As Ireland emerges from the worst storm in recent history, it’s clear that very few places were untouched by its fury. At Copperbeech, we too felt its wrath, just like our neighbours, local villages, and towns. The storm hit hard, with the power cutting out Thursday night and early into Friday morning, as gale-force winds picked up speed.
Fortunately, we had taken precautions—moving the mares to areas that offered the best shelter and securing our young stock in the stables. Little did we know that by Friday morning, we’d be faced with the unfolding aftermath.
One of the first things we discovered was the roller door to our shed, which had come off its hinges and was swinging violently, crashing against the frame. The noise echoed through the yard, a harsh reminder of the storm’s strength. Inside the stables, our two young foals were understandably unsettled by the commotion. We moved them safely to the front of the yard, both of them calmer than their handlers.
Next, we set out to check on the mares, though a large tree had fallen in our path. The rest of the journey had to be made on foot, and as we walked further, we found more fallen trees blocking our way. Thankfully, the mares were all safe, though clearly battered by the relentless gales.
The past week has been tough. No power, no water, no Wi-Fi, and no phone lines—it’s hard not to reflect on how our ancestors managed when faced with similar conditions. But, as with all storms, we dust ourselves off and begin to rebuild.
