Torrential rain halts play in the south and west

Rainfall of up to three times the normal levels fell in Cork, Kerry, Mayo and Tipperary last weekend, while other counties were also badly affected.

Caitríona Murphy

8 March 2017

Torrential rain halts play in the south and west

Maura Ryan Kavanagh and Martin Kavanagh check the extent of the flooding on the farm at Ballinahinch, Cashel, Co Tipperary , where the river Suir burst its banks over the weekend. Maura has up to 20 acres under water and another 20 acres too waterlogged to graze so she is unable to let out her yearling cattle that were due to go out last Saturday and leaving out the 2 year old cattle is impossible because of the weather. \ Donal O' Leary

Maura Ryan Kavanagh and Martin Kavanagh check the extent of the flooding on the farm at Ballinahinch, Cashel, Co. Tipperary where the river Suir burst it's banks over the weekend. Maura has up to 20 acres under water and another 20 acres too waterlogged to graze so she is unable to let out her yearling cattle that were due to go out last Saturday and leaving out the 2 year old cattle is impossible because of the weather. Photo: Donal O' Leary

Torrential rainfall in the south and west over the weekend saw farms in Kerry, Cork, Tipperary and along the western seaboard record up to three times their average rainfall last week. While the mild and dry winter had allowed some farmers to turn out stock remarkably early in January and February, the situation was quickly reversed in recent days.

Torrential rainfall in the south and west over the weekend saw farms in Kerry, Cork, Tipperary and along the western seaboard record up to three times their average rainfall last week.

While the mild and dry winter had allowed some farmers to turn out stock remarkably early in January and February, the situation was quickly reversed in recent days.

Land is waterlogged in many areas, delaying turnout plans for many farmers and forcing the re-housing of animals that had been out early.

Tillage work has ground to halt in the south, with land not trafficable for any work.

Farms bounding rivers have been flooded and turloughs that remained dry for the winter filled up over the weekend.

Kerry and Cork were worst hit. A massive 66mm of rain fell at Valentia in the seven-day period from 27 February to 5 March, which was more than twice the 30-year average rainfall for the area.

More than 60mm of rain fell at Roches Point, which was more than three times the average rainfall for the area. It was a similar situation at Cork airport, where 59.8mm of rain fell, again three times the average.

Rainfall was more than twice the average in counties along the western seaboard. Some 60.6mm of rain fell at Shannon Airport, which was three times more than normal.

Further north, Claremorris recorded more than twice the average rain at 56mm, while Belmullet recorded 52.9mm, again twice the average.

Further inland, Mullingar had 42.9mm, more than twice normal, while Gurteen in Co Tipperary had 45.8mm, almost three times normal.

However despite the high rainfall and sodden soils, most farmers say a few good days should rectify the current situation.

The outlook for the rest of the week is for patchy drizzle, light showers and scattered rain for Munster and Connacht today (Thursday), with Friday starting dry in most places before turning to patchy mist and drizzle. On Friday night rain will become more widespread from the west, and heavy in places.

Weather snapshot: flooding, waterlogged soils and housed stock

Unharvested oats being grazed with sheep

Beef management: paddock grazing and shed issues

Dairy management: weather and meal feeding

Sheep management: wet weather

Tillage management: wet continues to prevent field activity