The serene shores of the Lower Shannon estuary were transformed into a scene of turmoil following a fierce gale that battered the region, uprooting trees and leaving buildings in disarray. The tributaries of the Shannon—Glencarbry, Oraun, and Deel—swelled beyond their confines, unleashing torrents of floodwaters onto the adjacent low-lying lands.

Amidst the chaos, the Limerick Steamship Co. found itself grappling with significant challenges as the tempest wreaked havoc on its operations. Part of the company’s landing gear was violently torn from the jetty at Glin Pier, marking a tangible symbol of the storm’s destructive force. Additionally, a fishing cobble, torn from its moorings by the relentless waves, was later discovered washed ashore six miles downstream, further compounding the maritime woes of the region.

The impact of the gale was felt keenly across the estuary, with residents and businesses alike contending with the aftermath of nature’s fury. Efforts to assess and repair the damage are underway, yet the scars left by the tempest serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of coastal life along the Shannon.

As the region works to recover from the devastation wrought by the storm, the resilience of its inhabitants and businesses shines through. The Limerick Steamship Co. and other maritime entities are steadfast in their determination to overcome the challenges posed by the elements, embodying the indomitable spirit that defines the communities along the banks of the Shannon.

Irish Independent – Thursday 30 December 1915