The sheep kill in November was back some 16% on the same month last year according to latest figures from Bord Bia.
It says at 2.42 million head cumulative sheep supplies for the week ending November 30 were marginally behind the same week in 2013, equivalent to 2,900 less head.
Up to the end of October, Bord Bia says the national kill was running 2% above last year levels, however by the end of November numbers had tightened up significantly which brought the 2014 kill back on par with 2013.
It says total sheep disposals last month stood at 237,341, a reduction of 45,000 head (-16%) on November 2013 figures.
Meanwhile, in its latest lamb price update the IFA also notes that supplies tight at the moment.
It says this has resulted in an improved mart trade with factories paying €5.00/€5.05/kg with tops of €5.10/kg being paid.
Bord Bia says the sheep trade remains firm on the back of tight supplies and a growing demand in the lead up to the Christmas period coupled with a drop in temperatures should help the trade.
In Britain, it says the trade remains stable. The SQQ live price for new season lambs in England and Wales was making the equivalent of around €5.00/kg dw towards the end of the week.
In France, Bord Bia says the trade remains similar to previous weeks though there are signs that trade is picking up for the festive season.