Two Munster auctions sure to add a frisson of freshness

A PAIR of upcoming auctions will offer fresh to market works to Munster collectors.

The first is an on-the-premises auction of contents from the Convent of Mercy in Cahir, Co Tipperary. The sale takes place next Saturday, April 25, at noon.

Meantime house contents from Dripsey Castle in Co Cork are due to be sold at Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, on Tuesday, April 28.

A four-door Regency breakfront secretaire bookcase is a prime lot at the Cahir sale. Auctioneer PJ O’Gorman of Charleville said that it is, along with much of the furniture on offer, untouched and in good condition.

There are Victorian two- and three-door bookcases, a mahogany pedestal desk, sets of Victorian dining chairs, chaises longues, Victorian sideboards, a walnut davenport, church pews, religious prints, statues, porcelain, glass, brass candlesticks and plated silver.

The sale of more than 500 lots will also include contents from the Convents of Mercy in Buttevant, Mallow, Rosslare and St Mary’s of the Isle, Cork. Viewing is from 2pm to 7pm next Friday and from 10.30am to the start of the sale on this day week.

Aidan Foley’s Dripsey Castle contents sale at Sixmilebridge on April 28 at 10am features a large Victorian gilt consul table with white marble top and mirror (€1,000-€2,000) among a selection of furniture. The O’Shaughnessy family who owned Dripsey Woollen Mills have been in residence here for over 150 years.

Some furniture has been in storage as the family have not occupied the main part of the house for some years.

The auction will feature Victorian gilt over mantle mirrors (€600-€800), Victorian and Regency furniture, old photographs, books of Cork interest, farm machinery, spinning wheels and local ephemera.

The sale is due to go on view at The Auction Rooms, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare from next Saturday.