Hilltown Export Sale 2014
Double Delight for Downkillybegs
William Carson and NI Dorset Club Vice Chairman, Michael Maybin
with the Champion
Karen Carson and Judge Thomas Madden with the Reserve Champion
The Downkillybegs Flock belonging to William and Karen Carson from Ballymena produced both the Champion and Reserve Champion at the N.I. Dorset Club’s 3rd Annual Export Show and Sale at Hilltown Market last week. Club President, Mr Thomas Madden from Ballyvaddy, Co. Antrim had the task of judging and after much deliberation he awarded the top prize to a well muscled ewe lamb sired by Huish Chianti which was later snapped up in the sale ring by Michael Grant, Kilcoo, Newry for 460 gns.
The Reserve Champion and winner of the ram lamb class was also from the Downkillybegs Flock, a son of the successful sire Olivertree Nik Nak. Such was the quality of the Carsons consignment at Hilltown that they were placed first and second in both the ram lamb and ewe lamb classes.
Top price of the day went at a very powerful young ram lamb from the Ballytaggart Flock, which was purchased for 660 gns by Laura Weir, a veterinary surgeon from Ballymena to join her Lisnafillon Flock. Ballytaggart Flock belonging to Thomas Wright has just been announced as winner of the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association National Flock Competition, a wonderful achievement as this is the second time that Thomas has scooped this award.
In the ram lamb section, four of the top six priced lambs were sold for export to the south of Ireland showing the increasing interest in the breed throughout the whole island of Ireland. Sheep bought at the sale were heading to homes in counties Donegal, Meath, Monaghan, Dublin and Wexford.
After the top price of 660 gns, other notable prices went to W and K Carson, whose reserve champion lamb was sold for 600 gns to G Hoey, Lusk, Co. Dublin. Thomas Wright, 480 gns and 430 gns to T Deacan Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. M and C Maybin, 325 gns to D Redhouse, Slane, Co. Meath, W and K Carson, 320 gns to R Newell, Kilkeel. Ram lamb average was £395, an increase of over £60 on last year.
There was keen demand for ewe lambs with a 100% of lots sold in this section, to an average of £ 262 , again well up on last year. Top price here was W and K Carson’s champion, followed by Graham Cubitt, 310 gns to M. Truesdale, Newcastle, Co. Down; Laura Weir, 280 gns to S McConnell, Kilkeel; Laura Weir, 270 gns to P Shepherd, Rathfriland, Co. Down; Laura Weir, 240 gns to T Rooney, Rathfriland, Co. Down; W and K, Carson 240 gns to B Lamb, Richill, Co. Armagh; W and K Carson 240 gns to A Knox, Dromara, Co. Down.
The Northern Ireland Dorset Club greatly appreciates the continued support of MSD Animal Health, who once again generously sponsored this event. The club also extends thanks to auctioneer Ciaran Laverty, John Farnon, Hilltown Market Manager and Mary Savage whose assistance greatly contributed to the success of the day.
The next date in the club calendar is the Autumn show and sale which will take place on Wednesday 8th October 2014 at Ballymena Livestock Market.
 Ram Lamb Line Up |
 Catherine Maybin, NI Dorset Club Breed Promotions. with her Ram Lamb |
