The Stranagone Saphir son was purchased to join the renowned Balmyle and Bombax pedigree herds in Scotland. While Stuart Fraser from Aberdeen returned for his fourth time, purchasing two bulls to return to his commercial herd, underlining the continued demand for Northern Ireland Charolais genetics.
A strong trade throughout the sale resulted in a bull average of 7,062gns, reflecting continued demand from both commercial and pedigree breeders.
Judge John MacGregor of the Allanfauld herd, Scotland, described the event as "a tremendous show of bulls", praising the depth of quality on display. "There is some real quality and a lot of very good commercial bulls for the l market, breeding big store cattle," he said.
Championship success
The Senior Champion, Tanhill Alfie, exhibited by A Armstrong, realised 11,500gns. Sired by Orbi, the powerful and stylish bull attracted strong interest from buyers in the sale.
The Intermediate Champion, Brogher Armour, made 10,500gns. Sired by Grinshill Rodger, he was one of several bulls in a highly competitive intermediate section that generated spirited bidding ringside.
The Supreme Overall Champion, Gorteade Apache, bred by James McKeagney, stood out in both the Junior and Supreme championships. The Mornity Nero son, carrying a single copy of the Q204X myostatin gene, later sold for 9,500gns.
MacGregor described Apache as having "the most style and correctness", praising his great character, long clean top and overall balance. "He is a complete bull," he added.
Reserve Supreme Champion Woodpark Alfie, bred by Will Short, realised 8,500gns. By Woodpark Ulrich, he was described by the judge as one that would "grow into an exceptional bull".
The Reserve Intermediate Champion, Brigadoon Atlanta, bred by the Connolly family and sired by Balmyle Sandy, sold for 8,000gns.
Strong demand extended beyond the championship winners, with Carnview Ali, sired by Nole Prince realising 8,500gns, exhibited by B O'Kane. Along with Stranagone Aone, sired by Magician exhibited by R McWilliams selling for £7,800 to the Ballymather herd of Ian & David Rea, to rank among the day's leading prices.
The sale once again demonstrated the strength of Northern Ireland Charolais genetics, with buyers travelling from across the UK in search of quality breeding stock. The purchase of Stranagone Victorious by the Balmyle and Bombax herds in Scotland further underlined the growing reputation of Northern Ireland-bred Charolais cattle.
The Northern Ireland Charolais Club thanked all exhibitors, buyers and supporters for contributing to a successful event. Appreciation was also extended to Natural Nutrition for its continued sponsorship and to judge John MacGregor for undertaking the judging duties.
Looking ahead
Attention now turns to the club’s next major fixture — the Stars of the Future Calf Show and Elite Heifer Sale, taking place on Friday 6 November 2026 at Swatragh Livestock Market. The event will showcase young show prospects and top females, offering another opportunity for breeders to highlight the quality of Charolais cattle in Northern Ireland. Judging will commence at 4pm with the sale at 7pm.
Full Class Results
Class 1: 1st Stranagone Victorious, 2nd Ovill Apollo, 3rd Nigransha Alfie, 4th Mollyboy Appollo.
Class 2: 1st Tanhill Alfie, 2nd Brownhill Alwyn, 3rd Brigadoon Avicii, 4th Gleneamble Archie, 5th Stranagone Aged.
Class 3: 1st Shanlieve Axel, 2nd Brigadoon Aston, 3rd Brigadoon Ascot, 4th Innisrush Alan 5th Brigadoon Aurora.
Class 4: 1st Brigadoon Atlanta, 2nd Rossavalley Archie, 3rd Killadeas Apollo, 4th Brigadoon Armani, 5th Killtown Aodhan.
Class 5: 1st Stranagone Aone, 2nd Moorlough Ali, 3rd Ovill Ares, 4th Moorlough Ashton, 5th Pinehill Apache.
Class 6: 1st Brogher Armour, 2nd Woodpark Arthur, 3rd Ballyvaddy Apache, 4th Carnview Ali, 5th Moorlough Adam.
Class 7: 1st Woodpark Alfie, 2nd Drumacritten Arron, 3rd Stranagone Attaboy, 4th Innisrush Alfie,
Class 8: 1st Gorteade Apache, 2nd Deerfin Apollo, 3rd Drumconnis Ace, 4th Derryharney Arthur, 5th Woodpark Anchor.
9. Woodpark_Alfie_-_Reserve_Supreme_Overall_Champion_-_Will_Short_-_8,500gna[1].png
Woodpark Alfie - Reserve Supreme Overall Champion - Will Short - 8,500gn Photo: freelance