Hidden Treasure
In Poll Bacla beside the river which flows by the curates house at Balla there is supposed to be a chest containing valuable articles and gold hidden. It was supposed to have been hidden there by the landlord of Balla -a Lynch- in troubled times. Attempts were made to get the treasure but in vain.
In Poll an Dailtín in Turlough Park, parish of Kellogues, Barony of Carra, Co. Mayo there is supposed to be a similar treasure hidden, by the landlord also, a Fitzgerald, ancestor of the present occupants of Park Mansion.
Over sixty years ago a diver was engaged to try to find the chest, but his attempt was also in vain.
I have been told by a native of the parish of Bonniconlan, Ballina Co. Mayo that there was a like chest of treasure believed to be hidden in some part of that parish also. In all three cases the treasure is supposed to be guarded by serpents.
Treasure Discovered.
A family named Herons who lived in Balla were digging a foundation for a cottage where stands the McEllin Hotel at present. They came on a pot of gold supposed to contain 2,000 guineas. These people (Herons) built a brewery in Balla where the public house of Mr. Conway now stands. They also purchased a house and farm at Bovin, near Ballyvary and another house and farm at Kilkenny near Castlebar.
Tiara found in bog near Dooras, Balla. Jack Ansbro of Tavanagh, Straide, Brny of Gallen found a battle axe in Prizon bog, seven spits deep. He gave it to Mr. Mullaney N.T. Balla
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INFORMANT
Patsy Ansbro; Gender; male, Age; 84, Tawnagh More, Co. Mayo
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School:
Gleann an Dúin - Prison (roll number 17042)
Location:
Prison East, Co. Mayo
Teacher:
Máire A. Ní Dhocartaigh