Gaining in momentum, the production sale of the Kells flock held its second event recently in Carnaross Mart.

Since its inaugural sale in 2014, the Kells flock has enjoyed considerable success, winning the Irish national flock competition two years on the trot in 2017 and 2018, with the added bonus of the best large flock in the United Kingdom 2018, which is a testament to the quality of stock on offer.

Packed ringside

As a result, it was no surprise that a packed ringside saw all 50 lots forward sold to both new and established breeders from all across Ireland, achieving an impressive average of 790gns.

Lot 16, a stylish ewe lamb sired by Birness Royal, attracted the top bid of the day and a new record price for the Kells flock, selling for 2,300gns. Successful bider was Seamus Browne of the noted Errigal flock.

New breeder Andrew Smith from Cavan forked out 1,700gns for lot 11, a powerful Limestone Tom daughter, which claimed the second-top price of the day.

Lot 34 was the top-priced aged ewe in the sale, selling in-lamb to Solwaybank Scotland. This one sold for 1,100gns to Andrew Wilson of the renowned Castleisle flock.

Wicklow breeder Colin Watchorn went big, purchasing six lots in total for 3,500gns to add to his Beechbrook flock. Donegal breeders were also out in force, picking up eight lots between them.