Following a recent trend in bull sales across the country, numbers forward for the Irish Simmental cattle society bull sale in Tullamore were well back.

With a number of heavy-hitting bulls absent, quality was described by many as average at best. The average sale price of €2,410 with clearance at 65% reflected this.

That said, €3,000 or more was hit on four occasions, with the top price of €3,100 hit twice.

First at the money was the first lot through the ring, Bridgemount Leo. Bred and exhibited by William O’Riordan from Rathcormac, Co Cork, this October 2019-born bull is a son of Lis-Na-Ri Gucci.

Out of a homebred dam by Celtic Rock, Leo sold with four stars on the replacement index.

Matching the money was the youngest bull in the sale, Littlerock Mo Jo. Sired by Auroch Deuter, his homebred dam is a daughter of Seaview Tommy. Brought out by Benny McNamara from Co Clare, this bull has just turned 12 months and sold with five stars on the terminal index and four on the replacement.

Two bulls hit the market at €2,600

Just behind this at €3,000 was Clonagh Lethal Traction ET. Bred by Laois breeder Garrett Behan, this December bull is out of the old favourite Hillcrest Butcher. Dam of Lethal Traction is twice national champion Clonagh Darling Eyes.

Two bulls hit the market at €2,600. First up was Ballykin Marvin from Denis Maher, Newport, Co Tipperary. This January 2020-born bull was sired by Bighill Giovanni and is out of a Curaheen Apostle dam Knockane Fling. This five-star replacement bull sold with a calving figure of just 2.2%.

Matching the price was Auroch Maximus from Jacinta Wall, Newcastle, Co Dublin. This 13-month-old bull was sired by Linde General P while the dam Auroch Danica is a daughter of Lamhoj Supery P.

The sole heifer on offer, Dream Lucky Lucy, attracted a bid of €3,000. Bred and exhibited by Offaly-based Tommy Butler, Lucky Lucy is a daughter of Curaheen Gunshot P.

Dream Lucky Lucy sold for €3,000. \ Alfie Shaw

Out of an Omorga Regan-bred dam, she sold in-calf to Lisnacrann Fifty Cents.

Next in the Simmental calendar is the crossbred heifer sale which takes place on 12 May in Roscommon and features 113 heifers.