Lots of treasures at Limerick fair

For determined collectors all roads lead to Limerick this weekend.

The National Antique and Art Fair is at the South Court Hotel today and tomorrow, with everything from antique furniture, art, silver and porcelain to books, bank notes and numerous collectible pieces.

Treasure hunters will find rarities like books illustrated by Harry Clarke at Vanessa Parker, a carved ostrich egg at Gallery Zozimus, a Braque still life lithograph at The Whitley Gallery, a Georgian gold brooch pendant set with topaz at Weldons and antique fishing tackle at Roger Grimes. No fewer than 100 dealers, including 15 members of the Irish Antique Dealers Association, will take part in what is the biggest annual fair organised by Hibernian Antique Fairs. With a variety of dealers from around Ireland there is something for everyone in each collecting category.

Opening times are from 11am to 6pm on each day. Meanwhile, treasure of a different sort will come under the hammer at Limerick Auction Rooms next Wednesday at 11.30am.

A document of appreciation to Austin Stack (1879-1929) from the IRA prison leadership in Belfast in 1918 for leading a hunger strike, is to be sold.

Written in Irish, it contains a drawing in pencil and ink showing a prison ship and also, a prisoner being force fed, with a message from the prisoners wishing him a long, healthy life and freedom. Though of historical interest the paper is not in good condition and requires conservation.