VICTIMS of Storm Isha are still counting the cost after the county was battered by winds of up to 100mph on Sunday night.

Power lines, roof tiles and trees were among objects worst hit by the storm, and it was the latter that proved particularly devastating for Ballinamallard horse trainer Meloney Maye.

As the full force of Isha was wrought, the first wave of damage occurred when a large tree was blown down at the bottom of her lane, blocking access to and from her home.

Further damage was then caused when high winds lifted a tin roof from a nearby stable, leaving two equine occupants, ‘Luigi’ and aptly named ‘Storm’, exposed to a large fallen tree branch. Fortunately, neither animal was harmed.

And while owner Meloney is thankful that no people or animals sustained injuries during the storm, she has been left to count the cost of the damage caused.

“I don’t think anyone thought storm Isha would be as bad,” she explained. “I was actually away out on Sunday to care for my mum, so I was shocked to see my lane blocked by a huge tree when I returned. I couldn’t get in or out.”

And as Meloney struggled to get into her yard, she was met with yet more damage. “I knew I had to check if the horses were okay, and I discovered that the roof from a stable had been blown off – tin, timber and everything.

“A massive tree branch had also fallen in, but thankfully missed the horses.”

The horses, which are used for therapy, have since been relocated by Meloney’s good friend, Sam O’Sullivan.

“Luigi and Storm are therapy ponies, and we had sessions booked with them this week,” Meloney continued: “Everything has been cancelled and the horses relocated, so it’s been very inconvenient for us.

“The damage will easily work into hundreds [of pounds], and it could be a while before things are sorted. But at the same time, it could have been much worse.”

The aftermath of the storm revealed widespread destruction for many, including severe damage to garden sheds, fences and roofs.

Fivemiletown resident Therese Ellis saw both her greenhouse and gazebo destroyed.

‘Damaged property’

“I have been able to sort out my damaged property with the help of a family member, and I am just thankful that there has been nobody hurt,” she said.

“I would estimate to replace the gazebo and greenhouse will be somewhere in the region of £750 to £1,000. But one must stay positive, and it’s not the end of the world. Hopefully, we will have a good spring and summer, and I can restore everything even better than before!”

Meanwhile, Noreen Elliot, who lives on the Trillick Road, Ballinamallard, saw a large garden shed shattered in the storm.

“It was rough when I went to bed, and when I woke up the shed was wrecked,” she said.

“It was a big shed, maybe 12 foot by 8 foot, so I was surprised. It could cost hundreds to replace.

“Thankfully that was the worst of the damage for me, aside from a few pots being blown away.”

A local tree surgeon described the damage wrought by the storms as “challenging”, with his firm re-ceiving over 300 calls about fallen trees on roads, electric and internet lines.

John-Ross Armstrong, managing director of Greentown Environmental Ltd, said that tree surgeons were busy clearing various sites across Northern Ireland this week due to the significant destruction caused by Storms Isha and Joceyln.

He said: “Our highly-skilled and trained staff have been working hard to meet the significant demands of our clients to ultimately clear fallen trees, branches and debris to keep the roads network safe.”

John-Ross added that Greentown is continuing to receive calls as trees are still falling, and has urged the public to be vigilant when travelling even in the aftermath of storms.