This is too important to place in the ongoing AHAR discussion:

Storm Darwin, which has unleashed its havoc on the width and breadth of Ireland, has dealt a staggering blow to the AHAR facilities.

Due to the unflinching volunteers, every animal is safe.

Here it is in their own words:

Today started like any other day..... the alarm went off. The phone started ringing, the dogs started barking. Your trying to get dressed, talk on the phone, brush your teeth and get to work. Breakfast is a good idea, but never happens.

At 9.30 am we were due our delivery of hay. 62 round bales for the equines. No sooner is the shed full, and its gone. But there is over 90 in our care as we speak. 90 beautiful forgotten equines of Ireland. Safe, vetted and loved by all our volunteers while they wait to find their homes.
All I remember is looking out of the shed to see if the truck was coming. And I saw the sky turn black....... then grey...... then pure white. Holy god almighty what was coming.
The artic turned the corner with its huge load in tow. Swinging from side to side. My jaw dropped. Would it ever even make it to the stables.

Then it came..... it was like natures dragon. Showing off and roaring from its belly, blowing our rescue apart.

Buckets flew past my face, dog runs just lifted and left the dogs out. Fence rails fell down, letting horses to run for their life. It happened so fast, but felt like in slow motion.
I didn't know where to start, what dog to grab..... who to scream for or what to believe.
Then the roof of the small stables started flying into the air. For all the world like someone threw a deck of cards. Sheets of metal danced in the wind, grabbed in temper then dropped in our neighbours fields.

We all stood in shock and disbelief. Devastated, as we watched the fear in the eyes of the animals we promised were safe. Now terrified.

We made a code red call. Now AHAR needed to be rescued for the first time in over twenty one years.

We needed our friends. Gina from Paws was the first, she had the Tralee Civil Defence there as fast as. Gina, your one in a million. She was told by so many that they couldn't help us, it was too dangerous, but she wouldn't take no for an answer. Wonder why I love this lady and look up to her.
So as the place fell around us, we all started the dangerous mission to move 24 foals from the small stables. (a nick name for the smaller yard) As the roof tore to bits, and fell around us. Not one person even questioned safety. We all just went into action mode and kept going till the last baby was safe.

Looking back at the photos now..... seeing sheets of metal flying through the sky, Im so grateful, we had some team of fearless animal lovers today. Even though I cried so hard tonight when I saw our ruined stables. The stables, I was so proud to have at long last. Now we have to start again. Again, so sick of it. So tired of begging for help. I want to scream so loud at the world and ask when is it enough. But then one of the dogs puts his paws on my knee and I melt. As if to say "Ah Suz, don't worry, you have all of us"

I'll post more photos tomorrow. I am too upset tonight. Good night xx

ANd these images today: