Thousands flock to Jacko exhibition in Kildare
The world preview of hundreds of items owned by Michael Jackson has attracted more than 25,000 visitors to Co Kildare, it emerged today.
As Jackson fans from around the world snapped up tickets for a series of shows planned at the O2 in London, thousands flew in to Ireland to catch a glimpse of the king of pop's trademark wardrobe.
Martin Nolan, co-owner of LA-based Julien's Auctions, plans to put thousands of items from Jackson's Neverland Ranch under the hammer next month.
The Athlone-born man said he is grateful for people's support while a lawsuit threatening to pull the plug on the auction rumbles on.
"The attendance has been phenomenal," said Mr Nolan.
"A lot of people are flying in to Dublin, getting taxis straight down to Newbridge and going back to the airport. It's great to see."
The celebrity auctioneer will also be turning his competitors green with envy this week when he celebrates St Patrick's Day at the White House.
Mr Nolan will be among scores of guests invited to spend the evening with newly-elected President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
"I have great admiration for him and I really am a fan. I am very excited about it and feel very privileged," continued Mr Nolan, who marked the day there with Bill and Hillary Clinton in 1998.
"I want to make sure he knows Ireland and America have a great relationship."
Mr Nolan said the announcement of Jackson's 50 This Is It shows in London boosted interest in the exhibition in Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons and the pending sale.
"From the day we were hired we knew Michael was in talks about going back to performing and we knew that would enhance the auction," he said.
"Then it seemed to back fire with the lawsuit, which came as a complete surprise to us."
Jackson's management company, MJJ Productions, claimed many of the items taken by the auctioneers are "priceless and irreplaceable" and described the attempt to sell them as "malicious, fraudulent, extreme, outrageous and without any legal justification whatsoever."
Attorney for the auction house, Jerry Hawxhurst, said both parties have since agreed Julien's came in to possession of Jackson's belongings legally and can continue to promote the auction.
However, lawyers for the star are expected to go before Los Angeles Superior Court to argue the singer does not have to honour the contract.
"Julien's has a valid contract with MJJ Productions and we fully expect Michael Jackson to honour that agreement," added Mr Hawxhurst.
Meanwhile the singer's white crystal encrusted glove and the original trademark Fedora hat will remain on show in Newbridge until March 21 before going to New York's Hard Rock Cafe.
A jewelled crown and a full-length robe, fitted jackets, a sketch the star drew of Elvis Presley and the first music contract signed for the Jackson Five are also among the lots that have attracted visitors from across Europe.
Phil Donnelly, at Newbridge Silver, said it's amazing Jackson still has such a big following.
"We have coach loads coming and families turning up from the length and breath of the country," said Ms Donnelly, "We have never seen anything like it before. It is really putting Newbridge on the map. That's really important for us."
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