It’s been a difficult few years for anyone trying to run a business in the property game. The latest downturn has seen off more than its share of smaller operators. All the more heartening then to see a family firm celebrating 75 years in business.

Meath based auctioneers REA T &J Gavigan are marking just that after Westmeath born brothers Tom and John Gavigan started trading in Kells in 1940. Back then the business was more land focused, it developed gradually and was added to when Tom's son, also called Tom, came on board in 1955. Now over 80, Tom Gavigan has seen the firm through several recessions and booms, was president of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI) in 1985, and he is still striking land deals today.

It’s a testament to Tom (clearly it’s in the blood) that he has been joined in the property business by four of his children, three of whom are involved with REA T & J Gavigan – Tom, Michael and Cara. Eimer works as group marketing manager of Real Estate Alliance of which T & J Gavigan were one of the founding members.

Hopefully the next generation will catch the bug and drive the business on for the next 75 years.