Second Great Storm of 2014 leaves Cape Clear Island battered and bruised.

The second great storm of the year started during the night early morning of Wendesday 12 February and was blowing ferocious gusts of up 90 miles per hour by noon. With the booms down, for yet another time the surrounding seas on all sides erupted into magnificent and awe inspiring storm waves breaking high into the sky against all available rocks. Shortly before lunchtime power was lost and was not restored until around the same time, two days later, Friday 14th, St Vaelntines Day. Over time almost all communication was lost with the mainland as first some and then all land lines ceased to function and some of the mobile phone systems, in particular the popular Vodaphone network, also ceased to function. Due to lack of power the public water supply was also compromised, leaving householders dependent on what was in their tanks.

Given the second lesser storm on Thursday night and the dreadful weather conditions which  continued throughout Friday, Island residents were reconciled to another two days without power until possibly Sunday or Monday and were pleasantly surprised to see power restored by Friday. Great credit must be due to the ESB Network crews who have clearly continued to work throughout the most dreadful weather conditions to bring power back to as many homes as possible, including the Island Community. Fair play lads!.

Surprisingly after the ferocious conditions of Wednesday a partial ferry service resumed on Thursday and by Friday sailings were back on the normal schedule. Thanks to Fachtna in RTE even the ferry texting service, continued to operate for those that could receive it.

The high winds have played havoc with the trees and slates of the Island, leaving a trail of fallen trees and missing slates. Older roofs have been particularly badly affect, such as Dinny’s Old shed also known as ‘Danzig’, at the top of Leaca Joan but the greatest damage seems to have been suffered by Eleanor’s large Shed in the Glen which apparently saw its doors blown in and a large section of the iron roof completely destroyed. We commiserate with Eleanor and her family on this misfortune especially since it is not too long since this roof was replaced at some cost.