In January 1967, while mining sand on Mr. Joseph's lands in Smith, Ridge, Ballytegan, Port Laois, Laois County, a remarkable discovery was made. A group of bronze objects was unearthed during this sand mining operation, and these objects were individually intriguing, but their significance was heightened due to their association within a closed find.
The site where these objects were discovered was near the summit of a sand and gravel ridge known as Noxie, which stands at an elevation of 300 feet above sea level. This ridge is an exception to the typical landscape in the region and deviates from the commonly referred to "Mary District Ridge," which is usually an esker.
The collection of objects, now considered a treasure, was found approximately 18 inches below the surface in a small pit measuring about 1 foot in diameter and 6 inches in depth. This pit had been excavated from the sand and subsequently filled. According to Mr. Smith, the person who made the discovery, it appeared to be filled with a substance resembling pottery clay. All the objects described below were found within this pit.
It was suspected that some additional objects might have fallen from the face of the sand pit when the treasure was first discovered. However, despite efforts, Mr. Smith could not uncover any other materials in the vicinity. Therefore, it can be reasonably concluded that the collection Mr. Smith handed over to the National Museum constituted a complete and intact treasure trove. Initially, three large rings were observed lying flat at the bottom of the small pit, one within the other, with pins and bronze axes also found nearby.