Monday’s sale at Blessington Mart saw another strong entry of sheep on offer. Mart manager John Doyle said that there was a large entry of 1,146 sheep on offer. The trade was said to be firm, with prices somewhat similar to what was paid last week.

Factory buyers and butchers were active for all good-quality well-fleshed hoggets and lambs, with heavy hoggets just slightly cheaper than heavy spring lambs. Spring lambs were a brisk trade once again, with plenty of factory demand for all good-quality fleshed types.

Prices in the main ranged from €140 to €150/head or up to €103 along with the weight at the top of the market. Prices ranged mainly from €3.10/kg to €3.20/kg.

Butchers were active once again for heavy hoggets and put a firm floor under prices. The majority of these over 53kg sold mainly from €138 to €150/head or from €2.60/kg to €2.78/kg. Factory agents were active for hoggets also and prices did not lag that far behind spring lamb. The best demand was for well-fleshed types, which sold mainly from €125 to €140/head or from €2.55/kg to €2.70/kg. Lighter types and those carrying less flesh made from €114 to €120/head. Fat ewes were a strong trade, driven again by factory demand. These sold mainly from €120 to €144/head, while lesser-quality feeding ewes made from €77 to €118/head.