Kate Conway☘️

Today in 1980, Michael Webb and his son were exploring the ruins of a historic abbey on an island surrounded by bog near Killenaule, Tipperary. They were using a wonky metal detector when they received a faint signal. The lads dug for only a few minutes before they discovered the priceless Derrynaflan Chalice on the ancient site. The horde also included a liturgical strainer, a paten, and a bronze basin. These religious treasures would've been buried beneath the monastic site in the 9th century to conceal them from marauding Vikings. The gorgeous engraved silver is decorated with gold filigree panels, die-stamped mounts, and rivets. The bowl is made of beaten lathe-polished silver. the exquiside handles are studed with amber. Father and son reported their fabulous find and handed over the relics to the government. Naturally, the family expected compensation. The High Court supported their claim of the full estimated value (£5.5 million in 1980s). But the Supreme Court ruled that as totally unrealistic, the treasure belonged to the people and the Irish state. Also, there was a preservation order on the ruin under the National Monuments Act, 1930, making it an offence to injure or interfere with the site. They were eventually offered a £10,000 reward fee. The Derrynaflan Chalice can be viewed by everyone at the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street, Dublin. But before you get any ideas about being a treasure hunter, hold your horses... This case resulted in a change in the law. The National Monuments (Amendment) Act of 1987 made using metal detectors without express permission of land owners or a licence illegal.