Farmer pays record E9.95m for 380 acres

A RECORD price has been paid for a Tipperary farm.

A dairy farmer paid E9.95 million for a 380-acre residential holding near Cashel. The guide price was E4.5 million.

William Ahern, from Passage West, Co Cork, beat off Arab princes and major bloodstock players to secure Synone House at auction.

The dwelling, a 3,500 square foot period residence, was bought by the vendors, the Gough family in 1974 for E376,000.

Describing this as a "nice bit of profit", agent John Stokes says the family have worked to create one of the finest farms in the country.

"It's a cracking piece of land and most people who viewed it said it was the finest farm they ever walked."

Describing the auction as "a great day", Mr Stokes went on to say that the sale was historic not only in price but in result.

"It's not a regular occurrence to see a farmer take on the equine lads and win they went to E9.5m and Willie threw in E50,000 more. It's a great day for farmers.