Demand was brisk from a packed ringside at the Hereford Society’s dispersal of the prize winning Killoe Herd of Mr. Peter Hagan which took place at Granard Mart. Mr. Hagan due to advancing years is retiring from farming and had already sold his farm in recent weeks. He will retire to the USA where his sons reside.
Major prices included the top price cow Killoe Hilda at 2,700. A five star daughter of Ervie Classic in calf to the stock bull Castledaly General she was purchased by Liam Philpott and Anne Pounds of the Allowdale Herd, Knocknacolan, Kanturk. The same purchaser also secured the five star Killoe Lilac a cow by Rathcor Express at 2,300 and an in calf five star heifer Killoe Claire by Yarram Pompeii V055 at 2,000.
Local breeder JJ Farrell, Trillick-a-Temple, Longford purchased a Churchill Storm daughter, the eight year old Killoe Pam a prolific breeder in calf to Yarram Star General and also Killoe Gina by Trillick Best in calf to the Stock Bull at 2,550 each. He later purchased a further Trillick Best daughter Killoe Nora due to calve shortly to Smithston Darby at 2,450.
New Breeder John Mullarky of Clonfad, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo purchased a very promising young cow Killoe Ninia by Pompeii son Killoe Surprise and five weeks in calf to the Stock Bull at 2,500.
The Stock Bull Castledaly General by Yarram Star General bred by Michael Farrell Castledaly, Moate, Co. Westmeath sold at a very satisfactory 2,900 having had a very busy season with the Killoe cows and heifers. He was purchased by breeder and suckler beef farmer Mervyn Johnston, Rathcline, Lanesboro, Co. Longford. Breeder James Thompson of Rathvilly, Co. Carlow purchased a Churchill Storm son the five star Killoe Blazer born 15th April 2010 at 2,600 for his Ballyraggan Herd.
Peter Hagan who was a regular and successful exhibitor at local shows, Society Sales, the performance test centre at Tully and the National Hereford Show Tullamore, built up the Killoe Herd over a period of thirty years. The success of the sale is a tribute to his stockmanship over the years.
Average for sale 2,047
Average for cows 2,091
Average for heifers 1,703
Average for young bulls 1,879
Stock Bull 2,900