Convents . . . going, going, almost gone

In the mid-20th century there were about 8,000 nuns in Ireland and at least one convent – and associated school – in almost every town. Today, it is estimated that only 10 women a year enter the religious life, so, within a few decades, nuns will be reaching endangered species territory.

The role they played in Irish life – especially in education, nursing and hospital administration – had enormous impact, touched the lives of almost every family in the country and was, largely, a force for good. The precipitous decline in religious vocations has resulted in the closure of numerous convents throughout the country in recent years. The buildings and lands are being sold off and the contents of the convents regularly turn up at fine art and antiques auctions.

These sales attract interest from buyers of antique furniture (which is often of top quality) and religious statues; and from past pupils, often prompted by nostalgia, seeking to acquire a memento of a vanishing era of Irish life.

Relocating

Cork-based auctioneers Lynes & Lynes has announced the sale of the contents – on the premises – of Mercy Convent, Balloonagh, Tralee this Saturday. The convent, opened in 1858, is closing after more than 150 years and the remaining 16 nuns are relocating.

Some 600 lots will go under the hammer including important 19th-century furniture from Dublin makers Robert Strahan & Co, “which is labelled and stamped”, and which the nuns “acquired at auction in the 1920s from the nearby Oakpark House [the Collis-Sandes estate]”. For example, a large, seven-door oak bookcase by Strahan has an estimate of €5,000-€7,000.

But it’s the religious lots that really encapsulate an aspect of Irish social history on the verge of being lost forever. The convent at Balloonagh was adorned with a wide variety of statues illustrating many of the key figures in traditional devotion. Examples in this auction include: Lot 14, a “Child of Prague statue housed in a brass-framed canopy in oak base with pedestal”; Lot 47, “a good large carved oak crucifix” (lifesize – over 6ft high); and Lot 60, “Our Lady with foot on serpent” (over 4ft high). Each is estimated at €100-€200.

Spectacular

Some of the pieces are very large, spectacular group figures such as “St Margaret Mary Alacoque and the Sacred Heart” (on a marbleised base, measuring 8ft high and 6ft wide), estimated at €200-€300; and Lot 87, “St John the Baptist baptising Our Lord (€200-€300).

There's also a selection of china, glass, cutlery, modern oak and pine furniture, clocks, paintings, garden urns and furniture. "The Mercy Order have also decided to add the entire contents from their convent at Rosscarbery [Co Cork] to this auction," say the auctioneers.Viewing begins on Wednesday, November 11th, and continues Thursday and Friday, 10am-6pm. The auction starts at 10.30am on Saturday, November 14th.