Mart manager Jimmy Walsh said the sale attracted a strong attendance from across the midlands and as far away as Monaghan for the Ewe Breeders Annual Show and Sale, with stiff competition between farmers bidding for 20 to 40 ewes each. "No one bought more than 100 sheep or dominated the sale," said Jimmy.

Add to this an attractive offering - "the best yard of quality ewes for the past five to six years," according to Jimmy - and prices were up.

Ewe lambs in the 46-48kg range fetched €120 to €158, with prices for ligther types between €98 and €110.

The average price for hoggets is reported to be close to €200, with a large group between €200 and the top price of €251.

A small group of three-year-old ewe sold for €195-€200, all to the same buyer.