Many public auctions and indeed private land sales from around Ireland oftentimes see battles between dairy and beef farmers for a particular property. However, the auction for a nice 84.5-acre property in Ballinderry in Westmeath recently saw the opposite.

A dairy and beef farmer from the locality came together to buy and split the farm. Guided at €650,000 or just under €7,700/ac, the bidding opened at €600,000 or €7,100/ac.

However, as agent Denis O’Rourke noted, there was no further bid for the holding.

The property was subsequently withdrawn and the auctioneer and the highest bidder entered into negotiations. It was sold soon after to the two farmers for a sum believed to be above the guide.

The farm

The land is currently laid out in grass and is divided into three large divisions. It is used for grazing sheep and beef and has been rented for over 20 years to the same farmer. It has been farmed in good heart but there are parts of the land that are in need of attention.

The auction took place in the Grand Hotel, Moate. It was offered in the entire only.