'I see dead people': Kerry man says he can communicate with ghosts

As Halloween approaches, Sarah Horgan talks to a man who makes a living from ghost hunting

Derek Whelan amid the ruins of Muckross Abbey, where he says echoes of the past linger long after dark. Picture: Chani Anderson

While some people are born with a talent for sport or singing, one man claims to have an extraordinary gift that offers him a window into the supernatural world.

Since the age of 12, Derek Whelan from Kerry says he has been able to see and hear spirits.

However, it was only in 2009 that he was scouted by a former classmate to join an elite team of ghost hunters who are tasked with investigating paranormal activity across the country.

Founded by Anthony Kerrigan, Ghost Éire’s work is a mix of experiments, research, and traditional ghost-hunting. The team now has a total of 15 members, each of whom has a particular skill and role.

Because of his ability to communicate with spirits, Derek is often asked to identify a presence. He highlights one that entered a house after a group of college students attempted to play with a ouija board.

“That was the one that really sticks out for me,” he told the Irish Examiner.

Medium Derek Whelan and Jennifer Kerrigan with an ouija board atop a crypt during a Ghost Éire session in Muckross Abbey. Derek says: 'People say that ouija boards aren’t real but I can tell you that they are. They just have to be done in a dignified way, instead of being used for a bit of craic'. Picture: Chani Anderson

“It was in a house in Killarney. I knew they had done something wrong.

"It turned out they had been playing with an ouija board. Whatever they had brought into the house wasn’t nice. Usually with an investigation I just go with the flow but I didn’t want to be there that night.”

The occupants of the house contacted Derek after noticing some worrying signs of paranormal activity.

“One of the them said they could feel something smothering them as they lay down in bed. There were signs too like the sound of tapping on the window. 

"People say that ouija boards aren’t real but I can tell you that they are. 

"They just have to be done in a dignified way, instead of being used for a bit of craic or to pass the time. Luckily, whatever was there faded out after a while.”

Some members of the public contact Derek and Anthony, asking to join them on paranormal investigations.

Derek Whelan and fellow Ghost Éire investigator Anthony Kerrigan conduct a paranormal investigation in the graveyard at Muckross at dusk. Picture: Chani Anderson

“Some people take the mickey out of it but the laughing and sniggering is often just a cover for the intense fear they are experiencing. 

"We have a number of ground rules for anyone tagging along with us but the most important thing is that they haven’t consumed any alcohol or drugs. When you’re drunk you are seeing things anyway so it really defeats the purpose.”

Derek explains how he realised he had a talent for the paranormal

“When you see a small child talking to themselves or to someone who isn’t there you don’t tend to think anything of it. 

"Children have such big imaginations that it’s hard to tell the difference. It was only at around 19 that I realised that what I had was really fascinating.

Derek Whelan and Anthony Kerrigan of Ghost Éire at an event in March at the Irish Wake Museum in Waterford City where they undertook an extensive investigation into the eerie activities at the 15th century almshouse with an unsettling history that houses the exhibition. Picture: Chani Anderson

“It’s hard to explain but there have been times where I’ve been in bed and I’ve suddenly felt myself in a car with someone. I’ll see their face, it might be a face I’ve never seen before, yet days later I’ll hear that this same person has been in an accident. 

"I won’t have a name but I’ll see their picture and immediately recognise them.”

The 42-year-old said many of the people he encounters died suddenly.

“They think they are living and they are still walking among us.

“Usually, it’s young people who have died from a murder or accident who still think they are living. 

"The only time I ever felt frightened was when I saw two little girls walking together. Just thinking about it gives me the heebie-jeebies. 

"When you tell people that these are the kind of things you see, some look at you like you should be locked up. Others are intrigued.”

Ghost Éire investigators Anthony Kerrigan and Derek Whelan conducting a paranormal investigation in the graveyard at Muckross. Picture: Chani Anderson

Over time, Derek says he has been able to make peace with his strange gift.

“It used to be more constant,” he explains. 

“Then I learned how to tune out and make it so I can tune in if I want. It happens to me so much that I’m used to it now.

“I think we all have this ability to some degree. Some of us are just better at tuning into it than others. Often you’ll hear people talking about being visited by a loved one in a dream so perhaps there is a paranormal aspect to this. 

"I think it’s a very positive thing that I have this in my life and they want to make contact. It is nice to know that there is something there after life ends. These are just little reminders.”