Contents of former convent in Tipperary to be auctioned in September

Victor Mee Auctions, the Cavan based auction house, has announced an interiors and garden sale this September.

Taking place over two days at the end of September, the auction will see the team at Victor Mee bring to auction the contents of the resplendent former Convent of Mercy in New Inn, Tipperary.

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Founded by The Mercy Sisters of Charleville, Co Cork, who came to Tipperary as a party of five sisters in 1879, the property operated as the Convent of Mercy for over 130 years from 1879 until its closure in 2012, before being later sold.

The convent was known to be a regular haunt of Eamon de Valera during his time as a teacher at the nearby Rockwell College and his many visits in the time following.

Local legend even alleges that, while on the run, de Valera spent time in hiding in the convent, disguised as a priest.

One of the most exceptional and impressive lots going forward in this sale is a rare Rolls Royce Corniche Hooper-built model.

This vintage car represents the pinnacle of bespoke motoring, combining the elegance of the
Corniche with the exclusive craftsmanship of famed coachbuilder Hooper & Co.

While the standard Corniche, introduced in 1971, was already a symbol of refined luxury and effortless power, the renowned coachbuilder Hooper & Co offered bespoke versions for discerning clients who demanded something even more distinctive.

Hooper, with its long tradition of crafting custom bodies for royalty and aristocracy, produced highly limited numbers of Corniches featuring unique styling cues, extended wheelbases, lavish interiors, and subtle design modifications that set them apart from factory-built cars.

The model going forward in this auction, according to the vehicle’s registration documents, was formerly owned by Sheikh Abdelaziz bin Ahmed Al Thani of Qatar.

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Other stunning examples of the catalogue include a beautiful pair of William IV marble topped rosewood console tables, an Irish Georgian giltwood pier mirror, a good quality William IV dining table with chairs.

A rare set of 14 gilded and plaster stations of the cross will appear, along with other pieces of ecclesiastical artwork and a collection of Irish art, to include watercolours by renowned Irish artist Peter Curling.

Based in Co Tipperary, Peter Curling is celebrated as Ireland’s foremost equestrian artist.

His paintings of horses, racing, and rural landscapes have earned him international recognition, with strong demand from collectors who value both their artistry and connection to Ireland’s sporting heritage.

The magnificent catalogue is also set to boast a collection of outdoor and garden lots. Statuary abounds, along with unique stone troughs, seating and gates.

One such superb piece is a pair of 19th century wrought iron gates originally from Knocklofty House in Clonmel.

With the catalogue still under construction and due for publication online in the coming weeks, it is expected that many more terrific and highly desirable pieces of furniture and décor will be announced.

The auction will take place in late September, with dates still to be confirmed by the auctioneer, and will mark a rare return to in-room bidding for Victor Mee Auctions for this exclusive off-site sale.

Enquiries can be emailed to communications@victormeeauctions.ie or the team can be contacted via telephone on 047 550 76.