The final Autumn Hereford Sale took place in GVM Kilmallock last Friday 23rd October. A number of double entered bulls which were sold the previous week in Tullamore along with a number of private sales led to a total of 19 bulls appearing on the day out of the catalogued 27. Of the 19 exhibited, 9 were sold leading to a clearance rate of just shy of 50% and a combined average price of €2,190 which was reflective of the sudden National Lockdown that came into effect earlier in the week & the strict restrictions around access to view the bulls in the mart & having to bid online which all proved to be hurdles for this sale.

However, despite the unfavourable sale conditions, 50% clearance rate is significantly up on the same sale last year and very respectable considering the wider circumstances.

West Cork breeders; the Lynch Family of Droumdaniel Herefords took home the top price of the day for Lot 27; Droumdaniel Captain. This 5 star Terminal bull was sired by Brocca Kieran & home bred from Droumdaniel Delia 12^th, with his page full of stars was sold to Co. Limerick for €2900. Captain, being the top performing bull in the herd; is a full brother to Droumdaniel Devine who placed second in the Tullamore Show, Champion of the Cork Summer Show, Reserve Champion in Dunmanway Show and also in the top five of the interbreed class, all in 2019.

Further success for the West Cork herd came when Droumdaniel Chaser sold for €2300 to a fellow Cork farmer. This 15 – month- old bull has shown a great growth rate with little input. He is the bull that should put height and legs in his new herd.

Clouncagh Herefords from Limerick took home the second best price of the day when Airhill Rory was sold to fellow Hereford breeders; the Dudley family of Kilsunny Herefords in Tipperary for €2500. This is a lovely quality bull with natural muscle and ease of fleshing and has proved himself already by having cows served. Rory is sired by Cill Cormaic Napoleon and bred from Airhill Luiseanna of the Airhill Hereford Herd in Wexford. Airhill Herefords held a successful reduction sale in September 2019.

In spite of the current restrictions – There has been a positive outcome from both Autumn Hereford sales this year & even though normal circumstances were not available i.e. showing, washing, no buyers allowed around the ring etc, the outcome was much better than anticipated. A huge help was also down to the sponsorship by Irish Hereford Prime to the purchasers of the top five highest priced bulls which provided an added incentive to those interested in securing the top animals & proved very beneficial to breeders alike.

Well done to all exhibitors on the day & the very best of luck to all purchasers & breeders.

Don’t forget to send in your entries for the National Calf Show 2020 via nationalherefordcalfshow.ie. Full category & entry requirements available there also. All queries can be directed to Louise via e-mail at irishereford@gmail.com Entries close next Monday 26^th October!