Family honours Robin’s final wish as more than 50 dealers gather at Limerick Racecourse for the annual National Antiques, Art and Vintage Fair.
THE NATIONAL ANTIQUES, Art and Vintage Fair will return to Limerick Racecourse this weekend for what organisers say will be a particularly poignant occasion following the death of its founder, Robin O’Donnell.
Mr O’Donnell, who ran the fair for more than 40 years, sadly passed away on October 18 following a long battle with cancer. This year’s event, taking place on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, will be the first without him at the helm.
His wife, Lorraine O’Donnell, said the weekend would be a “difficult fair” for the family, but one they were determined to hold in accordance with Robin’s wishes.
“This will be the first fair without our beloved Robin at the helm and will be a very sad and difficult fair for his family”.
Lorraine said Robin always believed the November fair was especially important for traders, with the run-up to Christmas providing a valuable opportunity for seasonal sales, and he was determined that the long-standing tradition would continue.
The fair will have 50 dealers from across Ireland and the U.K. who will come together for the weekend at the Racecourse.
On sale will be a variety of antiques such as Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian furniture pieces, Silver, Gold, Militaria, Jewellery, Art, Asian Collectibles and many more items.
With items available from as little as €10, organisers say there will be something to suit every budget and interest. Admission is €5, with every visitor automatically entered into a draw to win an antique piece.
Children can attend free of charge, and small dogs are welcome provided they remain on a lead at all times.
Although his absence will be keenly felt, Robin O’Donnell’s determination to keep the fair going remains at the heart of the weekend.
As Robin himself often said: “The show must go on.”