Last year just over half of the bulls forward found new homes, with that rising to 80% this year. The sale, run by the Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society was held in the Carrick-on-Shannon showgrounds over the weekend with a top price of €3,700 achieved.

Taking the top price was the Charolais bull Ballyhip Nigel. This August 2017 born bull was brought out by Gerard McGovern, Mohill, Co Leitrim. Sired by Cavelands Fenian he goes back to a Nippur bred cow.

Second top price of the day went to the Charolais champion Breaghwyhill Olly. This January 2018 born bull is a son by Doonally Nicefor with Thrunton Bonjovi and Lyonsdemesne Tzar also in the lineage. Bred by Josephine O’Connor, Ballinfull, Co Sligo the champion was knocked down at €3,500.

Overall 20 Charolais bulls sold to average just shy of €2,600.

In the Angus ring a top price of €3,000 was achieved for Padraig McGrath's Drummullian Paul 792. This son of three time all-Ireland champion Rosemead Karona carried a calving index of only 1.3%.

The overall championship in the Angus ring was awarded to Antfield Radfiant. This stylish January 2018 born bull is sired by Lisduff Dandy, with Bohey Jasper and Nakkeg Nord also featuring in the pedigree. He met his reserve and was knocked down at €2,400.

A total of 22 Angus bulls sold on the day to average €2,030 – on par with the previous year.