For many farmers around Kingscourt in Co. Cavan, the Thursday cattle sale is a day full of anticipation.

Long before the first bullock steps foot in the ring, the atmosphere around the mart is palpable.

From the very moment when the trailers start to arrive, familiar faces gather at the railings and conversations begin to spark around the yard.

As Lisa Keenan, who is the manager and auctioneer at Kingscourt Mart, puts it, "the energy of the place is electric and intoxicating" once it is in full swing.