Grandfather clock damaged by Dáil hot air makes €115,000

A grandfather clock that plays God Save the Queen when wound up, and that was withdrawn from loan to Leinster House, has sold at auction for €115,000.

The 9ft 9in mahogany clock, which stood in the main hall of the Houses of the Oireachtas on Kildare Street, went under the hammer yesterday at Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare.

Bidding opened at €62,500 and rose quickly in increments until auctioneer Fonsie Mealy brought down the hammer, to applause, when a telephone bidder trumped the opposition in the saleroom and on the internet with a winning bid of €115,000.

The name of the winning bidder was not disclosed. The bidder will also have to pay fees so the final price will be about €140,000.

Although the clock exceeded its top estimate of €90,000, the price represents a huge drop for the vendor. Nine years ago, it was valued in the region of €500,000.

The owner, Mayo businessman Frank Kerins, lent the clock to the Houses of the Oireachtas and it went on display in the main hall of Leinster House . But it was damaged by hot air that melted glue and it was withdrawn for repairs.