Kilmallock October 08 - Growing Demand for Hereford

The Irish Hereford Society and exhibitors were very well pleased with demand for Hereford bulls at the recent Kilmallock Sale.

Organisers were taken somewhat by surprise by the large attendance and interest in purchasing Hereford bulls at this time of year particularly given the disastrous weather this autumn. In many cases bulls are not usually purchased until spring, the start of mating season for spring calvers. Due to early housing this year space and fodder are under pressure.

A major promotion by Irish Hereford Prime and partners AIBP took place at the event to celebrate the completion of their first year slaughtering for the prestigious “Sonae” supermarket outlet in Portugal . This no doubt had a positive influence on the day's activities.

The days Champion Knockmountagh Gaffer a Yarram Pompeii V055 son from Eamon McKiernan Monasterboice sold to Noel Maher Ballinleenty, Tipperary Town at €2900. The dam Knockmountagh Primrose is by a Visa son Knockmountagh Napoleon out of Knockmountagh Paula by Dunrobin Superstar 2A.

Reserve Champion Clouncagh Sailor bred and exhibited by John O'Connor, Ballingarry sold at €2500 to Co Cork breeder Sean O'Hanlon Liscarroll Mallow. Sailor is by Rathcor Ranger son Barley Hill Sailor stock bull at Clouncagh and out of Clouncagh Joanne 2 nd by Clouncagh Jasper.

The day's second highest price was reached with Chatsworth Bosco by Kilsunny Andrew from Tom Hennessy's herd at Castlecomer sold to Co Cork breeder Owen O'Neill Ballincollig at €2700.

Other principal prices included Aidan O'Donovan's Rorardstown Emblem by Yarram Pompeii V055 to Jim Lyons Ballingarry at €2250

Michael Molloy's Moyclare Forty by Skehanore Henry to Pat Ryan O'Brien Thurles at €2200 and Quinsboro Pompeii 3 rd by Yarram Pompeii V055 at €2000 to Pat Culhane Shanagolden.

Four sons of Yarram Pompeii V055 sold to average €2324 the top sire average at the sale.

AIBP representatives from Nenagh, Rathkeale and Bandon along with Irish Hereford Prime representatives were well pleased with the event signing up several new suppliers. Additional cattle supplies are required to fill existing contracts and further expansion of the award winning brand.

Prize winners in the draw for €500 x 2 to celebrate one year slaughtering at AIBP Rathkeale for the Portuguese “Sonae” supermarket group for bull buyers were Noel Maher Ballinleenty Tipperary Town and Gerard Ryan Ballycorney, Killaloe, Co Clare. There were also some smaller prizes of Hereford Prime beef in a draw for all in attendance.

Overall average €2023 with an 83% clearance. Range €1500 to €2900.

Champion Knockmountagh Gaffer with Owner Eamon McKiernan with
show judge Nigel Heatrick Glaslough Co Monaghan.

Reserve Champion Clouncagh Sailor with owner John O'Connor
and show judge Nigel Heatrick

Irish Hereford Prime board member Lester Roe, Roscrea announces the
prize winners to a packed crowd on completion of the bull sale

AIBP representatives from Nenagh Rathkeale and Bandon along with Irish Hereford Prime representatives were well pleased with the event signing up several new suppliers. Additional cattle supplies are required to fill existing contracts and further expansion of the award winning brand.

Prizewinners in a €1000 competition to celebrate one year of slaughtering at Rathkeale for the Soane” supermarket group for bull buyers were Noel Maher Ballinleenty, Tipperary town and Gerard Ryan Ballycorney Killaloe.