IN PICTURES: Angry Christine batters Ballybunion
The volunteers of Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue were this morning counting the cost of Storm Christine after huge waves caused 'thousands of euros' worth of damage to their beachfront boat house in Ballybunion, Co Kerry.
The unit, founded in 1986 and manned by 35 volunteers, is situated on the Ladies Beach in Ballybunion and operates as a declared resource to the Irish Coast Guard.
This picture shows the beach at the height of the storm surge, with waves clearly seen breaking against the doors of the rescue centre.
"Severe damage has been done to Rescue Centre on the Ladies Beach on Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, by the high tide and massive swell this am," said spokesperson Grace Flahive.
"We had evacuated our boat house as a precautions.
"It is to early to estimate the cost of the damage , but looks to be in the regions of thousands."
Pictures posted to Facebook show the extent of the destruction, with the below image capturing the waves crashing against the boat house at the height of the swell.
Out in the bay, the full ferocity of the storm-whipped sea was clearly evident.
As the tide receded and the fury of the storm subsided, a sort of calm descended on the beach.
And the full extent of the damage could be seen.
A rescue centre volunteers surveys the wreckage.
A spokesperson said the damage would cost 'thousands' to repair.
The unit is appealing for funds to help repair the damage.
