According to the Irish Shorthorn Society, cattle were “in demand” at its autumn sale of pedigree registered and non-registered breeding stock at Elphin Mart on Saturday, October 22nd, 2022.
This year saw an increased number of female entries, with 90 pedigree and 20 commercials passing through the sales ring.
A spokesperson told That’s Farming that these met with “a lot” of interest both online and at the ringside.
This resulted in a 100% clearance for 90 pedigrees, while 90% of commercial females found new homes.
He reported that 12 pedigree males met with “a tougher” trade, with just over half changing hands.
Shorthorn Cattle
At the beginning of the sale, renowned livestock auctioneer, Tom Cox, called for a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Mr Keiran McAllister of Aclare Co. Sligo, owner of the renowned Kilbride herd and life-long member of the Moyside club.
Top of the town on the day was Finlough Lorraine 3rd, an April-2021-born daughter of Crooked Post Drover from a Llanarth Centaurs Ethan dam.
The roan 5-star maiden heifer was snapped up by Mr. John Corley of Kilkelly, Co. Mayo, for €2,800.
Her twin, Finlough Lorraine 2nd, clinched the second highest price in the maiden heifer category when she fell to Mr. Thomas Moffit for €2,500.
In the weanling heifer category, Rincoola Ruby, bred by Mrs. Angela McGahern from Granard, Co. Longford, topped out at €2,150.
This daughter of Gavan Summit and an Anfield Banjo dam now heads to the farm of Mr. Jack Kennedy.
Mr. Michael Flatley, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo, forked out the second highest price – of €1,850 – in this category for a March-born Kilbeagh Roan Ace, daughter out of a Bennekerry Liberty dam.
The five-star replacement-rated heifer was presented for sale by Mr. Henry Boland of Tullylinn, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.
In the in-calf section, Ballylaffin Imelda, presented by Roy Moorhead, is a Glann Thomas, daughter and is in-calf to Drumrane Charlie Bawn.
Mr Charlie Farrell, Dromard, Co. Sligo paid out €1,800 to secure this entry.
Bulls
Meanwhile, the top-priced bull, a son of DRS Super Mario and from a Glenisla Explorer dam, went under the hammer at €2,000.
This 5-star bull, Walshestown Tim, bred by Mr. Oliver Brennan, Walshestown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, now joins the herd of Mr PJ Flannery.
Another 5-star bull, Bawnview Luka, also a son of RS Super Mario by a Kilkelly Major dam made €1,900.
Mr. Martin Naughton purchased the entry, property of Mr. Gerard Lannon, Ballinafad, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.
Commercial cattle
Meanwhile, leading the commercial section at €1,760 was Mr Paul Biesty Bohogue, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, with his March-2022-born weanling heifer.
Mr, Keiran Flatley – who That’s Farming previously interviewed – snapped up this entry, along with an April-born female from Amelda Middleton, Moate, Co. Westmeath, for €1,520.
A club spokesperson told That’s Farming:
“Overall, on the day, it was a very satisfactory sale with a great clearance.”
“The club would like to especially thank Mr. Tom Cox, auctioneer, and the management and staff of Elphin Mart.”
“Also, a huge thank you to all our customers, and we wish the best of luck to the new owners,” the spokesperson concluded.
