🐑 Ballymaconnelly Flock Tops 10th Anniversary Dorset Diamonds Sale
March 29, 2025 | Ballymena Livestock Market, Northern Ireland
The 10th annual Dorset Diamonds Sale drew a buzzing crowd to Ballymena Livestock Market this past Saturday. The event showcased some of the best Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset sheep in the region, with top-tier genetics drawing competitive bidding both ringside and online. The result? A strong overall clearance—92% for females and 74% for males—and multiple four-figure sales.
🔥 Sale Topper: Ballymaconnelly Hobnob H438
Taking top honours and leading the sale was Ballymaconnelly Hobnob H438 (Lot 62), an outstanding ram lamb bred by Samuel and Elaine Caldwell. Hobnob, the only son of the highly regarded Pembroke Deadringer to be offered this year, generated significant interest and eventually sold for a whopping 4,000gns to father-son duo Thomas and Sam Wright from Ballymoney.
🥈 Strong Contenders Bring in Big Bids
Hilltop Hero H03017 (Lot 42), bred by Richard Currie, sold for 3,800gns in a joint purchase by Ben Lamb and Andrew Kennedy. Sired by Castlemount Ferdinand, this lamb impressed with his structure and style.
Ballyhamage Hallabaloo H458 (Lot 49), from James and Craig Robson, triggered a bidding frenzy online before being secured for 3,200gns by Richard Fitton of Bolton.
🏅 Reserve Champion: Bannside Heineken H1522
Young breeder Rachel Moore made waves with her reserve champion ram lamb, Bannside Heineken H1522 (Lot 35), selling for 2,400gns to none other than judge David Lewis. Sired by Foyleview Firecracker, Heineken was praised for his style and balance.
💪 Other Ram Lamb Highlights
Rivervalley Hulk H2674 and Hunter H2667 (Lots 38 & 39) from Ella and Harris Kennedy sold for 2,300gnsand 2,000gns respectively.
Ballytaggart H3326 (Lot 69) from Tommy Wright went for 1,800gns and impressed with his correctness and muscle.
In total, 29 ram lambs sold, averaging £1,237.19—up £134.14 from the 2024 sale.
🐏 Shearling Rams
The shearling section was led by Lisnafillan Grenadier (Lot 90) from Laura Weir, selling for 1,400gns to Andrew Jones of Llanelli, Wales. Bred from Mountdale Fergie, this powerhouse shearling had the ring buzzing.
Next in line was Ballymaconnelly Gorgonzola (Lot 91) from the Caldwell flock, going for 850gns to Lee Geddis, Moira.
Shearling Ram Average: £1,181.25 (2 sold)
🐑 Ewe Lambs & Shearling Ewes
🌟 Female Sale Toppers
Bannside Heidi H01513 (Lot 11) from Rachel Moore topped the female section at 900gns, heading to Elaine Clarke, Co Meath. Her penmate Bannside Halo H01507 followed at 750gns, sold to J Redford, Bolton.
All ewe lambs were sired by the consistent Foyleview Firecracker F002.
Ewe Lamb Average: £443.12 (17 sold)
🌸 Shearling Standouts
Ashvale G1141 (Lot 27) from Caroline McKeown opened the section strong, selling for 780gns to Charlie Curran, Co Down.
Ballymacnamee G37 (Lot 31) followed at 750gns, snapped up by Jordan Hall, Co Fermanagh.
Two more ewes tied at 720gns:
Ashvale G1135 to R & A Quinn
Ballymacnamee G36 to Charlie Curran
Shearling Ewe Average: £677.25 (6 sold)
📊 Summary: Class Averages
| Class | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Ram Lambs | £1,237.19 |
| Shearling Rams | £1,181.25 |
| Ewe Lambs | £443.12 |
| Shearling Ewes | £677.25 |
Congratulations to all breeders, buyers, and organisers on a hugely successful 10th Dorset Diamonds Sale. The consistent quality and demand confirm the event’s status as a premier platform for Dorset genetics in the UK and Ireland.