Security was very tight at the second auction to re-sell up to 500 cattle which belonged to a Co Cork farmer after a lender obtained a judgment against him, writes Olivia Kelleher.

It is understood prospective buyers had to pay a €5,000 deposit before they were even allowed enter the farmyard in Nohoval, Co Cork, yesterday morning.

In the region of 50 buyers gathered at Craden Hill Farm for the auction, being held by sales agent Denis Barrett on behalf of Cork County sheriff, Sinéad McNamara.

One buyer who asked not to be identified said Holstein cattle involved highly specialised farming and “wouldn’t be for everyone”.

Buyers at the auction travelled from as far away as the UK to bid on the cattle previously owned by farmer Peter Kingston.

Some 30 protestors gathered outside the previous auction picketing the sale.

However, yesterday’s auction passed without incident or protestors.

Peter Kingston said it was yet another tough day for the family.

“We don’t know what we are going to do. The judiciary took advantage and that’s it. I didn’t give them any rights over my cattle. I only gave them rights over property. It’s your livelihood taken away from you.”

It is understood the cattle sold for an average of €1,100 yesterday with the lowest price being €800 and the highest €2,200.

This story first appeared in the Irish Examiner .