Storm Ophelia claimed the lives of three people yesterday as severe winds caused mass destruction throughout the country.
Three people died in storm-related accidents, which occurred in Louth, Waterford and Tipperary.
It is understood that the first incident took place shortly before midday, in Co. Waterford.
58-year-old Clare O’Neill, who was set to celebrate her birthday today, died when a tree hit her car as she was driving.
She was travelling with her mum, who was injured during the incident. The woman, in her 70s, was taken to Waterford Regional Hospital.
Ms O’Neill was from Aglish, and worked as a Cancer Support Co-Ordinator with the Cork ARC Cancer Support House.
She was described as kind-hearted and bubbly. Local shopkeeper Richard Hurley spoke to The Independent about the tragic incident, “It’s a big shock, it’s a miserable morning, a young woman like that [dying] in such a tragic accident.”
Three people die in Storm Ophelia incidents https://t.co/LR3W79JXct pic.twitter.com/Lm4g5pHuj5
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 16, 2017
31-year-old Michael Pyke was killed while he was clearing a tree from the road. The incident occurred in Cahir, Co. Tipperary, at approximately 12:30 pm.
Gardaí believe the man was using a chainsaw to remove one tree when another struck him. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was later taken to Clonmel Hospital.
The third victim has been named as Fintan Goss from Dundalk, Co. Louth.
It is understood that the father-of-two was travelling home when a tree collapsed and hit his car. He was on the way home to his family in Ravensdale. The road traffic collision occurred shortly before 3pm.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar extended his deepest sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones during Storm Ophelia.
As the eye of Storm #Ophelia leaves our shores we wish you all a safe night. Thank you to all emergency staff on call today for their work pic.twitter.com/YerMZtexhs
— Newstalk (@NewstalkFM) October 16, 2017
He told RTÉ, “The most important thing is to make sure that nobody else loses their life, and I would plead with people to put safety first.”
He has urged the public to remain vigilant as they travel to and from work today. Schools and some third level institutions will remain closed.
Chairman of the National Emergency Coordination Group Sean Hogan said, “There will be dangers even after the wind has passed.”
He asked the public to be extremely wary if they do leave their houses today, especially commuters.
The clean-up operation is the main focus of the National Emergency Coordination Group. They will meet this morning to discuss their next step.
The country will return to regular business, but the public has been warned to expect transport disruptions. The Luas is out of service until approximately midday today.
Met Éireann's nationwide red weather alert was lifted at 1am
