Mart manager Terry McGovern said that there was a strong entry of stock on the day, which were met with firm demand. He said that the cow trade stood out.

There was a strong entry of over 60 cows with calves at foot, which saw prices of young, good-quality types range mainly from €1,600 to a top price of €2,400. Older cows sold from €1,200 to €1,600 per head.

Northern demand was very strong on the day, with a good proportion of the cow and calf lots heading north.

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Terry added that a good share of breeding heifers went north also, along with some stock suitable for finishing. The general cattle trade was solid for all good-quality types. However, he said that there were higher numbers of lesser-quality stock for sale also.

Weanling bulls from 300kg to 400kg sold mainly from €2.70/kg to €2.80/kg, with top-quality lots selling to as much as €3.10/kg. Forward bulls over 400kg sold from €2.50/kg to €2.70/kg for average-quality types. Farmer buyers were active for these on the day, with little export demand.

Weanling heifers sold from €2.60/kg to €2.70/kg for average quality 300kg to 400kg lots, with top-quality types making up to €2.90/kg.

Store bullocks from 400kg to 500kg sold mainly from €2.55/kg to €2.80/kg, with U grades making from €2.80/kg to €2.90/kg.

Heifers were a strong trade. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg were short in supply, but backed by strong farmer demand. Prices ranged from €2.30/kg to €2.50/kg.

Lighter types were in stronger supply and ranged from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg. Commission rates are €9 to the buyer and 2% to the seller, depending on sale value.