The fifth annual Western Stars Sale on Friday, 30 October, attracted a large crowd and strong demand for an outstanding selection of pedigree Suffolk gimmers and ewe lambs showcased from leading Connacht breeders.

Gimmers kicked off the sale, commanding a strong demand from the outset with David Moggin taking charge of the rostrum.

Top price of the gimmer section and second top price of the sale was a consignment from Kenneth Bailey’s Lismurtagh flock. Sired by Malinhead Al Capone and carrying a single to former sire of the year, Kells T-Rex, she was knocked down at €2,500 to B & B Suffolks.

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Hot on her heels, selling for €2,200, was a gimmer carrying twins to Tolgus Top-Gun from the Limestone flock. The daughter of Benedyglen Masterpiece was purchased by fellow breeder Chris Kennedy.

Western Suffolks also enjoyed a commendable trade, realising €2,100 on two occasions with a pair of gimmers, both carrying triplets to Castleisle Dancing Brave. Both gimmers were knocked down to Michael Gilmore’s Bunnatubber flock.

First to hit this milestone was a gimmer sired by Railstown Cracker Jack, with a daughter of Strathbogie Joel following her lead.

Demand for gimmers was exceptional with a sale clearance rate of 99%.

Other notable gimmer prices included:

  • €1,900 for a gimmer carrying twins to Limestone Draper, consigned by Jimmy Screene’s Windfield flock.
  • €1,900 for a gimmer carrying twins to Carragh Timeless, consigned by John Oakman’s Lisakillen flock, sold to Thomas and Rachel McCormack’s Altra flock.
  • €1,800 for a gimmer in-lamb to Muff Calgary, consigned by the Fearmor flock, sold to Owen Doran’s Drumgowan flock.
  • €1,800 for a gimmer carrying twins to Windfield Ducati, consigned by Loughryn Suffolks, sold to Ciara Walsh’s Carnaculla flock.
  • €1,550 for a gimmer carrying twins to Castleisle Dancing Brave, consigned by Marie Jennings, sold to Eamonn Duffy’s Kells flock.

    • Top priced gimmer, €2,500, was this gimmer from Kenneth Bailey's Lismurtagh Flock. Pictured L-R Kenneth Bailey, purchasers, Billy Dalton & Ben Crawford, Tara, Lorraine & Conor Bailey (Lismurtagh Suffolks). \Chloe Goggins

    Following the conclusion of the gimmer sale, a consignment of ewe lambs sired by leading, well-reputed genetics took to the ring. Sires included Castleisle Dancing Brave (National Premier Champion 2025), £55,000 Cairnton Chaos, £13,000 Limestone Double Diamond, Duncan’s Cantona, Mullinvale Defender and Islandmoyle Dapper.

    Leading the ewe lamb section and topping the sale at €2,800 was an exceptional entry from Michael Hastings’ Western flock. Sired by Castleisle Dancing Brave with a Ballycannon dam, her pedigree traces back to Ballinatone Showstopper, the holder of the Irish record price for a Suffolk sheep. She was purchased by Ciara Walsh’s Carnaculla flock.

    The second-highest ewe lamb price, third highest sale price overall, was achieved by a Cairnton Chaos sired lamb from Thomas Kenny. The full ET sister to the Reserve All Ireland Champion 2026 was knocked down to Alan Devine for €2,450.

    Charlie Bourke’s Connview flock enjoyed a successful evening with a pair of twin ET lambs, both sired by Limestone Double Diamond.

    The pair sold for €2,250 and €1,600 respectively. Both were purchased by Gerry Killilea’s Carragh flock, with a share held by Peter Colleran’s Quarrypark flock.

    Other notable ewe lamb prices included:

  • €1,500 for a Milo Bartez-sired lamb consigned by Paul Morris’ Coolarne flock, sold to Brian Egan’s Mackanrany flock.
  • €1,350 for a Limestone Draper-sired lamb, consigned by Jimmy Screene’s Windfield flock.
  • €1,100 for an Islandmoyle Dapper-sired lamb, consigned by Thomas Kenny, sold to Declan Walsh’s Dunfierth flock.

    • The West of Ireland Registered Pedigree Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club extended its gratitude to everyone who helped make the sale such a success, particularly all the buyers and underbidders.