Tramore Hidden History
The Guramooghagh
Ghosts have always been popular in Irish Culture. The back strand of Tramore has its own ghost. It is said to be that of a man on a white horse and is known locally as the Guramooghagh.
The story that has been handed down for generations is that of a corrupt Preventive Waterguard that was in league with a group of contraband runners. They stored their contraband in the Sandhills. He would turn a blind eye to their dealings and collect his share of the profits.
Late one night, he went to the Sandhills on his white horse to collect payment. His superiors were suspicious of him and followed him with the intention of arresting him for corruption.
A lookout Seeing them coming across the Isthmus of Tramore called out a warning and the gang split up in order to escape. The Preventive Waterguard rode his horse out into the Back Strand. He got stuck in quicksand. Both he and his horse sank into the sand and were lost.
It is said that he returns on stormy nights and makes his way along the Back Strand trying to return home.
The story goes that if you were unlucky enough to meet him and looked at him you would die within one year.
Locally it was believed that if you turned a blind eye to him as he did to the contraband runners, no harm would come to you.
Historical Note
The Preventive Waterguard was formed in 1809 & preceded the Coastguard.
History by Paul Brent
