Signed Proclamation makes new world auction record

An original signed version of Ireland's Proclamation of Independence has fetched a record-breaking €360,000 when auctioned last night at a Dublin showroom.

The document, which is in good original condition and is signed by Irish rebel leader and bodyguard to Tom Clarke, Sean McGarry, was purchased by a private Irish collector who wishes to remain anonymous.

The historical artefact was bought over the telephone in the face of competition from several international bidders, and is expected to remain in the country.

Other notable items of national interest included a rare handwritten and signed letter from Michael Collins to his republican colleague Austin Stack, proposing a Belfast prison break, which fetched €70,000, double its pre-sale estimate.

Sean Mac Diarmada's 1916 combatant medal, posthumously awarded, made €110,000 and a painting of Queen Maeve by Maud Gonne that she painted for WB Yeats sold for €30,000.

It is said to be one of very few remaining items still in private hands that links their mysterious love affair.

There was widespread interest in the sale of the 650 lots of Irish historical and political artifacts, at the St Stephen's Green premises of James Adams Salesrooms.

The auction sale totalled just over €2m.

Other notable lots that went under the hammer included an original printed admission ticket for the infamous Bloody Sunday match at Croke Park which sold for €14,000.

Possibly the earliest surviving collection of traditional Irish music in manuscript (1780) by Padraig O'Neill went for €85,000.

The original Cunard office documents from the fateful voyage of The Lusitania from New York to Liverpool that was torpedoed by U.20 off the head of Kinsale in 1915 was picked up for €15,000.

They contained personal details and travel particulars of every passenger and crew member on board, denoting those who were saved, lost and drowned .