Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group hosting landmark sheep sale
THE Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group (CMBBG) is proud to announce the largest-ever two-day sheep sale for a single breed of sheep, to be held at Maam Cross Mart, Connemara, on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6.
This event promises to be a landmark moment in Irish sheep farming, showcasing the renowned Connemara Mayo Blackface breed.
Day 1, Saturday, October 5, Blackface Ewes Sale: The sale will kick off on Saturday at 11 a.m. with nearly 3,000 breeding blackface ewes entered by members from Connemara, Mayo, and Sligo. The entries will include ewe lambs, ewe hoggets, and breeding ewes, all of the Connemara Mayo type, known for their resilience and quality.
This sale represents an outstanding opportunity for buyers across Ireland to acquire top-tier breeding stock.
Brendan Joyce, spokesperson for the CMBBG, said: “We are thrilled to host this significant event, which highlights the incredible quality of the Connemara Mayo Blackface sheep. With nearly 3,000 ewes on offer, this sale reflects the strength and vitality of our breed.”
Buyers from all corners of the country are expected to attend. For those unable to collect their sheep on the day, arrangements can be made to hold the animals temporarily, or transportation can be coordinated. Interested buyers are encouraged to contact Brid Burke, mart manager, at (091) 552254, or Brendan Joyce at (087) 2226737 to make these arrangements.
Day 2, Sunday, October 6, record-breaking ram sale: On Sunday, the focus will shift to rams, with a record-setting 570 rams to be sold, making it the largest single-day sale of rams for any breed in the country. A significant percentage of these rams will be SIS approved.
The ram pens will open at 9 a.m. for buyers to begin their selections, with the sale show judging also commencing at 9. The sale itself will start promptly at 11 a.m.
“This is a unique opportunity for farmers to access the finest Connemara Mayo Blackface rams, and the numbers speak to the quality of this year’s offering,” said Brendan Joyce. “We are expecting a strong turnout, both in person and online.”
Convenience for buyers - online bidding available: For those unable to attend in person, online bidding is available through the Mart Eye app. New buyers planning to use this facility are urged to download the app and arrange clearance for bidding prior to the sale.
This historic event is set to be a must-attend for sheep farmers, offering an unprecedented selection of premier breeding stock.