Sport memorabilia the focus of auction

An official team jersey signed by the conquering Munster team which defeated the All-Blacks at Thomond Park in 1978 is among the treasures at Fonsie Mealy’s rare books and collectors’ sale at the Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin on July 1.

It is one of a number of highly collectible sports related items — ranging from a miniature photographic portrait signed by Pele (€80-€100), to a hurley signed by the Cork centenary champions of 1984 (€150-€200), on offer. The red jersey is estimated at a relatively modest €450-€650. An official FAI team soccer jersey from 2002 signed by Roy Keane, Shay Given, Robbie Keane and others is estimated at €150-€200.

A Formula One Ferrari baseball cap signed by Michael Schumacher is estimated at €70-€90.

A selection of four golf hats signed by Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Lee James, Mark O’Meara, David Duval and Billy Casper together with a Ryder Cup 2006 K-Club Pole Flag signed by Paul Casey will be offered as one lot estimated at €120-€150.

Whether you are a bibliophile, a bank note collector, a literature buff, an historian, or a collector whose taste runs to Irish ecclesiastical architecture, there is something for you in this auction of 737 lots.

It will be on view in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny from 10am to 5.30pm on June 26. Viewing in Dublin is on June 29 from 1pm to 7pm and on June 30 from 10am to 7pm and the auction is on July 1 at 11am.