Northern Ireland’s 2025 Summer Export Show & Sale, held at Ballymena Livestock Market on Friday, saw strong demand from across the UK and Ireland, with over a third of entries sold destined for export and delivering a strong average, firm bidding, and a top price of 6500gns under the eye of show judge, Oliver Watson of the C-View and Irt Vale flocks.
Leading the trade and topping both show and sale was Lot 347, Knockmult Got It All, a ram lamb from Russell Millen and Seamus Killen, who claimed both male champion and overall show champion before going on to sell for 6500gns. Got It All is the first lamb to be sold from Diamond I’m The Ram who was first in his class and overall male champion at his National Show, and his dam is Knockmult Electric, the Balmoral 2024 champion. He was secured by a new Northern Ireland-based breeding partnership comprising Stuart Henderson (Favour Royal), Andy and Janet Carson (Little Whisker), and James Johnston (Broadwater). This marks another major result for the Knockmult flock, which in recent seasons has consistently led the way through a combination of hard work, dedication, and a strategic breeding programme.
Speaking on behalf of the new 6500gns partnership, Stuart Henderson said:
“I first spotted this ram as the male champion of the National Show in Armagh and was immediately drawn to his size, power, and exceptional head. He has presence, lift, and the sharp markings we value. When the opportunity came at Ballymena, I spoke with Janet and James, and we quickly agreed to syndicate. We’re delighted to have secured him and look forward to seeing his influence next lambing season”.
The same pen produced two further headline entries. Lot 312, a shearling ewe named Knockmult Flash, stood female champion and reserve overall champion, selling for 2000gns to David Morrison of South Ayrshire, Scotland. That price was matched by Lot 319, Knockmult Greta, who stood reserve female champion and now joins Caitlyn Howells’ flock in West Glamorgan, Wales.
Among the other top prices, Lot 357, Cleenagh Geezer, a ram lamb from Clive Richardson (Cleenagh), prompted surprise after going unplaced in the show ring, but strong interest soon followed and he went on to sell for 1500gns to a new partnership between Leslie Bradley (Drumard) and Robert McLean (Fort William). Cleenagh Geezer is sired by Cleenagh Ezra, the 2024 Export Show male champion and overall champion, and his dam Cleenagh Dancing Genius is a daughter of the infamous Cleenagh Bodybuilder. From the same flock, Lot 306, a well-grown shearling ewe, made 1000gns, heading to the buyer of last year’s champion (Cleenagh Ezra); Jonathan Bugden of Hampshire, England.
Meanwhile, another unplaced ram, Lot 340, Craigdoo Gunner, from Patrick and Orla Grant’s (Craigdoo) pen, sparked plenty of competitive bidding and attracted strong ringside interest to sell for 1200gns to the partnership of Sam Lucas and Rachel Gallagher from County Donegal, completing representation across all four UK and Irish export regions. Craigdoo Gunner is sired by Knockmult Flip Me, who led out his shearling ram class at Balmoral, and his dam Elsa, was Craigdoo’s standout show gimmer from 2024.
In total, over a third of entries sold on the night were destined for export, with sheep travelling to England, Scotland, Wales, and South of Ireland. Export buyers spent on average 56% more than local Northern Ireland-based purchasers, reflecting growing confidence in the breed’s potential and performance. With demand coming from both established pedigree flocks and commercial-minded breeders, the sale reinforced the Badger Face Texel’s rising profile and expanding reach across the UK and Ireland.
Judge Oliver Watson said:
“I really enjoyed the show and seeing so many great sheep. Credit to the breeders for the quality on display”.
This sale not only delivered strong results but truly showcased the dedication and hard work of our Northern Ireland breeders. With quality stock forward and interest from across the UK and Ireland, it’s clear the Badger Face Texel is gaining ground. It’s a credit to those behind the scenes who are quietly shaping the future of the breed.
