THE word ‘breathtaking’ can be taken in several ways when talking of coastal sites: they can be stunning to look at, and even more so to look out from, but it can also mean so exposed and so windy that it’s hard to catch a breath.

I’VE got you under my skin — a motley collection of animals could sing that catchy refrain in uncomfortable harmony, thanks to gutsy scientists who’ve brought fresh light to dark, dangerous and gory spots.

BLOCKED roads, fallen trees along with flooded homes and farmland greeted the residents of west Cork and Kerry yesterday as continuing heavy rainfall took a grim toll on one of the worst-hit parts of the country.