Rugby legend's memorabilia under hammer

The Ireland team which beat Wales to win the Grand Slam at Ravenhill

Ulster and Ireland rugby legend Jack Kyle has been able to replace some of the rugby memorabilia he lost in a house fire at an auction held by the family of his former captain, Karl Mullen.

Mr Kyle bought a collection of photographs from the 1950s British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, which both he and Mullen played on.

Other items which were sold by Mealy's Auctioneers included an official programme from Ireland's first Grand Slam victory against Wales at Ravenhill in March 1948 as well as a team photograph featuring both men taken before the match.

George Mealy, of Mealy's Auctioneers, said about 180 people had attended the sale, which was held in a marquee in the grounds of Mr Mullen's former home in Kilcullen on Tuesday.

Mr Mealy said the entire collection of memorabilia had been sold, with purchases being made on behalf of the IRFU and varous rugby clubs.

The former doctor died in April, aged 82, just one month after seeing his Grand Slam success emulated by current Ireland skipper, Brian O'Driscoll.

Hammer falls on glittering career

His collection included signed programmes and dinner menus, scrapbooks, photographs, books and prints.

Mullen also captained the British and Irish Lions on a tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1950 and a signed team list from the tour was one of the items up for sale.

In it, Mullen is described as: "Captain of the team and the best hooker in Great Britain. Reckoned one of the toughest players in the world. He takes a power of stopping in the loose."

Mullen retired from the game just two years later at the age of 26 after winning a total of 25 caps for his country.