The Belgian Beltex Society held its annual Elite Sale on Wednesday, July 21, at Tullamore Mart.

A slight easing in Covid-19 restrictions allowed a pre-sale show with the judge on the day Mr. David Gibbons allocating the rosettes.

Overall Champion and much-admired ram lamb, Lisnacrann Gordon Ramsay, exhibited by Michael and Niamh Oliver, in Swinford, Co. Mayo sold to Sean O’Brien, from Lifford, Co. Donegal for €800.

The sale topper was a shearling ewe exhibited by John Maher, from Roscrea, in Co. Tipperary. Ballinakill Fancy sold in the ring to online bidder Sean Browne, residing in Durrow, Co. Offaly for €1,740.

The top-price ram lamb was forwarded by Dermot Goss, a native of Kilcurry, in Co. Louth. Hillview Goliath sold to Thomas Kenny, in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway for €1,040.

Goss also received €600 for Hillview Godzilla who found a new home with Sheila Hegarty from Co. Clare.

While Goss topped off a great day with his shearling ewe topped forward as Champion female and Reserve overall, unfortunately she failed to meet her reserve and left the ring unsold.

Other top prices included:

A spokesperson for the society said: "Even though the sale entry increased this year, an excellent sale clearance was recorded with the clearance rate up slightly on 2020.

"This is a sale designed for existing breeders to add to their flocks and new breeders to source start-up breeding stock with the sale showcasing some of the very best genetics available in Ireland.

"The overall trade maintained the recent strong demand for pedigree sheep, with a large attendance ringside supported by online bidding throughout the day with the strong demand reflected in the 75% clearance for the breed at an average of €700."