H&D McFarland, Tonnagh Road, Trillick, Co Tyrone set an all-breeds centre record of 10,500gns at the British Limousin Cattle Society Sale at Ballymena Livestock Mart on Saturday (June 6th).
The sale-topper came in the form of their September 2018-born Limousin bull, Rahoney Obed, who sold to Stuart Perkins, Somerset of the Hartmoor Herd at Haywood Farm, Terry Hill, Radstock, Bath.
With “style and exceptional muscle” according to his breeders, Rahoney Obed is an AI son of Plumtree Fantastic and out of Rahoney Hazel by Haltcliffe Vermount.
Overall, 16 bulls sold to average £3,281 – up £496 on the previous year, while 12 females levelled at £1,881.25 – up £53, according to a society spokesperson.
Males
The bull that attained that second-highest price-tag at 4,500gns was Carnew Ordiscoll, bred by Messrs J & J Aiken, Dromore, Co. Down.
This December-2018 bull by Gerrygullinane Glen, a grandson of Ronick Hawk, and out of the dam Carnew Ladyjane, a Lynderg Hero daughter, caught the eye of Mr Norman McBurney, Moorfields, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
Following hot on his heels at 3,800gns, was Droit Orkney, brought out by Mr Richard James Mowbray, Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone.
By Wilodge Cerberus and out of Hatcliffe Harriot who is by Larkhill Firmount, this October-2018-born bull was acquired by Messrs Kennedy, Mill Road, Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Another bull from Messrs H & D McFarland came in the shape of Rahoney Omega; that entry went under the hammer 3,400gns to Mr Philip J Savage, Ballywalter, Newtownards, Co. Antrim.
This September-2018 entry is by Plumtree Fantastic and out of dam Rahoney Jem, who carries Wilodge Cerberus and Homebyres Visitor breeding.
Females
Females sold to a top of 2,300gns twice for two Heathmount heifers from Messrs McKinney Brothers, Craigadick Road, Maghera.
In the heifer section, the McKinney fetched 2,300gns for Heathmount Octet, by Gunnerfleet Landmark 9by Broadmeadows Cannon) and out of the dam Heathmount Aileen, a daughter of Jockey. This July-2018-born female sold to Mr B. McAlister, Glenarm, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
The second heifer was Heathmount Passionate, which was a rising yearling born in June 2019. Also by Gunnerfleet Landmark, she is out of the dam Heathmount Jovial, an Etudiant daughter, and heads to Mr James Alexander, Randalstown, Co. Antrim.
Success
“The British Limousin Cattle Society and N.I. Limousin Cattle Club would like to thank the auctioneers, JA McClelland & Sons, as well as partners across Northern Ireland, for all their effort leading up to this sale and on the day of the sale itself.”
“The measures taken ensured a live sale could take place to the benefit of all. Also, to our sponsors; Ulster Bank and Connon General Merchants, Ballymena.”
Buyers and sellers brought together
Speaking following the first live pedigree breeding sale since lockdown began, mart manager, Sam McNabney, said: “Working with our partners, we were able to bring buyers and sellers together under strict distancing measures, and all parties were happy overall with how the sale was conducted given present circumstances.”
