Franciscan items from Athlone friary to be put up for auction to aid Ukrainian refugees

The Franciscan Brothers will auction off over 800 ecclesiastical items next week including items from the friary in Athlone to help refurbish accommodation for Ukrainian refugees

The items belonged to friaries in Clonmel, Co Tipperary and Athlone along with the Franciscan College in Gormanston, Co Meath and have been valued at a whopping €200,000.

The collection includes ecclesiastical art, brassware, pews, school benches, mid-century furniture, and a full-sized mahogany billiards table which has a guide price of up to €2,000.

The proceeds will go towards the refurbishment costs of accommodation previously occupied by the Franciscan Brothers which is now being repurposed for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.

A wide selection of art includes a a St Joseph and Child marble statue by Irish sculptor Peter Grant, circa 1830, a Madonna and Child in the style of Raphael, and late 19th century large oil on canvas piece, 'The Ascension.'

Ecclesiastical pieces include chalices, stations of the cross, several decommissioned tabernacles, antique leatherbound bibles, an Oklahoma organ and several 19th century gothic pews. A number of Persian and Afghan wool rugs are also estimated at up to €2,000 each.

The highest end lots include a 19th century oil on canvas painting titled The Inquisition, a marble fire surround and an “exceptional” marble statue of St Joseph and a child.

Among the more recent items in the collection are a poker set and a Christies catalogue of Marilyn Monroe’s personal property.

Viewing of the pieces in advance of the online auction will take place at Cook Street Friary, Dublin, from May Friday, May 12 until Monday, May 15.

The auction will take place on Tuesday, May 16 and Wednesday, May 17 via Aidan Foley at easyliveauction.com.