Gigginstown House offering peaks at 3,900 Euro

By Julie Hazelton

The Irish Aberdeen Angus Association has unveiled a new exhibition unit which was officially opened by Ryanair chief executive, Michael O’Leary.

The launch took place prior to the annual sale of bulls and heifers from Mr O’Leary’s noted Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus herd, held at Fennor House Farm near Mullingar in County Westmeath.

The event attracted breeders from the north and south of Ireland, and included the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society’s senior vice president, Albert de Cogan; and former Irish Rugby International, Donal Spring.

“A warm welcome is extended to everyone, “said Mr O’Leary. “It’s a fine day and we look forward to a good sale. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Gigginstown House Herd.”

“The Irish Aberdeen Angus Association is to be congratulated for its outstanding work. This is a terrific new facility and I hope it will be put to good use at future events such as Tullamore Show and the Irish National Ploughing Championships.”

“Agricultural shows are a great shop window, and this new exhibition unit will help to promote the breed. I am proud to be an Angus breeder and I would urge everyone to continue to put their best foot forward in these difficult economic times.”

Irish Aberdeen Angus Association president, Joe Keville, thanked Mr O’Leary for hosting the event. “I am delighted to see such a good turnout. This is an impressive farm with quality Aberdeen Angus cattle.  The Gigginstown House herd has left a positive impression with numerous visitors over the years.”

Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, officially opens the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association's new exhibition unit.

Launching the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association's new exhibition unit are, from left: Joe Keville, president; Michael O'Leary, chief executive, Ryanair, and owner of the Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus Herd, Mullingar; Kathryn Bradshaw, secretary; and Albert de Cogan, senior vice president, Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society.

Ryanair chief executive, Michael O'Leary, pictured with members of the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association during the launch of its new exhibition unit, held during the Gigginstown House Angus sale, Mullingar.

Mrs Kathryn Bradshaw, secretary of the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association presented Mr O’Leary with a limited edition print as a token of the Association’s appreciation.

Managed by Gerry Smyth and Joe O’Mahony , the 100-cow Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus herd was founded in 1997 with the purchase of foundation females from top herds in Canada – many of which were champions at shows in Edmonton and Regina. These include daughters of bulls such as Krugerrand, TC Stockman, Extra Gold and Black Magic.

The annual sale from the Gigginstown House herd was led at 3,900 Euro by the two-year-old heifer, Gigginstown House Extra Smooth. Sired by the TC Stockman son, Fullam Black Boy, she is out of a home-bred dam by Ebon Hill Extra Gold 15’97.

The March 2008 born heifer, Gigginstown House Extra Smooth realised a top price of 3,900 Euro, at the herd's annual sale, Mullingar.

Next best at 2,300 Euro was Gigginstown House Lavender Lane, a February 2009 born heifer sired by the herd’s stock bull, Penguin Mr Elevate F253 –purchased at Perth in February 2008 for a top price of 32,000gns.

The February 2008 born heifer, Gigginstown House Timeless, also by Fullam Black Boy, sold for 1,860 Euro.

Following close behind at 1,820 Euro was Gigginstown House Black Heather, a January 2008 born heifer by Blelack Buccaneer E175.

Auctioneer, Paul Murtagh, conducts the annual sale from Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus herd, held at Mullingar.

Bulls reached a ceiling of 3,000 Euro, realised by the November 2008 born Gigginstown House Manipulator. He was sired by the TLA Pride’s Revival 25H son, Aughnamona Lord Hedian, and is out of the imported Mohedian Niamh.

The top priced bull at 3,000 Euro was Gigginstown House Manipulator shown by Jerry Lynch.

Patrick Lynch exhibited Gigginstown House Black Tie which sold for 2,150 Euro at the herd's annual sale, held at Fennor House Farm, Mullingar.

Aughnamona Lord Hedian was also behind the breeding of Giggnstown House Black Tie, a yearling bull which came under the hammer of auctioneer, Paul Murtagh, at 2,150 Euro. His dam was the KBJ Conqour All daughter, Gigginstown House Black Belle D280.

The January 2009 born bull, Gigginstown House Tenor, also by Aughnamona Lord Hedian, and bred from Gigginstown S of Tibbie, realised 1,700 Euro.

Averages: 11 bulls sold to average 1,613 Euro per head; while 14 heifers changed hands to level at 1,620 Euro each.

Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society senior vice-president, Albert de Cogan, chats to Michael Smith, Cootehill.

Enjoying their day out at the Gigginstown House Aberdeen Angus sale, held at Mullingar, are brothers Benson and Andrew Crowe from Ballymahon, County Longford.