An original copy of the 1916 Proclamation sold for €260,000 at auction in Dublin last night.
The fourth annual Independence Sale, held jointly by Adam’s and Mealy’s, was a hit among passionate collectors despite the downturn in the economy.
More than 70 per cent of the 700 lots sold for an overall total of €680,000.
The copy was owned by Rory O’Connor, who headed an anti-treaty occupation of the Four Courts in Dublin in early 1922.
Last year, a copy of the Proclamation which was signed by Tom Clarke’s bodyguard fetched a record €360,000 at the Adams auction.
A laced leather ball from between Tipperary and Dublin GAA match at Croke Park on Bloody Sunday fetched more than double its expected price tag and sold for €30,000.
A ticket for that fateful game, where 13 people were shot dead when the Black and Tans opened fire on the crowd, made €12,000.
Other highlights from the sale included a collection of nine letters written by Arthur Griffith in 1918 while in detention in England which sold for €23,500 and the original manuscript transcription of Gen Richard Mulcahy’s telegraphic message addressed to Gen Emmet Dalton following the death of Michael Collins which made €22,500.
Rare medals, original photographs and a limited edition of the Irish Constitution from 1937 signed by Eamon de Valera’s entire cabinet were also snapped up.
Additional reporting: PA