Sir, – In response to a recent letter (January 22nd), in relation to a copy of the Proclamation which is to be sold in Dublin on April 23rd next, Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers wish to outline the following facts. We have been in contact with members of the Ryan family, who were unaware of the existence of this copy of the 1916 Proclamation. The provenance attaching to this 1916 Proclamation is perfectly clear and is supported by abundant documentary evidence. When this copy of the Proclamation last changed hands in 1998, our firm acted for the original vendor.
Such transactions are always confidential. However, in this instance and in appreciation of the sensitive nature of this case, with the consent of the current vendor, we can confirm that the vendor in 1998 was a member of the Ryan family of Wexford, a close relative of Dr James Ryan, and that the vendor documented that the Proclamation had been a gift from Dr Ryan. It was his understanding that the Proclamation had been rescued from the GPO by Dr Ryan when the building was on fire and being evacuated in 1916.
The said 1916 Proclamation will therefore be offered for sale as planned on April 23rd in the Gresham Hotel in central Dublin, catalogued as being an original copy, formerly in the possession of Dr James Ryan, with an estimate of €100,000 to €150,000. – Yours, etc,
FONSIE MEALY,
Fonsie Mealy
Auctioneers,
Castlecomer,
Co Kilkenny.