Storm-force winds and torrential rain brought flash-flooding to the west and caused severe disruption to ferry sailings at the weekend.
A major sea rescue was also activated after an Antiguan-registered cargo vessel developed a 30-degree list in force 9 winds and 20-foot waves off the Co Cork coast.
Ten of the 17 crew were airlifted off the 6,000-tonne vessel, Sjard, by the Shannon-based Sikorsky rescue helicopter some 15 miles from Castletownbere. Seven crew remained on the ship, which was en route from Liverpool to the US, and were escorted by the Naval Service into Bantry Bay.
The alert was raised after the ship's master reported that his cargo of machinery parts had shifted while the vessel was 82 miles south-west of Cork. No mayday call was issued in the initial radio contact and the master said he did not require assistance.
However, when the vessel began shipping water in heavy seas the Irish Marine Emergency Service tasked the Sikorsky helicopter and the Castletownbere lifeboat, and requested assistance from the LE Eithne, under the command of Cdr Jim Robinson.
Cdr Robinson told The Irish Times that one of the vessel's hatches was full of water and it appeared that the machinery could have punctured the hull. He said the ship looked as if it might have capsized at one point.
Yesterday evening the vessel was examined by the Castle townbere harbourmaster, Capt Bill Jones, and was deemed to be safe at anchor. However, pumps were put on board as it was still taking water.
All Stena Line HSS sailings between Dun Laoghaire and Holyhead were cancelled yesterday. However, the Rosslare-Fishguard sailings proceeded normally.
In Galway, several units of the fire brigade were called out to assist residents whose houses were flooded in the Corrandulla and Newbridge/Ballygar areas.
There was flash-flooding in various parts of the county, particularly in Clifden, Ballinasloe, Athenry, Loughrea and Tuam. Several residents in Oughterard had to evacuate their houses. Secondary roads in Co Galway and south Mayo were worst affected.
