Tributes are being paid to a brave council worker who was killed by a falling tree during Storm Eunice.
Billy Kinsella, 59, was killed while trying to clear away debris when a huge gust of wind brought down a nearby tree.
The tragedy happened in Ballythomas, Co Wexford on Friday as Ireland was blasted by winds of up to 100km/h, heavy rain and blizzard conditions.
Emergency crews were quickly on the scene close to the Wexford–Wicklow border but Mr Kinsella was pronounced dead a short time later.
Local Councillor Pip Breen spoke of the shock felt right across the community at the tragic news.
He said: “This is absolutely devastating and our thoughts and prayers go out to Billy’s family.
“They were doing work for the community and removing a tree when another one blew down beside them.
“They went out that morning making sure other people were safe and could get around and go about their business and tragically Billy lost his life.”
It is understood that the men thought they were safe but the wind changed direction leaving them in the path of the falling tree.
Councillor Breen added: “The wind came from the south-west first and then went around north-west, the one that did all the damage with us. It took a lot of trees down because it has never blown from that direction. It was just one of these freak things that happened.”
In a statement, Wexford County Council confirmed a worker had died while trying to clear debris left by the storm.
It stated: “It is with deep regret and sadness that Wexford County Council confirms that one of our employees was fatally injured earlier today in a workplace accident.
“The accident occurred as the employee attended the scene of a fallen tree in the North Wexford area.”
The council said its “thoughts and prayers are with the employee’s family, work colleagues and friends at this very difficult time”.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien wrote on Twitter: “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to family, friends and colleagues at this horrifically sad time.”
Head of the HSE Paul Reid also posted: “We owe a huge debt to workers who put themselves at risk at these times.”
Both gardai and the Health and Safety Authority are investigating.
It comes amid warnings that some areas could see weather "worse than Storm Eunice" on Sunday.
Several Met Eireann weather warnings are in place as Ireland is hit by more wind, snow and rain.
Weather expert Alan O’Reilly wrote on his Carlow Weather Twitter account : “I’m afraid the latest weather models increase the impacts of bad weather tomorrow with very strong gusts and heavy rain. The Northwest and West will take the brunt of the winds.
“The impacts of Sunday’s weather will be worse than storm Eunice for the northwest and parts of the West as they escaped Friday but they won’t escape Sunday. All areas will see some very poor weather tomorrow and tomorrow night so take care if planning outdoor activities.”
He predicted that Met Eireann’s weather warnings will likely be updated.
“Keep an eye on weather warnings as likely to be updated based on latest charts,” he said.
For Saturday, Met Eireann has issued a nationwide Status Yellow snow and ice warning which is in place until 10am.
A separate Yellow alert rain warning has been issued for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 4pm Saturday until 4pm Sunday.
That alert reads: “Persistent rain followed by heavy showers will lead to localised flooding in places.”
A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo on Sunday from 9am until 9am Monday.
“Very strong westerly winds are expected on Sunday and Monday. Coastal flooding is possible in places,” Met Eireann said.
It comes after Storm Eunice left a trail of destruction.
Thousands of homes were left without power, with ESB still working to restore it so some areas.
Met Eireann said gusts of 130kph had been recorded in Cork, while another weather station in the county recorded wind speeds of 106kph.
Air travel was widely disrupted with 43 flights cancelled yesterday at Dublin Airport, while in Cork four inbound and four outbound flights were scrapped.
Numerous fallen trees blocked roads across the south of the country, with local council staff working all day to clear blockages and debris.
Parts of the north-west also experienced significant disruption as heavy snow fell in some areas.
Schools and colleges across Ireland remained closed on Friday following advice from the Department of Education.
In total, schools in nine counties were shut due to the dangerous conditions.
In England three people died when the vehicles they were in were hit by trees and flying debris.
Record 196kph winds ripped off part of the O2 Arena roof in London, leading to the evacuation of 1,000 people.
