Phantom photos!

October 2008

MYSTERY surrounding the identity of a supposed ghost, which appeared in photos at an Arthur’s Day celebration at The Gin Mill in Arklow, has persisted since it was taken two weeks ago.

The photographs, which were taken by local photographer Adrian O’Brien, show the image of an elderly man in an upstairs window which nobody has come forward to identify.

Despite the fact that Mr O’Brien says the pictures will stand up to any examination, an expert at GMS Labs in Dublin told The Wicklow People that in his opinion it has been processed through Photoshop.

‘The photograph has definitely been processed through Photoshop but that does not mean that that is how the image of the man came about. In my opinion, there is a very strong possibility that this is a hoax,’ said a GMS staff member.

Following the publication of the photo, a representative from Leinster Paranormal made contact with the Wicklow People with regard to examining the image.

‘We see this sort of thing very often. To be certain we would have to interview everyone involved but it is likely the person in the picture is not a ghost but a reflection of some sort. Of course we cannot be one hundred per cent sure about its authenticity but at this early stage I would be sceptical,’ said Leinster Paranormal member Brian Gallagher.

Photographer Adrian O’Brien said that he has no explanation as to how the image of the old man came about.

‘We have the raw files which can be examined by any labs.

‘The man still hasn’t been identified which is very strange. I can assure you the photo has not been tampered with. I don’t know how it happened,’ he said.