CELEBRATING a milestone five decades of trading, Goresbridge closed the sales’ year with busy one-day fixture last Friday. In keeping with the time of year, the returns were workmanlike rather than headline-making, delivering a steady clearance rate of 65% (71%). Buyers were plentiful, but selective throughout, contributed to a modest average €2,862.

The year as a whole has been a good one for the Co Kilkenny auction house leading Martin Donohoe to reflect, “There have been lots of positives in the industry. We have seen consistently good prices throughout the year, both at our sales here in Goresbridge and at the Go For Gold sale, and it’s good to see the breeders and producers reaping the rewards. Obviously there have been a few negatives as well and not all have benefited, but this year’s returns have copperfastened the fact that if breeders breed for the market, we have the customers.”