Latest news with #Kilkenny-based
Irish Examiner
18 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Wexford tillage farm fetches almost €27,000/acre at auction
Kilkenny-based Donohue Town & Country auctioneers enjoyed another successful auction sale at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on Friday, May 23, where an 86-acre farm in Wexford was up for sale. The holding at Shroughmore (10km northwest of Enniscorthy) included prime agricultural land, outbuildings, and an impressive residence. Most of the top-class lands are in tillage, with little or no wastage, and physically divided into two adjacent sections: One of about 63 acres, the other of about 23 acres. The overall guide price for the property pre-auction was put at €20,000 per acre and offered in the following lots: Lot 1 - The house, outbuildings, and approximately five acres, ideal for establishing an agri-business or equine facilities; Lot 2 - Approximately 81 acres of prime tillage land; Lot 3 - The entire property. The holding at Shroughmore (10km northwest of Enniscorthy) included prime agricultural land, outbuildings, and an impressive residence. Boasting a very scenic setting with views of the Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Leinster, the main house is an impressive four-bedroom property in excellent condition, accessed via a private treelined driveway and built in 1930. The interior boasts a number of attractive features such as antique slate fireplaces, Victorian-style floor tiling, high ceilings, ornate coving and a solid oak staircase The house has also benefitted from a number of extensions and renovations in the intervening years, and extends to almost 230m sq. The range of agricultural buildings, meanwhile, includes a two-span shed with lean-to sheds, two three-span sheds, and several other stone sheds. After competitive bidding, the final bid landed on Lot 3 (the entire) selling under the gravel for an impressive €2.3m (€26,700/acre). The highly anticipated public auction drew strong local interest. Although it was offered in one or two lots, it was ultimately the entire holding that gained the most attention. After competitive bidding, the final bid landed on Lot 3 (the entire) selling under the gravel for an impressive €2.3m (€26,700/acre). 'We're delighted with the result,' said Ed Donohoe, lead auctioneer on the sale. 'This property offered the perfect mix of prime agricultural land and a good quality residence in a truly scenic location. The strong turnout and competitive bidding reflect the continued strength of the rural property market, particularly for quality holdings like this.'
Agriland
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Agriland
Kilkenny contractor says mower ‘performance is unreal'
Kverneland 5387MT mowers deliver on high output, ease of use, and reliability. according to a Kilkenny-based contractor. Mark Stanley has been working with his uncle, Leeson Stanley, at Leeson Stanley Agricultural Contracting in Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny, for over 22 years. Between Leeson's tillage work and Mark's own nearby farm, the pair know what they want from a mower — and they have found it in the Kverneland 5387MT BX butterfly mower. Mark said: 'We've been using Kverneland since day one. 'When we heard the 5387 was about a tonne and a half lighter than the older model, we said we'd give it a go. 'We were very impressed — they're well-balanced, not hard on the tractor, and the performance is unreal.' High output, no hassle With a 250hp tractor up front, the 5387 mowers can easily cover up to 240ac a day on the Stanleys' ground. Even with 200–220hp, Mark says it runs no problem. 'Before, we were using two sets of doubles. It worked, but one mower was always sitting idle when trying to split nine headland runs. 'With the 5387, every mower is working full-time — it's more efficient, and it pairs perfectly with our swarter,' he said. QuattroLink suspension: 'Just brilliant' Mark highlights the QuattroLink suspension system as one of the standout features. The Kverneland 5387 butterfly mower conditioner delivers a working width of 8.75m, making it ideal for contractors and large farms alike. Source: Kverneland Built around Kverneland's unique QuattroLink suspension system, the mower glides over the ground with up to 700mm of vertical movement — 400mm upwards and 300mm downwards — ensuring a clean, even cut across every contour. The QuattroLink concept, inspired by racing suspension design, features four suspension arms connected to a fixed carrying arm. This allows the mower to float and respond independently to ground undulations while maintaining precise pressure. 'That's what I love about the suspension,' Mark said. 'You can control how much pressure is on the ground from the cab. 'And more importantly, when it lifts over a bump, it comes back down fast — no missed strips or green patches.' BX belt swarting: fast, tidy, and flexible For second-cut silage, the 5387s are fitted with BX belts, which can be easily adjusted or removed. Mark said: 'You can speed them up or slow them down from the cab using hydraulic pressure. 'We run them at around 25% and the tractor barely knows they're on. The swart is lovely and uniform, or you can lay it flat — you've full control.' The belts are quick to remove using carrier wheels and quick-release couplings, saving time when switching between cuts. Dual adjustment for better wilting The mower features dual adjustment for conditioning, which Mark considers key for optimising wilting and forage quality. 'You can pull it in tight for light second cuts or open it up for heavy crops like haylage or Italian ryegrass. 'It bruises the grass just right — you get great wilt, and it conditions evenly across the width,' he said. Simple mower controls, easy maintenance Mark rates the operation and maintenance of the 5387 mowers very highly. 