Four limestone statues, including two busts of William of Orange and Oliver Cromwell, which were stolen in 2011 have been recovered.

The large limestone statues were stolen from Milltown Castle in Charleville, Co Cork on 18 July 2011.

The eagles were originally mounted on three-metre-high pillars outside Milltown Castle

Two were statues of eagles, which had been mounted on three-metre-high pillars. The others were life-size busts of William of Orange and Oliver Cromwell.

The theft generated a lot of media interest at the time and an extensive garda investigation was carried out, but the property was not found until earlier this week.

A member of the public found the four statues near a derelict outhouse on lands near Cratloe, Co Clare, and contacted gardaí.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450.