Excellent trade for stock at Rathfriland Co-Op's show and sale

Quality was much in evidence with the overall price well increased from last year.

One third of the bullocks sold at over £1,400 each with a top of £1,680.

50% of the heifers sold at over £1,300 and to a top of £1,700.

The fat cows averaged £1,153 each to a top of £1,530 for Frank Reid of Ballynahinch.

Weanling calves topped at £1,080 for Oliver O’Hare of Mayobridge.

The show Champion, a 658k Charolais heifer from James Herdman, Dromore, sold at £1,580 to Primestock Meats.

The Housewife’s choice and reserved champion from the same herd was a 692k Belgian Blue which sold at £1,700 to M McConville.

The best native breed was won by P Bailie, Richhill, a Shorthorn heifer weighing 654k at £1,600 to F and J P Dillon.

James Herdman had three winners in the Blue class, 1 734k bullock at £1,590 to Minehill farms.

P Bailie had a second prize heifer, 656k and £1,500 to F and J P Dillon.

Steven Hamilton’s first prize Charolais bullock, 678k sold at £1,480 to Minehill Farms.

James Herdman’s first prize Charolais heifer: 658k at £1,550 to Primestock Meats.

Steven Hamilton’s first prize bullock sold at £1,530 weighing 654k to J H Livestock.

Malachy McGrath’s second prize Limousin bullock: 700k at £1,570 to David Lyons.

Harry Hughes’s first prize Limousin heifer: 654k at £1,450 to Primestock Meats.

Francis Lennon’s secon prize: 524k heifer at £1,220 to Dunbia.

Jonathan Davidson’s third prize: 536k heifer at £1,210 to Doherty and Gray.

The best store bullock was from Malachy McGrath sold at £1,570 weighing 700k to David Lyons.

David Dodds’ second prize bullock: 712k at £1,510 to David Lyons.

David Spiers lifted the cup of for best store heifer, 514k at £1,140 to J H Livestock.

Claire Aiken’s second prize heifer: 650k at £1,340 to David Lyons.

The fat cow section was won by Francis Lennon with a 826k Hereford at £1,520. Second prize fat cow (P McNulty) 890k Charolais at £1,500 and third prize (O Carragher) 790k Blue at £1,520.

Oliver O’Hare won the weanling champion with a 426k Blue bullock at £1,080 and best weanling heifer, a 397k Blue at £950.

Shane Doyle’s second prize bullock, 248k at £850 and I Gordon’s second prize heifer, 324k Blue at £1,000 or 308.6p/k.

The mart wishes to thank the two judges, Mr Terence Doherty and Mr Sam Colema,n for the manner in which they undertook a difficult task and to all those who sponsored the sale.

Tuesday evening’s sale saw more heavy lambs in the entry with fewer stores present.

Farmers from Cabra, Katesbridge and Kilkeel all sold heavy lots at £90 per head.

Dromara farmer: 27k at £88. Ardarragh farmer: 26.3k at £88. Corcreaghan farmer: 26.4k at £88. Tassagh farmer: 25.8k at £87. Mulladrin farmer: 25.8k at £87. Grallagh farmer: 25.4k at £86. Banbridge farmer: 25.3k at £86 and 19k at £71. Ballynahinch farmer: 18.5k at £69.50. Kilkeel farmer: 18k at £66. Drumlee farmer: 19.2k at £70.

FAT EWES

Hilltown farmer: £82. Rathfriland farmer: £82. Tandragee farmer: £80. Kilcoo farmer: £82. Crossgar farmer: £75. Dromara farmer: £75. Tassagh farmer: £72.