The Irish Simmental Cattle Society hosted its premier sale in Roscommon on Saturday under strict COVID-19 restrictions, which meant all bidding was done online.

After a tricky start because of a technical problem with the bidding platform, all was soon forgotten as the first lot into the ring sold for a record-breaking €52,000. This is double that of the former breed record and is said to be a record for any breed sold in Ireland.

Claiming the top price was Clonagh Lucky Explorer from Garreth and Lyndsey Behan based in Ballyfin, Co Laois. He was sired by Manor Park Hansome, who the Behans’ purchased for the top price of 22,000gns in Stirling, Scotland, a number of years ago. His dam line is just as impressive, with his mother twice overall national champion and also awarded Miss Simmental Europe in 2016. Her sire is three-time overall national champion Banwy T-Rex.

Having garnered much attention on Facebook pre-sale, the 1,000kg May 2019-born bull was knocked down to the Popes herd in the UK.

Selling directly after the high-seller was his three-quarter brother Clonagh Latin Lover, which hit the market at €6,800, again selling to Popes Simmentals. This bull’s dam is Clonagh Darling Eyes, last year’s Simmental Miss World, while his sire is again Manor Park Hansome.

Full report and pictures to follow.

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