Connemara to stage country’s largest single breed two-day sheep sale

Sheep farmers from Mayo and across the west of Ireland are set to descent on northern Connemara for the largest-ever two-day sheep sale for a single breed of sheep

The Connemara Mayo Blackface Breeders Group (CMBBG) are organising the two-day sheep sale at Maam Cross Mart, Connemara, on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6. This event promises to be a landmark moment in Irish sheep farming, showcasing the renowned Connemara Mayo Blackface breed.

The sale will kick off on Saturday at 11am sharp 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.

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 9am for buyers to begin their selections, with the sale show judging also commencing at 9am. The sale itself will start promptly at 11am.

“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.”

Online bidding is also available for those unable to attend in person 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.