End of an era as Cavanagh's of Fermoy on the market for €1.5m

The end of an era for Fermoy: Cavanagh's century-old motor dealership is now for sale at €1.5m

Cavanagh’s motor dealership in Fermoy, which ceased trading in January after more than 100 years in business, has been put on the market as part of a voluntary liquidation. The site boasts good connectivity and is situated just 1km from Fermoy town centre.

Well-known motor dealership Cavanagh’s, in Fermoy, has been put on the market for €1.5m following a decision to enter voluntary liquidation.

The decision to sell the substantial premises on the Cork Road marks the end of an era, as Cavanagh’s has been synonymous with Fermoy for more than a century.

Founded in 1919, shortly after the end of the First World War, by Tom Cavanagh Sr, it’s been a household name across the East Cork town for generations — operating initially from a garage at Ashe Quay, north of the town centre.

The late Tom Cavanagh Jr, whose father, Tom Sr, started the family business in 1919.

In 1938, the business became a Ford main dealer, later segueing into the farm machinery business as a New Holland dealer. It has been actively involved in selling and servicing agricultural machinery since 1950.

In 1954, Tom Cavanagh Jr took over from his father, serving as managing director of the Cavanagh motor group, from where he oversaw its diversification.

Better known as Dr Tom Cavanagh — founder of Irish Business Against Litter and of the Tomar Trust, set up to support voluntary activity in rural Ireland, and in disadvantaged communities in Cork City — the late philanthropist and businessman stepped down from the family business in 1986, although he maintained a keen interest.

At the turn of the millennium, the company continued to expand operations and relocated to Cork Road.

Today, its turnkey showroom and workshop extends to approximately 2,292sq m (24,680sq ft) with ancillary parts section, offices, and staff facilities.

Speaking in recent weeks to The Avondhu, dealer principal Frank Hogbin confirmed that Cavanagh’s exited the Ford franchise in 2024, as it was “no longer viable”, along with other factors.

“In 2024, Cavanagh’s made the decision to exit the Ford franchise as it was no longer viable as a sole passenger car outlet, combined with other commercial factors relating to the Ford franchise at the time,” he said.

“While the New Holland agricultural business continued to perform well, it was difficult for it to survive as a standalone business unit.

“Therefore, with the absence of successors to continue the business, the difficult decision to cease trading was taken in January 2026.”

The dealership closed to new business on February 27, with a winding down process, due to warranty obligations and remaining stock. It has now entered voluntary liquidation.

Handling the sale are Sam Kingston and Declan Hickey of Casey and Kingston. Mr Kingston said as the site is “an established motor dealership location and up to recently traded very successfully, it is perfect for operators looking to expand to a modern facility”.

The dealership, on the Cork Road, could suit an operator looking to expand to a modern facility, or could also suit conversion to another type of showroom such as furniture.

Mr Hickey added that with the benefit of vacant possession, “it would also suit conversion to another type of showroom, such as furniture or as a trade outlet or for storage”.

“It also benefits from good connectivity, being close to the town centre and the M8 Cork to Dublin Road,” he said, adding that ”the guide price at €60 [per square foot] is a fraction of the cost of building a facility to a similar standard”.

“If you were starting on a greenfield site, it could conservatively cost €5m,” he said.

Cavanagh’s dealership is on a high-profile, 1.8-acre site, with more than 100m of road frontage onto the Cork Road along with extensive car parking and open storage areas.

The showroom and office area extends to 11,180sq ft, while the workshop and the parts area have a floor area of 13,500sqft.

The workshop area has high eaves and three roller doors, along with three phase power.

The agents say the premises “could easily be subdivided into smaller lots as both the workshop and showroom could operate as standalone units”.

The site is zoned “existing mixed/general business/industrial uses [MGB]” which is designed to “facilitate development that supports in general the employment uses of the existing mixed/general business/industrial areas”.

The property is about 1km from Fermoy town centre and approximately 2km from the M8 Cork Dublin Road.

The agents point out that Fermoy town “has grown rapidly in recent years due to its proximity and accessible to Cork City” and that Tesco has recently opened a new store on the old mart site in the town centre at a cost of €20m.

DETAILS: Declan Hickey, email: [e-mail]. Sam Kingston, email: [e-mail]. Telephone: [phone].