Published: Thursday, 19th November, 2009 12:15pm

Lions out in force for sale of top art works

"And they say there's a recession going on!" joked auctioneer John de Vere White, as he watched bidders vying against each other to buy top Irish art at below-gallery prices at the annual Mullingar Lions Club art auction...

held at The Atrium at the County Buildings on Friday evening. A large crowd turned up for the event, the major fundraiser held annually by the 30-strong Lions Club, now almost 30 years in existence locally.

Despite the auctioneer's encouragement, there was some sign of the recession: while the bidding was lively, and the majority of the paintings did sell, few went beyond the estimated prices for them.

That said, buyers knew that they were getting a bargain, as the artists' whose work was for sale are successful and sell well at galleries in Dublin.

Dermot Hogan, president of the Lions Club, explained to the Westmeath Examiner that how the event raises money for the Lions, is that the artists agree that the Lions Club gets a significant proportion of the selling price, while the artists themselves get the remainder.

Compere, Andrew Fay, thanked the committee who had, he said, put a lot of work into the event over the last number of months, and he thanked the Council for allowing the Lions Club use The Atrium.

Cllr. Fintan Cooney, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, said that the committee and officers of the Lions Club were to be congratulated on the event, and on amassing 55 pieces of "extremely meritorious" art for sale.

He appealed to those present to put the recession on a "moratorium": "this event is to raise money for very worthy charities locally", he pointed out.

Dermot Hogan addressing those present observed that having the event in The Atrium represented a first for the Club, and he thanked all those involved in bringing it about.

"We have about thirty members of the club, and it's great to see the contribution of those members," he stated.

He paid tribute to the auctioneer, John de Vere White.

"He brings tremendous knowledge and experience to bear, and it's lovely to see him back this evening," he stated.

Mr. Hogan said that the Lions Club goes about its business "quietly". "But we can only do that when we have the funds, and this is our principal fundraiser," he said, as he wished all well for the evening.