The dispersal of the late Gilbert Crawford’s Coolnaslee Charolais herd at Ballymena Mart was billed as one of the largest sales of its kind in Northern Ireland, selling to 15,000gns, 11,000gns and 9000gns.

The cattle which were brought forward by son Jonathan Crawford and farm manager, Stuart Wilson, were auctioned by Raymond Kennedy of United Auctions, who was in his element as the bids came fast and furious.

Sale leader was the three-year-old heifer, Coolnaslee Rita, a daughter of Coolnaslee Nico, whose dam traces back to Balbithan Gilly. She sold to vet Claire Ferris, Millisle, Co Down.

Ms Ferris bought a number of females for her Damview herd to include Coolnaslee Oona at 10,500gns. She is by Newhouse Bigal.

Second top price was 11,000gns paid by Cecil and Neil McIlwaine, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, for the maiden heifer, Coolnaslee Trudy. This much admired January 2022-born heifer is by Dundas Einstein and out of a Goldstar Hugo2-sired dam.

Coolnaslee Nice Girl and her heifer calf, Coolnaslee Pingpong made 9000gns to A Young, Castlederg.

Calves at foot made a ready trade with a number of the older entries sold separately. These included the eight-month-old Coolnaslee Tycoon, which realised 8200gns, as a prospect stock bull for V McErlaine, Armoy, Co Antrim. This youngster is by Coolnaslee Pingpong.

Farm manager, Stuart Wilson bought several lots for his new enterprise at Muir of Fowils, Aberdeen.

Other Scottish buyers included Alan Shiels, Kilmarnock and David Muirhead, Firhills Arbroath.

The entire catalogue met with spirited bidding resulting in a 100% clearance to level at £5224 for 87 lots.

Auctioneers: United Auctions and Ballymena Mart.