By Tim Binnall
A paranormal research group investigating a 12th century castle in Ireland photographed a peculiar anomaly that some believe could be a legendary shapeshifting entity said to dwell at the property. The eerie image, which can be seen below, was reportedly shared on social media earlier this month by the group Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland, who explained that they captured the photo while exploring Lackeen Castle, a centuries-old structure that is now a national monument in the country. The oddity in the image seems to resemble a face peeking out from behind a wall, though rather than suggest it was a ghost, the group offered a more folkloric possibility, theorizing that the anomaly is an entity known as a 'púca.'
They explained that "the legend goes that some old hags were stealing from a dead body when an O’Kennedy came upon them. They were defended by the púca, which was captured by O’Kennedy and taken to Lackeen castle, where O’Kennedy’s servants begged their master to let it go or else they would be cursed." While the entity was ultimately released by its captor after "promising to never hurt any member" of their family, " the group observed that "there is a local tradition which states that the Púca can still be seen roaming around the castle to this day." It is that colorful bit of background that led the group to conclude that anomaly could have been the elusive entity making a brief appearance.
While skeptics will undoubtedly say that the 'shapeshifter' is simply a trick of light and shadow, the local community is celebrating their unexpected moment in the sun as the eerie image has sparked news coverage around the world. One area media outlet expressed the hope that the spooky snapshot and its accompanying tale could spark an increase in tourism to the area and that the surrounding communities "might soon benefit from visitors seeking to spot the Lackeen Púca themselves." What do you think the paranormal researchers photographed on the castle grounds? Share your thoughts with us at the Coast to Coast AM Facebook page.