Select Page
‘REGAL’ RANFURLY LADY DIANA 41ST WINS 2026 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW!

‘REGAL’ RANFURLY LADY DIANA 41ST WINS 2026 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW!

Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st wins Overall Supreme
Ballinalare Farm Ritz places Reserve Overall Female
Hiltonstown Serenity wins Junior Championship
Corrick Spartan crowned Male Champion

The classy rising five-year-old cow, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st M14 VG from David & Jonny Hazelton, Cohannon House, Dungannon, swept all before her to win the 2026 Northern Ireland Simmental National Show, held within Clogher Valley Show, on Wednesday 29th July.  Judging what was a high-quality show of 40 Simmentals was BSCS President Chris Martindale, who runs the noted Forsdale herd at Coedfa, St Martins, Oswestry.

Overall Champion & Female Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st

Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st is by the noted AI sire Auchorachan Hercules 16 (ET) EX 92, who himself was bred from a Ranfurly embryo, and is out of Ranfurly Lady Diana 33rd J5 18 EX 92, a Raceview King daughter, and whose pedigree goes back to the renowned Salisbury Guinevere, the foundation female of that line. Lady Diana was shown with her November 2025 born bull calf at foot, Ranfurly Standout S10 25, a Curaheen Bandit son.

Commenting, the judge Chris Martindale said: “Firstly it was a great honour to be invited to judge the NI Simmental National, and what a great show of top-quality cattle were on parade, good enough to grace any show in the UK. My champion came from the very first class of the day. She entered the ring with great presence and stood out as a great example of the breed Full of breed character, she was level over the top and with tremendous width over the plates. Lady Diana walked easily and was shown with a great bull calf. What an outfit and a very worthy champion.”  Come Individual Interbreed time and Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st took the Second Reserve Overall in front of Karl Connell, Carrickmore.

NI National Show judge Chris Martindale casting his eye.

For the Ranfurly herd, prolific over the years at both shows and sales, it was a second Overall Supreme having won the 2019 NI National Show and having placed Reserve in 2024.  No stranger to the show ring herself, back in 2023 as a young heifer, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st was the Reserve Overall Supreme at the RUAS Balmoral Show and has previously been a first prize winner at both the 2022, and 2024 NI National Shows.  This year her only other outing was at Antrim Show where she won the Simmental Championship and where she was Reserve Interbreed Beef Cow.

Speaking afterwards a delighted Jonny Hazelton said: “This is the biggest show of Simmentals in the year in Northern Ireland, and it really is a great honour to win such a prestigious show and within such a strong line up from our fellow exhibitors.  This is her last show of the year and very much a high point to finish on.  Her calf will be weaned off soon and then Lady Diana 41st will be enjoying a well-deserved rest”!

It was an all-round top day for the Hazeltons who in addition to their Overall Supreme title also won the Simmental Pairs with Ranfurly Weikel 56th, and Ranfurly Jade 2nd. Unbeaten in Simmental Pairs this year, this dynamic duo also won the Beef Interbreed Pairs at RUAS Balmoral this year.  Lady Diana 41st then joined the pair to secure a win in the Group of Three.  Rounding off the day, Jonny and Julie Hazelton’s young daughter Lucy Hazelton (10) also took first prize in the young handlers aged 8 to 12 years old on show day. Top work Lucy and the whole ‘Team Ranfurly’, what a day, and what a week!  These wins came hard on the heels of Ranfurly Weikel 55th taking the Simmental Overall Reserve Supreme at the Royal Welsh Show.

Reserve Female Champion Ballinalare Farm Ritz

With a mighty track record at recent NI National Shows, and RUAS Balmoral Shows, Joe & Alan Wilson, Newry, Co Down were again ‘putting on the Ritz’ when winning the Reserve Overall Supreme and Reserve Female Championship with their May 2024 born heifer Ballinalare Farm Ritz.  Shown in-calf to Camus Brandy, Ballinalare Farm Ritz is by Bighill Magic, and is out of the Denizes Fantastic sired Ballinalare Farm Ladybird. Of Ballinalare Farm Ritz, who was also a class winner at last year’s NI National Show, the judge Chris Martindale said: “My Reserve Champion was just another super heifer. Full of flesh she again had a great top and plates and really showed herself off. Both the Champion and Reserve were terrific animals and led what was a fantastic show of Simmental females.”

