Farmers flocked to Tullow, Co. Carlow, for the 31st annual Tullow Sheep Breeders’ Association show and sale on Wednesday.

Over 2,600 sheep were entered on the day – 1,230 ewe lambs and 1,450 hogget ewes – and the sale exceeded all expectations.

A very lively trade for both ewe lambs and hogget ewes was witnessed throughout the day. In the ewe lamb ring, under the guidance of auctioneer Jim Bush, the trade opened up to a good, honest, steady trade.

Well-presented Suffolk/Cheviot cross ewe lambs, weighing upwards of 45kg, sold from €125 up to €145. Some exceptional prices of up to €167 were also realised.

Lighter ewe lambs (>40kg) sold for €110-135 and very strong demand was witnessed for those falling into the 43-48kg category. However, the lighter lambs may have been a little easier – about €3-4/head easier – than last year’s sale, but they still sold for €95 and up.

Best pen of 10 Suffolk/Cheviot cross ewe lambs:
  • Thomas Bolger, Kill, Tullow, Co. Carlow – 50kg sold for €155;
  • Patrick Doyle, The Seasons, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare – 50kg sold for €167;
  • Dylan Leybourne, Tullowhill, Tullow, Co. Carlow – 47kg sold for €160;
  • John Bolger, Fairylawn, Bennekerry, Co. Carlow – 49kg sold for €135;
  • Brian Murphy, Coughlanstown, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare – not sold;
  • Alfred Beattie, Ballinaskea Farm, Rathcore, Enfield, Co. Meath – 48kg sold for €152.

A good, honest, trade was also reported for all classes of hoggets. Heavier types sold from €190 up to a tops of €227, with the majority selling between €195 and €220. Fitter-type hoggets sold for €170-195, while some very light lots traded from a base of €150.

Best pen of 10 Suffolk/Cheviot cross hogget ewes:
  • Patrick McEvoy, Shroughaun, Blessington, Co. Wicklow – €222;
  • Patrick Kenny, Tomriland Upper, Annamoe, Roundwood, Bray, Co. Wicklow – €224;
  • Dylan Leybourne, Tullowhill, Tullow, Co. Carlow – €205;
  • Albert Stanley, Glashare, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny – €217;
  • Charles W. Fenton, Kelshmore, Donard, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow – €190;
  • Mervyn Neill, Lackareagh, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow – €187.

The second Tullow Sheep Breeders’ Association show and sale will take place on August 29, with the third sale of the year planned for September 12.