The An Garda Síochána – the police service in the Republic of Ireland – have recovered the mummified head of The Crusader, which had been stolen from the crypt of a Dublin church last month. The head along with another skull, were taken from the crypt of St Michan’s Church in Dublin over the weekend of 23 – 25 February. This week a police spokesperson said that “the items were recovered as a result of information that came into the possession of the investigating Gardaí.”

In a statement, they added: “An Garda Síochána would like to thank the public for their assistance in the investigation, which remains ongoing.”

The Anglican and Roman Catholic Archbishops of Dublin visited the Church together following the “desecration” and issued a joint appeal for the return of the remains. The Anglican Archbishop, Michael Jackson, this week welcomed the recovery of the remains – a popular tourist attraction in Ireland.

“We in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough are delighted that both the head of The Crusader and the skull which also was in the crypt of St Mican’s Church, Church Street, Dublin, have been recovered”, he said. “They were left in a place where the Gardaí were able to make this recovery.

“As Archbishop of Dublin, I should like to thank the Gardaí and everyone else who has worked tirelessly to make this possible.”

The National Museum of Ireland are now acting in an advisory capacity. There had been concerns that the remains would crumble once removed from the protective atmosphere of the crypt.

“The emphasis will now be able to turn to consideration of future security and display of the remains in the crypt of St Michan’s”, Archbishop Michael said. “Renewed thanks go to all who have shown interest and concern for the mummies. They are a priceless part of the heritage of the city of Dublin and its citizens.”

Elsewhere in Ireland, the Gardaí in Donegal are appealing for the public’s assistance to locate a bronze Celtic Cross which was stolen from the Church of Ireland in Greencastle at some point between 3 and 22 February.