Bid to bringBroighter goldback home

East Londonderry MLA Cathal Ó hOisín told colleagues almost half-a-million people visit the famous golden torc annually in the National Museum in Dublin.

Speaking during an Assembly debate on archaeological artefacts before the summer recess Mr Ó hOisín said it should be returned to Limavady on temporary loan at some point in the future.

The Dungiven-based MLA enlightened MLAs of the Broighter hoard stating: “On a fine spring morning in 1895, Tom Nicholl, a ploughman, was working in a field two miles west of Limavady in the townland of Broighter when he literally struck gold.

“The coulter of his plough dragged up what subsequently became known as the Broighter hoard, which consisted of a torc, bracelet, chain and the most delicate of gold boats.

“He subsequently sold it to a dealer from Cork, who sold it on to the British Museum for £600. However, in a 1903 court case, the Broighter hoard was reckoned to be a votive offering, meaning that it had religious or spiritual significance and was of such national importance that it was returned to the National Museum in Dublin.”

He went on to explain that it remains one of the most popular artefacts on the island.

“It has now become synonymous with the island of Ireland, and, indeed, it is the second most visited artefact after the Book of Kells.

“It has also appeared on British coinage and banknotes, and almost half a million people visit it each year. We have it in mind that we will have it returned to Limavady, to our new arts and cultural centre, on temporary loan some time.

“I have already been in discussion with our counterparts in the South to get it back, as has the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. I tell this story because it shows how easy it is for artefacts to disappear, even those that are of such national significance as the Broighter torc.