Galway-based auctioneer, Kevin Hassett, has won this year’s IPAV National Novice Rostrum Auctioneer competition which saw competitors from all over the country going head-to-head to demonstrate their skills in rostrum selling.

The 35-year-old graduated from the GRETB training centre in Athenry as an auctioneer in 2023 following a two-year apprenticeship.

Having worked in organic farming and sales prior, Kevin decided upon a late career change following on from the Covid pandemic. He then entered into the world of auctioneering under his current employer iamsold Property Auctions based in Galway City and he hasn’t looked back since.

Inspired by his fellow graduate and former IPAV Novice Rostrum Auctioneer champion of 2022, Darren Hession, who is a livestock auctioneer based in Tuam, Kevin decided to enter himself into the 2024 competition. Darren played an important role in preparing Kevin for this competition held at Tattersalls Ireland in Co Meath.

Kevin conducted multiple live auctions on the day and competed against what was a high standard of competition from seven other competitors from around the country.

The initial auction involved selling an elephant art sculpture designed by IPAV in support of The Elephant in the Room mental health movement.

As the day progressed, the seven finalists were reduced to two who went through to the final auction to sell tickets for charity. The proceeds raised went to Samaritans Ireland, which Elephant in the Room selected as their chosen charity. Kevin emerged victorious in the final round, against a worthy competitor in Cian Pearse of Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty.

Kevin was presented with the  Ron Duff Memorial Rose Bowl trophy, which he will retain in Galway for one year.

Kevin was also awarded a once-in-a-lifetime prize which will see him fly to the USA to train with the renowned Mike Jones at the revered America’s Auction Academy in Dallas, Texas.

Pictured: Kevin Hassett of iamsold, based in Liosbán Business Park in Galway, scooped an award for his auctioneering skills.