The Hereford show and sale of bulls at Bandon this week had one of the largest crowds ever in attendance. This is a strong indication of the interest in Herefords in the region which was reinforced by the clearance of bulls later with just three bulls failing to reach their reserve.

The Champion was exhibited by Ted O’Sullivan the well-known Hereford breeder from Bartlemy, Fermoy. This is the third year in succession that Ted has taken the Championship at the venue. Furaleigh Prince 907 a son of long time Bandon AI sire Carhuefree Prince with an estimated calving difficulty figure of 3.6% was the selection of the judge and youngest ever Hereford Society President Ivor Deverell of Ballyaville Herefords. The dam is Furaleigh Lass 716 by Furaleigh Generator. He sold at €3,300 to Oliver O’Brien, Crough, Fermoy.

The Reserve Champion Fortregal Ezra exhibited by another local Hereford breeder and regular in the winner’s enclosure at Bandon Gerard Lucey, Forrest, Coachford is sired by a Scottish bull Ervie Classic S30 a very consistent sire. He was purchased at €3,050 by Fachtna O’Driscoll, Ardgehane, Skibbereen.

The sale topper at €3,400 Arlinstown Star 4th, is a son of Australian sire Yarram Star General W251 a sire with a five star rating for both terminal and maternal traits whose semen is regrettably no longer available. Out of a home bred dam Arlinstown Helen 5^th this useful bull was exhibited by Declan Murphy, Arlinstown, Ballinhassig. The herd was founded and managed very successfully for many years by Declan’s uncle the late Gerry Murphy. This long very useful bull was purchased by extensive dairy farmer John Dunne, Ladysbridge who brings all progeny to slaughter for the Hereford branded beef schemes.

Other principal prices included Droumdaniel Johnny the youngest bull in the sale at sixteen months he is sired by Allowdale Excellent a Mawarra Sentimental son and was   shown by Gene Lynch, Droumdaniel, Bantry. He sold at €2,850. John Cronin, Mourneabbey, Mallow received €2,800 for his Clyde Knight a Bowmont Storm A584 son out of Allowdale Laura by Border General V25. Kieran Noonan, Tullylease, Charleville exhibited Double Tree Ivan an Ardlahan Ginger son out of Clondrina 646^th which sold at €2,700.

Overall this is a very welcome result for Herefords at Bandon with such an effective clearance, an increase of€460 on the average price there last spring. Hereford cross calves at the venue are enjoying excellent demand with a top price of €525 for a five week old bull calf on the Monday prior to the bull sale.