Niall (Spiorad)

Niall is a young man originally from Inverness but moved to Castletown with his family, there had been there for many years and it was hinted at by a local that the family were in the fishing trade, they clearly enjoyed being outside as the family set up a makeshift campsite on Castletown Beach,

## Episodes

### 2.02 Spiorad

On Castletown Beach, Niall is eager to share a spooky tale about a supposed monster in the harbor with his family. However, as he faces skepticism, especially from his sister Kelly, Niall's frustration and determination intensify. His insistence on the reality of the monster hints at a desire for validation and belief from those around him. When his family dismisses his story, Niall decides to take matters into his own hands, storming off with the intention of sharing his experience with someone who might take him seriously.

As Niall approaches the Heritage Centre, his curiosity leads him to the mysterious sight of an old white boat, the Halcyon. The encounter with the scruffy man from the 50s takes a dark turn, transforming the atmosphere from curiosity to terror. Niall's decision to film the encounter suggests a shift from seeking validation to capturing evidence, yet it only serves to provoke the anger of the enigmatic man.

Niall's horror intensifies as the man drags him into the water, leading to a brief struggle. The arrival of Niall's mother adds a layer of tragedy to the scene as she sacrifices herself to save her son. Niall, witnessing his mother being dragged into the depths, experiences a profound shock and horror - Niall's father intervenes to protect his son, engaging in a physical confrontation with the scruffy man. This reveals a family dynamic marked by a protective instinct. Niall's role evolves from the storyteller trying to be heard to a victim facing a supernatural threat. The disappearance of the scruffy man, unaffected by physical attacks, adds an element of mystery and fear, leaving Niall and his family to grapple with the sudden and unexplained events that have unfolded.

Later, a visibly distraught Niall sifts through the forensics tent at the recently setup crime scene in a desperate attempt to find some connection to his mother, the emotional weight on his shoulders becomes evident. His initial goal is to retrieve his mother's belongings, but upon discovering a notebook detailing cases of drowning victims, his grief transforms into a mixture of sorrow and obsession. The revelation that his mother might be part of a long list of cold case drowning victims overwhelms him, and as he stumbles upon a page with his mother's picture, his emotions reach a breaking point, leading to tears, it is in the midst of this emotional turmoil, the atmosphere takes a chilling turn as Niall senses a sudden drop in temperature, a stark contrast to the summer day. The appearance of the "Sailor Man" (A Ghost) further heightens the tension. Niall, now panic-stricken, attempts to document the encounter with his smartphone, only to capture a mist-like figure instead of a human form. The encounter becomes more horrifying as another figure, dressed similarly to his late mother, grabs him from behind. The destruction of his phone adds to the chaos, leaving Niall vulnerable and at the mercy of these mysterious entities.

Meanwhile, Shane and PC Maitland engage in a conversation about the historical background of James Smith, the sailor from the 1950s. The revelation of Smith's apparent suicide (which in reality wasn't a suicide at all) and the lack of information about his personality deepen the mystery. The discussion transitions to the present-day victims, highlighting the husband's injuries and Niall's emotional state. The mention of motion detectors at the forensics tent triggers urgency, prompting Shane and PC Maitland to rush to the scene.

Niall is soon found in the Heritage Centre by Shane, Kyle and PC Maitland where he displays a keen knowledge of the supernatural, Niall recounts the haunting story of James Smith and the legend surrounding the haunted boat, showcasing a fascination with the paranormal. As the threat of the Sailor Man (Smith's ghost) looms, Niall's protective instincts kick in, leading him to confront the ghostly figure with a tire iron. However, his actions take a desperate turn driven by a fear of losing his mother, culminating in a selfish decision to prevent the burning of the haunted boat by chasing after Kyle with a tire iron and knocking out Shane in order to begin his chase. Niall's emotional turmoil is palpable in his interactions, but as events unfold, he experiences a significant release when the haunted boat is finally burned, leading to the demise of James Smith's ghost. In the aftermath, Niall collapses, sobbing, and reflects on his mother, showcasing growth, acceptance, and resolution. Through the challenges presented, Niall evolves as a character, learning to trust others and coming to terms with the reality of his mother's situation.