The first of three scheduled sales to be held at Kilkenny went ahead as planned yesterday, although the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the day’s business from the outset. Mart management operated a strict admission policy on the day, with only buyers and sellers allowed access to the mart site with no children U12 permitted at all. The pre-sale judging was also cancelled in light of Coronavirus concerns and mart staff encouraged all patrons at the sale to observe social distancing measures and to avoid any unnecessary human contact. As a result of all of this, the crowd was virtually non-existent with even some of the exhibitors opting to stay away from the venue too. Few sales have ever been faced with such a myriad of complications and it was heartening to see the Aberdeen-Angus trade hold up so well, with a summary of the highest prices outlined below:

€3100 to Kevin & Monica Diffley for Clooncolligan Rocky
€2800 to Shane McKiernan for Drumcarbin Ronaldo
€2700 to Frank & Margaret McKiernan for Drumcrow Remus
€2700 to Nigel Peavoy for Coolrain Roger
€2550 to John Farrell for Dillon Rufes
€2550 to John Farrell for Dillon Rico

In total, 25 Aberdeen-Angus bulls (60% of the bulls offered) found new homes on the day, with the average price settling at €2300. At the time of writing, the Kilkenny Agricultural Society have confirmed the cancellation of the April sale (due to held on Wednesday, April 15th) but it is hoped that the May sale (due to be held on Wednesday, May 13th) will go ahead, although it is advised to check this with the mart directly, nearer the time.