'There's a lovely, simple control box, numbered 1 to 5. You use the same lever the whole time — it's very user-friendly. The parking stand is great too. You can fold the mower up, and it takes up less space than a trailed mower,' he added. Maintenance is made easy thanks to thoughtful design. 'The covers lift up high, and you're standing up straight when changing blades — no crouching or straining. It's quick, easy and safe.' Mark also noted the durability and convenience of the mower's quick-release blades. 'We start the season with a fresh set, turn them all together, then change them all together,' he explained. 'I've never lost a blade with the quick release system. It saves time, and you always know where you stand.' Non-stop breakback system that works The mower features an advanced hydraulic breakback system, which reacts faster than traditional spring setups. Mark said: 'I've hit a few yokes with it over the years — never done damage. 'It pulls the mower back quickly and resets straight away. It's far superior to springs.' Built to last — and to perform Now into its sixth season with the 5387s, Mark says the machine is standing up exceptionally well. 'No cracks, no sag, still runs as sweet as the day we got it,' he said. 'No gear noise, no stress on the drive. The Kverneland bed uses equal-sized gears, so power is distributed evenly — no loss in torque like other systems.' Source: Keverneland The butterfly mower also uses round discs, which prevent damage from stone strikes. 'They can't physically hit each other, and they repel stones. It's a clever design, and it's been standard on Kverneland for as long as I can remember,' he said. Reliable dealer support The mower was supplied through Gordon Hegarty & Sons, who Mark says have been excellent to deal with. 'All our Kverneland kit comes through Hegarty's,' he said 'Parts and service are top notch, and while we've been lucky not to need much, it's good to know the back-up is there.' Final verdict Would he recommend the Kverneland 5387 butterfly mower? 'Absolutely. They're light, strong, easy to run and low cost to maintain. 'We've put ours through its paces and it still works like new…. And I'd be hard on a yoke! 'I'd have no problem putting another contractor onto one tomorrow,' Mark said. Kverneland Group Ireland are now offering 0%* finance on 100% of the VAT Inclusive selling price across the full range of equipment. *T&C's apply You can contact Kverneland directly for more info –
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Ifac agrees deal for Kilkenny's Coughlan Carroll & Co
Farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm ifac has announced a deal to buy Kilkenny-based Coughlan Carroll & Co. Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors. The Coughlan Carroll & Co team will be working with ifac and operating from the ifac offices at Danville Business Park, Kilkenny Ifac said this latest acquisition further enhances its comprehensive range of services and strengthens its positioning as a top 10 accountancy firm in Ireland. It now has 30 offices and a workforce of 575 people. John Donoghue, chief executive of ifac, said the company is growing fast, and Martin, Larry, Rosaleen and the Coughlan Carroll team are a great addition, strengthening the company's expertise and proposition for SME business owners in the Southeast region. "Our talented people understand the many challenges of being an entrepreneur. Our newly extended team is committed to supporting our clients as they achieve their business goals, create jobs, and positively impact communities across Ireland," he added. Martin Coughlan, Partner, said that ifac is the right fit for the company. "Our integration is hugely beneficial for our clients who now have access to a large and diverse team of experts and a wide range of quality professional services," he added.
Agriland
12-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Murphy Machinery & Berthoud sprayers
Precision spraying systems are required to secure the highest levels of crop husbandry and performance. Scientific research continues to deliver enhanced agricultural production systems that are based on the accurate placement of bespoke inputs. These products include herbicides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, adjuvants, trace element mixes and liquid fertilisers. The development of ever-more complex tank mixes has called for the development of increasingly sophisticated spraying systems. But the good news is that the Berthoud brand has been to the fore in achieving this for generations. And it's a success story that has been consistently endorsed and, indeed added to, by Irish farmers over many years. Berthoud Berthoud has an extraordinary heritage and pedigree in spraying technology. Continuous innovation drives the company with one core objective, the foundation upon which the business has been built – that of ensuring that its customers can drive sustainability – economic and environmental – within their specific farming operations. With such a history comes a unique hunger for futuristic developments. New thinking is at the heart of the Berthoud strategic development plan. Production agriculture continues to evolve. Farmers are now expected to produce more food from less land while, at the same time reducing the carbon and environmental footprints of the businesses they manage. For its part, Berthoud has consistently developed the technologies that tillage and other farmers need to ensure that spraying solutions deliver optimal disease and weed control in both arable and grassland scenarios. Moreover, spray-based application systems are being increasingly used to meet the fertiliser requirements of crops. The end result has been a quantum leap forward in the efficiency levels achieved on farms throughout Ireland and beyond. These strategic developments are strongly associated with the attainment of enhanced sustainability across all sectors of production agriculture. In essence, Berthoud is providing customers with the tools to meet new environmental constraints while reducing the volume of plant protection products sprayed. New technologies and