Mart manager Maurice Brosnan said: “It was the record number of cows we’ve had here and there was some great stock on offer.

“The good-quality R and U grade cow was making heifer prices, with a lot of demand coming from northern buyers. Local factories can’t compete with them at the moment,” he added.

There was solid demand throughout, with an even split between dairy and suckler cows.

Well-finished suckler cows met with an exceptional trade. Younger cows were selling from €1.50 upwards, with up to €2.20/kg available and a few lots exceeded this.

A stand-out price was €2.38/kg paid for a 665kg Limousin cow.

Beef cows in need of further feeding were commanding prices of between €1.25/kg and €1.40/kg. There was a solid turnout of cull dairy cows. At the top end of the scale, these were making in excess of €300 with their weight. Heavier well-fleshed Friesians commanded up to €1.40/kg. Feeder Friesian cows were available in good numbers and most sold in the €1.10/kg to €1.30/kg price range.

Parlour cows were scarce and were making up to €1.01/kg. Commission rate is €12 to the seller and €10 to the buyer.