Tuesday’s sale at Tullow Mart saw a large entry, with over 800 sheep on offer.

Mart manager Eric Driver said he was very happy with the sale and the big numbers that have been seen for the last couple of weeks.

This group of 18 lambs weighing an average of 50kg sold for €122 (€2.44/kg).

Eric said trade had improved by €4 to €5 on last week, with active demand among factory agents, who were willing to bid against each other to secure stock.

Agents for butchers were also very active around the ring, increasing competition for stock.

This group of 15 lambs weighing 41kg on average sold for €95 each (€2.32/kg).

Heavy lambs over 50kg sold from €120 to a tops of €130. Those lambs on offer from 45kg to 50kg sold from between €112 up to €122, with the majority around the €116 mark.

For lambs between the 40kg and 45kg mark, the level of flesh had the greatest influence on the price.

This group of 10 lambs weighing an average of 44kg sold for €109 (€2.48/kg).

These lambs made up from €103 right up to €112. Lighter lambs around the 37kg mark sold in the region from €95 to €102.

Cast ewes set the trade at Tullow, with heavier lots securing high prices. One group of ewes averaging 104kg sold for €150, while the strong ewes on offer made between €130 and €150.

This ewe with a lamb at foot sold for €135.

There was a smaller entry of ewes with lambs at foot, but hoggets with lambs at foot sold for between €125 and €150. Younger ewes with twins made up to €210.

This group of eight ewes weighing 79kg on average sold for €103 (€1.30/kg).