Pedigree Limousin breeder from Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Karol Connell has been selected as the judge for the renowned Carlisle Limousin bull sale, which takes place in February.

The prestigious Limousin event takes place on February 13 and 14 and is set to see approximately 120 Limousin bulls from across the UK feature in the pre-sale show.

Speaking to Agriland ahead of the event, Karol explained his background in pedigree Limousin cattle breeding.

He said: "I started breeding Limousin cattle in the year 2000 and formed the Carrickmore Limousin herd along with my brother John.

"In 2013, we purchased the famous Baileys Iceprincess from the Baileys herd of Tom Bailey in Co. Meath.

Baileys Iceprincess is a highly decorated cow and won titles including:

Balmoral champion 2015;
Tullamore champion 2015 and 2016;
World Limousin Congress champion in 2016.

Her first embryo transfer calf born was Carrickmore Maximus, who was crowned National Livestock Champion at Tullamore in 2018 at 10 months-of-age.

Maximus sold to Goldie’s Harestone and Tweedale for a Limousin record male price of €38,000.

This cow also bred Carrickmore Schumacher, who was National Male Champion in Tullamore in 2022 and sold for €30,000 to Trevor Shields of Glenmarshall Limousin.

The Connells' Carrickmore Herd currently has six bulls in pedigree herds across Ireland and the UK.

Carrickmore Limousins have bred the top female prices at the Roscrea, Co. Tipperary October sales for the last three years, with prices reaching:

€14,600 for Carrickmore Upsydaisey;
€12,100 for Carrickmore Tina;
Carrickmo Sasha at €6,200.

Another famous progeny from the herd is Carrickmore Vantheman. This bull was junior champion at Tullamore in 2025 and sold privately to Bottlehall Limousin for one of its highest prices to date in October 2025.

Speaking to Agriland following confirmation he will be judging the Carlisle bull sale, Connell said: "I am truly privileged to be asked to judge such a prestigious event as the Carlisle Limousin bull sale.

"Around 90% of the bulls we use at home are bulls sold through Carlisle Limousin sales.

"I have previously judged the Northern Ireland Limousin Championships in Antrim, as well as Dungannon Limousin bull sales."

He added that he has also judged the National Winter Fair in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon, and the commercial calf section at the National Limousin Show in Tullamore.