'Witty, erudite, hospitable and sparkling company' - Sadness in Kilkenny after local man's death

Many tributes have been paid to Kilkenny-based antiques and art auctioneer Philip Sheppard who will be laid to rest in his native Durrow. 

Mr Sheppard, who was the director of the world-famous Sheppard's Irish Auction House auctioneering business, died unexpectedly at home in Ballyouskill, County Kilkenny on Tuesday, March 8.

A Durrow native, Philip, aged 70, was director of the business alongside his cousins Michael and David Shepperd.

His death notice says Philip will be sadly missed and is deeply regretted by his sons Barry and Patrick, his daughter Gina and their mother Barbara, his granddaughter Olivia Jane, his partner Colleen, brothers Bernard, Ger, Francis, John and Eugene, his cousins Declan, Míchael and David, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughter-in-law Meg, son-in-law Philip, nieces, nephews, his extended family and a large circle of friends both in Ireland and America.

His colleagues at the auction house led tributes.

"Philip’s unwavering commitment, deep dedication, and clear vision have been essential in shaping the success of our team and he will be deeply missed by all of us, as well as by our clients and partners," said a statement from the company.

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Michael Parsons was among those to pay tribute on RIP.ie

"Philip was kind, courteous, entertaining, witty, erudite, hospitable and sparkling company. A huge loss for Durrow and Irish social, cultural and business life. Philip was the source of many wonderful stories for 'The Irish Times', which often made front-page news, most notably the sensational discovery, in 2014, of previously unknown letters written by Jackie Kennedy. He also played a significant role in cultivating relations between Ireland and China. Philip will be greatly missed and fondly remembered," said Mr Parsons.

John and Catherine Brennan, Crutt, Clogh, also extended their deepest sympathies.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Philip on many occasions. His knowledge of all matters great and small was amazing. May Philip's gentle soul rest in peace," he said.

Robbie Delahunty also paid tribute.

"Philip had a great enthusiasm about everything when he spoke to you. Full of energy and knowledge. He gave me great advice last year when I had my own health issues which I very much appreciated. A really positive man. I’m very happy to have known him. May he rest peacefully," he said.

The deceased, who was a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, was a nephew of the late Christy Shepperd who started the business in Durrow 1948. He attended St Kieran's College, Kilkenny where he was a classmate of Brian Cody, former Kilkenny senior hurling manager and player.

He was a voracious reader and studied the History of Art at Trinity College, Dublin before completing his Masters at Newcastle University. Eventually, he set up his own media company, running campaigns for Bord Fáilte (now Fáilte Ireland) and other clients.

Well over 20 years ago, he joined his uncle, Christy and first cousins. The business has enjoyed a period of sustained growth and success where Michael, Philip and David Sheppard formed a team achieving international recognition for Sheppard's in the auctioneering world. He was an expert in historical manuscripts and had a great knowledge of Japanese antiquities.

He was to the fore when Sheppard's and Castle Durrow were the subject of the Channel 4 series, Country House Auctions which received critical and popular acclaim. Funeral arrangements later. Outside the business, Philip had a great interest in politics and was involved with Fine Gael, helping in various campaigns mounted by former ministers, Phil Hogan in Carlow-Kilkenny and Charlie Flanagan in Laois-Offaly.

His remains repose at his home (R32 D9W3) on Saturday, March 8 from 2pm with prayers at 5pm. Requiem Mass on Sunday, March 9 at 12pm in the Church of the Assumption, Ballyoskil, Co. Kilkenny with burial afterwards in Durrow cemetery, Durrow, (R32 CK11).

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