Popular rostrum figure Philip Purcell dies aged 73

Philip Purcell - the former Tattersalls Ireland auctioneer and manager of Limerick Junction (now Tipperary) racecourse - died peacefully after a long illness on Tuesday evening at the age of 73.

Purcell was also the owner of the 1991 Punchestown Champion Bumper scorer Sokeni, whose name was derived from the first two letters of the names of his children - Sonia, Kenneth and Nigel.

The Tipperary native was one of the three original auctioneers for the Irish division of Tattersalls - which started selling in Ballsbridge in 1975, the year of the inaugural Derby Sale - together with Denis Mahony and David Pim. He retired in 2011 following 35 years with the auction house.

"Philip was for many years a widely respected auctioneer at Tattersalls Ireland," said bloodstock agent Luke Lillingston, a family friend.

"He was part of the bedrock of the success of Tattersalls Ireland, along with the likes of Willie O'Rourke, David Pim and their families - there was a wonderful family feel to the foundations of Tattersalls Ireland.

"He was one of the most decent and reliable people one could ever hope to know. A rare one. He will be greatly missed in these parts and by all who knew him."

Alastair Pim, who joined Purcell on the rostrum in Fairyhouse, also paid heartfelt tribute: "You couldn't meet a nicer person. He was a great man to look after the small man. He was always worried about the small man, the man from the country.

"He was always in good form - his glass was always half-full, he was one of those men."

Philip Purcell (centre) was presented with a memento from Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony at his retirement function; Maura is second from the right, while their son Kenneth and his wife Melanie flank themCredit: Tattersalls Ireland

"Philip was a great friend" said Jean Pim, wife of the late David and mother of Alastair. "He was an excellent auctioneer and was very good with all the vendors. He went and spoke to all of them before any sale and was a real people's person."

"Philip was a wonderful auctioneer, a great person and I'm so sad for Maura and his family," said John Clarke, Purcell's former colleague at the Ballsbridge sales.

Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony added: "He represented the company for 35 years in Limerick and Tipperary. He was a great ambassador for the company and a great horseman and his work with Golden Vale Marts complemented his work with Tattersalls."

Once asked to describe his role as an auctioneer, Purcell said: "You've got to be sharp and on the ball. Sometimes a person might bid for lot 51 instead of 52, or a man might wave to his long-lost friend across the way and end up buying a horse.

"It can all be sorted out by negotiation. You're in a position of trust; the vendor has put you in that position of trust and you must honour that position."

Purcell - whose widow Maura is a sister of Brendan Hayes of Knocktoran Stud - owned Farran House Stud in Emly, County Tipperary, which he passed on to his eldest son Kenneth in 2012.

He also worked as a livestock and property auctioneer for Golden Vale Marts in Kilmallock, County Limerick, auctioneering at a number of sales each year selling pedigree charolais cattle.

He was a talented tennis player, hunted until he was 70 and enjoyed field sports. He took up ballroom dancing when he retired and never drank or smoked.

Philip Purcell riding his horse Hickey with the Scarteen Black and TansCredit: Catherine Power

"We both hunted all our lives," said Dickie Power, one of his closest friends. "It was his great passion in life. He always had a good horse, who performed accordingly. He was a hunter-farmer's son who was able to live in his own area and work for the local co-operative mart."

Purcell is survived by wife Maura and their three children.

His body will repose at O'Learys Funeral Home in Hospital, County Limerick from 3.30pm to 8pm on Friday, with the funeral service starting at 11.30am at Emly church on Saturday morning followed by the burial.

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