Bidders buy almost all of BoI art collection

Almost every piece was sold in last night's sale of works of art from Bank of Ireland's collection in Dublin.

The collection included paintings by Robert Ballagh and Louis le Brocquy and a sculpture by Rowan Gillespie.

The auction had to be moved to the Shelbourne Hotel's ballroom to accommodate the well-heeled bidders.

Adams auctioneers said the unprecedented crowd was the biggest ever seen.

A small group of protestors gathered outside the auction, but Bank of Ireland said the proceeds of the sale would solely support community arts programmes.