Kilkenny Mart’s biggest Thyestes Day sale in many years

As the saying goes - it’s a race that stops a county.
The reference is of course in relation to the Thyestes Chase which takes place in Gowran Park at the end of January.

Thousands flock to the picturesque racecourse to enjoy this magnificent occasion which in latter years has been sponsored by Goffs.
One of the winners of this iconic race was the great Arkle many years ago and that has helped to highlight what a competitive event this is.

Now, you may be asking what has this to do with events in Kilkenny Mart and agricultural happenings in general. I will explain.
This event takes place on a Thursday which is of course the day we have a cattle sale here in Kilkenny. Many farmers would not show animals as they were under the assumption that buyers would not be as plentiful as many follow or are involved in racing.

Plans progressing for visitor carpark at ancient Kilkenny dolmen

Last Thursday attracted a sale of more than 1000 head, which is the biggest in many years for this specific sale.
There was just shy of a 100% clearance which left vendors very happy, to such a degree that many headed to Gowran safe in the knowledge they had some surplus money in their pockets.

Beef Sales
In the bullock ring Beef types ranged from €1500 to €2660 per head or €2.20 to €3.43 per kilo with forward stores also trading very well ranging from €1200 to €1880 per head.

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Lighter store bullocks ranged from €550 to €1590 which was the price received for 5 Char weighing 485 kilo.
Friesian types especially British type ranged from €2.25 to €2.60 per kilo. Cull cows are still appearing in big numbers with 300 on offer.
Fr types were making from €1.00 to €2.40 per kilo with Cont €1.60 to €2.97 per kilo.

My advice to all potential sellers of cull cows is carry on regardless as the new TB regime will have little or no effect on sellers trading through the mart.

In the heifer sector the many buyers especially factory agents were anxious to secure stock and saw beef types range from €1200 to €2240 per head with store types €600 to €1300 per head.

Remember, if you have animals to sell they must have two tags in their ear and be tested in the last year. Please enter before 3.30pm on the previous Wednesday by contacting 056 7721407.

Leading the way in USA - Consuls in Miami and New York from Kilkenny

Sheep Trade
The sheep trade is the most disappointing on the trading platform with butcher types ranging from €138 to €155 per head. Factory types are €125 to €138 per head with store types generating most interest with prices of €80 to €120 per head.
Hopefully this sector will show some recovery in the next few weeks.

We also held a dairy sale on Monday which generated a super trade especially for the fresh calved stock.
This sector saw prices range from €1700 to €2680 per head with in calf lots €1280 to €1600 per head.

Due to next week being a new Bank Holiday our next dairy sale will be Monday 13th February with entries now being taken. The dairy sale will take place every Monday at 12.30pm.
Our first Tuesday stand alone calf sale takes place on Tuesday 14th February at 10am.
At the moment it looks as if we here in Kilkenny Mart will have a busy spring.

Rest in Peace
This week I attended one of the biggest and saddest funerals which was held for the late James Nolan of Dunbell who died so tragically last week.The community support which I experienced must have brought some solace to Gerry, Bridget and the extended Nolan family but there was an obvious outpouring of grief on the death of this young farmer and noted sportsman. Words seem so hollow but we can only hope and pray that the family and friends of James will at least feel some easing of the pain and sorry they are all experiencing at this awful time. May He Rest In Peace.