Two exceptionally rare Irish gold ciboria discovered at the Convent of Mercy in Newry, authenticated as important examples of nineteenth-century Irish ecclesiastical pieces, come up at Victor Mee’s convent sale on June 9, 10 and 11. Hallmarked in Dublin and dating from 1881 and 1882 they were made by Dublin goldsmith John Donegan. Crafted in 22-carat gold and decorated with intricate foliate ornamentation, both pieces are surmounted by crosses. One ciborium contains an insert set with nine old-cut diamonds and three moissanites. Lots 852 and 861 are each estimated at €30,000-€40,000. A ciborium is a covered vessel used to hold consecrated hosts for the Christian Eucharist.