Following the sudden death in 2012 of Fr Brian Hanley, a noted collector, well-known fine art auctioneers Matthews of Oldcastle in Co Meath have been chosen by the executors to sell the contents of his former residence by public auction.
An early Victorian glebe house, Kedagh Park House is situated one mile outside Glenamaddy, Co Galway on the Roscommon Road. The auction, to be held this Sunday February 1 at 1.30pm, contains his life-time collection formed over 60 years. The sale comprises a total of over 600 lots of antiques.
Included in the auction will be a fine pair of Irish Regency fold-over side tables of elegant form resting on paw supports estimated at €4,000-€7,000. Another interesting lot in the sale is a Georgian portrait of a gentleman estimated at €700-€1,200. As it’s a clearance auction estimates run from €20 all the way up to €15,000, appealing to all tastes and pockets.
Mr Matthews says, “Cataloguing the contents has certainly been a voyage of discovery! Many lots we found out in the barn hidden under decades of dust and cobwebs. Very kindly the executors have allowed us to also include in this auction the remaining estate of Dr Kilbride so it really is a packed sale of antiques not seen for many, many years.”
From the Kilbride Estate are three antique solid gold Sovereigns and other jewellery including an Omega Seamaster wristwatch. A Regency gilded chariot motif overmantle with an estimate of €600-€900 also comes from this estate. Amongst the lots in the barn are various pony traps, a Ferguson tractor circa 1970, and a large quantity of shed-stored dry turf and seasoned firewood, etc.
The house will be open for public viewing from 11am this Friday and Saturday and on auction day from 10am. Limited viewing of the contents will be permitted while the auction is on while the sale itself will be held in a heated marquee beside the house. Food and warm drinks will also be available on auction day. A fully illustrated catalogue is posted online on the auctioneers’ website at www.matthewsauctionrooms.com while printed copies will be available at the house during view days.
