Hotly-contested auctions for two Limerick farms that sell for €1.5m and €600k

IT WASN’T just cattle that made big prices in Kilmallock Mart last week as two farms of land were sold under the hammer there.

First up was a 93.5 acre residential roadside farm at Ballynamona, Hospital. The man with the gavel was Richard Ryan, of GVM Kilmallock, who described it as an “outstanding farm”.

“The lands are of excellent quality, all in permanent pasture and laid out in easily-managed well-sheltered fields. 

“There is a considerable amount of road frontage and a range of traditional-style farm buildings. The residence is a fine imposing two storey farmhouse, however, it is in need of refurbishment,” said Mr Ryan, who offered the property for sale in its entirety. 

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Despite a large attendance all the bids came through the online LSL facility with an opening bid of €1m. It was followed by €20k incremental bids until €1,420,000 when a recess was called. After the recess, more bids were invited and when bidding reached €1,500,000 there was another short recess. 

The property was placed on the market. No further bids followed with the hammer coming down at €1,500,000.

Commenting after the auction, Mr Ryan said that it was a smashing farm situated on the main Limerick / Mitchelstown road mid-way between Hospital and Herbertstown. 

“Both joint agent Gerald Mitchell, of EJ Mitchell Auctioneers, and I always felt that the farm was entitled and would make in the region of €1.5m,” said Mr Ryan.

It is understood the new owner is a local businessman with strong farming interests.

The second auction offering was a 30.5 acre non-residential roadside farm situated at the Cross of Knockane with postal address of Kileenagalive, Pallasgreen (pictured below).

Mr Ryan, again with gavel in hand, said it is an excellent quality roadside farm situated in the heart of the Golden Vale. 

The farm has a slatted shed together with lean-to style cubicle shed and ancillary out offices.

Mr Ryan said the lands are all in permanent pasture and are laid out in easily managed fields .

There was a much smaller crowd in attendance this time, however, most importantly plenty of action both in house and on online. 

An opening bid online of €400,000 was followed by a rapid succession of bids from two in-house and one online bidder. 

A recess was called at €550,000 and after a discussion the vendors made the decision to place the property on the market. A number of minutes later, Mr Ryan’s gavel came down in favour of an in-house bidder at a very impressive €600,000 or €19,672 / acre. 

This was another joint agent sale, this time DNG Liam O’Grady, of Tipperary Town, with GVM Kilmallock. 

It is believed the farm was bought by a local dairy farmer.