Top prices overall
With an average sale price of just over 1000gns, six lots exceeded that four-digit mark:
Lot 347 – Knockmult Got It All from R Millen and S Killen – 6500gns
Lot 312 – Knockmult Flash from R Millen and S Killen – 2000gns
Lot 319 – Knockmult Greta from R Millen and S Killen – 2000gns
Lot 357 – Cleenagh Geezer from C Richardson – 1500gns
Lot 340 – Craigdoo Gunner from P and O Grant – 1200gns
Lot 306 – Cleenagh Fiasco from C Richardson – 1000gns
Strong Performers Over 500gns:
Lot 307 – Cleenagh Fantails from C Richardson – 900gns
Lot 308 – Diamond Impress from A and J Carson – 900gns
Lot 341 – Craigdoo ET from P and O Grant – 800gns
Lot 360 – Girgadis Gladiator from B Latimer – 720gns
Lot 310 – Ardstewart Fizzy Lizzy from A and J Carson – 650gns
Lot 326 – Favour Royal Golden Girl from S Henderson – 650gns
Lot 327 – Crotlieve Gina from J Porter, 3rd placed Ewe Lamb – 600gns
Lot 356 – Cleenagh Guinness from C. Richardson – 600gns
Lot 314 – Corkhill from E. McConnell – 580gns
Lot 337 – Vermont Frank from N. Flanagan (2nd placed Shearling Ram) – 550gns
Lot 345 – Derg Gladiator from S. Allen and A. Shortt (2nd placed Ram Lamb) – 500gns
The remaining entries who found new homes below 500gns were still a testament to the growing interest across all levels of the market. Whether buyers were looking to invest in future breeding potential or simply add a stylish new face to their flock, quality sheep changed hands at every price point.
Top prices by class
Shearling ram
550gns – Lot 337 from N Flanagan to J Galbraith
450gns – Lot 332 from A and J Carson to P Leonard
Ram lamb
6500gns – Lot 347 from R Millen & S Killen to Henderson, Carson and Johnston
1500gns – Lot 357 from C Richardson to L Bradley and R McLean
1000gns – Lot 340 from P and O Grant to S Lucas and R Gallagher
Shearling ewe
2000gns – Lot 312 from R Millen and S Killen to D Morrison
1000gns and 900gns – Lot 306 and 307 from C Richardson to J Bugden
900gns – Lot 308 from A and J Carson to J Baxter
Ewe lamb
2000gns – Lot 319 from R Millen and S Killen to C Howells
650gns – Lot 326 from S Henderson to G Gabby and Partners
600gns – Lot 327 from J Porter to Bassat
Show results
Judge: Oliver Watson
Overall champion – Lot 347 – Knockmult Got It All, R Millen and S Killen
Reserve champion – Lot 312 – Knockmult Flash, R Millen and S Killen
Male champion – Lot 347 – Knockmult Got It All, R Millen and S Killen
Reserve male – Lot 336 – Vermont Ferocious, N Flanagan
Female champion – Lot 312 – Knockmult Flash, R Millen and S Killen
Reserve female – Lot 319 – Knockmult Greta, R Millen and S Killen
Shearling ram
1st – Lot 336 – Vermont Ferocious, N Flanagan
2nd – Lot 337 – Vermont Frank, N Flanagan
3rd – Lot 332 – Little Whisker Forky, A and J Carson
4th – Lot 334 – Bodoney Flash, A McCutcheon
Ram lamb
1st – Lot 347 – Knockmult Got It All, R Millen and S Killen
2nd – Lot 345 – Derg Goliath, S Allen and A Shortt
3rd – Lot 348 – Knockmult Garfield, R Millen and S Killen
4th – Lot 342 – Bodoney Godfather, A McCutcheon
Shearling ewe
1st – Lot 312 – Knockmult Flash, R Millen and S Killen
2nd – Lot 311 – Knockmult Fifi, R Millen and S Killen
3rd – Lot 306 – Cleenagh Fiasco, C Richardson
4th – Lot 317 – Craigdoo Florence, P and O Grant
Ewe lamb
1st – Lot 319 – Knockmult Greta, R Millen and S Killen
2nd – Lot 318 – Knockmult Gigi, R Millen and S Killen
3rd – Lot 327 – Crotlieve Gina, J Porter
4th – Lot 325 – Girgadis Gorgeous, B Latimer
Next stop: Swatragh!
Northern Ireland’s next show and sale takes place on Friday 19th September at Swatragh Livestock Market.
Follow along for updates as the event draws closer.
