Devastated man appeals for lost medal

A DEVASTATED Northside man is appealing for the safe return of a lost religious medal, which he says has helped him overcome personal difficulties literally since his birth 62 years ago.

Tony Breathnach, from Artane, is praying to St Anthony, the patron saint of lost articles, in the hope of finding the St Anthony medal which was blessed by the Pope and given to Tony’s deceased mother back in 1945.

The medal, which was worn as a chain, was lost on Friday, April 13, either in Howth, St Anne’s Park or Fingal Cemetery, Balgriffin.

The medal is of immense sentimental value to Tony, particularly as it was what his mother held onto during his difficult birth in 1950.

“My birth had complications because I was breach and before I was born my father was told that I would probably not survive and that my mother was in danger also,

? Tony told Northside People.

“My father was distraught and went to pray at a nearby convent church where the mother superior spoke to him and told him not to worry, that all would be okay and that both his wife and their first child would survive.

“He went back to Holles Street and related his news to my mother who had a great devotion to St Anthony.

“Throughout the birth she held onto the medal of St Anthony who I was named after.

?

The medal, which is a small cross with St Anthony on one side and St Francis of Assisi on the reverse, was not only a great comfort and a source of solace for his mother but it was also handed down to Tony and his four siblings on many occasions.

“It was given to every one of us down through the years when we were doing exams or going through a difficult time,

? Tony explained.

“I was given it in 1992 when I had health difficulties and I have worn it on a chain around my neck ever since then until Friday the 13th when disaster struck and I lost it.

?

That day Tony had been in Howth where he is certain he was wearing it because it is evident in a photograph that was taken there.

He then went to Beshoff’s before driving to St Anne’s Park in Raheny where he went for a stroll near the Red Stables, the Rose Garden and the playground before he went to Fingal Cemetery.

“The sad irony of it was that it was my father’s anniversary and I had been to visit his grave before I got home and realised that I’d lost the chain,

? Tony said.

“Despite retracing my steps and checking with the local Garda stations, the medal remains missing.

“I feel bereaved again. I know it’s a long shot but I’m desperately hoping that someone may have found it.

“They may not think very much of it because it wouldn’t be worth anything but to me it’s priceless.

?

Tony added:

“I’ve even been praying to St Anthony to help find himself!

?

The St Anthony cross is described as being approximately two inches in length with a crudely drilled hole to accommodate the chain. It is well worn and an inscription that was once on it is now illegible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tony Breathnach on 087-2147531.