Broadcaster
BBC Two, BBC Northern Ireland
Episode Count
3 x 30'
Credits
Produced & Directed by: Niamh Minihan
Producer: Leana Arrell
Executive Producers: Ed Stobart, Des Henderson, Emma Parkins
Head of Production: Judy Wilson
Business Affairs: Will Skidmore
Director of Photography: Ronan McCloskey
Editors: Reuben McNutt, Ciaran O’Hagan
Description
In a new Ulster-Scots series entitled Afeared, historian David Hume and writer Darren Gibson investigate the true events behind the ghost stories associated with one of Ulster’s most haunted houses, Sharon Rectory in Donegal.
They unveil the story of a double murder at the site in 1797 and go on to uncover why this violent event became such a dramatic flash point in Ulster-Scots history. Using original newspaper archive from the time and the testimony of current residents, the pair piece together this grisly tale of mystery, murder and rebellion with some unexpected results and altogether spine-tingling revelations.
During the second programme, David and Darren visit Galgorm Castle to investigate the life of one of its most infamous owners – a clergyman from the 17th century named Alexander Colvill, who was plagued by rumours of witchcraft and devil worship. In their quest to seek the truth behind these tales, they discover amazing, primary evidence from the time shedding new light on this mysterious part of Ulster-Scots history.
In the third and final programme in the series, our presenters join together to investigate the ghost story that is associated with Ballygally Castle on the Antrim coast and the real woman who has inspired this tale for generations, Lady Isabella Shaw. Their journey takes them to Ballygally Castle itself and to the ‘ghost room’, which is rumoured to be haunted by Lady Isabella.