On this day, 11 September 2023

By Old Kwin
September 10 2002

Lost : Small but precious Talisman, of great sentimental value. It has emerged in the last few days that a small but very expensive talisman was unfortunately lost at the Stoop last week.

The talisman's owner, Mighty Quin member Duncan Savile (9), who prefers not to be named, regularly takes the talisman to games at the Stoop as it seems to bring extraordinary good fortune to the team. Although cynics have from time time expressed doubt as to the talisman's true worth, in fact the extraordinary effect of the statuette has been proved in practice time and again. Now, the very sight of it is a great morale boost to all the fans and team who are lucky enough to come across it.  As a result the talisman has both financial and sentimental value and is already sorely missed.  Duncan gave us this description of the talisman which is bright, and shaped somewhat like a human figure:

Made from hardened steel it's tough and can withstand almost any amount of rough treatment. Although small it's surprisingly heavy containing as it does a core of solid Irish gold. Although well worn over the years it remains rough around the edges and anyone coming across it is warned to not to rub it up the wrong way.

A product of ingenious Anglo-Irish workmanship, crafted over a period of nearly 30 years, the talisman is multi-functional with scores of potential uses: its surprising strength and resilience means it's capable of propping up a considerable weight, but at the same time, like a Swiss Army knife it contains a simple but effective hooking mechanism, and wielded skilfully the user is able to use the talisman overcome even the strongest of locks.  But above all, because of its spiky nature, it's sharpness and tough exterior it is exceedingly effective as an offensive weapon, and it is capable of penetrating a thick defensive wall.  Indeed, the only apparent weakness of the talisman is when used as a missile: the unusual shape makes the flight through the air unpredictable and you can't necessarily be confident that the talisman will hit even a barn door.

Given the talisman's extraordinary effectiveness, Duncan tells us has tried to bring it to the Stoop as often as possible over the years since he found it,  but unfortunately in the last few seasons has been forced increasingly to 'lend' it out to bigger boys, who want to it for themselves - indeed he once lost it for a whole year when it was 'borrowed' without asking by his cousin in Munster. Luckily, he got it back eventually and although you might think that the talisman would get worn out with over-use, so far it's as good as new.

A reward is offered for anyone who finds the talisman and is able to return it safely to the Stoop. However despite an enormous effort by the club staff to do just that, the task has so far proved fruitless and hope of the talisman's permanent  return is almost extinguished.  The coming season is no cause for concern - given the talisman's extraordinary powers Duncan is confident its influence will be felt in Saturday's game against the rejuvenated St Helen's Tykes, and probably right through to the end of the season.  However all loyal fans of the Quins are encouraged to look around for a replacement talisman as soon as possible,  that all we hope will prove as effective and strong as influence to the club as the last.