Ballinrobe First Sale 2026

South of Ireland Bluefaced Leicester Premier Sale Records Solid Trade at Ballinrobe

The South of Ireland Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders’ Association held its annual Premier Sale in Ballinrobe Mart on Saturday, 12 September. The Association would like to extend sincere thanks to judge Kieran McFadden, Ballyportery Flock, Co. Antrim, for his professionalism and expertise in adjudicating a strong show of Bluefaced Leicester sheep.

Overall, the sale proved a successful day with a clearance rate of 75%, as 160 sheep sold from the 215 presented. While trade did not quite reach the exceptional heights of last year’s sale, quality stock continued to meet strong demand, resulting in a satisfactory outcome for both buyers and sellers.

The shearling section was a particular highlight, with 40 of the 43 shearlings presented changing hands for an outstanding clearance rate of over 93%. The section averaged €890,
The ram lamb classes attracted a high standard of competition. Kieran McFadden awarded the Championship to a powerful and stylish ram lamb from Paul and Deirdre Clinton’s Rockview flock. The lamb, which had previously won his class at Tullamore Show, caught the judge’s eye for his size, correctness and breed character. Sired by the renowned Beeches Wingman,
Second place in the class also went to the Rockview flock with another similarly bred ram lamb. Third prize was awarded to a clean-marked and powerful lamb from John O’Brien’s Barr na Sléibhte flock, a son of a Drummuck ram purchased by the flock last year. Fourth place went to a strong, powerful entry from John Morahan’s Woodview flock.

The day’s top-priced ram lamb came from the Woodview flock, selling for €2,300. Another major highlight was a stylish, modern lamb from the Maskview flock which realised €2,000 when purchased by a local Mule breeder. Joint second-highest price of €2,000 was achieved by a powerful ram lamb from Jack Wickham’s Deer View flock, purchased by Richard Staunton adding this lamb to his Blue Flock.

Kieran McGrath’s Caoramor flock enjoyed a particularly successful day, selling two eye-catching ram lambs for €1,700 and €1,600 respectively. Both lambs were sired by Mistyburn Bolt .
Joe Scahill’s Faughburren flock also recorded a strong trade, with two Mistyburn-bred ram lambs selling for €1,350 and €1,150. The top-priced of these was purchased by Michael and Rachel Staunton’s Markethill flock.

In total, 100 ram lambs sold from the 151 presented, with the section averaging just over €700.

Trade for females was steady throughout the day, with 15 of the 21 females forward finding new homes at an average price of €360. The top-priced female was the first-prize ewe lamb from Jonathan Wall’s Clogher flock, which sold for €650.

Reflecting on the sale, Association members acknowledged that while trade was back somewhat on the exceptionally strong levels witnessed in 2025, the overall result was positive. Buyers had the opportunity to secure quality breeding stock at realistic values, while vendors were pleased to see genuine demand for the sheep on offer.

The South of Ireland Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders’ Association would like to thank all vendors, purchasers, sponsors, Ballinrobe Mart management and staff, stewards, volunteers and members whose efforts helped make the event a success.