Eerie calm descended before the storm

AN EERIE silence hung over Gorey yesterday (Monday) as the town and district came to a standstill bracing itself for Hurricane Ophelia.

The worst storm to hit Ireland in 50 years saw schools, creches, businesses and services shut their doors in thee interest of safety.

Gorey library shut its doors while the Gorey Credit Union closed its doors at 11 am. In a Facebook post it wrote: ‘We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause – but it is in the interest of safety for our members and our staff. Our ATM (in Gorey) will be operational – but we do advise people to stay home during the hurricane. Stay safe, we will resume, as normal tomorrow.’

Gorey Youth Needs Services shut down its services including YOLOS, Little Daisies and GYTI. The group made the announcement when the weather warning for Wexford was upgraded to status red.

Other businesses which were closed include Maureen’s, Gorey Denture Clinic, Joanne’s and the town’s banks.

All the businesses in Gorey Shopping Centre including Dunnes Stores were closed. The only premises that was open at the centre was the Medical Centre and access to the shopping centre was only through the basement and main entrance.

Emergency services were on high alert across Gorey district including gardaí, firemen and Wexford Civil Defence. People were advised to stay away from the sea and cliffs and to check on elderly and vulnterable neighbours.

A man removing roadside barriers on St Michael’s Road, Gorey before the storm. Paddy Power was closed on Monday. Tomas Funge’s was closed on Monday.

David Quinn of Quinn Properties pictured closing his office before the storm.