Ballinalare Farm Tikita

The all-conquering Ballinalare Farm Nikita has made quite the impression in recent years and whilst not shown at Clogher, her April 2026 born calf Ballinalare Farm Tikita was and picked up a first in the baby heifer class.  Sired by Raceview King, Chris Martindale commented: “This is a lovely baby heifer and I am very sure she has a great future ahead of her.”

Junior Champion Hiltonstown Serenity

Continuing the theme of ‘super Simmental females’, the Overall Junior Champion came in the shape of Hiltonstown Serenity from Richard & Rhys Rodgers, Portglenone, Co Antrim.  Entirely homebred and got by AI, the July 2025 born Serenity is by the 20,000gns Hiltonstown Matrix, and is out of Hiltonstown Jet EX 92, a Cairnview Snazzy daughter. Of his Junior Champion the judge said: “What a flashy young heifer this is.  She is so sweet and has so much potential to make a top-quality cow in the future. Keep an eye out for her next year.”  Also speaking after the show, Richard Rodgers said: “Serenity was shown last weekend at Antrim Show and where she won her class.  We are really delighted for her to now come and win the Junior Championship at our National Show. Her mother who is classified EX 92 has now bred five daughters of a type!  Serenity is what I’d call a very typical Hiltonstown heifer who we’ll breed from and with a view to keep moving the quality of the herd forward”.

Male Champion & Reserve Junior Champion Corrick Spartan

Moving into the bulls and winning the Overall Male Championship, and Overall Reserve Junior was Corrick Spartan from Cecil & Scott McIlwaine, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone.  April 2025 born, Spartan is by the well-known Saltire Impressive and is out of a polled bred cow Corrick Joan (P), a Curaheen Gunshot (P) daughter.  The Corrick herd typically show at Clogher and Omagh as part of bringing through bulls for sale and have been good supporters of previous National Shows.  Bulls show at previous Nationals have gone on top sales at both Swatragh and Dungannon with Corrick Patriot setting what was then a record price of 7200gns at Dungannon.  Corrick Spartan had previously been shown this year at Omagh and where he stood first in his class.  Of hi Male Champion the judge said: “Corrick Spartan is a very long, clean bull and again, well fleshed throughout. He paraded on a great set of legs and feet and was an easy winner. A bull with lots of potential, he’s one to look out for in February at Stirling.” Confirming that Corrick Spartan will be aimed at Stirling, Neil McIlwaine went on to say: “With a strong showing of young bulls at Clogher on the day, and at various ‘stages’ of their maturity, it was great to be awarded the Male Championship and we’re extremely pleased. We think Spartan has key modern day Simmental traits with exceptional width through his top, length and correctness, coupled with a very docile temperament.”

DANI Rosebowl winner Corrick Showman

Making it a ‘nifty double’ the May 2025 born Corrick Showman won the Dani Rose Bowl Bull Performance title awarded through a selection of EBV indexes and visual characteristics. Previously shown at Omagh where he was breed Male Champion, Showman went on to take the County Tyrone Interbreed Homebred Championship at just 13 months of age. Out of Corrick Molly (TF), who is full of home bred breeding, this Coose Lincoln sired bull is in the top 5% for Terminal production indices plus, 200 and 400 day weights.  Showman will also be destined for the February Spring Sales in 2027.

Reserve Male Champion Omorga Shogun

Taking the Overall Reserve Male Championship, and winner of his junior bull class, was HJW & JC Moore, Beragh, Omagh, Co Tyrone.  September 2025 born, Omorga Shogun is by the herd’s 20,000gns stock bull Denizes Monty, and is out of Crossane Perfect One, described as ‘a very nice type of Kilbride Farm Bantry cow with a lovely temperament”. Perfect One’s dam was the well-known Irish Show winning heifer Lissadell Just the One. Commenting on Omorga Shogun, who was being shown for the first time, the judge said: “My Reserve Male, Omorga Shogun, is a very modern young Simmental who should go on to be an impressive bull in the coming months”.  Standing third in the same class was Omoraga Saracen, another Denizes Monty son and a full brother to Omorga Rocky sold at Stirling in February this year for 13,000gns.  Of these two bulls going forward John Moore said: “From here, and all being well that these bulls keep going on and developing, we’ll be aiming them for sale ‘across the water’ in due course.”

By comment consent it was a terrific show of Simmentals and with Chris Martindale rounding off by saying: “Well done again to all of the exhibitors. I had a hugely enjoyable day judging some high-quality Simmental cattle.  With the quality of stock that was put before me today I can very much say that the Simmental breed is in safe hands in Northern Ireland.”

