Mart manager Maura Quigley said that this week has seen strong numbers for the time of year at all the sales, but she expects the sales to start quietening down in the coming weeks.

In terms of the cattle on offer, there were a handful of heavy bulls over 500kg. These were met with strong feeder demand and sold from €1,240 to €1,350, but these were mainly U grades.

Those from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €800 to €950, with plain types selling back to €730 and top-quality types making up to €1,000.

Lighter bulls from 250kg to 300kg sold mainly from €700 to €800/head, with plainer types making from €630 to €700.

The trade for heifers was quite strong also, with plenty of farmer buyers present for all good-quality types. While R and U grades are a steady trade, Maura said that plainer cattle continue to be a little harder to sell.

Heavy heifers over 400kg were a good trade and sold from €900 to €1,200, with most around €950. Those from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €800 to €900, with some plainer lots back as far as €730/head.

Commission rates are 1.9% to the seller and €9 to the buyer.