Thornbank 1 Real Deal lived up to his name at a sale of native breeds in Dungannon, last week, securing both the Hereford championship and top price of 2900gns.

The bull, from Hunter Stewart, Castlederg, was following in the footsteps of his full brother, which was also champion here in 2017. A son of Solpoll 1 Dynamite, he was knocked down to L Mathers, Bready, Strabane.

Buyers showed a preference for big strong bulls ready to go straight out to work and entries from Robin Irvine’s Graceland herd seemed to fit the bill with Graceland 1 Prince and Graceland 1 Prophet, rising two-year-old sons of Fisher 1 Jubilee, both selling for 2700gns each to local dairy farmers. The first sold to M Keenan, Castledawson, Magherafel, while Prophet was bought by O Mitchell, Eskra, Omagh.

The reserve champion, Richmount 1 Rory, from James Graham, Portadown, made 2600gns selling to Ian Dorrian, Omagh, Co Tyrone. He is by Grousehall 1 Premier.

The only female on offer, Corraback Guinevere, a young heifer by Kye Rodge, from Mervyn and Henry Richmond, Derrylyn, realised 2200gns to I and G Browne of Clogher Valley Herefords, Fivemiletown.

Averages: 11 bulls, £2450.

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart