My first time in Monellan since Storm Éowyn. It’s a mess! What was started by Darragh was finished by Éowyn. Some of the trails have been at least partly cleared but judging by seemingly unplanned and random way it’s been done I’d say it’s enterprising locals with a chainsaw rather than Coillte. Based on the sign at the gate Coillte’s policy seems to be ignore it and it will go away 🙈😔

The startling evidence of the power of the storm isn’t the number of downed trees. I’ve seen footage of other forests and it was expected. What wasn’t is the number of trees simply snapped like matchsticks. A very small part of me would like to have been there to experience the sheer power of the wind but it must have been terrifying also….