Tullamore Mart had an entry of top-quality spring lambs on offer in their sheep sale on Wednesday.

The trade was stickier than the previous week where butchers were more active in purchasing lambs in advance of the Easter trade, while factory agents were also a little more reserved in what they were willing to pay.

Good-quality lambs weighing 44kg to 48kg sold on average from €125 to €128, with a few pens of heavier lambs weighing 50kg to 52kg selling for a top price of €130 each.

Lighter fleshed lambs sold from €120 to €124, with a selection of lots unsold.

Hogget entries are reducing, which helped put a floor under demand.

As is the case in other marts, agents were more active for lots weighing 50kg to 56kg, with similar prices of €125 to €128 paid for lots rising to 60kg and higher.

A few pens of lighter lots also sold briskly, with hoggets weighing 44kg to 47kg selling from €108 to €115.

Manager Antoinette Daly reported on a continued strong trade for cull ewes. This saw large-framed fleshed ewes selling from €110 to a top of €133, while medium-sized fleshed ewes sold from €85 to €110.

Ewes with a poor cover of flesh sold back to in the region of €65 to €75 per head.