Residents of Limerick woke up to scenes of devastation on Saturday as a powerful storm swept through the region, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The city and surrounding areas bore the brunt of the weather’s fury, with property damage, flooding, and injuries reported across the region.
Considerable damage was inflicted on properties in Limerick, with roofs torn off many houses and numerous trees uprooted by the ferocious winds. The western gale drove the tide to alarming heights, leading to flooding in the lower portions of houses along the Abbey River, a branch of the Shannon. Pedestrians navigated treacherous streets littered with falling slates, narrowly escaping harm as debris rained down around them.
Tragically, amidst the chaos, a woman named Madden was knocked down near the railway terminus, sustaining a broken arm. Additionally, the body of a middle-aged man, whose name remains unknown, was discovered in the Shannon near the dock gates, adding to the sombre toll of the storm.
The impact of the storm extended beyond the city limits, with floods spreading throughout the West Limerick district and transforming the lower Shannon region into a lake-like landscape. Reports from the Abbeyfeale district described the storm as one of unparalleled violence, with residents awakened by a terrifying thunderstorm in the early hours of the morning.
The tempest, which originated from the south-southwest, unleashed a relentless onslaught of rain and wind, causing widespread chaos and disruption. By 10 o’clock, the gale intensified into a full-blown hurricane, wreaking havoc on everything in its path. Slates, mortar, tiles, and glass became projectiles, posing a threat to anyone caught in their trajectory. Despite the perilous conditions, the resilience of the community shone through, with reports of individuals narrowly avoiding injury, even as houses were unroofed and trees toppled.
In the aftermath of the storm, the River Feale burst its banks, exacerbating the damage inflicted by the relentless downpour. Along its course, acres of fertile land were ravaged, and concerns emerged about potential alterations to the river’s path. The anticipated Father Casey Anniversary celebration, scheduled to take place in the midst of the storm’s aftermath, was reluctantly postponed to ensure the safety of participants and attendees.
Among those affected by the disruption was Mr John Murphy, J.P., from Killarney, who had been selected to deliver the oration at the Father Casey Anniversary. Despite meticulous preparations by the football club, which had organised the event, the unforeseen severity of the storm necessitated a delay in the proceedings.
As the community of Limerick begins the arduous task of recovery and rebuilding, the resilience and solidarity displayed in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. With support and assistance from local authorities and neighbouring communities, residents are determined to overcome the challenges posed by the recent storm and emerge stronger together.
Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 08 January 1916
