The Irish Angus Munster branch hosted its premier and first 2021 sale in Kilmallock Mart last Saturday, with average and clearance rate on par with the 2019 sale.

However, it must be noted that the number of bulls presented for sale was down substantially – back by 10 on 2019 levels. Overall, the sale recorded an average price of €2,500, with a 65% clearance rate.

Much of this reduction in clearance was due to hot on-farm activity much earlier in the season than would usually be experienced. This meant the sale lacked that high number of real top-quality bulls.

That said, the bottom tier of bulls was also much improved, largely down to the branch introducing minimum weights for age. Because of this, the overall standard at the sale can be described as improved compared with previous years. While there was no headline price, four bulls hit the €3,000 mark or higher. Top of these was a call of €3,100 for the first lot into the ring Carrigroe Sea Salt from well-known breeder John Appelbe, Clonakilty, Co Cork.

This August 2019-born son of former stock bull Rathosheen Hugo is out of the Lady Jane family. Carrying five stars on the replacement index, he was knocked down to the Cashelane herd in west Cork.

Appelbe’s second exhibit, Carrigroe Sky Walker, was also in the top prices at €3,000. Sired by Fellfort Perry 1245, Sky Walker is out of a Hugo-bred dam that previously bred daughters to €5,800. Also carrying five stars on the replacement index, this one was secured by the Dunlever herd in Co Meath. Also hitting the €3,000 mark was Scartaglen Stander. Bred and exhibited by Kerry breeder Sean Cronin, this September 2019-born bull is a son of former stock bull Ballinacragga Magic whose breeding includes Mogeely Joe and Ballymargine Wonder. Carrying five stars on the terminal index, he was the choice of Thomas Supple.

Last to hit €3,000 was the youngest bull at the sale, Gurtavoher Tyson. Bred and exhibited by the Barlow family from Aherlow, Co Tipperary, this stylish March 2020-born bull boasts five stars on the terminal index. Sired by Bunlahy Philodelphia, he is out of a Castlelough Midnight Brandy-bred dam and sold to Ger Keogh.

Just behind this at €2,950 was Patrick Kelly with his bull Clonicard Superhero. This five-star replacement bull is a son of Westellen Diego, with Coneyisland Legend and Cornamuckla Lord Hardy also in the back breeding.

Listowel-based John Carmody sold his bull Cloontubrid Sam at €2,700. This son of Dunard Navigator is out of a Coneyisland Legend-bred dam and carries five stars on both the terminal and replacement indices.