[Clady village is on the border with County Donegal but is in County Tyrone. The Clady river is in County Donegal and reaches the sea near Bunbeg]
Donegal Ghost Story.
Mystery of locked room.
A remarkable ghost story comes from the Clady district of Co. Donegal which is causing great excitement not only in the district where the affair has occurred, but for miles around it. From inquiries made the neighbours believe the story, the strange happenings being recited in places of business more than seven miles from where these mysterious proceedings are taking place.
It appears that some time ago a certain farmer, who resided at a house in the district, had a locked room, which was never entered, and a short time ago he left there. After his evacuation another farmer came to reside on the premises, and when he had been some time in it this locked room, from where the mystery is supposed to originate, was apparently opened. This action has startled the neighbourhood by the sensational story that a ghost had appeared and for nights the inhabitants of the house and of the district, it is alleged, have passed sleepless nights because of the strange happenings which have been going on in the locality. Some of the inhabitants will not venture out after dark, and there is a feeling of dread and terror for the dreadful thing that is causing so much alarm.
The story is narrated of a man who was proceeding home with a load of coal. When his horse and load were passing this place where the mysterious figure was seen the animal became frightened and absolutely refused to go any further. The driver of the horse and cart, becoming alarmed at the state of affairs, it appears, collected his wits together, and looking through the space between the horse’s ears he was horrified to see in front of him the figure of a large black man. The horse afterwards becoming frightened, bolted off and smashed the shafts of the cart.
It is also alleged that the bed clothing on several occasions has been pulled off those who slept in bed residing in the house, and all persons are asking what the whole thing means, the affair causing an extraordinary interest in the locality.
Belfast Telegraph, 26th February 1919.