A GOOD show of females forward for the January Gems Texel show and sale at Ballymena, last weekend, ensured a buoyant demand throughout and an overall average in excess of £700 per head.

In all, nine lots attracted four figure sales, with John Trimble's Curley flock from Newry, Co Down, leading the way selling three of the top four highest priced lots. Including in this was the sale leader at 2900gns, purchased by James Owens, Ballynulto Farms, Broughshane. A daughter of Cowal Viceroy, out of a home-bred ewe by Kelso Oxygen she sold served to Haddo Yoyo.

Two other Curley gimmers sold at 2100gns and 1600gns. The former, by Brackenridge Transformer and out of a Milestonehill ewe by Oxygen was purchased by Sean McCloskey, Claudy, Co Londonderry. The service sire this time was Glenside Valhalla.

The latter, by Knock Ursus and again served to Haddo Yoyo, was knocked down to David Sandall, Brannockstown.

Also making 2100gns was the best from Brian Williamson's Farmhill flock from Omagh, Co Tyrone. This gimmer by Springhill Viera and out of a bought in ewe by Waen Maradona, sold due to Glenside Wild Boy, to Owen Donohoe, Derryvore, Derrylin, Enniskillen.

Martin Warnock's Straidarran flock from Limavady, also enjoyed a good day, with his best at 1400gns, selling to Co Fermanagh breeder, A Breen, Tempo. The breeding behind this transaction includes Stainton Victor, with the service sire being Straidarran Yakubu.

OTHER LEADINGprices

Gimmers – 1000gns (x2), 950gns Straidarran.

Ewe hoggs – 1150gns, Farmhill; 1000gns, Curley.

Auctioneers: Ballymena Auction Mart