary. €2,450 for Green Hill Hilda, a daughter of Procters Commander, bred by Mary McLoughlin, Ballina, Co Mayo. Out of the homebred Malibu dam, Green Hill Donna, she sold in-calf to Nexen and was one of two heifers purchased by David Talbot, Danganreagh, Roscrea, Co Tipperary.€2,400 for Wood Road Hyacinth, bred by Noel Fennessy, Castleconnell, Co Limerick. This 16-month-old heifer has a sire stack that includes Wilodge Cerberus, Sympa and Festin. The buyer was David Talbot, Roscrea. €2,350 for the Wilodge Cerberus daughter, Lisangeeragh Hortensi, bred by Des Joyce, Williamstown, Co Galway. She has back breeding to Omer-Mn and Gamin and has a terminal index of €141 and replacement index of €207. She was bought by Pat Brennan, Brookfield House, Ballylinan, Co Laois, to join his Stans pedigree herd.€2,200 for Mount Scott Irene 2, bred by Michael Sexton, Mullagh, Co Clare. A daughter of Micheal’s stock bull, Aloor Felix (a Wilodge Vantastic son), this 13-month-old heifer came to the ring with a muscle score of 118 and skeletal score of 115. The purchaser was Padraig Gormley, Carrigallen, Co Leitrim.€2,150 for the Haltcliffe Dancer daughter, Creggpark Irene, bred by Robert McNevin, Tubber, Co Galway. Born February 2013, her sire stack includes Scorboro Regius and Meridien. She was purchased by John Jennings, Williamstown, Castlerea.The next Limousin Society sale is the Premier on Saturday 10 May 2014 where there will be 73 bulls on offer. The next sale after that is Roscommon on 24 May.
Prices started at €2,000 and topped €6,000 at the Charolais Society show and sale in Tullamore recently.
A steady commercial demand saw in excess of 60% of the bulls finding new homes at an average price of €3,100 (similar to last year at €3,060), with two bulls going for export to Scotland.
The top price of €6,000 went to the senior champion, Clenagh Hilton, bred by the Quin family, Clenagh, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare.
Described by the judge as “one of the best bulls” he had seen this spring, a sentiment which was certainly backed by customers around the ring as it only took a minute for auctioneer Tom Cox to drop the hammer at €6,000.
By Texan-Gie and out of a homebred dam by Roundhill Rocky, he has five stars for carcase weight, carcase conformation and docility, and 4.5 stars for terminal index.
The purchaser was Rosemary Murphy, Ballybinaby, Dundalk, Co Louth.
The Quin family sold their second sale offering, 14-month-old Clenagh Ideal, for €3,000.
Second in his class to the reserve junior champion, he is by Panama (PNZ) and out of a homebred dam by Mogador.
The purchaser was Thomas Quigley, Timahoe, Portlaoise, Co Laois.
Meanwhile, the junior championship sash went to Stephen McGuinness, Drumboy, Mohill, Co Leitrim, for 12-month-old Drumboy Isaac.
By Ballylannon Franky (FYB) and out of a homebred dam by Prime Roberto, he sold for €3,600 to Oliver Leonard, Cabragh, Castlehill, Ballina, Co Mayo.
Matt & PJ Ryan, Clonismullen, Drom, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, took home €4,000 for Kilvilcorris Impeccable. By Doonally New and out of a homebred dam by Royal Viscount, he has five-star ratings for carcase weight, carcase conformation and terminal index.
The buyer was John Donoghue, Ballybur, Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny.
Other top prices:
€3,900 to Edward Walsh, Aghafad, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, for his first prize winner Hillcrest Indiana. By Excellent and out of a Meillard-bred dam, he was purchased by Michael Nally, Winetown, Rathown, Co Westmeath. €3,800 to Aidan Farrell, Boyanna, Moate, Co Westmeath, for 14-month-old Williamstown Ian. He is by Cloverfield Excellent and out of Ratesh Amber (by Neptune). With five stars for carcase weight and carcase conformation, and 3.5 stars for terminal index, he was bought by Billy Glazebrook, Crewburn Farm, Strathaven, Lanarkshire, Scotland.€3,500 to Richard Hackett, Coolistigue, Clonlara, for his reserve senior champion, 15-month-old Limkiln Improver. By Doonally New and out of a homebred dam by Doonally Olmeto, he was purchased by Paul Fallon, Bearnacullen, Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon. €3,300 to Louise Quinn, Ballymoran House, Edenderry, Co Offaly, for Ballym Hamilton. By their imported stock bull Ballym Falcon and out of a homebred dam by Ballym Tolerant, he was purchased by James Walshe, Park House, Carlow.€3,300 to Jim Geoghegan, Lisnagre, Streamstown, Mullingar, for the reserve junior champion, Lisnagre Ivan. Just 14 months old, he is by Utrillo Mic and out of a homebred dam by Hermes. The buyer was Joseph Tyther, Kilderry, Milltown, Co KerryThe final spring Charolais Society show and sale is on Saturday 24 May in Tullamore.
IHFA Young Members showmanship league
Following the recent Emerald Expo, the top 10 in the IHFA YMA showmanship league so far are:
Under 16 years: 1. Kevin Smith 12pts; 2. Pauric Coleman 10pts; 3. Doireann Mulhall 8pts; 4. Lauren O’Toole 6pts; 5. Michael O’Sullivan 4pts; 6. Sinead O’Sullivan 2pts.
17 to 26 years: 1. Edwin Gaynor 12pts; 2. Stacey O’Sullivan 10pts; 3. Kevin Behan 8pts; 4. Andrea Rafferty 6pts; 5. Emma Behan 4pts; 6. Ann Marie Manley 2pts.
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