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Anthony Jordan

ajordan@farmersjournal.ie

Meath has a strong tradition for solid auctions. Possibly the most consistent county in Ireland in terms of price, values of land parcels in the county rarely deviate too far above or below €10,000/ac.

This was clearly seen in the auction handled by Stephen Barry of Raymond Potterton auctioneers last week.

Two high-quality parcels of land, the first of these a stunning 105-acre package located in Balreask, near Carlanstown, Kells, and the second a 42-acre tillage farm in Mountainpole near Kells sold for €9,100/ac, or €470,000, and €11,100/ac, or €960,000, respectively, either side of the county’s average.

The auction, which took place in Raymond Potterton showrooms in Navan, was eventful and the prior interest in both holdings was realised.

First to be offered were the 105 acres. Opening at €800,000, three bidders drove the price to €960,000 before the hammer fell. The purchaser was a local dairy farmer.

Mountainpole opened at €400,000 and rose in increments of €10,000 and €20,000 to reach €470,000. At this point it was placed on the market and sold.

The 105 acres, described as “immaculate”, are laid out in permanent pasture. Divided into circa nine paddocks,these are further subdivided to suit the grazing system deployed on the farm.

The lands at Mountainpole are a super 42-acre tillage farm.

Located circa 2km from Kells, the farm is laid out in five divisions. While the holding has been rented to a tillage farmer for the last number of years, the current owners would have grown vegetables on the holding, highlighting its arable nature.