For the Record

Signpost at the top of image reads Clooneigh/Cloonlarge Annaghmore  

In this section of our website our aim is to keep you updated on our heritage both natural and built. Our natural heritage and environment is constantly changing therefore we feel it is important to record our local observations for the future.

December 2015 in Ireland was one of the mildest on record in most areas and the wettest on record in parts of the West, South and Midlands, with many people experiencing the dreadful heart breaking trauma of losing their homes through flooding. Our hearts go out to them.  Thankfully, as far as we are aware, homes in Kilteevan were not flooded during this episode .

However, according to locals in their 90’s, living in the parish, Kilteevan has experienced the worst flooding in living memory. Roads have been closed in Carrowmore, Clooncagh, Cloonmore, Annaghmore, Clooneskert and Cloneigh. While we were accustomed to flooding in these areas in the past, the depth and extent of flooding in December 2015 and January 2016 appears to have broken all records. You can see in our images that new rivers and lakes have appeared and sadly we have lost some trees.

Cloontimullen, Kilteevan 2016

Clooneigh Kilteevan 

Derrinturk Kilteevan

Clooneigh, Kilteevan 2016

According to Met Eireann, warm and moist tropical air masses brought this very mild, wet and stormy weather over Ireland. The widespread flooding in some parts of the country was exacerbated by already saturated ground following above normal rainfall in November 2015

A pattern of continuous troughs and ridges across the North Atlantic and over Ireland giving us a mild predominantly south to south-westerly airflow last December.  This resulted in a prolonged spell of very mild and very wet weather during which record temperatures and rainfall amounts occurred.

It is very difficult at this point in time to determine the exact causes of the recent extreme weather. Some studies suggest that the El Nino event in the Pacific is responsible for the mild wet spell. Climate Change models suggest that rising temperatures are leading to an increase in the water carrying capacity of the atmosphere.

Assessment and research over future decades will enlighten us as about positive identification of the causes. 

We want to put on record the fact that we have experienced great change.

Flood waters are now receding and snow is promised.  

_{EF.14^th January 2016}