The city of Limerick was thrust into turmoil as a devastating storm, accompanied by a thunderous roar, wreaked havoc on Friday night and persisted through a significant portion of Saturday. The tempest, blowing from the west-northwest, unleashed its full fury upon the landscape, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Lying in the shadow of the storm’s wrath, residences situated in low-lying areas adjacent to the river bore the brunt of nature’s onslaught. Their basements were inundated with floodwaters, while the force of the wind tore off portions of roofs, inflicting substantial damage to properties throughout the city.

The combination of the storm and the concurrent neap tide, swelled further by the full moon in the afternoon, conspired to elevate the river’s level to an alarming height. Roadways, typically bustling with activity, found themselves submerged beneath the rising waters, temporarily paralysing normal life in the affected areas.

Amidst this chaos, a grim discovery added to the city’s woes. The lifeless body of an unidentified man was recovered from the turbulent waters of the river. Swiftly, authorities intervened, retrieving the body and transporting it to the Morgue, where it awaits further examination as part of an ongoing inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

In the early hours of Saturday, as the storm continued to rage, lightning streaked across the sky and thunder reverberated through both the urban landscape and the surrounding countryside, intensifying the sense of apprehension and unease that gripped the populace.

The events of this fateful night serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of the elements, underscoring the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of such adversity. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, solidarity, and support emerge as beacons of hope amidst the darkness, offering solace to those affected by the loss and destruction wrought by the storm.

While the city of Limerick may be battered and bruised, its resilient spirit remains unbroken, poised to rise from the debris and rebuild stronger than ever before. As the waters recede and the winds subside, the echoes of this harrowing ordeal will linger, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of community in times of crisis.

Evening Irish Times – Monday 03 January 1916