There was a large sale of stock at the weekly cattle sale at Carnew Mart, Co. Wicklow, on Saturday, December 11, with a total of 856 head of cattle on offer.

According to Carnew Mart yard manager, Eugene Clune, prices "maintained on the previous week and in many cases, were stronger".

Cows made up a large part of the sale with active bidding both ringside and online from a combination of wholesalers, factory agents and northern buyers leading to a "full clearance", according to Clune.

The top price in the cow ring on the day went to a heavy 932kg Limousin cow which made €2,560 or €2.75/kg.

Another standout price in the cow sale was for an 870kg heavy Charolais cow that made €2,040 or €2.35/kg.

Friesian cows out of the parlour were a steady trade with €1.10-€1.20/kg much more freely available for the poorer cows, while the stronger cows were very lively throughout, according to the Carnew Mart yard manager.

Saturday's sale at Carnew Mart also included a special entry of sucklers with spring-calving cows due to Limousin and Angus bulls.

Cows in the sale sold from between €1,320 and €1,600, while cows with calves at foot sold in general from €1,380 to €1,850 with one exceptional Limousin team selling to €2,550.