Last Friday’s Parish Auction in Maghera has been acclaimed a resounding success after it raised more than £14,000 in aid of St Lurach’s Church of Ireland.
The Lurach Centre was packed for the occasion, and the event was presided over by one of Northern Ireland’s best known auctioneers, Daniel Clarke, from John Ross’s Antiques in Belfast.
More than 300 lots came under the hammer – all donated by parishioners, members of the wider community and local businesses. The items ranged from the extremely practical – half a tonne of coal and heating oil – to the more sophisticated – a glass decanter and six bottles of vintage French wine. Paintings by the renowned artist, Liam Horner, added further prestige to the auction.
The Priest-in-Charge in Maghera, Rev Terence P. Kerr, said the success of the event exceeded his wildest expectations. “The Parish thank God for supplying all their needs according to His riches in glory. Generosity is one of the three themes during our Year of Opportunity in the Diocese and the people of Maghera have responded magnificently.”
Rev Kerr said the event could not have succeeded without the input of parishioners and others from the wider community. “I am grateful to all those who donated lots for the auction; I’m grateful to the local businesses who supported it; and I’m immensely grateful to Daniel Clarke and his staff, who handled the auction with supreme professionalism.”