Original copy of 1916 Proclamation among rare items at Irish auction

An original copy of the 1916 Proclamation, a collection of Seamus Heaney material, historical GAA items, and more, are listed in a sale to take place at Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, on October 1 and 2.

The viewing of this exceptional collection of Rare Books and Collectors’ items takes place at the showrooms on Chatsworth Street, with the sale being conducted at the Avalon House Hotel in Castlecomer. 

More than 1,250 lots will come under the hammer over the two days. The specially curated auction promises an extraordinary opportunity for bibliophiles, historians and collectors alike.  

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An original copy of the 1916 Proclamation.

An original copy of the 1916 Proclamation (Lot 920), considered the most important document in Irish history, is estimated to sell at €100,000-€150,000.

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Sinn Fein Bank collection of documents.

Additional auction highlights include:

• an important archive relating to the Sinn Fein Bank (Lot 904)
• a highly important 18th Century Manuscript on Keatings Irish History (Lot 513)
• early Natural History, medical and scientific publications from the 18th and 19th Century; works by Sir Isaac Newton, & Edward Donovan to mention a few
• the Library of the late Tony Bocking, of Kinsale, Co. Cork comprising antiquarian books, local and national histories
• fine bindings which once graced the shelves at Netterville Manor, Co. Meath.  
• a collection of fine early Irish Maps, from the Michael & Phyliss Arnold Collection of Northern Ireland, including Boazio (Baptista)- First State Map of Ireland, and Ortelius from the late 17th Century (Lots 764 & 765)
• the Dr. Philip Murray collection of Seamus Heaney Material of original manuscripts, poetry, archives, rare signed and limited printings
• first, limited and signed editions by Irish and international literati like Yeats, Flann O’Brien, Ian Fleming and others

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The earliest extent All-Ireland programme

Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers also proudly present:

• The Patrick ‘Wedger’ Maher Collection of G.A.A. Material, of programmes, booklets, and the earliest extant Programme for a G.A.A. All-Ireland, the 1913 Final between Tipperary and Kilkenny.  
• The first 15 a side All-Ireland and also the first in the newly acquired Stadium, that is today Croke Park on Jones Road (Lot 1208).

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Unique famine medal.

• An All-Ireland Winners Medal for Dublin in 1924 (Lot 1197)
• a Bloody Sunday Ticket (Lot 1144)
• a unique 18ct gold Famine Medal awarded to Timothy O’Brien (Lot 897).

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Match ticket for Bloody Sunday.

For more information on the sale, visit https://www.fonsiemealy.ie.