Deep sadness in Laois at unexpected death of member of renowned auctioneering family

There is deep sadness in Durrow at the unexpected passing of Philip Sheppard of Sheppard's Irish Auction House in Durrow.

Mr Sheppard, who was the director of the world-famous auctioneering business, died unexpectedly at home in Ballyouskill, Co Kilkenny.

A Durrow native, Philip, aged 70, was director of the business alongside his cousins Michael and David Shepperd who announced his passing in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the sudden passing of our colleague and director, Philip Sheppard. As a mark of respect, we are rescheduling the upcoming auction to Tuesday, March 18.

"Philip’s unwavering commitment, deep dedication, and clear vision have been essential in shaping the success of our team and he will be deeply missed by all of us, as well as by our clients and partners," said a statement from the company.

The deceased, who was a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, is a nephew of the late Christy Shepperd who started the business in Durrow 1948.

A pioneer of Irish marketing, he had a great love of history and he liked nothing better than researching pieces submitted to the auction house for sale or valuation.

He attended St Kieran's College, Kilkenny where he was a classmate of Brian Cody, former Kilkenny senior hurling manager and player.

He was a voracious reader and studied the History of Art at Trinity College, Dublin before completing his Masters at Newcastle University. Eventually, he set up his own media company, running campaigns for Bord Fáilte (now Fáilte Ireland) and other clients.

Well over 20 years ago, he joined his uncle, Christy and first cousins. The business has enjoyed a period of sustained growth and success where Michael, Philip and David Sheppard formed a team achieving international recognition for Sheppard's in the auctioneering world. He was an expert in historical manuscripts and had a great knowledge of Japanese antiquities.

He was to the fore when Sheppard's and Castle Durrow were the subject of the Channel 4 series, Country House Auctions which received critical and popular acclaim. Funeral arrangements later.

Among the famous sales he was involved with was the sale in 2008 of a Chinese for €110,000 . It was valued at €100 in the auction room.

Another notable lot was that received extensive international media attention was the sale of previously unknown letters written by Jackie Kennedy, the former US first lady and wife of President John F Kennedy.

Outside the business, Philip had a great interest in politics and was involved with Fine Gael, helping in various campaigns mounted by former ministers, Phil Hogan in Carlow-Kilkenny and Charlie Flanagan in Laois-Offaly.

READ ALSO: ABBEYLEIX MAN TO REPRESENT IRELAND IN PARIS

Mr Sheppard is survived by family. Funeral details to follow.