Almost 40 people turned up to the Clanard Hotel in Athy where selling agent Paddy Jordan from Jordan Auctioneers, Newbridge took an opening bid of €600,000.

Moving in €20,000 increments, the sale price progressed to €860,000, at which stage the agent consulted with the vendor. On his return, he invited further offers and the bidding was rounded to €900,000.

Following this, one bidder dropped out of the race as Paddy declared the farm on the market at €900,000. Not giving in, two farmers from the area persisted all the way until the hammer finally came down at €990,000, which works out at €15,100/acre – well ahead of the €12,000/acre guide price. The buyer is a local tillage farmer/contractor.

Described as “some of the best in the area”, the land is laid out in four stubble fields and is just off the main Athy/Kilcullen road. This is the third time in a week that Jordans have achieved a figure in excess of €15,000/acre.

Great Connell

Abbey Stud makes €1.7 million

Meanwhile, the same agent opened a 125-acre farm situated at Great Connell Abbey Stud, Newbridge at €1 million at auction last week.

With three bidders in contention, and moving in €100,000 increments, the sale price jumped to €1.5 million, at which stage the property was declared on the market.

This was followed by another €200,000 worth of bids, before the hammer eventually fell at €1.7 million (€13,600/acre) in trust to auctioneer Jim Fingleton, Athy.

It’s believed he was acting for a person from the Athy area.

Described as “very good land”, this property came with a range of loose boxes as well as a derelict Mill House and cottage, all of which require attention. It mostly generated farmer-based interest.

Hacketstown

auction postponed

Elsewhere, it’s understood that the auction of a 98.5-acre residential farm at Constable Hill, Hacketstown, Co Carlow, has been postponed for the moment.

The property was scheduled to be auctioned today Thursday 10 October in Germaines of Baltinglass.