Sale of Tony Sweeney's Estate On 30th April Adam's Auctioneers in Dublin will be selling 240 items from the collection of the late Tony Sweeney. The items will be included in the annual '800 Years sale of Irish Historical Artefacts and Documents.' Tony Sweeney, who passed away on 4th December aged 81, was one of Ireland's best known and respected racing journalists and a renowned historian of Irish racing. He worked for the Daily Mirror from 1956 until transferring to the Irish Times in 1998, but will probably be best remembered as a commentator on RTE's Racing coverage from 1964 until 1998. In 2002 Tony and his wife Annie completed the highly acclaimed 650-page 'Sweeney Guide to the Irish Turf 1501 -2001' in association with Francis Hyland. Highlights of the sale include: Lot 590 A silver Cup presented to the winner of a race held at Newbridge on 3rd January 1759 Lot 563 Two framed Race Notices detailing upcoming events at The Maze (Down Royal) in 1823. These are believed to be the oldest surviving racecards and carry an estimate of €200 - €300. Lot 590 A silver Cup presented to the winner of a race held at Newbridge on 3rd January 1759. This is the first record of Winter racing taking place in Ireland. Estimate €3,000 - €4,000. Lot 579 A silver snuff box made from a hoof of the 1823 Epsom Derby winner Emilius. Estimate €1,500 - €2,000. There are numerous other racing related items including paintings, prints, books, calendars and silver dishes mounted with silvered horseshoes of Classic winning horses. The full catalogue can be viewed online at www.adams.ie The Lots relating to Tony Sweeney are from number 400 onwards. Alternatively, the Adam's auction rooms on St. Stephen's Green in Dublin will be open to view the items from 2pm to 5pm on both Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th and from 9.30am to 5pm on Monday 29th April. Admission to the viewing is by purchase of a catalogue (€20) which admits two people.
