[MR] BBC: 9th C. Irish Treasure

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

BBC has been featuring a lovely story about treasure found at Derrynaflan
Island in Tipperary, Ireland.

Well, it isn't an island in the usual sense -- it is a high and
more-or-less dry spot (for Ireland) rising out of a peat bog. An early
Christian monastery was built on the island, later replaced by a
now-ruinous 12th century abbey.

In 1980 two hobby metal detectorists found the treasure, a chalice and
plate for the host. These were later joined by a wine strainer and a stand
for the plate, making a complete communion set. The style and richness of
the finds are unique. After years of legal wrangling, the treasure was
officially declared state property, and is now displayed at the National
Museum in Dublin. The fight over the hoard led to a complete ban on
treasure hunting in Ireland.

You can see the unique items and read about Derrynaflan Island at
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220731-irelands-priceless-treasure-hidden-by-monks
.

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