Priceless artefacts dating back 4,000 years have gone on display at the National Museum, after being recovered from a rubbish skip last year.
The hoard consists of a gold lunula - a crescent-shaped ornament worn around the neck or chest area on ceremonial occasions - and two small gold discs, both of which date to between 2300 and 1800 BC. It has been described as the most significant discovery of early Bronze Age goldwork from Ireland for many years. The discs are the first pair to have been found since the 19th century.
The relics came to light last year after a burglary at Sheehan's Pharmacy in Strokestown, Co Roscommon. The objects had been kept in a safe at the chemists since 1947 following their discovery in a bog in nearby Coggalbeg.
Following the robbery of the safe, the Sheehan family told the investigating gardaí that in addition to family papers and other personal belongings, the safe also contained the artefacts. During the investigation it became apparent the burglars had not discovered the objects and had thrown them into a skip in Dublin.
Gardaí had to place a protection order on the skip on Reuben Street and go through its contents to retrieve the artefacts. The items were recovered undamaged and handed over to the National Museum who undertook an investigation to identify the original finder of the hoard and the place where the discovery was made.
Museum staff were able to ascertain that Hubert Lannon from Four Mile House, Co Roscommon, found the hoard when cutting turf in his bog at Coggalbeg in March 1945 and handed them to the local chemist. Mr Lannon died just three weeks before the robbery took place last year. Two men pleaded guilty to the burglary this year and received suspended sentences.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin, who viewed the relics today, said the story behind the discovery was a remarkable tale which drew a link between Bronze Age Chieftains and the Garda Síochána.
"The ancient history surrounding the relics makes it very attractive for any visitor coming to see them and then of course the modern history surrounding their recovery adds a real detective twist to the story," she said.
The director of the National Museum, Dr Pat Wallace said "an extraordinary series of events" led to the discovery of the items.
He said the discovery was of great archaeological significance as it represented the first time a lunula and gold discs had been found together in Ireland.
"We knew they were both from the same era but this discovery confirms the association between the objects and we are able to conclude that they were made together from the same piece of gold and probably in Co Roscommon," he said.
