Baltinglass annual show marks 50 years with a full clearance of stock
Pat O'Keeffe (left) chats with Liam Craffey before the start of the Baltinglass Mart Show and Sale Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
THE RECENT 50th annual Bullock Show and Sale in Baltinglass Mart was a huge success with 100% clearance of all stock on show.
Farmers were well rewarded for the effort and the huge cost for the animals on show. There was a lively trade for all classes and a 100% clearance of all top-quality beef and store cattle.
There was a big attendance of buyers and a good demand for all classes and types of animals with some exceptional prices paid, especially for the prize winners.
Bidding was brisk at ringside and online. With a lot of quality animals on show, some very good prices were paid.
Champion of the show was a home-produced Charolais bullock owned by William Goodwin, Gibstown, Donard, who received the Kinsella Cup and made €2,990.
Champion group of the show and the Quinn Cup went to James Thompson, Ballyraggan for a pair of Charolais bullocks, which made €2,820. Maureen Balfe received second prize for her two bullocks, which sold for €1,770. Peter Murphy won first and second prizes in Class 3 for his two lots of Charolais bullocks, with third going to Cathal Whittle.
Class 4 Best Bull was won by Michael Clynch, Killalesh, Kiltegan and he was sold for €2,060 Mart manager John Fitzpatrick and owner Joseph Kinsella were really happy with the prices and with another successful show and sale.
Baltinglass Mart is celebrating 50 years in business. Trading started in 1974 and during that time it has served the local farming community with weekly cattle and sheep sales.
The loyalty to Baltinglass Mart over the past five decades has been exceptional and very much appreciated. Farmers have produced top-quality animals down through the years all at the mart look forward to this support long into the future.
“The farming families are a very integral part of every community and the local support for each business is essential to keep our town vibrant and growing into the future,” said the Kinsella family.
“The Kinsellas are grateful to all of the farmers and buyers who support the mart on an ongoing basis.
“Finally, a huge thank you to all our very generous sponsors. Without their support, it would not be possible to have such good prizes for the different classes at our annual show and sale.”
