Remembering Mr. Power: A Tribute to a Respected Property Journalist and Artist

Mr. Power: A Life in Property and Art

Mr. Power was a respected figure in the property industry. The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute (IAVI) asked him to write a history of the property market, resulting in the book Under The Hammer. This book covers the property sector from IAVI’s founding in 1902 until its publication in 1997.

IAVI also acquired several of Mr. Power’s oil paintings depicting famous Irish writers like WB Yeats, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett. His artworks were displayed in IAVI’s auction room in Merrion Square.

In addition to his writing, Mr. Power was a talented classical guitarist and an artist. He painted horse-racing scenes, influenced by his upbringing as the son of renowned Irish jockey Jackie Power. His paintings were exhibited at Punchestown racecourse.

Although he rarely gambled, Mr. Power loved horse racing, especially thoroughbreds. He enjoyed watching races live at the Curragh or on TV, focusing on prominent English and American races. He turned this passion into a career, becoming a European correspondent for the US racing magazine Pacemaker and compiling a training manual for Irish jockeys.

Mr. Power wrote a first-time buyers’ handbook and strongly believed in everyone’s right to a home. He served as the property editor for the Irish Press and worked as a business reporter for the Irish Times. After the Irish Press closed, he freelanced for Business and Finance and Plan, an architectural magazine. He also researched at Foras Forbartha, a government development organization.

As a property correspondent for the Irish Independent, Mr. Power was known for his insightful reports in the commercial property supplement. His thoughtful approach made him well-regarded as a gentleman. He never spoke ill of others and preferred not to hear negative comments.

Mr. Power is survived by his wife Arlene, his daughter Karina, his sons David and Alan, and his grandchildren.