Singular affair at Loughmacrory.
An extraordinary condition of affairs is reported from Loughmacrory. The dwelling of a farmer in that locality is, as alleged, under the spell of some evil, or at all events mischievous, demon. Bricks, turf, and other missiles hurtle through the air from nowehre, and projected apparently by nobody. Indoors matters are considerably worse. Everything in the house has taken to wandering, the bread, sugar, etc, having developed an unaccountable trick of finding their way into the churn, or to the most unexpected places in the house. In the morning turf is found floating in the milk pans, and once an apron took to blazing without any apparent reason or means of ignition. A large shawl has also disappeared in what purports to be spontaneous combustion. Naturally the inmates are considerably alarmed, and the nuisance necessitates someone, usually a sympathetic neighbour, sitting up all night. The matter is causing some excitement in the neighbourhood.
Tyrone Constitution, 26th February 1904.
A household in Loughmacrory, County Tyrone, is at present, according to report, the object of unpleasant attention from spooks. Frankly, we don’t believe in the ghosts. Furthermore, the more or less learned society in London which interests itself in spirits would be well advised not to take any notice for the present of the Tyrone ghosts. Let it be granted that there is a suggestion of the uncanny in the inexplicable translation of turf from its proper corner to milk cans and churns. But the possibility of a practical joker being at work is not excluded. And we don’t believe that even a County Tyrone ghost would heave sods of turf and fragments of brick through the windows of anybody’s dwelling; the proceeding is distinctly more suggestive of an earthly mischief-maker of a very energetic kind, seeing that the stone-throwing has been kept up intermittently during the night. Another so-called mysterious manifestation was the burning of an apron which was hung out to dry. It was seen suddenly to emit smoke, after which it disappeared in flame – no human hands having touched it. Yet the average man will think that a small boy was somewhere around with a match. We are sure that this is the idea upon which Sherlock Holmes would work if called upon to investigate the case of the Tyrone ghost.
Dublin Evening Telegraph, 29th February 1904.
The Loughmacrory “Ghost”. Extraordinary Manifestations.
In our last issue appeared a short reference to an extraordinary state of affairs which has existed for some time in the house of a family named Thompson, residing in the townland of Loughmacrory New, about two miles from the village of Carrickmore. According to information received from an authentic source, it would appear that the various articles of food in the house developed a wonderful talent for migrating from one portion of the building to the other. For instance, the bread and sugar would be found in the most peculiar and out-of-the-way places, whilst the turf displayed a penchant for reposing in the pans of milk. It was at first believed that this was the work of some practical joker, but when pieces of stone and brick came crashing through the windows, ostensibly impelled by some hand not belonging to this mundane sphere, matters looked serious.
The first visitation of the projectiles referred to was followed by a strict investigation of the exterior of the premises, but no one was discovered and no echoing footfall was heard along the silent road. No sooner, however, had the residents gone inside than the performance was repeated, but the [?] party could find nothing to show how the missiles had been thrown. The bread, butter, sugar and turf continued their migratory habits. But worse was to come.
An apron or shawl was suddenly seen to emit smoke, and before an effort could be made to extinguish it it disappeared in a pillar of fire and smoke without, so far as could be seen, having been touched by human hands. A watch was placed but no trace could be found of any person, and still the unwelcome attentions to the family continued. The affair created not a little sensation in the locality, where the Thompsons are well known and highly respected.
Our correspondent in Carrickmore writes – In spite of the wildest stories circulated and apparently credited by the simple-minded about the exploits of the demon in Loughmacrory, it is stated that the disturbances of which Mr and Mrs Thompson complained are at an end. The affair created a considerable sensation, curiosity bringing sightseers from a distance of four or five miles.
Both Mr and Mrs Thompson are quiet, respectable people, and dislike anything like notoriety. Not unnaturally, they are both much distressed at the wholly unwarrantable rumours now current. They do not dispute that the apron and shawl were burned in the most mysterious manner, or that the household effects were subject to the most inexplicable movements; they also affirm that these latter took place though the door was left securely locked. It is to be hoped that their troubles are now over, and that they may not again be subjected to those gruesome and unseemly annoyances.
Tyrone Constitution, 4th March 1904.
Spooks in a farmhouse.
Mysterious tricks lead to a belief in the supernatural.
In this materialistic and sceptical age it is somewhat refreshing to hear of mysterious, uncanny manifestations in a farmhouse near Carrickmore, County Tyrone, the result it is popularly imagined of a wicked spell. Invisible agencies have been at work to the great annoyance and discomfort of the unfortunate inmates. Edibles have been transferred from their proper repositories to the churn and other equally unsuitable receptacles, and pieces of turf have been found at dawn floating in the milkpans.
Wearing apparel has been cremated in a wholly inexplicable manner. Turf and stones flying through the air, propelled by unseen hands, have been among the other preternatural performances.
The attentions of the unwelcome spirits have become so troublesome as to necessitate a night watch on the part of the family. Much local excitement has been caused by the occurrences, which now seem to be abating.
Daily Mirror, 28th March 1904.