13/09/2026
Second Premier Sale – An Exceptional 50th Anniversary Celebration
The second Irish Texel Premier Sale proved to be an exceptional way to mark the Society’s 50th anniversary, with a superb entry of sheep travelling from all corners of the country and strong demand from both pedigree and commercial breeders.
The show got underway on Friday evening under the watchful eye of judge Noel P. Walsh, Co. Waterford, who faced the difficult task of judging an outstanding line-up of stock.
The first class of the evening was the yearling ewe class, with Aidan Murphy taking first prize with a ewe by Seaford Empire King. She went on to claim the Female Championship and ultimately the Overall Championship of the sale. She later sold for €1,650, purchased by Andy Keys.
Next came the ewe lamb class, where John Neville took first prize with a daughter of Connemara Incredible. She went on to be awarded Reserve Female Champion and sold for the top female price of the evening, €2,600, to Cathal O’Brien, Co. Wicklow.
The shearling ram class followed, with John Canty taking the honours with a son of his Drumderg Fancy Pants stock ram. This impressive ram went on to achieve the top yearling ram price of €2,950, selling to Charlie Clark for the Mullahrafferty flock.
The first ram lamb class saw Fergal O’Se, Co. Kerry, take first prize with a son of Duncryne Hakuna Matata. Having travelled all the way from Kerry, the ram lamb went on to sell for €1,200.
In the open ram lamb class, Arthur and Patrick O’Keefe, Co. Cork, came out on top with a son of Knockhill Hercules. He also claimed the reserve male champion. This strong lamb later sold for €1,150
The Irish Sire ram lamb class was won by John, Colm and Michael McHugh with a son of Lara Hurl I’m the Man, their €16,000 purchase from Blessington last year. This March-born, naturally reared lamb went on to sell for €1,650, purchased by Edward Buckley, Co. Cork.
The final class was the novice ram lamb, where Michael Hegarty took first prize with a son of Tully Ivy League.
Top price on the night came from the Larahurl flock of John Green. This lamb had stood fourth earlier in the day. After frenzied bidding, this ram was knocked down for €3,000 to Joseph Hughes, County Wicklow. This lamb is a son of his stock ram, The Rock.
The second highest price ram lamb on the night came from Glen Devlin with a natural April born triplet by Thornville I’m a fireball he was snapped up by Aidan Collins
Overall, the second Premier Sale showcased the exceptional quality and depth within the Irish Texel breed. With sheep entered from right across the country, the standard was extremely high throughout the show.
Judge Noel P. Walsh commented on the outstanding quality of the sheep on display and said he thoroughly enjoyed the task of judging such a strong entry.
Averages
Shearling ewes 1250
Ewe lambs 1035
Shearling rams 1128
Rams lambs 1035
The sale itself saw excellent demand from both pedigree and commercial farmers, providing a fitting celebration of 50 years of the Irish Texel Sheep Society and highlighting the continued strength and popularity of the Texel breed across Ireland.
