Hundreds of years ago, a Catholic chapel once stood in Drumballyroney, close to the ancient seat of the Magennis (Magennis/Mac Guinness) clan. This early church is believed to have dated from the 14th century and served as both a place of worship and a burial site for the clan’s chiefs. The original building, however, did not survive: it was destroyed during the Cromwellian campaign in the 17th century, a fate shared by many Catholic structures of the period.

A replacement church was later erected on the same hallowed ground, and it still stands today. Local tradition claims that this later chapel was built directly over the graves of the Magennis chiefs, and that the memorial stone once marking their resting place was broken up and discarded into a ditch.

For generations, people in the area have spoken of a strange phenomenon linked to the site. On the anniversary of the death of the Chief Magennis, a muffled noise is said to rise from beneath the chapel floorboards — a persistent knocking, as though someone were trying to force their way out.

One of the most striking tales dates from the 1800s. A local minister, disturbed by the repeated sounds, suspected that a trapped animal might be beneath the floor. Determined to investigate, he lifted several boards. According to the story, the apparition of Chief Magennis appeared before him in a sudden, terrifying vision.

The minister fled in shock, but after regaining his composure, he returned the next day with two assistants. Together, they searched more thoroughly and uncovered skulls and human bones beneath the floor – grim confirmation that the church had indeed been built over an old burial ground. The floor was resealed, and the remains left undisturbed.

It was said that the minister, who had once had jet-black hair, turned completely white soon after this encounter. And still today, locals claim that faint, rhythmic knocking can be heard on certain nights – an eerie reminder of the clan chief who may yet be guarding his ancient resting place.