Lamb prices were back anywhere from €4-6/head at sales on Monday (June 27) but "the trade held better than expected in cases".

Despite lamb prices being back, marts reported a firm demand for lambs, with heavier quality lambs making €165-170/head and above this level.

Looking to Kilkenny Mart first, the mart's auctioneer George Candler reported an easing in lamb prices of €4-6/head in Kilkenny yesterday, and added that numbers were slightly back on last week, with 500 on offer in total.

Lamb prices peaked at €175/head, although many of those finished lambs traded from around €150/head up to €165-168/head.

Cull ewes traded from €60/head up to €198/head.

Sample lamb prices from Kilkenny:

In Ennis, Martin McNamara reported a strong entry of 700 sheep which he said were met with an "easier tone from last week, but the trade held better than expected".

Many lots on the day exceeded €170/head with many still selling from €160/head up to €170/head.

In general, Martin said that lamb prices were back by €5/head on last Monday.

Cull ewes saw a good trade in Ennis, with fleshed ewes making around €2.00/kg. Prices topped €200 for heavy ewes.

Sample lamb prices from Ennis:

In Athenry, similar to what was seen at other marts, many of those finished lambs traded from just over €150/head up to €168/head, with a few top-quality lambs selling above this level and over €170/head.

The trade for cull ewes continued its strong run of form, with prices breaking the €200/head mark once again at the Galway-based mart.