There were few highs in Carrick-on-Shannon at the opening Angus sale for the Midland and western livestock improvement society.

Trade peaked at €4,000 for the day’s Irish Angus and reserve overall champion Drumcarbin Richie. Bred and exhibited by Shane McKiernan, Ballinagh, Co Cavan, he is is a son of easy-calving sire Netherton Americano, with a host of homebred animals on the dam’s side. Carrying five stars down the line, Richie heads north for pedigree breeding.

This topped an exceptionally dull sale, with only six bulls passing the €2,500 mark. For this reason, many breeders' expectations and reserves weren’t met, resulting in a less than 60% clearance. A total of 38 Angus bulls did make trade on the day to average €2,000.

The small offering of Hereford bulls on offer saw five sold to average less then €2,000. Top of these was Stonekey 1 Jombo, which sold for €2,400. This March 2018-born bull was brought out by Matthew Moran and is a son of Lisnaeanpoll 1 Frank.

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