The silver bell which is now upon the Table has been presented to the Dáil by Mrs. Bryan Cooper in memory of her late husband and is inscribed:—"Given in Memory of Major Bryan Cooper, Member of Dáil Eireann for Co. Dublin, 1923, till his death, July 5th, 1930."
It is a reproduction in half size of the historic bell of Lough Lene Castle, which is at present in the Royal Irish Academy collection in the National Museum. The original was found in 1881 at Castle Island, Lough Lene, near Castlepollard, and is believed to date from the 10th or perhaps the 11th century. It is one of the most beautiful bells in the Royal Irish Academy collection; only two others of similar form are known; one was found at Bangor, Co. Down, and the other at Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
The bell has been copied by Dublin craftsmen from the original through the courtesy of the Keeper of the National Museum, Dr. A. Mahr.
I shall convey to Mrs. Cooper the thanks of the Dáil for her thoughtful and appropriate gift (applause.)