Norman Connolly, along with his father, runs a progressive 190-acre (owned and rented) suckler enterprise in Tuam, Co. Galway. Their farming model revolves around sourcing quality maiden heifers, preparing them for sale, and holding a much-anticipated annual in-calf heifer sale.

Now in its seventh successive year, their 2025 sale takes place on Friday, October 17th at Tuam Mart, with 76 in-calf heifers catalogued. Notably, the vast majority of these heifers are in-calf to Limousin bulls, highlighting the breed’s central role in the Connollys’ operation.

Sourcing Quality Heifers

When asked about the challenge of sourcing suitable heifers, Norman explains:

We start purchasing once the previous year’s sale is over. Most of the heifers come from marts across the West of Ireland. I look for heifers from 550kg upwards. Ours wouldn’t be asextreme as some other sales – I prefer a square, powerful heifer with good legs and a nice head.

Norman favours Limousin or Limousin Blue-cross heifers, noting that:

Limousins are more feminine, and they reach around 750kg by sale day. We don’t feed meal, but they thrive on a quality grass-based system managed through paddock grazing. The heifers are kept in groups of 20.

Limousin Sires Lead the Way

All of this year’s heifers are in-calf to Limousin sires, many using sexed semen from elite bulls such as:

• Powerful Proper (LM7416)
• Loyal (LM4184)
• Ewdenvale Ivor (LM2014)

Additional top-performing Limousin sires used include:

• Lisna Sir (LM8616)
• Ardlea Rolex (LM8625)
• Tomschoice Poseidon (LM9172)
• Tomschoice Scorpion (LM1109)
• Tomschoice Lexicon (LM4471)
• Exmoor Galaxy (LM5205)
• Elderberry Galahad (EBY)

Norman’s current stock bull, Templequain Rover, also features prominently. Bred by Brendan O’Shea and purchased at the Premier Sale in Elphin in 2022, Rover is by Cameos and out of a Plumtree Fantastic cow.

When I’m buying a bull, calving ease is key—especially for first-time calvers. I also want good legs, mobility, a nice head, and strong back breeding. I like to buy from a recognised breeder.

Calving Pattern

Fifty of the in-calf heifers are due in November/December, another 15 in January, with the remainder calving in February.

Norman continues to choose Limousin sires not only for calving ease but because of strong demand from customers.

Our buyers want Limousins. They offer easy calving, but still deliver a strong, high-value calf.

Show Success & Sale Highlights

Norman’s commitment to quality breeding extends to the show ring. This summer, he exhibited Oreo, a stylish heifer sired by Ballinloan Jaegerbomb, alongside her bull calf Luna (by Ardlea Rolex). Purchased from Sean Walsh at Carrick. The pair achieved:

• 2024 All-Ireland Breeding Heifer Champion – Strokestown
• 2025 Tullamore Show Cow and Calf Champion

This exceptional cow and calf pair will sell as Lot 11 in the upcoming sale.

Customer repeatability

With over 60% repeat customers, the Connollys’ annual sale has built a solid reputation for quality, consistency, and value. While Norman acknowledges the growing popularity of online sales, he still prefers the traditional approach:

I like to see the animal in the flesh – you can’t beat that firsthand look.

For farmers like Norman Connolly, Limousins are not just a preference—they’re a proven asset to both productivity and profitability.

The next Limousin society Sale takes place on Bank Holiday Monday October 27th at Roscrea Mart. For catalogue and sale details click here.