²⁶Westropp, T.J. "Types of the Ring-Forts and Similar Structures Remaining in Eastern Clare (The Newmarket Group)." Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Section C: Archaeology, Celtic Studies, History, Linguistics, Literature 27 (1908-1909): 219.
As Westropp put it, "No doubt, fear lest the O’Briens of Dromoland should renew their claims for more than the one or two bracelets that came into their possession was long an obsession on all the discovers of the gold, and led not only to silence, but to misleading statements."
Is it also be possible that, fearing the O'Briens as well their employer, the workers may have lied because they were exploring a spot that was adjacent to, but not part of, their work for the railroad?