Approximately 90 acres of land in Ballypickas achieved over €800,000 at public auction.
The land was sold to two local farmers, following a successful bid on behalf of one of them by solicitor Michael Ryan of Rathdowney.
Once the land was withdrawn from auction, negotiations took place on the price.
The price then went considerably higher when an agreement was reached to sell a portion of land to a second local farmer.
Bidding opened at €500,000 and quickly rose to €715,000 following bids from the successful bidder’s solicitor and another local farmer.
It was withdrawn at this stage, with negotiations then taking place with the highest bidder.
“The highest bidder was buying it all, except one field, and when that was included with a second buyer, it went considerably higher than €800,000,” auctioneer Joseph Coogan said.
One farmer bought 76 acres while the second one bought 14 acres.
Happy
“Everybody was very happy with the sale, including the auctioneer,” Mr Coogan added.
He added that there was good interest in the auction with a large crowd present.
The land was offered in one or two lots, at the public auction on Friday at the Auction Room, Ballycomey House, Castlecomer.
Lot 1 comprised circa 48.5 Acres with extensive road frontage, divided into three large size fields practically surrounding Ballypickas GAA Grounds
Lot 2 was circa 41.5 acres and practically surrounds Lot 1.
It is divided into three large size fields, with water supply and with good laneway access to public road.
Lot 3 was the entire 90 Acres with road frontage.
The lands are described as being of prime grazing quality, all of which are suitable for hay/silage.
The entire farm was previously in tillage.
The property is situated approximately 2 miles from Abbeyleix, 4 from Ballinakill, 5 from Timahoe, 6 from The Swan, 11 from Castlecomer and 18 miles from Carlow town.
Increase
Mr Coogan said there are signs that the economy is picking up with an increase in land sales.
“The elimination of milk quotas has had a major, positive effect,” he said.
He added that some farmers now have herds up to 150-200 cattle, and so need additional land, even if it just to cut grass from, a number of times a year.
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