Southwestern Shorthorn Breeders Club Sale 2026 – By Áine O’Donovan Nicholson

The Southwestern Shorthorn Breeders Club held its 4th Annual Sale of Pedigree Beef Shorthorn Cattle at Macroom Mart on Saturday, 26th September, with a 100% clearance rate achieved on the day. A total of 46 lots were offered for sale, comprising 8 in-calf heifers, 10 maiden heifers, 3 bulls, 1 weanling bull and 24 weanling heifers.

The day began with a showing element, with the judging carried out by Mr John Brosnan of the renowned Glounlea Beef Shorthorn Herd in Co. Kerry.

Taking the overall Championship was Lot 717, Kealkil Rose 1st, a September 2025-born heifer bred and owned by Ciaran Kelleher, Bantry, Co. Cork. Sired by Doon Jupiter (SH4929) and out of Clashagad Rose 8th, the stylish roan heifer went on to sell for €3940.

Reserve Champion was awarded to Lot 720, Cooldaniel Finn 2nd, owned and bred by Mary Hallahan, Macroom, Co. Cork. Born in March 2025, the bull is sired by Finlough Finn (SH5431) and out of Rockville Yabby 430. Cooldaniel Finn 2nd attracted strong interest and was purchased by a local breeder for €4,220, making him the top-priced animal of the sale.

Notable Prices:

• Top priced in-calf. Lot 707 – 2^nd prize winner. Castlehaven Primrose 12, owned and bred by Philip Salter, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. €3040. Sired by Creaga Vertigo and out of Castlehaven Primrose (Sire – Malton Zenith). In calf to Alta Cedar Code Red (AOR). 555kg.
• Lot 706 – Organic in-calf heifer. Lucey Caroline, owned and bred by Jim Lucey, Macroom, Co. Cork. €3000. In-calf to Driney Nice Guy (SH2555). 475kg.
• Lot 716 – Sept 2025 maiden heifer. Brideview Dana, owned and bred by Peter Cooper, Farnanes, Co. Cork. Sired by Ballyart Lucky (YKK) and out of Dunbullogue Dana 941. €3600. 380kg.
• Lot 719 – 2^nd prize winner bull. Ardnaskea Hozier, owned and bred by Patrick Hehir, Inagh, Co. Clare. Sired by Clonina Explorer 300 (SH4609) and out of Racepark Shamrock. €2950. 505kg.
• Lot 727 – Jan 2026 weanling heifer. 2^nd prize winner. Paddock Brenda, owned and bred by Martin O’Neill, Drinagh, Co. Cork. Top priced weanling €3500. Sired by Ballinlig Rocky and out of Dunbullogue Carly 913. 355kg
• Lot 731 – February 2026 weanling heifer. Paddock Sylvia, owned and bred by Martin O’Neill, Drinagh, Co. Cork. €2720. Sired by Ballinlig Rocky and out of Paddock Ashling (Sire Sprys Patents Ace). 320kg
• Lot 734 – Feb 2026 weanling heifer. Currowside Grace, owned and bred by Paudie O’Sullivan, Milltown, Co. Kerry. Sired by Rowanberry Twister and out of Carrigisland Daisy 951. €3000. 3^rd prize winner. 285kg.
• Lot 742 – April 2026 weanling heifer. Velvetstown Fogath 21, owned and bred by Patrick McCarthy, Buttevant, Co. Cork. Sired by Knockagarry Pat 51171 and out of Velvetstown Molly 2^nd. €1720. 240kg.
• Lot 746 – Jan 2026 weanling heifer. Castlehaven Primrose 16, owned and bred by Philip Salter, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Sired by Creaga Vertigo and out of Knockagarry Primrose 817. €1960. 300kg.

Average Prices:

• In calf heifers averaged: €2525
• Maiden heifers: €2486
• Adult bulls: €3106
• Weanling heifers: €1933