Punter willing to pay €5k to crush Seánie’s BMW
Just over a week ago people who have been badly damaged by rogue bankers were told they would have the chance to scrap the once-luxury vehicle in a charity auction.
The event, which runs until Monday at 4.30pm, has been organised by Clondalkin-based National Recycling Ltd, which repossessed the 3 series 1992 BMW from Seánie’s lavish gated house in Greystones, Co Wicklow after a state auction.
In the past seven days, the company has received hundreds of calls from well-wishers and bidders keen to be given the right to press the button on the scrapping machine next week.
The once-luxury car now has mould growing in its seats, a busted engine and no NCT — and just months ago was valued at a mere €1,234.56.
But bids as high as €5,200 have been received as part of the highly popular auction.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Conor Hand, sales manager of National Recycling, said the biggest bid to date was received on Tuesday — but declined to confirm the background of the individual involved.
However, while the minimum €5,200 windfall and the publicity surrounding the event will prove of significant benefit to the still-to-be-chosen charity to receive the money, Mr Hand said there was still time for people to outbid the secret contender.
“The amount of people who have contacted us over this has been phenomenal, it really is unbelievable.
“The auction will be closing on Monday afternoon but, as there’s been offers all through the week, we’re expecting more bids before then,” he said.
The vehicle — until Christmas still in the possession of the FitzPatrick family — was seized by National Recycling on January 14.
While Mr Fitzpatrick was not at home at the time, it appears that among a large crowd of onlookers was someone keen to highlight their pleasure at the vehicle being taken off the former Anglo Irish Bank boss.
Among the items placed on the BMW while it was being towed away were one-word stickers reading “nationalised”.
* National Recycling: 01-4579021
