Time Team fan finds 4,000-year-old body in his back garden

HUMAN remains dating back over 4,000 years were unearthed by an archaeology enthusiast who was building a lean-to in his back garden in Co Westmeath last week.

On hearing of the discovery, Pat Tiernan’s wife Cathy reacted with the words, “You would have to find a grave in the back garden.”

The discovery, described as “significant” by the National Museum of Ireland, was made following a recent spell of bad weather at the bungalow in Rickardstown, Collinstown, Co Westmeath.

The find was made when excavation work coupled with bad weather led to a small landslide at the rear of the detached house, according to Mr Tiernan.

“About a week or so ago I looked out the window and saw bones protruding out the back and I saw the pot, and then I kind of knew what I was looking at,” Mr Tiernan explained.

“They looked too big for ordinary animal bones and too small for large animal bones. I kinda clicked it because I was used to looking at a bit of the Time Team,” he added.

Since visiting Newgrange, Mr Tiernan has developed an interest in ancient Irish art and archaeology.

“It is funny that I should find this being so into the celtic stuff for so long.”

A team from the National Museum of Ireland arrived at the house this week and removed the bones and pot. “They reckon it is between 4,000 and 4,500 years old,” said Mr Tiernan.

Although the area has a lot of ring forts, Mr Tiernan said he didn’t believe the wider area around the find would be surveyed.

“They were just keen on taking the remains that were there out of the ground,” said Mr Tiernan.

“I wouldn’t be a bit superstitious,” added Mr Tiernan, “they are just our predecessors, why would you be afraid of the dead?”

Assistant keeper at National Museum of Ireland, Pádraig Clancy, attended the site along with assistant keeper Dr Andy Halpin and conservator, Carol Smith.

Mr Clancy said it has yet to be determined whether the bronze age remains are those of a man or a woman.

“The very interesting thing about Rickardstown is a similar bowl was found by a Thomas O’Farrell in the 1940s at a quarry nearby,” he revealed.

This find fits the bronze age burial tradition which were often isolated burials.

Three distinct areas of decoration have been identified on the bowl, he added.

According to Mr Clancy, the remains which were buried in a slightly flexed crouch position along with the bowl could date from as far back as 2200BC.

“We are very grateful to Mr Tiernan, due to his prompt recognition of it, it did save the bulk of the vessel. It did aid in the bowl being in the state that it is at the moment.”

The remains will be analysed and preserved at the National Museum and the Tiernan family will be able to view them on request.

Picture: Archaeology enthusiast Pat Tiernan. Picture: Molloy Photography