Despite the difficult economic times Hereford breeders generally went home happy from Dungannon Mart. There was a good mix of dairy and suckler farmers in attendance with good quality bulls selling to every county in Northern Ireland.
The champion, Black Water Limelight shown by Sam & Nigel Heatrick from Annareagh, Glaslough, Co Monaghan, sold for the joint top price of 3000gns. A half- brother the champion Black Water Lad is currently standing at Dovea AI station in Co Tipperary This June 2014 bull is by their stock bull Kye Sting 595. The sire is a Bowmont Storm son purchased as a herd sire by the Heatrick’s when Champion at the Irish Hereford Society’s Nenagh Bull show and sale in Co Tipperary. The Heatricks also sold Black Water Lancer by the same sire for 2100gns.
The Reserve Champion exhibited by John & William McMordie from Ballygowan Co. Down also sold for 3000gns. Solpoll 1 Lone Ranger, a Superior Carcase Sire is by Panmure 1 Henry, the current UK Sire of the Year, a bull renowned for his exceptional muscle figures. The McMordie’s also sold 2 other Henry sons, the 1st prize winning Solpoll 1 Lively for 2900gns and the 2nd prize Solpoll 1 Landini for 2500gns.
John Conlon from Markethill Co. Armagh sold Drumatee Frank a 3rd prize winner by the homebred Drumatee Flamenco for 2600gns.
Norman & Christa McMordie from Saintfield showed River-Dale 1 Maximus to win the youngest class. This 16month old son of the highly acclaimed 3 times Balmoral Show Champion Solpoll 1 Dynamite sold for 2400gns.
Bertie & Greer Watson, Crossgar Co Down had the only heifer forward, Barnburn 1 Lydia Lady, served recently to Pinmoor 1 Kingsley the joint 2015 NI Bull of the Year she sold for 1500gns
With an 89% clearance bulls sold to average £2292.
The NIHBA would like to thank the judge Des Kelly and Dunbia for their sponsorship of the event
Irish Hereford Breed Society Ltd 