Bought back in the mid 2000s, these 103 acres of agricultural land near Athenry was intended on a very different use than grazing. Purchased by Galway GAA, it was supposed to be a centre of excellence for hurling. Planning permission was granted in 2008 for an extensive GAA facility which would have no doubt been the envy of many around the country. History will tell us that the unfortunate economic climate of the next three years meant any development opportunities slowed down and were eventually scrapped.

The planned centre of excellence was comprehensive. It included a total of six football pitches – including one all-weather pitch, a two-storey sports hall, a gym, dressing rooms, free-standing pitch shelters, a toilet block, parking facilities and hurling walls to name a few. The plans were made by the Galway GAA hurling board. The development planning was made on parts of the land. As referenced however, the substantial plans did not materialise and on 26 April, the 103 acres located about 2km from Athenry will be auctioned as agricultural land.

The lands

The lands themselves are good grazing quality. Located all in one block, the property is surrounded by both internal and external stone walls. Divided into circa ten paddocks, there is supplementary fencing in parts of the holding. The land is supported by a good mains water supply.

Since it was last purchased, the land has been grazed by cattle and sheep and has been rented. Originally, it was bought as two blocks and incorporated into one by the GAA.

Buildings

The farm also comes with buildings. Located at the front of the farm, the yard area includes a two-bay hay shed and a three-bay shed. It also contains a two-bay cattle shed with the ability to hold circa 40 cattle.

The yard area itself is spacious, according to the auctioneer handling the sale, Cathal Moran of Cathal Moran and Co Auctioneers, Athenry. They are joint agents with GVA Donal O Buachalla.

The property is for sale via public auction on Thursday 26 April in Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry. The holding is offered only in the entire and is guided for €750,000 or €7,300/acre.

Interest so far understandably is high. The area is close proximity to Athenry and the M6 motorway and is also less than a 30 minute drive from Galway city. There has been interest from farmers from numerous different enterprises including a solar developer.

This auction will prove very interesting. CL