Auctioneer Caroline is new president of Network Mayo
By Tom Gillespie
CAROLINE Kirrane, managing partner at APP Kirrane Auctioneering, Ballyhaunis, is the new president of Network Ireland Mayo Branch for 2021.
APP Kirrane Auctioneering was established in 2006 by Caroline and her husband Kevin, at Knox Street in the town.
Caroline told me how the business came about: “We built our business from the ground up. Kevin had a background in construction and I had a medical background.
“We started renting our own properties and managing friends and work colleagues properties and progressed to selling sites, residential and commercial properties throughout Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and as far up as Athlone.
“I furthered my studies and completed a certificate in auctioneering, accredited by the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV).
“I also completed a property management course in AIB and a higher certificate in The Science of Property Marketing and Valuations in AIT.
“Both Kevin and I are Recognised European Valuers (REV). We are on several of the bank valuation panels together with the Revenue Valuations Panel. We offer valuations for probate, family law, transfer, local property tax, fair deal and market value.”
Caroline continued: “We have moved online with virtual viewings, video footage of properties, drone footage and have incorporated the Offr platform into our website.
“This function gives potential purchasers the option to book viewings, place offers and follow properties from anywhere in the world from your mobile phone device.
“Vendors, solicitors and potential purchasers can log on and view properties and watch the bidding process. This is a very transparent way of selling properties. Contracts can be signed over the internet. This is ideal for the times we are currently living in.”
APP Kirrane Auctioneers moved from Knox Street to Main Street, Ballyhaunis, in 2012.
Caroline continued: “With the Main Street presence our business has gone from strength to strength. We employ Lisa Morley in our Ballyhaunis office. She joined our team three years ago and is currently undertaking an apprenticeship in auctioneering. She is due to complete her apprenticeship in May this year. Michael Adams, a qualified auctioneer, works from our Ballyhaunis office covering Ballaghaderreen and surrounding areas.
“We purchased our office block in Ballyhaunis last year when it came up for sale to show our long-term commitment to Ballyhaunis town. We have now the option to extend our office into the second commercial unit or to offer it to an up-and-coming new business. We would love to help a new business get established in our fantastic town.”
Caroline went on: “Due to increased demand for our services in the Galway region we purchased a state-of-the-art office unit in Bohermore, Galway City. From this office we cover Galway City and county and down to Clare. We have Gerry Conway, an experienced and qualified auctioneer, working out of our Galway office. We welcomed Fenella Owens, an experienced auctioneer, to our Galway team in January 2021.
“Kevin and I split our time between the two offices and with our experienced and dedicated team and our state-of-the-art software we can engage and interact with our team at any time from anywhere. It is great to have the option of remote working and the option of two staffed offices giving options to staff and employees to engage and perform to the best.”
Caroline spoke of her role as president of Network Mayo: “Working in a mainly male dominated industry I decided to reach out a few years ago and I came across Network Mayo on social media.
“I decided to go to a ‘Meet the Members’ meeting in Knockranny Hotel, Westport. I was very nervous but was met with a warm and friendly welcome. From that day I joined this progressive women’s organisation I have not looked back. The ladies encourage, support and offer advice to each other.
“Networking referrals and gaining business for each other are our main goals. Network Mayo hold events on the last Wednesday of each month. While these events are virtual currently under the government restrictions we will go back to in person events when it is safe to do so.
“Our members are spread across the entire county of Mayo and are a diverse group of ladies. Members can attend all network events from across the country and avail of a free mentoring service.
“Network Ireland holds annual awards. Awards are held locally at branch level with the winners going forward to national level. Last year we had a national winner, Mary McHugh of Irish Online Counselling. This is a great opportunity to promote your business and reflect on your business and your self-development and achievements.”
She concluded: “Our next event is Wednesday, February 24, at 8 p.m. We are having a social media event with Barbara O’Flaherty of Let’s Get Digital, who will give tips on Instagram. Louise McDonald will speak on Facebook and Samantha Kelly, the Tweeting Goddess, will explain twitter to us.
“If you are interested in becoming a member of Network Mayo please email Louise Buckley, our membership officer, on memberships@networkmayo.com or I would be delighted to chat to you at president@networkmayo.com.