An impressive auction saw 40ac at Ballyvaughan, Powerstown, Clonmel, achieving €740,000, or €18,500/ac.

The lands are equally divided between tillage and grass, containing two fields of 20ac each, approximately 3km from Clonmel. They are of good quality and their elevation gives great views in all directions. The only blemish is the presence of high-voltage electricity pylons connecting to a nearby sub-station.

The property was offered in three lots – the tillage field first, the grass field second and then the entire.

While there were no bids for the individual lots, bidding opened at €400,000 for the entire. There were a number of breaks as discussions were held with the vendors, with the property finally being placed on the market when bidding reached €550,000.

From start to finish a total of 61 bids were required until the hammer finally fell at €740,000. The purchaser and under-bidders are local land owners.

Pat Quirke of PF Quirke & Co was the agent handling the sale. He said that the while the land market nationwide seems to be stalling somewhat, for the right parcel in the right location there are always a number of buyers which will ensure a good price.