Kerry libraries outbid at Dublin auction of Tomás Ághas memorabilia

HOPES that some of the Tomás Ágahas memorabilia auctioned in Dublin last weekend would return to public collections in Kerry were dashed as Kerry Libraries were outbid by collectors eager to own the historic documents.

Some of the items were purchased by the National Library and Fingal Libraries, and others were bought by private collectors, most of them in Ireland.

A spokesperson for Kerry Libraries said: “Kerry Library placed bids in relation to a number of items but was unsuccessful in the bidding. In many of these situations, it can be difficult to compete with well-resourced private bidders or collectors.”

Correspondence from Michael Collins to Tómas Ághas and documents surrounding the announcement of Ashe’s death and funeral sold for far in excess of the auction guide price. A personal letter from Michael Collins to Tomás Ághas reached €5,000. A funeral floral tribute card, written and signed by Michael Collins, which had a guide price of €500 - €700 sold for €3,400. And two telegrams from Michael Collins to the Ashe family announcing the West Kerry patriot’s transfer to hospital and his subsequent death, sold for €2,400. They had a guide price of €200 - €400.

The most expensive item in the Aghas collection auctioned on Saturday, a 1916 medal presented posthumously to his family, was withdrawn as the reserve price of €30,000 was not reached and a bid of €28,000 was insufficient to bring down the auctioneer’s hammer.

Auctioneer Ian Whyte told The Kerryman this week that discussions are taking place surrounding the purchase of the medals.

Coiste Chuimhneacháin Thomáis Ághas are disappointed that none of the items have come into public ownership for display at the patriot’s home place, but are delighted that the Fingal area acquired half a dozen items relating to the Battle of Ashbourne in which Tomás Ághas played a leading role.