Only in its second year, the IAAA Extravaganza returned to Thurles and continues to gain even more traction. In a year where many Angus sales are taking place, the Premier sale proved exceptionally strong with average rising by €60 on the previous year’s record-breaking sale. In total over 83% of the animals forward found new homes, with average settling at an impressive €4,271.
Even more satisfactory was the level of interest in the sale from outside of Ireland. A massive 18 of the 45 lots sold, or 40%, found homes outside of the Republic. This is up 15 head from the previous year and has opened new markets for the sale to destinations such as mainland UK and Portugal.
Leading proceedings on the day was the June 2022 born bull Drumbeera Jay Z Y296 who met his reserve at €9,200 (main picture). Bred and exhibited by Leitrim based Thomas and Patrick Beirne, this super bull clocked up a number of championships throughout the summer including reserve male champion at Tullamore show and the first Connaught Donegal club calf championships. Sired by the herds successful stock bull Caulry Nationwide, he is out of the homebred Drumbeera Jenny R211 who is a maternal sister to AI bull St Aodain L Master by Jerusalem Faraday. Securing the high seller for her Roydmoor herd in England was Gina Barraclough.
Jay Z was one of two top priced bulls who received €500 of a premium for the buyer which was very kindly sponsored by Angus Beef Ireland.
Taking the top female price of the day at €8,800 was Luddenmore Ellen Erica Y551 from Dr Michael Sheahan. This May 2022 born heifer is sired by the herds 8,500gns stock bull Drumhill Exeter V105, with the dam a direct daughter of the herds foundation female Elliot Erica E019. Ranking five stars on most traits she was secured by Johnny and Lisa Doyle of the Drumhill herd in Northern Ireland. This topped an exceptional day for the Luddenmore team who sold four heifers to average just shy of €5,440.
Auctioneer Denis Barrett secured a bid of €8,100 for the next high seller Goulding Missie Y307. Bred and exhibited by Matthew and Rita Goulding based in Co Kerry, this was the top of their 12 heifers offered in the sales draft. Missie Y307 is a daughter of former stock bull Cheeklaw Edgar R515, carried five stars down the line and sold in calf to Drumhill Eveready. She was secured by the Shankhill herd in Co Cavan after an intense bidding war. Overall, the draft proved a massive success achieving a 100% clearance with average settling at €4,383.
Just behind this was the stylish January heifer calf Lisduff Philly Z121 who hit the market at €8,100. Brought out by Cavan based Leo McEnroe, this young heifer has secured numerous championships throughout the summer including the first prize at the all-Irelands and calf champion at the Leinster club calf finals. Sired by Liss Buster S621, she is out of a homebred Bunlahy Kojak bred dam. She was secured by a Northern Irish customer.
One of the first heifers sold on the day was Clara V1135 Donna who really got the crowd going by securing a price of €7,800. This February 2022 born heifer was brought out by Dan and Rose Murphy based in Millstreet in North Cork and sold with a full page of stars. Sired by the successful AI sire Rawburn Boss Hogg, she also features Netherton Archie and Rossiter Eric in the pedigree. Making the package even more valuable was she sold in calf to the much in demand Te Mania Berkely. She was secured by a west of Ireland breeder for their newly established herd.
Hitting a price of €7,600 was Rathmooney Etta Y127 from Gabriel Hoey based in Lusk, Co Dublin. This sweet October 2022 born heifer is a daughter of Liss Martin W951 and goes back to the famous Young Dale Elba line. Five stars on most traits she found a new home in Co Donegal.
The red Angus entries again proved in high demand with two of three on offer reaching a price tag of €5,800. First at the money was Dulague Red Edwina Y322 from Richie Lombard, Co Kerry. This January 2022 born heifer is a daughter of Stairhaven Red Duke Ray U224 and sold in calf to new stock bull Ivale Red Vincent.
Matching her at the money was Luddenmore Red Lass Z587 from Dr Michael Sheahan. This October 2022 born heifer is a daughter of Lisduff Red Pepper and goes back to the Red Lass of Bayshore line.
Next best at €5,200 was Goulding Patriot Y314. This heifer again formed part of the Goulding draft and was sired by the herds stock bull Clara Swanky. Five stars down the line she sold in calf to Drumhill Eveready. The Goulding draft also hit €5,000 for Goulding Jane Y322. This heifer was again sired by Swanky and sold in calf to Eveready.
Matching this €5,000 price tag was the second top priced bull on the day Drumcarbin Lord Zidane Z414. This super January 2023 born bull was bred and exhibited by Cavan Native Shane McKiernan. Sired by Loughlynn Hum Dinger and out of the Laura line, this five-star bull had a stellar show season claiming the title of All-Ireland junior champion back in August. He was secured by the Gigginstown herd in West Meath.
The sale overall proved a roaring success with a further seven lots selling for €4,0000 or more.
A massive thanks must go to all the generous sponsors, the Marteye team and of course Murt Ryan and his team at Mid-Tipp mart Thurles.
