'Terror storm' in Donegal caused widespread havoc 50 years ago

If we thought that the recent days and the snow and ice have been difficult to deal with, what about a storm in Donegal fifty years ago that caused chaos and as reported in the Donegal Democrat edition of January 18, 1974. 

January 18, 1974 - 50 years ago - Terror storm caused widespread havoc

The storm which swept through Ireland at the weekend at times reaching a force of 120 miles per hour, hit the north west with unprecedented severity and left a trail of destruction along the coast from Donegal Bay to Lough Foyle.

At many points, the sea lashed to fury by the high winds, inundated the land tearing away soil to a depth of 25 feet in some places.

Fishing craft suffered badly. Small boats were smashed to pieces and larger craft badly damaged.

The inroads of the sea caused terror amongst shore dwellers, some of whom, fearing that their homes would be marooned, fled inshore with neighbours.

Fortunately, there was no loss of life, but damage to private and public property runs into many thousands of pounds.

Approach roads to the sea, piers and harbours were ripped away and rendered impassable.

Donegal Town worst hit

Amongst the worst affected places was Donegal Town, where several houses were flooded on Saturday morning and a number of people had to be evacuated during the height of the storm.

The flooding only lasted a few hours and was mainly caused by the incoming tide coupled with torrential rain which was responsible for the River Eske overflowing its banks.

The tide began coming in at 7.30a.m. and had completely subsided by 10.30 but in the interval it left a trail of destruction behind it. In Waterloo Place, New Row and Castle Street, several homes were flooded to a depth of between 3 and 4 feet and two people who were rescued by the local Fire Brigade were taken to Donegal District Hospital for treatment.

A number of houses lost personal property and at least three businessmen had severe losses of equipment. Some families suffered a loss of irreplaceable heirlooms. The McCallion family of Waterloo Place had valuable China, Waterford FGlass and old family pictures destroyed.

At Quay Street, a car lifted by the water was damaged when buffeted against a heavy lorry parked there. Three small boats were also destroyed.

Mr Eunan Curristan, Waterloo Place paid tribute to Donegal Fire Brigade for their prompt attendance and also to the large number of people who helped out during the storm. However, he said there had been a lot of criticism of the local authority, especially the Health Department, who did not send along at least one Inspector to assess the health hazard.

He said there was also criticism of local voluntary bodies for the lack of concern shown to the victims of the flooding.

Mr Howard Temple of Magee and Co. came to the rescue of the affected families by placing at the disposal of people his factory drying room at the disposal of people whose carpets, bedclothes, etc. were soaked during the flooding.

In nearby Mountcharles a trawler tied to the pier broke its mooring and ran aground on a nearby sand bank. The Shore Road was also damaged and is closed to traffic at present

In the little fishing village of Portnacross between Killyebgs and Fintragh, five salmon fishing boats were completely destroyed during the storm.

At Inver, extensive flooding was caused by mountainous wavesOne home near the shore which was unoccupied was comple;y surrounded by the sea.

In and around Burtonport houses were stripped of their roofs, television aerials were smashed and several houses around the port were flooded.

ABOVE: The front page story that appeared in our January 18, 1974 edition 

1944, January 22 - 80 years ago

Vocational Education in Glenties

A Civic Guard, a bank clerk and a number of shop assistants were signatories to a letter addressed to the Chairman (Mr E Mahony) of the County Donegal Committee

Vocational Committee at a meeting on Tuesday asking for a woodwork class at the McDevitt Institute, Glenties.

The letter from Glenties stated that a class under the Committee’s auspices was held in the Institute last year and was well attended. The members of the class were under the impression that it would be continued but up to the present there was no indication that it would be reopened. The instructor had informed them that application for the restarting of the class had been duly made at the proper time and they were at a oss to understand the delay.

Mr J O’Neill, Chief Executive said at the same time as they received the application, the committee got applications for Irish classes but owing to the financial position (WW2/The Emergency) it was decided that the programme could not be widened and that decision ruled all applications.

The Charm and Mr Sweeney urged that the Glenties application be granted.

Capt. Scott - I think we could risk it if it did not exceed £20. Fr McMullin said the report of the class last year was very good. On the motion of Mr Sweeney, seconded by Capt Scott, it was decided to reopen the class.

ABOVE: 1968-03-29 Increase in the price of the Democrat

January 22, 1954 - 70 years ago

Donegal Town developments - Rusted anchor

Regarded by many as an eyesore and a danger to pedestrians the old, rusted anchor, at the Diamond, Donegal is to be removed to a suitable site at the quays.

At a meeting of the Donegal Town Development Committee Mr F Gallagher LL.B. presiding, a letter from the secretary of the county council stated that there would be no objection to the removal of the anchor.

The county secretary’s letter also dealt with the painting of the Tirconaill St. Bridge and said the work would cost £90.The only funds that were available from which the money could be expended was the maintenance fund. The county engineer proposed painting the parapets. Referring to the stone steps at Tirconaill Street the latter stated that the council was not responsible for the steps.

January 17, 1964 - 60 years ago

Asleep beside bicycle - £6 fine at Killybegs

A Bruckless man was fined £5 by Justice Larkin at Killybegs Court when summoned by Harda B O’Donnell for driving a bicycle while drunk on 27th December last at Killaghtee. He was fined £1 for having no front lamp.

Garda O’Donnell said he found defendant asleep beside the bicycle.