Upbeat trade sees Charolais bulls peak at 4600gns

Charolais bulls met an upbeat trade at the NI Charolais Club show and sale, Dungannon, which saw prices peaking at 4600gns.

Sale leader Ratoary Evander was the day’s overall reserve supreme champion, a 15 month old by Dartonhall Brandy and out of a Beechdale bred cow by Rossy Pride. Bred and exhibited by Sean McGovern, Clogher this one headed home with Cloughey Farm, Newtownards.

 Next at 4400gns was the 14 month old Fury Action son, Mountjoy Echo, who was also crowned overall supreme champion. Bred by Desmond McAskie, Omagh, he was knocked down to H Blaney, Ballymena.

And it was the senior champion that commanded the next highest price, a bid of 3500gns for Stranagone Edd, a 16 month old from Robert McWilliams, Swatragh. Sired by Oldstone Egbert and out of a Bevingford bred cow, this one was snapped up by J Mullan, Pomery.  

Two lots commanded a bid of 3100gns. First to go was Lisleitrim Denver, a 20 month old Pirate son and out of an Anneskeagh dam. Bred by Dominic Bellew, Newry, Denver this one went home with Liam McElroy, Ardboe.

The next bid was from Arthur Kelly, Carrickmore for Drumfin Democrate, a 19 month old sired by Moorefield Viper and out of a homebred dam going back to Dolland lines. He was forward from Basil Buchanan, Hillsborough.  

Three entries shared a 3000gns price tag. The first offered by Harold Crawford Fintona for the 20 month old Tonaghmore Danny, a Tonaghmore Augusto son and out of a Knockhill bred dam to B O’Mally, Newry.

Next was Toberlane Designerbull, an 18 month old by Allanfauld Superscot and out of a Balthaynock Nougat sited  homebred dam. Bred and exhibited by William Causey, Cookstown and to Alan Ferguson, Auchnacloy.  

The final  call at this money was for  Stragnagone Darragh, a rising two year old by Roundshill Tarus and out of a Glenleary bred cow by Brampton Embark from Robert McWilliams. He sold to J McCrea, Strabane.

A bid of 2,800gns secured Aughafad Doolittle for Strangmore Farms, Moy. Bred by Henry Sinnamon, Pomery, this 20 month old was a Burradon Talisman son and out of an Oldstone Egbert sired homebred dam.

Three lots reached 2,700gns each. First to go was the reserve senior champion, Corrick Douglas who was within the breed’s top 15% with a Terminal Sire Index +29 and Self Replacing Index +32. Bred by Cecil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, and purchased by D McCall, Armagh, Douglas was a 17 month old Doonally New son and out of a homebred cow going back to Moorlough Palo.

Next was Pubble Edward, a 14 month old Enfield Plexus son and out of a Roundhill Rocky sired homebred cow. Bred by Andrew Gallagher, Newtownstewart, he was knocked down sold to Michael Quinn, Cookstown.

The third call came for Mullaghbane Elton from Fred Elliott, Florencecourt. Sired by Mullaghbane Cliff, this 13 month old was sold to J McQuistan, Ballymoney.

The female section was led at 4200gns by Moorlough Diana, a two year old heifer by Doonally New and out of a homebred dam. Bred and exhibited by James McBride, Strabane, Diana secured the supreme female championship before selling to Sydney Rea, Ballyclare.

Averages: 30 bulls £2610; four females £2415 (Dungannon Farmers’ Mart)