In the wake of the Christmas storms, church authorities in the southeast are facing substantial repair bills.
The most devastating incident was the toppling of the entire bell tower of St Colman's Church in Ballindaggin, eight miles from Enniscorthy. On Christmas Eve the granite tower, complete with its heavy bell, was dislodged and crashed through the slate roof, leaving a huge hole.
St Colman's was built in 1864. Less than four years ago it underwent major internal and external renovations which cost an estimated £250,000. The cost of repairing the present damage could run into six figures.
However, there was relief that no one was injured in the incident. If it had happened three hours later the church would have been packed with Vigil Mass worshippers, the parish priest, Father John Sinnott, pointed out.
A somewhat similar incident badly damaged the 19th-century Kilcooley Church of Ireland Church near Gortnahoe, Co Kilkenny. Also on Christmas Eve, one of four stone pinnacles crashed through the roof, causing extensive damage to the 168-year-old building.
The slate roof of Mooncoin Parish Church in Co Kilkenny also suffered severe damage in the high winds and is currently being assessed for repairs.
At the graceful Pugin-designed St Aidan's Cathedral in Ennis corthy the transept roof was damaged when a substantial stone cone was toppled from a tower.