2 things odd about the bidding war. No bids for 5 months and the house needs work. Wouldn't be many people who not only have mortgage approval but also have the cash for work.
But if this is in Dublin and it's a decent family home, well that's an actual market so it's entirely possible.
I think realising people wanted the house pushed a couple of fence-sitters to go for it. It's not Dublin but very close & there is a severe shortage of good sized family homes in the market.