With the prizes well spread round here are the herds that featured as first prize winners and in the special awards:

Ballinalare; Ballydavey; Bridgewater; Carrowcladagh; Coolcran; Corrick; Hiltonstown; Omorga; and Ranfurly

Well done to all of the Northern Ireland breeders, sponsors, and NI Simmental Breeders Club, for putting on a fantastic 2026 NI Simmental National Show at Clogher Valley, and please see the full results here:

Overall Champion, & Female Champions

Junior Female Champions

Female Champions

Male & Junior Male Champions

Junior Champions

Pairs – Ranfurly

Team of 3 – Ranfurly

Well done to all of the Northern Ireland breeders, sponsors, and NI Simmental Breeders Club, for putting on a fantastic 2026 NI Simmental National Show at Clogher Valley, and please see the full results here:

2026 NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW RESULTS
Clogher Valley Show
Judge: Chris Martindale

CLASS 144: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL COW OR HEIFER IN MILK OR IN CALF SPONSORED BY THREE VALLEYS
1st Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st

CLASS 145: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL SENIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/01/24 & 30/06/24 SPONSORED BY CAMPBELL CONTRACTS
1st Ballinalare Farm Ritz
2nd Ranfurly Weikel 56th
3rd Mullyknock Ruth

CLASS 146: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL INTERMEDIATE HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/07/24 & 31/12/24 SPONSORED BY FARM VET SERVICES
1st Ranfurly Jade 2nd
2nd Broomfield Super Little D

Ranfurly Jade 2nd

CLASS 147: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/01/25 & 30/04/25 SPONSORED BY SKIP SERVICES ENNISKILLEN
1st Rathnashan There She Goes
2nd Lisglass Sapphire
3rd Lisglass Silverbell
4th Ballyrory Skye

CLASS 148: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/05/25 & 31/08/25 SPONSORED BY CARLAND MILL
1st Hiltonstown Serenity
2nd Mullyknock Sunshine

CLASS 149: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR HEIFER BORN BETWEEN 01/09/25 & 31/12/25 SPONSORED BY COUNTRYSIDE SERVICES
1st Carrowcladagh Stella
2nd Gillview Sally Charlotte
3rd Gillview Susie

Carrowcladagh Stella

CLASS 150: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL HEIFER CALF BORN IN 2026 SPONSORED BY MILLBURN CONCRETE
1st Ballinalare Farm Tikita
2nd Ballinalare Farm Tequila
3rd Coolcran Heidi’s Tigerlilly
4th Derrycallaghan Topgirl
5th Mullyknock Twinkle

CLASS 152: CHAMPION FEMALE SIMMENTAL
Champion – Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st
Reserve Female Champion – Ballinalare Farm Ritz

CLASS 154: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR BULL BORN BETWEEN 01/01/25 AND 30/04/25 SPONSORED BY M KEYS TRANSPORT
1st Corrick Spartan
2nd Ballyrory Simba

CLASS 155: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR BULL BORN BETWEEN 01/05/25 AND 31/08/25 SPONSORED BY IRWIN FEEDS
1st Bridgewater Farm Superstar
2nd Mullyknock Scorpio
3rd Hiltonstown Sirocco
4th Corrick Showman
5th Drumsamney Sylvester
6th Drumsamney Samuel

Bridgewater Farm Superstar

CLASS 156: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL JUNIOR BULL BORN BETWEEN 01/09/25 AND 31/12/25 SPONSORED BY YARA
1st Omorga Shogun
2nd Ranfurly Standout
3rd Omorga Saracen
4th Lisglass Showman
5th Bridgewater Farm Starsky

CLASS 157: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL BULL CALF BORN IN 2026 SPONSORED BY EXCEL GENETICS
1st Coolcran Titan
2nd Derrycallaghan Tyson

Coolcran Titan

CLASS 158: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL DANI ROSEBOWL BULL PERFORMANCE AWARD SPONSORED BY FRC RECRUITMENT & CONSULTANCY
1st Corrick Showman
2nd Hiltonstown Sirocco
3rd Ranfurly Standout

CLASS 159: CHAMPION MALE SIMMENTAL SPONSORED BY AHV
Male Champion – Corrick Spartan
Reserve Male Champion – Omorga Shogun

CLASS 160: JUNIOR CHAMPION SIMMENTAL SPONSORED BY UNITED FEEDS
Junior Champion – Hiltonstown Serenity
Reserve Junior Champion – Corrick Spartan

