A packed ringside reflected the demand this autumn for breeding sheep, which has seen Mule gimmer lambs and other breeding sheep peak as never before. There was a strong demand for top quality tups, showing good conformation and style. Although less forward than last year the quality was markedly higher as a result, and the trade on the whole was quite strong but not overwhelmingly so.

The pre sale show, judged by Douglas Hall from the Firth flock, saw some smart tups forward in some strong classes. It was the second prize tup lamb, Temain C1, which really set the sale alight with a centre record bid of 6000 gns for this classy lamb forward from Graham & Julie Loughery. Out of the flocks show ewe, Lady Gaga, and by Orravale Y1, sire to the noted Magners. Some frantic bidding saw the hammer finally fall selling to James Mills, Kilwaughter a noted Mule breeder in the province. The Loughery's are also retaining a half share in the lamb. They also sold the 4 th prize lamb, by the same sire and out of a ewe by the X2 Macqueston for 2600 gns to Robert Loughery, Gortnarney, who was drawn to his purchase after its successful show season, where it has been doing well.

As always the shearling pen from Robert Loughbridge's Orravale flock caught the eye of discerning buyers, and his 21 forward averaged just shy of £1500, with a top bid of 4600 gns for his first sheep in the ring, which was 3 rd in the show. By Midlock A26, a grandson of Midlock Controversy, and out of a ewe bought from Midlock, herself by Controversy, it is the full brother that Robert sold to J Blarney privately last year which has done exceptionally well. Final bidder was Steven Kerr. The Midlock tup was also behind the Champion which came from Roberts's pen too. It sold for 3100 gns to John Skuce and is out of a ewe by John Parkes, Forebraes flock which was bought at Castle Douglas for £5500. Another Midlock sired tup sold for 3100 gns to Joe Adams and another for 2200 gns to B Blaney, certainly earning his corn!

Making a personal best was G Walsh from the Quoile flock, selling a shearling bred at Orraview for 2000 gns, to James Stewart, selling on the back of his good showing at the mule gimmer sales, which saw him fetch £125 for his tops. This too was by the A26 Midlock run by Seamus Laverty and Robert Loughbridge.

The champion lamb and reserve overall champion came from J Blaney, with a lamb that has been doing well on the show circuit. It is out of a Midlock ewe by V3 Bull & Cave, bought in lamb to A2 Craigskean, the 2009 Highland Champion, at Carlisle this January and sold for 1500 gns.

Orravale B8- 2200 gns

Orraview B2 - 2000 gns

First prize lamb and reserve overall was from J Blaney, which sold for 1500 gns