Wintry winds and rain wash out the weekend

THE Government and pro-referendum supporters had a Nice day yesterday as the country braced itself for a winter of discontent — weather wise.

Gale force gusts lashed coastal regions with pounding rainstorms putting many low lying areas on flood alert overnight. Up to 50-70 mm of rainfall is expected over a three day period from yesterday.

Over 71,000 people, however, were well wrapped up for the test between Ireland and Australia in Croke Park where the foul weather was more of a talking point than the foul play from the two match series.