CLASS 161: OVERALL SIMMENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st

 CLASS 162: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL PAIRS, PROPERTY OF EXHIBITOR SPONSORED BY T MET
1st Ranfurly
2nd Corrick
3rd Hiltonstown

CLASS 163: PEDIGREE SIMMENTAL GROUP OF 3 SPONSORED BY GEORGE HAMILTON MACHINERY
1st Ranfurly
2nd Lisglass
3rd Ballinalare Farm

 CLASS 164: YOUNG HANDLERS AGED 8 TO 12 YEARS OLD ON SHOW DAY SPONSORED BY PROVITA
1st Lucy Hazelton

Winning young handler Lucy Hazelton (10)

CLASS 165: YOUNG HANDLERS AGED 13 TO 18 YEARS OLD ON SHOW DAY SPONSORED BY BOYD FEEDS
1st Lexi Heatrick
2nd Rhys Rodgers
3rd Timothy Hamilton

Lexi Heatrick, winner of the Young Handler class aged 13 to 18 years.

‘FOUR-MIDABLE’ BALLINALARE NIKITA MAKES BALMORAL SHOW SIMMENTAL HISTORY!

‘FOUR-MIDABLE’ BALLINALARE NIKITA MAKES BALMORAL SHOW SIMMENTAL HISTORY!

Ballinalare Farm Nikita Wins Overall Simmental Supreme for fourth consecutive year
Lisglass Sapphire takes Overall reserve & Junior Champion
Mullynock Scorpio is crowned Male Champion

Supreme Champion Ballinalare Farm Nikita

 Rewriting the Simmental record books is the amazing Ballinalare Farm Nikita from Joe & Alan Wilson, Newry, who with her cracking heifer calf at foot, won a record breaking fourth Royal Ulster Balmoral Show Simmental Overall Supreme Championship, on the first day of this early summer ‘major’ at Balmoral Park, Lisburn, Co Antrim.  Judging the Simmental classes and Championships was John Barlow of the noted Denizes herd, Lancashire.

The win for this February 2022 born Simmental female, in what was a quality show of some 20 pedigree Simmental cattle, saw this remarkable lady complete a record four-in-a-row Simmental Championships and to set a new record for Simmental cattle at a designated ‘major’ and possibly a record for any breed at these same events!

Ballinalare Farm Nikita’s calf at foot was the April 2026 born Ballinalare Farm Tikita, who is sired by the noted Raceview King. See the video with this post

Striding out in the first class of the day, Ballinalare Farm Nikita picked up the Female Championship before winning the day’s top prize. Nikita is by the well-known Saltire Impressive and is out of Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa, a Denizes Fantastic daughter.

The roll call for this incredible now four year old cow sees her having four consecutive wins at Balmoral, three  in a row at NI Simmental National Shows, and along with multiple interbreed titles at various NI shows.

Reserve Supreme & Junior Champion Lisglass Sapphire

 Lifting the Overall Reserve Supreme, the Overall Junior Championship, and the Reserve Female Championship, was the super stylish young heifer Lisglass Sapphire from Leslie & Chris Weatherup, Irish Hill, Ballyclare, Co Antrim.  April 2025 born, this calf is another by Raceview King, and is out of Dermody Princess who herself stood Reserve Female to Nikita at Balmoral in 2024, and has also been Reserve Female at the NI Simmental National Show.

Male & Overall Reserve Junior Champion Mullyknock Scorpio

Taking the Male Championship, and the Overall Reserve Junior Championship was the May 2025 born bull Mullynock Scorpio from Robert Forde, Tempo, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.  A first prize winner at the 2025 NI Simmental National Show at Clogher, this calf is by Clonagh Tiger Gallant, and again features Raceview breeding being out of Raceview Prety Lady Gretta.

See the full results below and keep an eye out for updates as the Interbreeds take place over the next three days…

2026 Balmoral Show Simmental Results

Cow in calf or in milk having had calf by age of three years
1st          Alan Wilson                    163      Ballinalare Farm Nikita
2nd         Connor Wilkinson       164      Clonagh Polly Holly

Ranfurly Weikel 56th

Heifer, in calf or calf at foot, born on after 1st January 2024, and on or before 30 June 2024
1st                W D & J D Hazelton     165    Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5
2nd            Alan Wilson                     166     Ballinalare Farm Ritz

Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13

 Heifer born on or after 1st July 2024 and on or before 31st Dec 2024
1st          W D & J D Hazelton        168       Ranfurly Jade     2nd R13
2nd          Connor Wilkinson          167       Broomfield Super Little D
3rd          Susan McCullough    169            Rathnashan Star Neptune

