It was the last bull into the ring that secured the top price at the 2024 Gigginstown House Angus Sale today, Saturday, April 20.
The annual event seen huge numbers of people flock to Fennor Farm in Co. Westmeath, for the sale of breeding bulls as well as maiden and in-calf heifers.
There was strong rounds of bidding for all lots on offer and the Gigginstown Angus policy of selling without reserve was rewarded as the 24 bulls and 18 heifers sold for a combined total of €155,000.
Taking the top price on the day was Lot 25, Gigginstown Pirate Boss Y618 selling for €7,000. The November 2022-born five-star bull had a Dairy Beef Index (DBI) of €130 and was sired by the renowned Rawburn Boss Hogg and his dam was Cheeklaw Polly.
Selling at €5,100 was the fifth bull into the ring, Gigginstown Turbo Charged Y546 This bull had a DBI of €130 and oozed style which saw significant interest from the online and ring-side bidders.
Turbo Charged was sired by Birches Lord Jacob and his dam was Gigginstown House Tall Order.
Taking the top price in the heifer sale this year was a red Angus heifer, Gigginstown Red Gammereva Y548 selling for €5,800.
This five-star heifer was sired by Corbetstown Red Evan and her dam was Rathmooney Girl. She was sold in-calf to Coolderry Red Uncle Buck.
The red Angus heifers were attracting significant interest from customers in the sale with the second red heifer entry, Lot 41 selling for €5,000. Gigginstown Red Lady J is an October 2022-born maiden heifer sired by Corbetstown Red Evan and her dam is Gigginstown Lady Jester.
The final heifer into the ring and last entry of the sale drummed up quite a bidding match as customers were anxious not to be going home with an empty trailer.
Lot 45, Gigginstown Lady Eve sold for €5,100. The five-star December 2022 born maiden heifer was sired by Steil Theodore and her dam was Tomriland Lady Eve.
The sale was conducted by Cavan-based Ballyjamesduff Mart and the auctioneer on the day was Tommy Harrisson. Online bidding was facilitated through the MartEye platform with the online trade adding greatly to the prices achieved on the day.
Commenting on the sale, Gigginstown House Angus manager, Joe O’Mahoney said: “We were delighted to welcome such a large crowd to our bull sale at Fennor Farm on Saturday last, in particular, the record numbers (over 8,000) who registered to bid online through the MartEye website.
“While prices were a little softer than our 2023 record sale, there was still lots of quality stock at great prices available for breeders.
“Our bulls averaged €3,900, with three of our bulls selling for just €3,000 each, offering all breeders tremendous value.
“It was a similar story with the females, and while the highest-price achieved was for a beautiful Red Angus heifer at €5,800, the 18 heifers we sold averaged €3,400.
“However, three of our heifers sold for just €2,100 each, showing that not alone is Gigginstown offering high-quality cattle, but also great value at our Annual Angus Sale.”
“We wish to sincerely thank all of our supporters, purchasers, and sponsors who have contributed to another very successful Gigginstown Angus sale in 2024.”