A solid demand for pedigree Limousin bulls from commercial producers saw prices peak at 4200gns to average £2820 – up £195 per head on the year with an 82% clearance – at a society show and sale in Dungannon Auction Mart.

Leading the fray was Killydunn Ozzy, from the Quinn Bros, Kilrea. This August 2018-born bull by Mereside Lorenzo and out of Raffertys Fusty, realised 4200gns to Richard Walker, Stewartstown, Dungannon.

At 3700gns, Joan Gilliland, Antrim, sold Ballyrobin Ocean, the senior champion to Patrick Rafferty, Forkhill, Co Armagh. A 21-month-old son of Lowerffrydd Empire, Ocean is out of Ballyrobin Anastacia.

The same home also produced the lead priced female at 2700gns when Ballyrobin Oriana, a 13-month-old heifer, also by Lowerffrydd Empire, was bought by Anna Clarke, Belleeks, Newry. She is a full sister to the 8500gns Ballyrobin Gaza, purchased by Ashledge Limousins at Carlisle in 2012, being bred from Ballyrobin Hearsay.

Junior male was Fairgreen O'Reilly from Thomas and Christopher O’Reilly, Madden, Keady, which made 3400gns to McCabe Bros, Ballygally, Downpatrick. Sired by Wilodge Cerberus, this 17-month-old is out of Carmorn Hatty.

Second top price amongst the females was 2600gns paid for the cow and calf unit Chinauley Joy and Chinauley Pete from Albert Finney, Banbridge. This five-year-old cow is by Mas du Clo and out of the herd’s foundation female, Limo Viva, purchased at the Greenmount College Limousin dispersal sale. Mark McKinstry, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, was the final bidder.

Averages: 14 bulls, £2820; nine females, £1814

Auctioneers: Dungannon Livestock Mart