There was no time to draw breath in the GVM online auction room on Friday 21 August, as Gordon Cobb took just four minutes and 16 bids to knock down a 23.5ac parcel at Cappanrush, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, for €17,000/ac.
Opening proceedings, Gordon described the land, which has dual road frontage, as top quality and suitable for any farming purposes.
Bidding commenced at €250,000, with several bidders competing fiercely for the farm as the price reached €300,000 in less than a minute.
“Parcels of land like this don’t come up for sale every day, folks,” the auctioneer reminded bidders, as the rapid exchange continued to €380,000.
With the pace easing somewhat, he prompted: “Superb parcel of land, now is the time to hit the button.”
Nothing happened for the next minute, and it seemed the battle was over.
“Final call then,” said Gordon, “are we all finished?”
Seconds to spare
There was a hail Mary moment as the challenging bidder swept back in with seconds to spare.
“Just in time now at €390,000,” said the auctioneer. The bid was quickly countered at €400,000, where it held.
Calling a brief recess, Gordon returned to place the farm on the market.
With no advance, it was knocked down at €400,000, representing a price of just over €17,000/ac, which is 30% more than the county average, according to the Irish Farmers Journal Land Report.
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