Macroom Mart saw a solid lamb trade, with quality lowland lambs hovering around €2/kg. This was the guideline figure for lambs, with most lowland types selling for 10c/kg either side of that figure. Demand was strongest for factory-fit lambs, while demand was also solid for ewe lambs, with some selling for up to €2.25/kg.

The next price bracket down was filled by hill-cross lambs and lighter lowland lambs. In the main, these sold for between €1.70/kg and €1.85/kg. Hill lambs were low in number and they sold for up to €1.70/kg. The lighter store lamb trade mirrored the cattle sales and these proved a bit tougher to move. Demand was good for breeding ewes. They sold for up to €121, while cull ewes made up to €108.

Speaking after the sale, mart manager John O’Mahony said: “There was a good buzz about, with a few more buyers present. The break in the weather played a part, as there has been a bit more grass growth and that should help the store trade.”

He added: “The good lowland lamb was doing well, while hill-crosses and lighter lambs were a tougher trade. Lambs seemed to be slower coming out this year, no doubt the hard spring had an effect on that too.”

Entry fee is 60c/head payable by the seller. Commission is 1.33% subject to a minimum of €1.60/head.