Revealed: 'It's a privilege,' new Sherry FitzGerald office opens in Tipperary

A new chapter has begun for the property market in Clonmel with the opening of Sherry FitzGerald Pollard FitzGerald, as a long-established local firm joins Ireland’s leading estate agency network.

The office is led by well-known local property professional John FitzGerald, bringing decades of experience and deep local knowledge to the Sherry FitzGerald network.

The business will be involved in all aspects of the property market, including residential sales, agricultural and commercial sales, lettings, and valuations.

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This move marks a return to familiar territory for John, who began his career as a junior negotiator with Sherry FitzGerald on Merrion Row in 1983, just a year after the company’s founding.

In 1987, he established his own agency in partnership with Donagh Dougan, forming Dougan FitzGerald—a successful venture that later amalgamated with Tom Pollard Properties in 2019.

Today, John continues to lead the business alongside Declan Pollard, who plays a key leadership role as Director and Head of Sales.

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Declan, the son of the late Tom Pollard, brings over three decades of experience in the Clonmel property market.

Having worked closely with his father for many years, he has developed an in-depth understanding of both residential and commercial property, and is widely regarded as a leading figure in the local real estate sector.

For John, estate agency has always been about people, not just property. “As an estate agent, you’re entering into the life of a person who might have only watched you from the sidelines for years—until suddenly, they need you. It’s a privilege when they choose you for that moment,” he says. That personable, approachable style has defined his career, and his service to Clonmel and the wider region.

Over the past year, John has also worked closely with the Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes team, bringing his expertise to a number of high-profile sales in the region.

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These include the joint sale of Rathduff Stud, Golden, Cashel, county Tipperary (c.155 acres), which achieved a sale price in excess of €4 million, and Killough Castle and farm (c.527 acres), which sold for more than €7 million.

John was inspired to pursue auctioneering by his father, who farmed locally and held an auctioneer’s licence. That early exposure to land sales and local service shaped his path.

Today, he’s also a member of IPAV and is serving as a member of Tipperary County Council since 2020, having being re-elected in June last year, where his work frequently overlaps with his passion for property and public service.

“I think public service is an honourable thing,” he says, “and helping people—whether through property or representation—is important.”

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Des O’Malley, Head of Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide, welcomed the newest member of the network saying: “We are thrilled to welcome John to the Sherry FitzGerald network. His return is a very welcome development for us, but more importantly, it marks a major opportunity for Clonmel and its surrounding communities. John and Declan bring integrity, experience, and a deep understanding of the local market. We’re excited to see the growth of Sherry FitzGerald Pollard FitzGerald in the years to come.”

Speaking about the new direction, John FitzGerald said: “It’s a real pleasure to return to the brand where I started my career and where my son, Hugh, has cut his teeth in their Dublin City Centre office. Partnering with Sherry FitzGerald allows us to offer a wider reach and best-in-class marketing while continuing to provide the trusted local service. We are happy to re-brand as Sherry FitzGerald Pollard FitzGerald is also about honouring the Pollard name, which is synonymous with property in Clonmel.”