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Family issue desperate appeal for return of stolen Waterford 1948 All-Ireland medal

Family issue desperate appeal for return of stolen Waterford 1948 All-Ireland medal

A Waterford family say they are desperate to have a stolen All-Ireland medal returned to them.

The medal belonged to their father, Daithí de Paor or Davy Power, who was on the team that won the 1948 All-Ireland hurling final.

Daithí passed away in 1986.

The medal was taken during a burglary at a family member's house in Enniscorthy on Friday evening.

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"It was in its own box," Daithí's daughter, Siún de Paor, told WLR News, "I have it on a chain because I wear the medal for all the big Waterford occasions.

"I would wear it going to matches and I would wear it in memory of my father because of his love of the GAA.

"And my mother used to wear it on the chain as well."

"We lost our father. This was something that was so important to him."

As well as playing for Mount Sion, the late Mr de Paor was hugely involved in Portlaw GAA club.

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He was also a prominent member of Waterford County Board, serving as treasurer during the 70s and 80s.

"We absolutely treasure this medal," an emotional Siún explained, "because it was something he was so proud of.

"He was really proud of it - he was nevery a showy man, never boasted about this, but there was a secret pride there that he had achieved this.

"And us, as Waterford people, are very proud that we have this medal in his honour and we cherish it."

The burglary happened early in the evening - sometime before 6.30pm.

According to Siún, there were other items of jewellery taken during the incident but the only item they really want returned is this medal.

People - especially those in the GAA community - are being urged to keep an eye out for it online or elsewhere, where it might possibly be offered for sale.

"Like, you cannot replace this medal," Siún continued.

"It's a family heirloom that we need to keep in the family to pass down through the generations.

"There are other generations coming along now and they are so proud of what their grandfather achieved.

"We want to keep this within this family. We are a huge GAA family - all the de Paors are.

"We lost our father. This is something that was so important to him and we are the custodians of it."

If you have any information on the whereabouts of this All-Ireland medal, Siún can be contacted on 085 2852968.

To listen to the conversation with Siún, click here.

For all your latest Waterford news and sport, click here.

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