At the April Native Breeds Sale held at Dungannon Mart on Friday 17th it was a day to remember for Co. Armagh breeder Heather King when her sole entry Sommerville 1 Bandit first took the Championship and then the top price of the day at 4800gns. The first bull to be brought forward to a sale from the herd he was a son of the widely used Fabb 1 Northern Star with his dam Sommerville 1 Duchess being the first female born into the herd as well as being a successful show female. Born in April 2024 he won class 1 before being tapped out as Champion under judge Robin Lamb before selling to Jim & Ann Henning, Co Armagh for their pedigree herd.
Class winner Annaghbeg MJ bred by M&L Moore
Taking the days second top price of 4600gns was Solpoll 1 Crossfire for John & William McMordie, Co Down. A September 2024 born son of their successful stock bull Fabb 1 Top Prize who sired the Record Price Bull at last years event. His dam was the homebred Solpoll 1 Starlet V2 he sold with excellent figures with weight and Terminal Index in the Top 1% to Derek McClements, Aughnacloy.
Class winner Benburb 1 Cameron bred by Alan Shaw
The Reserve Champion was the winner of the youngest class and bred by Bertie & Greer Watson, Raffrey. Barnburn 1 Cola a 17 month son of the previous NI Sire of the Year Solpoll 1 Ringo and out of the herds best cow Barburn 1 Nolana, the 2024 National Show Champion. Alan Rea, Ballynahinch purchased him for his pedigree herd for 4200gns.
Reserve Champion Barnburn 1 Cola bred by B&G Watson
Also selling for 4200gns was the first prize winner Annaghbeg MJ and the choice of Cathal McMullan, Castlewellan. Bred by Mark & Lawrence Moore, Aughnacloy he was a son of their successful stock Cave Hill Max with his dam being the homebred Annaghbeg Candy.
Supreme Champion Somerville 1 Bandit bred by Heather King
Another first prize winner took the next highest price of 4000gns when Alan Shaw, Dungannon sold his 19 month old Benburb 1 Cameron to F&N Fox, Dungannon. A son of Normanton 1 Laertes his dam was the purchased Solpoll 1 Dainty W16.
10 bulls sold to average £4000 at 84% clearance. Judge on the day Robin Lamb commented he was impressed with his champion and reserve, both structurally correct and good locomotion, a must for any potential bull going into a herd.