Saturday was a jam-packed day in the pedigree world, with a number of sales taking place both here and across the water. One of the biggest sales in Ireland was the Irish Hereford breed society premier sale in Tullamore.

The strange times we’re currently experiencing meant buyers were scarce on the ground due to restrictions, but online buyer activity helped boost trade. While the top price was much improved on the year at €4,600, overall the bull trade struggled.

In total, 17 of 33 bulls sold to an average price of €2,650. This is back €500 on last year, which was particularly high with a slightly higher clearance rate.

Topping trade was one of the first bulls sold through the ring, Tullaha Donny. Bred by Maura Neenan from Broadford, Co Limerick, this January 2019-born bull is a son of stock bull Rossmore Nelson Mandela. A prize-winner at several shows in 2019, he sold having already served cows and heifers.

Next best at €3,600 was Ardstewart Eby Gum from Nelson and Wade, McCrabbe, Lifford, Co Donegal. This five-star terminal bull is a son of Cill Cormaic Prince 2, with KIlsunny Goliath and Yarram Pompeii in the back breeding.

Only one other bull broke the €3,000 mark - Duibhgiolla Lad, which sold for €3,100. Bred by K and M Diffley based in Co Leitrim, he is a son of Black Water Lad.

The female clearance rate was similar to that of the bulls, with nine of the 17 forward selling. The average price for heifers fell at just over €2,100, with two selling for €3,000 or more. Topping trade was Appel 1 Savannah from John Appelbe, Clonakilty, Co Cork. This daughter of former national champion Solpoll 1 Lawman was born in August 2019 and sold for €3,050. John also sold his second exhibit, another yearling heifer for €2,750.

Just behind this at €3,000 was Kye Holly 867 from Padraig McGrath, Elphin, Co Roscommon. This four-star daughter of Glaslough Rooney is out of a Free Town Hotspur-bred dam.

Full report and pictures to follow.

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