Tribute paid to late Limerick based auctioneer

AN "esteemed former colleague and friend” is how staff at the GVM Goup have remembered well-known auctioneer Philip G Purcell.

Mr Purcell of Glenbane Lodge, Emly, passed away on Tuesday. He joined GVM Group in 1970 as a livestock auctioneer and continued to sell dairy stock with “great style and passion” until last summer.

“In the mid-1970s, Philip played a key role in establishing the GVM Property Auctioneering division and he led and developed the office in Kilmallock for many years until his retirement,” GVM said in a statement.

Tom Crosse, Group Director of GVM Limerick, expressed his sadness at the untimely passing of “one of the greats of the auctioneering profession.”

“He was a true gentleman, very honest, hard working and had a wonderful business ethic. He will be sadly missed by all of us at GVM, and indeed his family and friends,” said Mr Crosse, who was a work college of Mr Purcell for over 30 years.

PG Buckley, Chief Executive and Secretary of GVM said Mr Purcell will be "sorely missed" by his colleagues.

“Philip worked with the society for a number of years and he made a major contribution to the development and the success of the society. He was a very well regarded livestock auctioneer and he was instrumental in establishing the first property auctioneers in Kilmallock in the early 1970s,” said Mr Buckley

“He will  be sorely missed and we extend all of our sympathies to his wife and family,” he added.

Mr Purcell passed away peacefully at home on May 7. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Stella. He was the beloved husband of Maura, father of Sonia, Kenneth and Nigel. He will be sadly missed by his niece Rachel, daughters-in-law Mel and Fernanda, his grandchildren Jonty, Georgina, Ruairi, Charlie and Clementine, his extended family, relatives and friends.

Reposal will take place today (Friday) at O'Leary's Funeral Home, Hospital, County Limerick from 3.30pm with removal at 8.00pm to St. Ailbe's Church, Emly. 

Requiem Mass on Saturday at 11.30am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to the Palliative Care Unit Clonmel.