The Irish Limousin cattle society this year moved its early spring premier to Elphin Mart from the regular Roscrea location.

The move was in a bid to entice more Northern buyers to the sale and it worked out well. Eight bulls headed North, 22% of the total sold.

A further six bulls headed to Britain, meaning nearly 39% of bulls sold were exported.

In total, 36 of the 52 bulls on offer sold on the day, with the average price settling at an impressive €4,180.

This average is particularly strong giving the mixed yard of bulls on show, partially down to no pre-sale inspections taking place.

It’s also worth noting that numbers catalogued were 40 higher than were actually present, with various reasons for drop outs.

Aughalion Prince ET secured the top price of €14,000. Bred by Patrick Clerkin, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, he was secured by well-known UK breeder Craig Ridley, who runs the famous Haltcliffe herd.

Sired the 20,000gns Telfers Munster, Prince is out of successful breeder Whitehall Iris, a Haltcliffe Dancer daughter who stood reserve overall champion at the national livestock show.

Lot 2, Templequain Perry, a Derrygullinane Kingbull son, sold for €7,050.

Lot 77, Ernevalley Phenomenal, a Derrygullinane Kingbull son, sold for €6,400.

Lot 59, Newtown Poker Boy ET, a Bavardage son, sold for €5,000.

Two bulls breached the €7,000 price tag, while a further seven sold for €5,000 or more.

Full report to follow in next week’s Irish Farmers Journal.