The hotly anticipated Mercury Matrons timed auction took place over the weekend exceeding all expectations. All dams in the herd born prior to 2023 were offered for sale with demand exceeding supply resulting in all 15 lots finding new homes. Average for the 15 settled at an impressive €7,360 with buyers from right across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The herd which is ran by John and Shane Murphy in north Cork has been at the forefront of the breed for many years achieving numerous high prices, show success and last year the title of All-Ireland champion medium herd.
Leading the prices at €11,000 was Luddenmore Ellen Erica W442. Originally bred by Dr Michael Sheahan, this cow needs little introduction being the dam of the Irish male record priced Mercury Red Evo Z910 who sold for €27,800 at the 2024 Extravaganza. Sired by Friarstown Evolver she sells to Northern Ireland with an expected calving date in November.
Close behind this was lot 2, Mercury Special Tinge who hit the market at €10,000. This name will again be familiar to Angus breeders with Special Tinge haven claimed the supreme Irish Aberdeen Angus All-Ireland championship as a two-year-old first calver in 2022. Sired by Luddenmore Just The Business, she is out of Mercury Lovely Tinge who sold for €8,000 in 2018.
The same buyer from Co Sligo also paid €9,000 for Mercury Unique Fleur. This well bodied, super Angus type cow is sired by Coraghy Steel and out of Tara Fleuret U556. She sells carrying a heifer calf due November by the 2023 National calf show champion Luddenmore Victorious.
Another Coraghy Steel daughter, Mercury Jody Y883, sold for €8,400. This tank of a cow previously bred a Munster Marvel sale topper and sold with a DBI figure of €180 and carcase weight at 20kg. Out of imported cow Morpheus Jodie R023 she again sold carrying a heifer calf by Victorious.
Mercury Stylish Tinge was next in line when she hit the market at €8,000. This Rawburn Boss Hogg daughter is out of Mercury Fab Tinge and is a full sister to former champion of Europe Mercury Sexy Tinge. Ranking five stars down the line, she sold expecting a bull calf in October.
The Murphy family would like to thank all who visited to view the cattle, bid and secured lots and wish the all the very best with their purchases. This sale was undertaken by the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association through Marteye and Thurles mart.
