Niall McKeever, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

“The new restrictions haven’t affected trade up to now, with great demand for sheep up here in Donegal all through the autumn. I think that’s down to the fact that buyers have been allowed in to handle sheep. This week [under Level 4] is different in that we were only allowed round the ring. It’s hard to gauge the flesh of an animal when you can’t get your hands on it.

I would be worried about the new arrangements of online only. It’s fine for cull ewes or stock like that but if you’re buying lambs you need to handle them and at least to get an idea of the cover on them.”

John Patton, Drumkeen, Ballybofey, Co Donegal

“The restrictions are working well at the moment, with everybody doing their bit. We were in a bad way in Donegal for the past two weeks so people were very aware of the risks. You just have to roll with the restrictions and deal with them. Not getting down the yard [under Level 4] is a big disadvantage. In fairness to Raphoe mart they have went above and beyond in terms of keeping farmers and staff safe. If everybody does their bit, we’ll hopefully be back to normal soon.”

Gerard Staunton, Tuam, Co Galway

“The marts have been doing their best with the restrictions up to now and farmers have got used to wearing the masks and keeping the distance. Trade over the last few weeks has been very good but it’s hard to know how things will go if there are no buyers around the ring.

“I know there is a lot of cattle bought online now as it is and it seems to have helped the trade but the big buyers still like to be in around the ring and see the animal in the flesh. Farmers might be slow to sell cattle until they see how the new restrictions affect the trade, but if the wet weather continues there will be no choice but to sell stock in some cases.”

Eamon Gaffney, auctioneer, Carrigallen, Co Leitrim

“The new restrictions are going to be difficult to deal with but I think farmers will take it on board. There’s no profession better than farmers to adapt to changes. Everybody said online wouldn’t work but farmers have taken to it like ducks to water.

It’s been a hectic few months for auctioneers too getting used to all the new systems but everything has settled down well and I think online selling is here to stay. Marts are quieter places and the buzz is gone but hopefully when we get out of this mess, the crowds will be back.

The cattle trade has held up really well up this country, with weanlings a great trade all autumn. The suckler farmer needed that lift.”