Antiques: Townley Hall sale recalls 18th-century sporting life

'Renowned for his extravagance and passion for horse racing, the 2nd Baronet of Dromoland epitomised a certain type of Irishman renowned in song and story in the 18th century'

'Sir Edward O'Brien in Hunting Costume of his Day', attributed to James Seymour, at James Adam.

Behind this portrait of a man on a horse — one of the leading lots at the James dam Country House Collections at Townley Hall on Monday and Tuesday — lies a partial history of sporting life in Ireland in the 18th century. Attributed to James Seymour, it is a painting of Sir Edward O'Brien of Dromoland in the hunting costume of his day, estimated at €50,000-€80,000.

Renowned for his extravagance and passion for horse racing, the 2nd Baronet of Dromoland entered the Irish House of Commons in 1727 and represented Clare until his death nearly four decades later. He epitomised a certain type of Irishman renowned in song and story in the 18th century.