In 1871, reports emerged from Kyrl’s Quay in Cork city of a series of unexplained disturbances centred on a house occupied by an elderly woman named Cahill and her servant, Ahern.

At the time, the premises also functioned as a delftware business, with large quantities of pottery stored throughout the building. It was within this setting that the disturbances began.

Over a number of consecutive nights, loud crashing noises were heard from inside the house, often accompanied by what witnesses described as a woman’s scream. The sounds were said to resemble large amounts of pottery being violently thrown or smashed – an alarming prospect given the volume of fragile goods stored on the premises.

Despite the intensity of the noise, no obvious damage or disturbance was found to match what had been heard.

As the incidents continued, attention from the surrounding area grew. Neighbours, drawn by the repeated disturbances, gathered outside the house in an effort to witness what was happening.

Eventually, the matter came to the attention of the authorities. Two constables entered the property to investigate. According to accounts, they carried out a series of informal tests or observations to determine whether the occupants themselves might be responsible for the disturbances. No evidence was found to suggest that either woman had any involvement.

Following the constables’ visit, the disturbances reportedly ceased.