In 1966, the renowned Austrian-American parapsychologist and author Hans Holzer—often regarded as one of the pioneers of modern ghost investigation—undertook a research trip to Ireland in the company of his wife, the celebrated British medium Sybil Leek.
The purpose of their visit was to document reputed hauntings across the country, particularly in Counties Kerry and Limerick, where stories of unrested spirits still lingered in local folklore.

The results of their Irish investigations were later published in Holzer’s 1967 book, The Lively Ghosts of Ireland, which became one of his best-known works and remains a key early study of Irish paranormal traditions.

Among the sites the couple visited was the Gortaglanna Monument, situated on a quiet rural road between Listowel and Athea in West Limerick. The monument marks the scene of a tragic event during the War of Independence.
On 12 May 1921, four members of the Irish Republican Army—Patrick Walsh, Patrick Dalton, Jeremiah Lyons, and Con Dee—were ambushed by a British military lorry carrying Black and Tan auxiliaries. Dee, an accomplished athlete, survived despite a gunshot wound to his thigh, while his three comrades were killed and later buried nearby.

When Sybil Leek visited the site, she reported sensing the presence of two spirits, who she believed to be among the slain volunteers. According to Leek, the figures seemed to be standing guard over the very ground where they had fallen, continuing their vigil in death as they had in life. She described them as wearing ordinary 1920s civilian clothing, rather than military uniforms, and said their demeanour suggested duty and vigilance rather than malice.

In an attempt to bring them peace, Holzer instructed Leek—acting as intermediary—to tell the spirits that the war was long over, and that their families and country were now at rest. After a pause, Leek said that one of the men appeared to depart, his presence fading, while the other—whom she identified as “Patrick”—remained, still bound to the place.