Auction of collection of late Mel O’Flynn

The late Mel O'Flynn's private collection of antiques, jewellery and collectables will go under the hammer at a two-day public auction next week.

There are almost 1,400 lots in the auction from part of the estate of the late Athlone woman who passed away on January 8 this year.

The auction will take place at the Duke Brothers Building, 7 Market Street, Kells over two days, with Lots 1-799 on Tuesday, October 18, at 2.30pm and Lots 800-1328 on Wednesday, October 19, at 5.30pm.

Public viewing is on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 (12 noon to 5pm), Monday, October 17 (11am to 5pm), Tuesday, October 18 (11am to 2pm) at the Kells premises.

The collection is being offered for sale by order of the executors of the estate of Mel O'Flynn and includes antique furniture, jewellery, paintings, gilded mirrors and other collectibles.

A collector for over 60 years, she also founded Arcadia Antiques (Athlone and Galway) in the 1980s to help fund her private passion for collecting jewellery, silver and antiques.

Matthews Auctioneers say they are delighted to disperse the collection, a time capsule and reflection of a remarkable lady and which spans a wide range of eras.

The proceeds of some lots are to be given to Madra, an animal welfare charity, another interest close to the deceased’s heart.

Mel O’Flynn (née Wall), Ashley Crescent, Athlone, was a legendary figure in the theatrical and business world of Athlone and the wider Midlands for decades.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Eado and son Ian, she is survived by her loving daughters Melanie and Ciara, sisters Pauline and Yvonne, brother Brian, sons-in-law Dan and Seamus, grandchildren Danielle, Aisling, Sarah and Aoife, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives, neighbours and friends.

A native of Loughrea, Co. Galway, she moved to Athlone in the 1950s with her husband.

A hugely talented actor and director, the late Ms O’Flynn had six decades of involvement with Athlone Little Theatre, with which she became synonymous and was a former president. where she produced and acted in many productions.

Her last production was at the age of 91.