HEIFER, born on or after 1st January 2025 and on or before 30th April 2025
1st          J L & C J Weatherup    171       Lisglass Sapphire
2nd         J L & C J Weatherup    172       Lisglass Silverbell
3rd          Bridgewater Farm       170       Bridgewater Farm Wisteria 6th
4th          Susan McCullough    173       Rathnashan There She Goes

HEIFER, born on or after 1st May 2025 and on or before 31st December 2025
1st          JL & CL Weatherup         165       Lisglass Star
2nd         R Forde                176       Mullyknock sunshine
3rd         Bridgewater Farm        177      Bridgewater Farm Kleeb 4th

Bridgewater Farm Samson

Bull, born on or after 1st January 2025 and on or before 30th April 2025
1st                 Bridgewater Farm      178     Bridgewater Farm Samson 25

Bull, born on or after 1st May 2025 and on or before 31st December 2025
1st          Robert Forde                180      Mullyknock Scorpio
2nd         Jl & CJ Weatherup       183     Lisglass Showman
3rd         Bridgewater Farm        182     Bridgewater Farm Superstar 25
4th         L Wilson                            181     Ballinalare Farm Supremo

Best pair Ranfurly Weikel 56 and Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13

Pair of animals, bona fide the property of one exhibitor and entered in the classes for which they are eligible.
1st W D & J D Hazelton, Ranfurly
2nd L  Wilson, Ballinalare Farm
3rd  J l & C J Weatherup, Lisglass

Supreme Champion
Ballinalare Farm Nikita           A Wilson

Reserve Supreme Champion
Lisglass Sapphire                      J L & C J Weatherup

Junior Champion
Lisglass Sapphire                     J L & C J Weatherup

Reserve Junior Champion
Mullyknock Scorpio                  R Forde

Female Champion
Ballinalare Farm Nikita           J & A Wilson

Reserve Female Champion
Lisglass Sapphire                       J L & C J Weatherup

 Male Champion
Mullyknock Scorpio      R Forde

Reserve Male Champion
Lisglass Showman                   J L & C J Weatherup

10,000GNS GILLVIEW RANGER SETS NEW SIMMENTAL RECORD AT DUNGANNON SALE!

10,000GNS GILLVIEW RANGER SETS NEW SIMMENTAL RECORD AT DUNGANNON SALE!

Gillview Ranger the first Simmental bull to sell at five figures at NI Society sale
Bulls average £5814.37, a new breed record, and up by £366.80
100% clearance rate

Records were broken at the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Sale at Dungannon Farmers Mart on Friday 27th March when local breeder Ryan Gilmour sold Gillview Ranger for 10,000gns.The 10,000gns is a new record for this Dungannon Sale, eclipsing last year’s 7200gns figure for Corrick Pressley, and is the first time a Simmental bull has sold at the five figure mark at a Society Sale in Northern Ireland.

10,000gns Gillview Ranger, Overall Supreme Champion

In the pre-sale show, this October 2024 born bull had been placed as Supreme Champion by the judge Robert Forde, of the noted Mullynock herd, Tempo.  Commenting on his Champion, Mr Forde said:  “My Champion was just a lovely, standout bull in the show.  He was long, clean, well muscled, and has all the attributes to produce top end market weaners for commercial farmers, and to make a stock bull for a pedigree herd.”

Simmental judge, Robert Forde, Mullynock herd.

Full of breeding, the stylish Gillview Ranger is by the noted AI sire Coose Lincoln (ET) EX 95, and is out of Raceview Millie Fairytale, a Kilbride Farm Delboy 12 daughter purchased from Peter & Marion O’Connell in October 2021. At Stirling in February this year, Coose Lincoln (ET) EX 95 sons made 20,000gns, 19,000gns, 18,000gns, and 13,000gns.

Gillview Ranger’s figures see him in the Simmental breed’s top 15% for Maternal (Milk), and top 5% for Eye Muscle Area.  The combination of pedigree, performance, and the bull in himself, caught the eye of commercial suckler man Derek Reaney, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, who paid the day’s top price. Speaking afterwards Mr Reaney said: “I really liked this bull’s picture on Facebook, and then in the flesh when I saw him at the pre-sale show.  He’s a very modern type of bull, has a great top line, and plenty of muscle. I run 75 to 80 suckler cows, both Limousin X and Saler X, and my aim is to use Gillview Ranger to breed quality female replacements.”

