THE 400 YEAR FREEZE!
The River Blackwater in Fermoy froze over for the first time in over 400 years on Monday night last. Local historian, Christy Roche claims that the last time this happened was in 1601.
“It was one of the severest winters on record and Red Hugh O’Donnell lost a few toes as a result of frostbite. He and Hugh O’Neill crossed the frozen Blackwater to the Battle of Kinsale,” Christy told The Avondhu.
He also recalled the Blackwater part freezing over in 1963 but not as bad as it is now.
“It was January, 1963 and there was very heavy snowfall at the time, but the Blackwater only half froze over. It is much worse today as I look across the river,” he added Cllr John Murphy told The Avondhu that he has never seen anything like it: “It is unbelievable to see. Walking down Barnane and looking across the frozen river, it really is fantastic.”
Published:
Friday 24th December 4:20pm
