THROWBACK: When a magic Mayo priest performed tricks on Achill in 1971

An old clip has resurfaced of Mayo priest Fr Richard Horan performing  a sword balancing trick on his niece Eileen at Purteen Harbour in Keel, Achill Island. He is assisted by his other niece Annette.

The video is shared on the RTÉ Archives website. Fr Richard Horan was a magician and a member of the Magic Circle.

In the video, he begins by hypnotising Eileen and then balancing her on three swords. The swords are removed one by one until there is just one remaining. For the duration of the report, Eileen balances on the tip of the scimitar.

Locals gather to witness the trickery which is performed accompanied by a drum roll from one young local.

Cathal O'Shannon speaks to Fr Horan about the illusion who says "It's not black magic... It's a trick".

Cathal O'Shannon examines the equipment used but is none the wiser as to how the trick works and Fr Horan's trickery remains a secret for the magic circle.

Fr Horan explains how he got into magic, became a member of the magic circle and continues to learn new tricks. Eileen is finally removed from the sword and awoken from her hypnotic state.

A 'Newsbeat' report broadcast on 31 March 1971. The reporter is Cathal O'Shannon.

Watch the video on the RTÉ Archives website here.

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