Luck of the Irish - Diver finds priceless ancient jewellery

A LOCAL diver has found a priceless piece of ancient silver jewellery whilst taking part in a search for a missing person.

Pat Treanor a member of the Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery Service (BFRRS) found what is believed to be a Viking artefact dating back up to 2,000 years during a search of the River Lee.

It is currently being examined by the National Museum of Ireland but is believed to be at least 1,500 years old.

The piece, which is circular with a bulbous end and is thought to be either a bracelet or brooch, was found on the river bed sitting on top of stones in ten feet of water.

He originally thought the silver trinket, which was discoloured and blackened, was an ordinary piece of women's jewellery.

'When I took it out it was black and it was only when I cleaned it off that I realised it was actually silver,' said Pat, who lives in Castlebellingham. 'It was at that stage I realised it wasn't an ordinary piece of jewellery. It was quite heavy but there was no stamp on it, and there was a lot of wear and lots of imperfections on it, you'd know it wasn't recent.'...[Drogheda Independent]