Joe Gibbons from Ballinasloe Co. Galway has won the 2026 Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) Novice Rostrum Auctioneer competition.

Joe, who works in the Ballinasloe Livestock Mart office, was one of seven contestants who took to the rostrum to conduct the sale of a series of lots.

The competition, designed to develop the next generation of professional auctioneers, allowed the entrants to showcase their auctioneering ability, confidence, and presentation skills.

Organised by the Young Professionals Network (YPN) of IPAV, the competition was held recently at Tattersalls Ireland, Ratoath, Co. Meath.

Auctioneer

Joe Gibbons impressed the judges with his clarity, pace, and command of the auction process.

Along with being presented with the Ron Duff Memorial Cup, Joe will travel to the America’s Auction Academy in Texas where he will undergo intensive auctioneering training with renowned auctioneer Mike Jones and his team.

The runners-up in this year's competition were Daragh Walsh and Elliott Potterton.

The event also allowed Catherine Mannion Cooney, Padraig Beglin, Sean Murphy and Ciara Lally to demonstrate their skill and confidence on the rostrum.

Niamh Giffney, IPAV board member commended all competitors for their efforts.

"Once again, this was an intensely fought competition for which all competitors deserve great credit,” she said.

Fergal Troy, YPN chairperson added: "Joe and his fellow competitors have displayed enormous talent and ambition and undoubtedly have great careers ahead of them in the profession."

Joe gained his qualification through the auctioneering and property management apprenticeship course which he completed in 2024, gaining his license in early 2025.

He has a keen interest in livestock sales and is eager to build his career in the livestock trade.