A smaller ciborium, clerical vestments, and religious CDs were also taken but it was the loss of the chalice that caused most upset as it had been a gift from the priest’s parents when he was ordained 30 years ago.
"It is not expensive nor is there anything exceptional about it but it is very precious to me," said Fr McNamara, who used the chalice at his parents’ funerals.
He said he was thrilled it had been recovered.
The chalice was found in a roadside hedge by a parishioner walking along the rural road in Gneeveguilla on Friday night.
The pedestrian found the chalice with its case thrown to the side and immediately called the gardaí in Rathmore who informed Fr McNamara of the discovery.
"I was overjoyed it was found as it was so important to me. I’m not too upset about the other items that are still missing," he said.
Fr McNamara said the chalice had been slightly damaged and was bent on one side but he intended to leave it that way.
"It will serve as a reminder that nothing is perfect and we all live with brokenness and weakness. The chalice will last without being straightened."