In a statement this Saturday, the New Land League groups, which have defended the Kingston family in the debt collection process that led to the forced sale of their 950-strong pedigree dairy herd on Tuesday, revealed that the farming family's grandfather and neighbours had made the bids for 500 animals that failed later in the week.

Auctioneer Denis Barrett reported on Friday that 500 animals would have to be resold "due to a failure to receive payment".

The New Land League said that "the Kingston children's grandfather and neighbours together purchased [the animals] at a public auction to assist the Kingston children to continue on the family tradition and livelihood," confirming local information obtained by the Irish Farmers Journal.

According to the New Land League, grandfather Peter Kingston cashed in his pension to fund the purchase, but will not receive the money until next Wednesday.

The sheriff's decision to reject the bids as a result of the delayed payment "are clearly designed to frustrate these genuine efforts to save the Kingston's family livelihood," the New Land League commented.

The sale agents were not available for comment at the weekend and the consequences of the failed bids in terms of potential penalties remain to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the contractors and suppliers owed payments by the Kingston's farm who voiced concerns about their own claims this week remain excluded from the debt recovery process conducted on behalf of ACC Loan Management.

In pictures: Cradenhill herd dispersal sale

Inside the Cradenhill herd dispersal sale

Failed bids at Kingston forced sale came from the family

It has emerged that the bidders whose purchases fell through at this week's auction of the Cradenhill herd were trying to retain ownership of the animals in the family.