innovations have made crop treatment more efficient and safer by improving quality and reducing risks for operators and the environment. Enhanced section control in tandem with sniper technology and localised spraying solutions are at the heart of the innovations that drive Berthoud sprayers. And the future is equally bright. E.g., the real-time detection of weeds is fast becoming a reality – Berthoud has a solution for all. Murphy Machinery Murphy Machinery has long partnered with Berthoud in delivering optimal farm machinery solutions to Irish farmers. The comprehensive Berthoud offering available from the Kilkenny-based operation is centred on three fundamental drivers: new and used machinery sales; comprehensive advice with regard the application of Berthoud's spraying technologies; a totally dependable parts department and accompanying repair service. Dara Kehoe, Murphy Machinery These factors all add up to a winning combination. Where trailed Berthoud sprayers are concerned, two models resonate with Irish farmers: the Vantage and the Tracker. Both have a strong track record of delivering enhanced performance within all cropping and ground condition scenarios. Tracker sprayers combine proven technological and economic performance under Irish field conditions Featuring the renowned Actiflex axle suspension, the stability of Axiale booms, and the industry-leading Berthoud pump, the Tracker has been developed by combining the myriad practical and economical aspects of modern spraying. Boom length ranges from 18mm to 33m. With a 3,200L capacity DP-tronic and EC-tronic electronic regulation plus DPA mechanical regulation, the Tracker comes with a wide range of specification options. These have been designed to maximise operator comfort and the efficiency of all spraying operations. Fieldwork for Tracker in Tipperary Co. Tipperary suckler beef and tillage farmer, Michael Moloney (featured in the video above), is currently using a Berthoud Tracker 3200 trailed sprayer. He grows 300ac of crops including winter oilseed rape, spring and winter barley as well as organic oats. He is very satisfied with the versatility of the machine and the performance levels it has secured on a continuous basis. Features of the sprayer that have proven themselves on a regular basis include the ease of set-up, the effectiveness of the section controls, the versatility of the GPS system and the beneficial impact of the AxiFlex suspension. 'The sprayer is easy to use and just as easy to fill. The tank is calibrated at 3,200L. But at a push she can hold 3,400L of solution,' Michael explained. 'This means I can cover up to 40ac of crop with a single tank mix. 'The triple jets are a big advantage. Transporting the sprayer on the road is not an issue. Overall, she is very robust and easy to use.'
Irish Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Microsoft's massive Irish dividends
Microsoft's Irish subsidiaries paid dividends worth $41 billion (€36.3 billion) to its US parent across its 2024 financial year and the first months of 2025, as the tech giant's Irish business continued to grow. The payments are likely to be noticed in Washington, given the Trump administration's focus on getting American firms to shift business back to the US. Ciara O'Brien has the details. The chief executive of Ires Reit, the largest private apartments owner in the State, has called for a simple increase to the current rent cap in housing pressure zones, in order to encourage investors and developers back into this area of the housing market. Joe Brennan has the story, after sitting down with Eddie Byrne for an interview . PwC Ireland reported a 2.8 per cent increase in net revenue last year to €469 million, the latest transparency report for the Big Four accounting and consulting firm has revealed. Ciaran Hancock reports. Glanbia's top brass came in for relentless criticism this week at its AGM, as angry investors unloaded their ire over a weak share price and apparent struggles at the company. Eoin Burke-Kennedy asks what has gone wrong for the Kilkenny-based company. READ MORE In World of Work, Margaret E Ward looks at why short tempered bosses are a recipe for disaster. Northern Ireland's economy has long been an underperforming part of the UK, and these days also trails the Republic. In his column, John FitzGerald looks at the issue, and possible fixes. Galway-based Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) is investing €9 million in staff training as it expands into new sectors and eyes up the prospects for international expansion. Dominic Coyle has the story. The levels of capital investment by Irish SMEs had not recovered from the 'scarring effects of the pandemic' in 2023, a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found. Hugh Dooley reports. Hugh also reports that global investment fund Ara Partners has raised more than $800 million (€708.7 million), sweeping past its fund target of $500 million with the aim of scaling companies with significant decarbonisation impacts. Just weeks after winning his first Masters title, Rory McIlroy is linking up with investment firm TPG to launch a sports fund , joining an increasing number of current athletes delving into asset management. Dublin-based Smurfit Westrock said net sales for the first quarter of the year rose to $7.66 billion (€6.7 billion), following its merger last year that saw it create one of the largest packaging groups in the world. Ciara and Joe read the accounts. AIB's financial performance was better than expected in the first quarter of the year, its chief executive said on Thursday, despite fears that Trump administration policies will hit global trade and economic growth. Joe has the details. Stay up to date with all our business news: sign up to our Business Today daily email news digest. If you'd like to read more about the issues that affect your finances try signing up to On the Money , the weekly newsletter from our personal finance team, which will be issued every Friday to Irish Times subscribers.
