THE 800-year-old head of a crusader, and another skull, stolen from a crypt beneath St Michan’s, Dublin (News, 1 March), have been recovered by Gardaí and returned to the church. They were in a plastic bag and left in the church grounds where they would easily have been noticed.

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Michael Jackson, welcoming the news, thanked the Gardaí and others who had been involved in the search. The National Museum of Ireland is now acting in an advisory capacity.

Dr Jackson said on Tuesday: “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.”