Dungannon high-seller heads to Limerick

The Northern Ireland branch of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society hosted the first of its autumn sales this week in Dungannon.

It proved an exceptional day's trading for the Matchett family from Portadown, who secured the two top prices of the day and sold a total of three to average £3,080.

Taking the top price of 3,500gns was Birches Lord Jock V732. This 21-month-old son of all-Ireland champion Cheeklaw Emlyn is out of the same dam as last year’s Balmoral champion, Birches Lady Julie.

Although they were not able to attend the event due to COVID-19 restrictions, the high seller was secured by online bidders Donogh and Jane McCarthy of the Lemonfield herd in Co Limerick.

'Hearts set on buying him'

This was far from a snap decision, as Donogh had been in contact with the Matchett family in search of a bull over the last number of months.

Speaking after the purchase, Donogh said: “We had our hearts set on buying him. He ticks all the boxes for us. He oozes breed quality and has a super pedigree.”

Not far behind this and securing the second-highest price of 3,200gns was Borthches Lord Jake V776.

This 18-month-old bull is sired by Fordel Minnesota Prime and is a grandson of Carrigroe Fred. This one stays north with successful buyer Messrs Dickson from Crossgar, Co Down.

Overall, apart from a few high sellers, male trade was sticky, with nine bulls selling to average just shy of £2,500.

In the female section, trade peaked at 3,100gns for the eight-year-old cow Drumawhey Rose M365.

This Old Glenort Knockmore J153 daughter was bred by Norah Scott. She sold with her January-born bull calf Drumawhey Randal W754. She was the pick of Michael McConville, Co Down.

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