Liam Kelly, 16 Cluain Dara, Enniscorthy pictured with some remaining trophies and photo’s following a robbery at his home which resulted in the theft of precious GAA soccer medals belonging to his sons. Pic: John Walsh

AN ENNISCORTHY man has spoken of his relief after his sons’ treasured sporting medals were returned by the thieves who ransacked his home.

Liam Kelly of Cluain Dara, Enniscorthy was returning from a hospital appointment in Dublin with his wife Mary last Monday when he got a phone call from Gardai to alert him to an early morning break-in.

The 62-year-old, who has been battling tongue cancer for the past year, was devastated to discover that, along with his wife’s jewellery collection and over €500 worth of coins, his sons’ medal collection had been taken.

Two of the couple’s three sons, Trevor (33) and Marty (29) have been heavily involved in sports in the past number of years, collecting over 100 medals, including one for a Wexford All-Ireland intermediate win.

Mr. Kelly made a nationwide appeal for the return of the medals, and just days later, it seemed the culprits had a guilty conscious as they contacted Gardai on Friday to give them back.

“I’m over the moon,” Mr. Kelly told The Echo, soon after hearing the news. “It might sound stupid to be excited to get your own stuff back, but I didn’t think that we’d see them again.

“We’re delighted to get them back, obviously the appeal tugged on someone’s heartstrings. Whoever left them back, fair play to them; I wouldn’t say that I’m grateful to them but I’m grateful to get the items back.”

Mr. Kelly added that he couldn’t understand why the medals, which have no monetary value but huge sentimental value for the family, were taken in the first place.