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Man arrested over theft of 800-year-old mummy head from crypt of Dublin Church

The item was stolen over the weekend of 23-25 February from St Michan’s, gardaí said earlier this week.

skull-michans St Michan's skull recovered by Gardaí An Garda Síochána An Garda Síochána

A MAN HAS been arrested in connection with the theft of the of an 800-year-old mummy known as ‘The Crusader’, which was stolen from the crypts of St Michan’s Church last week. 

The discovery of the theft at the crypt of the church on Church Street was made shortly before lunchtime on Monday 25 February when a guide was preparing to open the church for visitors.

The Church of Ireland said the crypt had been “badly damaged” and several of the mummies inside, including the 400-year-old remains of a nun, had been desecrated. The Crusader’s body was turned over and his head had been removed.

The head of the mummy was recovered on Monday

A man in his 20s has now been arrested in connection with the break-in and theft. 

He is currently being detained at Bridewell Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. 

Archbishops of Dublin to Visit St Michan's Church The crypt at St Michan's church in Dublin Leah Farrell Leah Farrell

The items were stolen over the weekend of the 23rd-25th February, gardaí said earlier this week. Gardaí also recovered another skull which was stolen during the theft. 

Last week, the Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson said he was “shocked that someone would target this ancient burial place and desecrate the remains of those lying within it”.

The items were recovered as a result of information given to investigating gardaí.

The National Museum of Ireland is acting in an advisory capacity in the case. 

Archbishop Jackson welcomed Monday’s recovery saying that “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”. 

“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”.

With reporting by Cónal Thomas

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    Mute F Fitzgerald
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    Dec 22nd 2023, 11:52 AM

    Good for them. We all need a cost of living increase, except for offshore millionaires. They’re absolutely right to ask for this. Too many people complaining when they fail to do anything about it. Join a union and speak up. Support others. A rising tide should lift all boats.

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    Mute Seamus Dunne
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    Dec 22nd 2023, 12:05 PM

    @F Fitzgerald: they are in a union, the UNITE union. Did you read the article?

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    Mute F Fitzgerald
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    Dec 22nd 2023, 12:13 PM

    @Seamus Dunne: I did, and I support them. The people griping about the strike seem crushed by begrudgery, though. I’m suggesting that we could do more to help each other than the predictable slating of cooperative efforts. Prices have shot up and wages have stagnated.

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    Mute Shane O Mac
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    Dec 22nd 2023, 9:31 AM

    Are they all going bowling for the day.

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    Mute Shane O Mac
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    Dec 22nd 2023, 9:32 AM

    They should spare a thought for other people

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    Mute F Fitzgerald
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    Dec 22nd 2023, 11:54 AM

    Honestly, they are thinking of others here. Someone who has to take on extra jobs to make ends meet is only managing alone as best they can. Someone who negotiates a pay rise for themselves alone is only thinking of themselves. Unionise and be more inclusive.

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    Mute Denis Rathsallagh Brady
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    Dec 22nd 2023, 10:03 AM

    Stubborn people they are, way too much for the country.
    Unionists need to cop on and get the country going again its been way too long now.
    And look what happens, a strike on the busiest Friday of the year 3 days before Christmas.
    Well done yiz must be proud

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