A shearling ram sold for €1,640 as the Munster Lanark Sheep Breeders Group held its first breeding sale at Mid-Kerry Co-operative Mart, Milltown, Co Kerry, on Thursday 15 October.
The inaugural event attracted both established and new breeders, with strong competition reported across the breeding entries. The sale achieved an overall 78% clearance rate, with buyers active for ewe lambs, gimmers, shearlings, aged rams and ram lambs.
Shearling ram leads the trade
The highest price of the day was paid for a shearling ram presented by James and Stacey O’Connor. The animal was bought by Patrick O’Connor, Keel, for €1,640.
Michael Ketch, Dungarvan, also recorded a strong result, selling his leading shearling ram for €1,200 to Patrick Dwyer, Castlemaine. The aged-ram section was led by Kieran Doona, Glencar, whose ram made €800. Patsy Randles’ aged ram followed at €760.
| Entry | Reported result |
|---|---|
| Ewe lambs | Top price of €395 |
| Gimmers | Top price of €700 |
| Shearlings | Average of €742; top price €1,640 |
| Aged rams | Average of €638; top price €800 |
| Ram lambs | Top price of €800 |
Gimmers reached €700 for an entry from Michael Ketch, with John Egan, Blackwater, securing the highest-priced lot. Ketch’s gimmers also sold well, reaching €530 before being purchased by Victor Barber, Co Sligo.
Ram lambs sold to a maximum of €800, with John Egan leading that section. His top-priced ram lamb was bought by Michael Ketch. The sale also recorded averages of €742 for shearlings and €638 for aged rams, providing a broader indication of the trade than the individual top prices.
New group reflects regional interest
Grant Rogerson, a member of the group, said the organisation was formed after breeders identified demand for Lanark Blackface sheep at local shows in the Cork and Kerry region.
“The initial idea to form this new group came after realising there was a strong demand and appetite for quality Lanark Blackface sheep when showing at local shows in the Cork/Kerry region.”
He also highlighted the number of young breeders attending the first sale and the quality of the commercial sheep offered. The group said the event demonstrated interest among new breeders in the Lanark type, while providing an outlet for established flocks to market breeding stock.
- The overall clearance rate was 78%.
- The sale’s leading price was €1,640 for a shearling ram.
- Gimmers reached €700, while ram lambs reached €800.
