An original copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, sold for €124,000 ($162,000) in Dublin on Wednesday. The proclamation is just one of the 50 remaining original printed copies.

The historic document was expected to fetch between €60,000-€80,000 ($79,000-1050,00) during the political, literary and military history auction hosted by James Adam & Sons Auctioneers this week.

The winning bidder was a private buyer and it is expected to remain in Ireland.

Kieran O'Boyle, an auctioneer with James Adams and Sons told the Irish Independent  that it was sold by an elderly couple in Longford, who had strong republican connections.

"They want to make sure that it is passed on and that it is bought by a passionate collector. That way it is preserved," O'Boyle said.

"We're delighted with it. It's a very strong price," he added.

Listen to the text of the Proclamation read below: