A Fitting Farewell to Templetuohy and the Larkin Legacy

Posted On: 12 Sep 2026 by Sean Eacrett

After more than forty years in Templetuohy, the doors finally closed on 3 August 2024 — and yesterday, 11 August 2026, marked the true end of an era. Last Monday, the 7th, we held the final auction, achieving an extraordinary 96% sales rate. The Larkin family are held in such esteem that our three days of viewing were packed from morning to evening. People arrived not only to see the items, but to share memories stretching back decades. One gentleman of 85 told me he began auctioneering with Michael Larkin forty years ago. Many middle Aged visitors recalled running around the showrooms as children while their parents bought from Michael and Mary. In the old days, when new jewellery stock arrived, the crowd would be four deep trying to glimpse the latest treasures. It was, without doubt, one of the most enjoyable viewings I’ve ever been part of. The affection people felt for the Larkins was palpable — and that energy carried straight into the auction itself. Normally I move through 100–120 lots an hour, but after the first hour I had only reached Lot 86. The room and online bidding were so intense that I had to call one of the staff and ask them to ring a friend for backup. We started at 10am and didn’t finish until 11pm, a marathon day that ended with an exceptional 96% sold. The give out ran smoothly, and by Friday the 11th everything was cleared. We left the property at 4pm, tired but deeply satisfied. All in all, it was a beautiful auction — a fitting farewell to a beloved business and a wonderful family. A privilege to be part of it.