Ballymena Show and Sale Report

Ballymena Show and Sale – 5^th September 2025

Strong Trade at Ballymena for Joint Galloway Sale

For the second consecutive year, a joint show and sale of Belted, Black, and White Galloways took place at Ballymena Mart, graciously hosted by J.A. McClelland & Sons Ltd. Although the entry numbers were modest, the quality of the animals on display was exceptional. The event saw strong demand, with all lots sold to non-members, highlighting the continued interest in top-quality stock across Northern Ireland.

  Top Price and Reserve Champion

The top priced and Reserve Champion   lot on the day was the heifer Armoy Eilmear, also from Mr. Huey’s noted Armoy herd. This 28-month-old heifer is  by Oisín CP4 of Castlegore and out of Jan 2nd of Tecloy, a daughter of Jackson of Upper Buckna. She was knocked down at 3,400gns to M/s F. & A. McGowan, 105 Tullaghans Road, Galdanagh, Ballymena.

A second heifer from the same home also attracted keen bidding. Sired by Oisín CP4 of Castlegore and out of Beth G3 of Castlegore, a Troloss Knight Rider daughter, she realised 2,600gns, selling to Mr. Mark Finlay, 20 Lower Ballyboley Road, Ballyclare.

Show Champion

The Overall Champion was the bull Armoy Buffalo Bill, exhibited by Mr. B. Huey, 97 Hillside Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. Born May 2023, this stylish bull is again sired by Oisín CP4 of Castlegore and out of Beck House Daphne, a daughter of Hero of Gall-Way. He sold for 2,300gns to Mr. Kyle Gilmore, 33 Coxhill Road, Co. Armagh.

Strong Prices for Gruige Entries

Matching the day’s top price of 3,400gns was Gruige Donna, from Mr. D. Henry, Gruige Farm, 4 Gruige Lane, Cloughmills. This 29-month-old heifer, by Orion of Upper Buckna and out of Sandra D10 of Upper Buckna, a daughter of King Kong of Upper Buckna, was purchased by Mr. T. Carson, 79 Blackskull Road, Dromore, Co. Down.

Also from the Gruige prefix, Gruige Daly made 2,800gns. Sired by Troloss Nuter and out of Barquhill Polly 1024, a Troloss Ring Pull daughter, she was secured by Mr. M. Smith, 8 Whaupstown Road, Kells, Co. Antrim.

Judge Helen Ryman commented “The quality of the stock at Ballymena would’ve shone in any sale house across the UK and Ireland and were a credit to those bringing them forward for sale. Many potential buyers left the market empty handed and many more Galloways could’ve been sold to the vendor’s advantage”.

Averages

In calf heifers - £3202.50

Bull - £2415.00

Judge Helen Ryman, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire

Class results 

Class 1 Cow born on or before 31/08/22

No entries 

Class 2 Heifer born 01/09/22 to 31/08/23

1^st Armoy Elmear exhibited by Mr B Huey dob 07/05/23 sire Oisen CP4 of Castlegore dam Jan 2^nd of Tecloy

2^nd Armoy Emman exhibited by Mr B Huey dob 07/04/2023 sire Oisen CP4 of Castlegore dam Beth G3 of Castlegore. 

 Class 3 Heifer born 01/09/23 to 31/08/24

 No entries

Class 4 bull or heifer born on or after 01/09/24

 No entries

Class 5 Bull born on or before 30/08/24

1^st  Armoy Buffalo Bill exhibited by Mr B Huey, dob 02/05/2023 sire Oisen CP4 of Castlegore, dam Beck House Daphne

2^nd Glenside Robert exhibited by Mr R Millar, Glenside dob 02/4/2024 sire Buccleuch Buster dam Barlaes Grace 107th

Galloway Champion  -  Armoy Buffalo Bill bred and exhibited by Mr B Huey

Galloway Reserve Champion  - Armoy Eimear bred and exhibited by Mr B Huey.