The 137 inhabitants of Clare Island off Co Mayo have compiled a unique "millennium time-box" which has been buried. It will be dug up in 2050 and the articles enclosed will be handed back to the families concerned.
"There are family trees, crests and histories, letters from parents to young children, photographs, taped songs from young and old, and old newspapers," Mr Donal O'Shea, island manager, said.
"This time-box will be a wonderful historical gift for the future generations of Clare Island. Hopefully, when the timebox is reopened in 2050, families will add their contributions and bury them again for the next generation."