Death of Kells-based auctioneer, Oliver Usher
The death of Oliver Usher, the antiques and fine art auctioneer based in Kells, has caused widespread sadness.
Even though he had been in poor health in recent times, his death has come as a great shock to those who have had dealings with him over many years in business or in the many community and heritage activities he has been involved with in the town.
Usher's Auction Rooms on John Street in the town has been one of Meath’s and the country’s longest established auction houses, where antique and high class furniture auctions attracted bidders from all across the country.
From Scurlogstown, Kilskyre, Oliver Usher had been trading in the antiques and fine arts business for over 40 years. He began on a small scale from his home just outside Kells in 1978. Following on from this, he started to conduct monthly auctions on the first Friday of every month in Navan before moving to his current premises at John Street, Kells where auctions are held once a month.
He also was known for many years experience of conducting auctions throughout the country from country house sales to farm and yard, warehouse and factory clearances, and had built up a huge clientele. The auction rooms have been featured many times on both RTÉ One's Nationwide and The Dealers.
He died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday. Oliver is survived by his wife, Aideen; family, Robert, Karen and Sarah; grandchildren, Alfie and Ellie; brothers, Cathal, Paul and Mark; sisters Elizabeth Adams and Christine Foley; mother-in-law, Kitty McEntee; Fiona McEntee and all his cousins; extended family, aunts, neighbours, friends and his auction connections through the years.
He is reposing at his home (A82 C650) on Wednesday 18th January, from 1pm until 8pm. Removal on Thursday morning, arriving St Colmcille's Church, Kells, for 11am Funeral Mass, which may be viewed on https://www.kellsparish.ie/. Burial afterwards in St Colmcille's Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to the Parkinsons Association of Ireland or Irish Cancer Society.
The Meath Chronicle and Celtic Media Group titles extend sympathy to the Usher family with whom there has been a close working relationship for decades.