There were many doubts over the Munster Irish Angus branch’s sale in Kilmallock this weekend given the uncertainty other sales had experienced in recent weeks.
The heavy rainfall in the south over the previous three days reinforced this uncertainty. However, although prices were back, the branch’s premier sale fared a lot better than most. Average price dropped by a mere €40 to €2,570 with a 79% clearance, back from 85% in 2016.
Calving ease played a vital role in sales, with those sub 2% finding it much easier to find homes.
Topping the trade was the December 2015-born Cloughoulamore M Black Jack.
Bred and exhibited by Jerry and Amy O’Sullivan, Millstreet, Co Cork, this Cornamuckla Lord Hardy son met a flying trade before the hammer finally fell at €3,650. With five stars on replacement and four on the terminal, he sold with a calving difficulty figure of 1% to Knockeevan Farm, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Top-priced bull Cloughoulamore M Black Jack with Jerry and Amy O’Sullivan.
John Barlow secured the overall championship with Gurtavoher Napoleon under judge John Farrell, before later securing the second-top price of €3,200. Sired by stock bull Castlelough Midnight Brandy and out of a Goulding Jumbo King bred daughter, Napoleon found a new home with Jim Chawke, Croom, Co Limerick.
The reserve male championship was awarded to Cahirmee Major from Richard and Lisa Smith. This five-star bull was sired by Pineville Johnny but failed to meet his reserve.
Females were met with a flying trade with the only two present, both owned by Denis Twomey, Causeway, Co Kerry, selling to average €2,750.
For a full report see next week’s Irish Farmers Journal
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