The Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group (CMBBG) will hold the largest-ever two-day sheep sale for a single breed of sheep at Maam Cross Mart, Connemara this weekend.
On Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, the sale is set to be a major opportunity for buyers across Ireland to acquire breeding stock.
The sale will kick off on Saturday at 11:00a.m sharp with nearly 3,000 breeding blackface ewes entered by members from Connemara, Mayo, and Sligo.
The entries will include ewe lambs, ewe hoggets, and breeding ewes, all of the Connemara Mayo type, known for their resilience and quality.
Brendan Joyce, spokesperson for the CMBBG, said: “We are thrilled to host this significant event, which highlights the incredible quality of the Connemara Mayo Blackface sheep.
“With nearly 3,000 ewes on offer, this sale reflects the strength and vitality of our breed.”
On Sunday, the focus will shift to rams, with a record-setting 570 rams to be sold, making it the largest single-day sale of rams for any breed in the country. A significant percentage of these rams will be Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) approved.
The ram pens will open at 9:00a.m for buyers to begin their selections, with the sale show judging also commencing at 9:00a.m. The sale itself will start promptly at 11:00a.m.
“This is a unique opportunity for farmers to access the finest Connemara Mayo Blackface rams, and the numbers speak to the quality of this year’s offering,” said Brendan Joyce. “We are expecting a strong turnout, both in person and online.”
For those unable to attend in person, online bidding is available through the MartEye app. New buyers planning to use this facility are urged to download the app and arrange clearance for bidding prior to the sale.
Buyers from all corners of the country are expected to attend. For those unable to collect their sheep on the day, arrangements can be made to hold the animals temporarily, or transportation can be coordinated.