‘Trying one last time’ to return the lost items after 56 years

16:09, 28 May 2026Updated 16:32, 28 May 2026

The ring found on a South Kerry beach in 1970(Image: AGS)

We all know how annoying it is to misplace something when you’re out and about – but do you remember losing a ring on a beach 56 years ago?

That’s what Gardaí in Kerry are hoping to find out, after digging out a very old report from the cold case department. Two pieces of jewellery, a ring and a watch, were handed in to officers at Listowel Garda Station way back in 1970 – and now relatives of the good Samaritan who originally found the items have asked authorities to make one last attempt to reunite them with their rightful owner.

With gigantic leaps in technology since the 1970s, it’s hoped that Gardaí now have a much better chance at locating the person who left their jewellery behind after a trip to the seaside all those decades ago.

Sharing snaps of the items on social media, Kerry Gardaí said: “Can you help us solve a 55 year old mystery? This ring and another item of jewellery were found on a beach in South Kerry in 1970. Social media was non existent at the time therefore only local notices were issued in an effort to locate the owner.”

The watch – still shiny!(Image: AGS)

They added: “Relatives of the finder are trying one last time to reunite the items with their rightful owner and have asked An Garda Siochana to help, which we are delighted to do.”

A successful reunion would be one of the most impressive on record. In 2021, a woman in the Outer Hebrides made headlines after finding her wedding ring in her garden’s vegetable patch 50 years after losing it. And in 2022, an elderly Cork widower was reunited with a sentimental gold bracelet, given to her by her late husband, after a 20-year search.

Reuniting the Kerry jewellery with its original owners after 56 years could really make someone’s retirement – or provide an amazing family story for the next generation. Gardaí concluded: “So, have you ever heard a relative speak about losing jewellery items when on holiday on a beach in South Kerry in 1970? If so, please contact Listowel Garda Station and speak with Sgt Fidelma O Leary.”

And if you lost anything yourself at the beach during this week’s record-breaking hot spell, don’t worry – you might well get it back in half a century.

Sign up here to get the latest What’s On news from Cork Beo direct to your inbox