����ý

A farmer from County Donegal has discovered gold artefacts believed to be thousands of years old.

Norman Witherow uncovered the gold objects on Saturday when he was digging a drain in a field near Convoy.

The artefacts remained in his kitchen and car boot until Tuesday when his friend, who is a jeweller, told him that it needed to be reported.

Initial observations by staff from the National Museum of Ireland date the gold from the bronze age or earlier.

'Significance'

Mr Witherow admitted his initial reaction to finding the artefacts was underwhelming.

He said: "I couldn't figure out what they were, they were covered in clay and we had no idea if they were gold or even copper.

"We had no idea of the value and we definitely didn't appreciate their worth when we first discovered them."

Maeve Sikora, keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum, travelled from Dublin on Wednesday to collect the objects.

The find was initially handed over to Donegal County Museum, who in turn reported the discovery due to its archaeological significance.

Caroline Carr, who is the Assistant curator of the Donegal County Museum, praised Mr Witherow for alerting her to his unearthing.

"Norman contacted the correct authorities and went through all of the procedures, and then I went out on behalf of the national museum to check the site and make sure everything was legit, before they sent Maeve to retrieve the items for full analysis.

"We took the items into safekeeping and we sincerely thank Norman for coming to us with them," she said.

"This is a once in a lifetime find for our county and we are absolutely delighted."

Mrs Carr does not believe that the artefacts are bracelets but may be some sort of currency.

It is hoped that the items will return to the Donegal County Museum at a later date once the results come back.

The Letterkenny museum will need to apply for their return, but Mrs Carr says to "watch this space," as the results are a high priority and should come back sooner rather than later.

Mr Witherow is keen to visit his findings at the Dublin museum as well.

"Of course we will travel to the display, but thankfully they should be due back in Letterkenny soon enough.

"I'm looking forward to it, as they've said a wee night will be put together for us."