The January Gems gimmer sale – the first pedigree Texel sale of 2018, in Northern Ireland – saw John Trimble’s Curley flock from Newry, take the day’s top price of 2400gns.
His home-bred ET daughter of Orrisdale Viking, bred from a Hillhead Trademark dam, sold served to Cowal Viceroy, to Alistair Bree, Tempo, Co Fermanagh.
Next at 2000gns was an entry from James Wilkinson’s Ballygroogan consignment from Cookstown. Another ET, this time bred from a Humeston Starback daughter and sired by Strathbogie Wanted, she changed hands carrying twins to Deveronvale Alonso, to Michael Cunningham, Bryansford, Newcastle.
The same stable also produced 1700gns, 1600gns and 1300gns sales, with the top two Ballygroogan gimmers, selling to Co Cavan breeder, RJ Dunne. The first is a full sister to Mr Wilkinson's pen leader with the second being a daughter for Corskie Whopper. Both sold due to Alonso.
The 1300gns gimmer, a daughter of Strathbogie Wanted, also in lamb to Alonso, was purchased by PJV Hamilton, Cushenden, Co Antrim.
Brian Williamson's Farmhill flock from Omagh, peaked at 1800gns for a Springwell Viera daughter, out of a Waen Maradonna-sired dam. Donegal breeder, Malachy Byrne, Ballynagowan, forked out the cash for this gimmer in lamb to Tullyard Achilles.
Averages: 69 gimmers, £762.54.
Auctioneers: Ballymena Livestock Market.
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