The year when an Arctic siege gripped Ireland for two months

IF you think the recent weather was extreme, spare a thought for what our forebearers endured during the Arctic siege of 1947.

One of the worst winters on histor y in this country and much of Europe began in late January. It was May before the snow finally melted in some parts.

It snowed on over 30 of the 50 days between January 24 and March 17. At the height of the storm in late February, a blizzard blew for over 40 hours.

It was a disastrous spring for farmers but some semblance of normality was maintained at the RDS where the annual bull show and sales went ahead. Numbers and demand were down, though, and most of the champion animals went unsold. An agent operating for an Argentine firm paid the top prices.

A special notice from the Department of Agriculture stated that the “long spell of wintr y weather has caused a ver y serious setback in the sowing of wheat.

“Once sowing becomes possible, everything should be in readiness to ensure a record acreage of wheat this year. No implements or machinery should be left idle for a moment. Farmers who have completed their own sowing should lend or hire their machines to neighbours who have not sufficient equipment.”