URGENT: Race against time as community beg for help in rescuing snow-trapped sheep
'We are in dire straits up here', says local who is appealing for assistance
FARMERS are in a race against time to save their sheep, buried in snow, and are making an urgent appeal for help.
A community in southeastern County Limerick are desperate for resources to help them rescue sheep trapped under the snow on the Galtee Mountains.
One local has issued an appeal for help saying it's a "heartbreaking" situation and that the farmers and residents are in "dire straits."
She said people are in a "terrible state" and are "snowed in." The community is appealing for assistance from mountain rescue or anyone who can help them try to locate the sheep "buried" under the snow.
The sheep have been trapped since last Sunday and the local farmers along with sheep dogs have been carrying out the rescue mission since then.
Anne Drake is the sister of Tom, John and William Cunningham who are involved in a community wide effort to rescue the trapped sheep.
She remarked that during the severe weather in 1963, the sheep lasted 15 days under the snow so they're hopeful they find more survivors. "When they pull out the sheep, some of the sheep, would be traumatised and injured."
Despite the rescue efforts, Anne said the farmers will suffer many sheep losses too. They're seeking funding to help cover the cost of veterinary bills.