There was a fantastic turn out for the Bandon Bull Sale this week as crowds arrived in large numbers to see what was on offer at Cork Marts, Bandon. The Hereford section consisted of 23 entries which made judging difficult due to the standard of all involved.

Mr Ted O’Sullivan, Bartlemy, Co Cork who produced the Champion at last year’s event this year pulled off a double gaining the day’s top price and the Championship. His Bull ‘Furaleigh Ranger 843’ a well grown son of Rathcor Ranger out of Furaleigh Lady 668 went for the top price of the day at €3,550 and sold to Mr. Finbar Crowley, Roovesbeg, Coachford, Co. Cork. His second bull ‘Furaleigh Prince 857’ a son of Sire ‘Carhuefree Prince’ and Dam ‘Furaleigh Lady 663’ was awarded the Championship and later sold for at €2,700 to well- known Hereford breeder Mr. Tom Hickey, Skehanore, Ballydehob, Co.Cork.

Mr Hickey himself had three strong useful bulls on offer and sold all three. Skehanore Taylor by Moyclare Courallie and Skehanore Tempest by Balleen Plomber both at  €2,700 while Skehanore Titus found a new home at €2,200.

‘Loughfieldpoll 1 Boulder 662’ selected as Reserve Champion is a son of Sire ‘Allendale Waterloo B50’ and Dam ‘Udel 1 BI Coral Gem’ bred by Mr. Dermot McCarthy, Banteer. He was sold later on in the auction along with Mr. McCarthy’s second bull ‘Loughfieldpoll 1 Bluechip 663’ a half-brother to the Reserve Champion, giving him an average of €2,375 across the board.

Another top average was made by Mr. Liam Philpott with his two bulls ‘Allowdale Samurai’ a son of ‘Ervie Classic S30’ and Dam ‘Allowdale Queen 190’ who sold for €2,700 and ‘Allowdale Kingsman’ a five star son of Sire ‘Bowmont Storm A584 WMO’ and Dam ‘Allowdale Tinkle 182’ who sold for €2,400 giving Mr. Philpott an average of €2,550 on the day.

The atmosphere at the auction was great and the buyers were alive as they bid on the quality bulls on offer. Overall average on the day was €2,205 with a clearance of 91%. Breeders were extremely happy with the outcome given that only two bulls failed to reach their reserve and that some prospective customers failed to buy. Buyers were happy with their purchases as they headed for home after deeming it a successful day overall.

The society has further Spring Sales coming up with the next one in Carrick-on-Shannon on the 12^th of April. There is a big entry for Nenagh on Saturday April 19th. For more information about any of our upcoming sales please call our office on 044 93 48855 or email irishhereford@gmail.com.