The sale has come at a very timely moment with Ryan soon to be married to his fiancée Shannon.  Commenting, Ryan said:  Gillview Ranger has been an outstanding calf from birth and quickly became a firm favourite of mine, and especially of Shannon. In the lead-up to the sale, we were quietly confident as he was looking really well and we’re over the moon that he’s made this record price.  It certainly had a feel that fate was on our side, as we were just 10 days away from our wedding at the time of the sale in Dungannon, and Ranger went on to sell for 10,000gns, making “10” a number to remember for us!”

Ryan, who is also the NI Simmental Breeders Club Secretary went on to say: “We are proud to support and promote the Simmental breed here in Northern Ireland, and particularly with Dungannon Mart on our doorstep. We are really delighted to set a new Northern Ireland Simmental sale record, reaching a five-figure price for a bull, and during the NI Simmental Club’s 55th anniversary this year.  He’s gone to an excellent home, remaining locally in Tyrone with well-known commercial farmer Derek Reaney, and we would like to wish him every success with Ranger. We also extend our thanks to the mart staff and the Wylie family for their continued support and for hosting Simmental sales in Dungannon over the years.” The sale represents a high price to date for the Gillview herd which presently consists of ten breeding cows.  Further success was attained in the show ring last year when Gillview Rocket lifted the Reserve Male Champion at the NI National Show in Clogher.

In a small but quality sale at Dungannon, the bulls sold averaged £5814.37, a new record average and up by £366.80 on last year’s sale, and with a total clearance of the eight bulls forward.

Selling at 7000gns was the upstanding Ashland Silvester from Pat & Frank Kelly, Tempo, Co Fermanagh.  January 2025 born this bull is by the AI sire Ashland Brandy, and is out of Raceview Mollyfortuna 887, a Dermotstown Delboy EX 92 daughter.  This bull also carried strong performance figures being in the breed’s top 5% for Calving Ease Daughters, and top 15% for Maternal (Milk).  Buying this bull was John McGovern, Enniskillen, C Fermanagh.

7000gns Ashland Silvester

At 5600gns was Coolcran Rafiki 24 from Shane & Paul McDonald, Coolcran, Tempo, Co Fermanagh. A feature of the sale bulls offered, Coolcran Rafiki 24 also combined a depth of breeding, strong performance figures, and a prize winning show record. September 2024 born, Rafiki is by Islavale Miami, and is out of Coolcran Heidi’s Khaleesi, a maternal sister to the 26,000gns Coolcran Heidi’s Noreen, and noted as the best cow family in the herd.

With strong performance figures, Coolcran Rafiki 24 is in the breed’s top 10% for Maternal (Milk); is in the top 5% for 600 day weight; top 10% for 200 & 400 day weight; top 5% for Eye Muscle Area; and carried the best Calving Ease Direct figure in the catalogue. With a show record behind him, Coolcran Rafiki 24 was the winner of the DANI Rosebowl for Best Performance Recorded Bull at the NI National Show, Clogher, last year.   Coolcran Rafiki 24 was knocked down to Victor MacFarland, Ballygawley, Dungannon.

5600gns Coolcran Rafiki

It was a good day at the sale for Gavin Hayes & Son, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, Co Antrim, who kicked off the sale by selling Haystar Revolver for 5200gns John J Cavanagh, Pomeroy, Dungannon..  This April 2024 born bull calf is sired by Lissadell Nailer, and is out of Raceview Lively HW Nicolet, by Clonagh Tiger Gallant, who was purchased from a Raceview reduction sale. In November 2024 this bull was Junior Champion at the NI Simmental Club Calf Show held at Ballymena Livestock Market. At the pre-show sale of bulls at Dungannon, Haystar Revolver was placed Reserve Supreme Champion.  Of this bull the judge Robert Forde said:  “This was a big, long, square bull.  He was excellent on his legs, clean through his brisket, and again should go on to produce excellent, first quality calves.”

5200gns Haystar Revolver, Overall Reserve Champion

On the day the Haystar herd also had the top priced female when they sold the in-calf heifer Haystar Wonder 13 for 5700gns.   July 2023 born,  Haystar Wonder 13 is by the noted AI sire Corrick Kentucky Kid, and is out of the Cleenagh Flasher daughter Haystar Wonder (ET).  Scanned in-calf to Coose Kingston, and due mid May, Haystar Wonder 13 was bought by Ashley Bowden for his Legmurn herd at Stewartstown, Co Tyrone.

AVERAGES:

8 Bulls £5814.37 (+£366.80)
5 Heifers £3927

Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart.