THOMASTOWN.- Mealy’s Auctioneers is to host their 2016 autumn sale at Kilfane, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny on October 4 from 11am sharp. A key date in any antique collectors calendar, the public auction stands to provide unparalleled access to a showcase of rare fine art, antiques, and interiors.
The sale includes a diverse selection of items from the contents of Kilfane House on the instructions of the Clarke family; together with the contents of Castlemartin House, Co. Kildare - comprising fine antiques and decorative art from the wonderful private collection of Sir Anthony O'Reilly – arguably Ireland’s first ever billionaire. This is to be sold on the instructions of the trustee in bankruptcy appointed by the Bahamian court; along with fine and decorative art from other Irish estates and collections. Approximately 650 lots will be offered, including
· period furniture
· paintings and prints
· works of art
· ceramics
· glass
· silver and silver plateware
· carpets and rugs,
· rare books
· garden furniture and statuary
· other assorted chattels
KILFANE HOUSE, THOMASTOWN, CO. KILKENNY
Three families have owned Kilfane House, namely the Bushes who built it; the Powers (baronets, founder members of the Kilkenny Hunt and the Kilkenny Theatre) who acquired it through the Bushes; and the current owners, the Clarke family.
Col. John Bushe, an officer in Cromwell’s army received confirmation of a land grant in this area during the reign of Charles II (1649-85). He and his heiress wife, Mary Gray, settled at Kilfane most likely in a house on the site of the present structure. In 1706 their son, Amyas Bushe, who had married Eleanor, daughter of Sir Christopher Wandesforde of Castlecomer, became High Sheriff of County Kilkenny and is the thought to be the builder of the present house, which during the course of its existence was extended on more than one occasion, the last major renovation being c. 1845-6.
The heydays of the Powers and of Kilfane would have been in the first half of the 19th century. Major J.H. Connellan D.L. of Coolmore, Thomastown in his account of The Kilkenny Theatre 1802-1819 which was published in 1913 tells us,
‘It so happened that shortly before the close of the eighteenth century two brothers, co-heirs of their uncle, named John and Richard Power came to reside in County Kilkenny. The former established the Kilkenny Hunt, and having married a daughter of Mr. Bushe (then deceased), took a perpetuity lease of Kilfane, and there settled.’
THE CLARKE FAMILY
The American born Clarke family became interested in Kilfane when traveling through Ireland in the 1960’s. In the early 1970’s, the family acquired the house and grounds thereby saving Kilfane from demolition and embarked on a multi-year effort to restore the house with a view to make it a summer home for Mary Louise and Hal Clarke. Kilfane became a vacation home for other Clarke family members also, including the Clarke’s three children, their spouses and their children. Hal and Mary Louise Clarke enjoyed living at Kilfane in the warmer months, entertaining family and friends and participating in the surrounding community both through friendships and through local organizations. Hal Clarke died in Atlanta in November, 2015, after a long, colourful and successful career in law and diplomacy.
SIR ANTHONY O’REILLY
Possibly Ireland's first billionaire, Sir Anthony is certainly one of Ireland's most gregarious personalities, and is best known for his sporting and business career.
He represented Ireland, the British & Irish Lions and the Barbarians during his glittering rugby union career, culminating in his inclusion in the International Rugby Hall of Fame. His legendary business career included such illustrious roles as CEO, Chairman, and/or major shareholder in a variety of national and international companies, such as H.J. Heinz Company, Waterford Wedgwood, and Independent News and Media, to name but a few. He is also a well-known philanthropist, having established a number of charitable foundations, and made significant contributions to charity and education on a local and national level.
He has been well-known throughout his career as a patron of the arts and a globally recognised collector of fine & decorative art and antiques. A diverse and indicative array of these collected works, many of which adorned his residence at Castlemartin in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, are to be offered in this upcoming sale.
