A GROUP of Irish explorers is campaigning to acquire some rare memorabilia belonging to a Corkman who served with Scott in the Antarctic a century ago.
A model of an Antarctic sledge and a 100-year-old chart are among items which are due to be auctioned by Christie’s in London next week.
Both belonged to Patrick Keohane, the Courtmacsherry petty officer who served on Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic venture of 1910-1913, the Terra NovaExpedition. Keohane was among the group which found Scott's frozen body, and that of two colleagues, on November 12th, 1912.
Mike O’Shea, adventurer and founder of the Irish Explorers Trust, based in Dingle, Co Kerry, said it was vital that the items were not lost to the State.
Through public appeals the trust has already acquired Ernest Shackleton memorabilia and a sledging suit belonging to Patrick Keohane. They were given to Kerry County Museum for conservation and display, under a contract arranged with the trust.
