Farmers were permitted to enter marts for the first time in weeks on Monday as the COVID-19 restrictions were eased.
Castlerea Mart combined online sales and bids from farmers in the ring.
Sellers were allocated times to come into the seller's box to view their animals being sold and instruct the auctioneer about whether to go on the market or not.
Just over 40 farmers - buyers only - were permitted entry to the Castlerea sales ring to bid on animals, while maintaining social distance.
Hammer up: auctioneer Adrian Tansey gets ready to close the sale on a bullock at Castlerea on Monday morning.
Castlerea Mart had been facilitating sales of animals through a weighing service but mart manager Brendan Egan said: "It's a big step forward for the mart to offer this service for local farmers."
Adrian Tansey selling lot 10E at Castlerea on Monday. It's a whole new world for auctioneers combining online sales and mart sales with coronavirus restrictions but they are taking it in their stride.
Over 300 cattle were booked in for Monday's sale, with a very very solid trade for good quality lots and some choice lots making €2.50-€2.80/kg.
A number of very active grass buyers are purchasing stores, with a number of exporters also active for younger stock.
Buyers are allowed access to the pens on the morning of the sale to view cattle, and then given the option to go home and bid online or enter the ring and bid in person.
While traditionally April and May are the busiest two months of the year for marts, 2020 saw a drastic reduction in the number of stock traded due to coronavirus. June and July are always quiet for animals movements.
Farmers are expected to queue to gain entry to the ring and there is only one ring operating currently to assess how the new systems works.
Signage is in place throughout the mart to remind farmers about social distancing.
Farmers are expected to adhere to all the coronavirus advice on handwashing, social distance and some farmers are wearing face masks. The canteen remains closed.
Plainer, heavier animals close to finish made from €1.80/kg to €2/kg.
Lucky for some - place number 13 at the ringside in Castlerea mart. Farmers must remain in their designated position for the sale.
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