Organisers of the Genetic Gems Sale claim that its inaugural event “smashed” the Hereford breed’s current male and female price records.
Setting what they believe is a new breed price record of €9,000 at the inaugural sale at GVM Tullamore Mart on Saturday, November 20th, 2021, was a 12-month-old heifer.
Lot 4 Herberry 1 Lucy-Ray, a polled embryo heifer from R Hunt & V Brennan, took female champion at the National Hereford show advanced in the summer.
Just hours before the sale, she won the female champion silverware at the National Calf Show.
This Dendor 1 Kohinoor daughter heads north to the Ballytrue herd of Phillip Murdock.
Genetic Gems
Furthermore, a spokesperson reported that there was a “strong” demand for quality horned females.
A maiden heifer, a Grianan Parker daughter, from the Fitzgerald Family, Grianan Orange V911 made €5,600 with the winning bid coming from Elisa Drumm, Ballivor.
In September, this heifer was also in the top placing at the society’s national show, where she claimed the reserve female champion rosette.
Lot seven, another horned female, hit the €5,000 mark; Michael Molloy’s, Moyclare Rose 49, a July-2020 daughter of UK imported sire, Free Town Nadal.
Rose sold at €5,000 to James Thompson, Rathvilly to join his Ballyraggan Herd. The final lot through the ring was Droumdaniel Delia 91307.
This August-2020-born heifer is by Brocca Kieran and found a new home at €3,500 on Noel Farrell’s Westmeath farm.
Bulls
Cathal McCaffery, Elphin parted ways with €3,200 for 15-month-old Keenagh Ruthea, sired by E & R Jones’s homebred stockbull Keenagh L-Jay. Her full brother sold for €3,900 at the 2019 premier sale.
Polled heifers
The spokesperson reported that polled heifers continued at “strong” trade.
Two Fabb 1 Northern Star daughters sold for €3,200 and €3,000.
At €3,200 was Drumcarbin 1 Snow from Shane McKiernan, a 14-month-old daughter of 2018 All-Ireland Heifer Calf Champion. The successful bid was online to Alan Shaw’s herd, Co. Tyrone.
Lot 12 from Brian Duignan’s was Shancorpoll 1 Tilly, and after “competitive” bidding, the hammer fell to Joe Deverell, Ballyaville, at €3,000.
A July-2020-horned heifer from the Lisgoagh herd of Padraic McKenna fell at €2,700, ‘Penny’ by the UK imported sire, Pulham Ringleader, heads to Francis Elmore, Co. Louth.
Support
In a statement, the spokesperson said:
“There was a huge crowd of onlookers from across ROI and many buyers flocking from Northern Ireland.”
“The sale had an overall average of €4,400. Thank you to all purchasers and underbidders for your support in the sale and to the sellers for entrusting us to market your females. GVM Tullamore, The North Leinster Branch and the Hereford Breed Society for hosting the event.”
“To our UK marketing partners – Agri Marketing and to Denis Barrett’s team for auctioneering.”
“And lastly, to our families for all their support whilst organising the sale.”
“We wish you all the best with your purchases, and we look forward to hearing of their progress,” the spokesperson concluded.
