Mayo's D-Day heroine receives special US honour

Maureen Sweeney, who is originally from Co Kerry, forecast an impending storm from Blacksod station in 1944 which changed the timing of the D-Day landings and ultimately secured victory for the Allies.

At 1pm on 3 June 1944, 21-year-old Maureen was first to forecast a severe Atlantic storm, which led to a change of plan in one of the world's biggest military operations.Maureen's readings unwittingly gave the Allies two day advance warning of stormy conditions in western Europe, forcing General Dwight D Eisenhower to delay his meticulously planned invasion of Normandy.

Vincent said people in the area had no idea of the significance of the weather report and rather the part it was to play in the war.A letter will be read out from the World War II museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as a personal note from US Congressman and retired 3-Star Admiral Jack Bergman , who is the highest ranking veteran to ever serve in Congress.

Speaking in a recorded interview with her grandson Fergus Sweeney in 2014, Maureen said: "Eisenhower was making up his mind about whether to enter France or not. He was very divided but when he saw the report from Blacksod Point it confirmed he made the right decision.

Congratulations to Maureen.

MayoDotIE And it's a Mannion doing the report :)

Amazing

WeHaveWaysPod

Probably the most pivotal weather forecast ever made.

I love the way she just sits there with her arms folded as it’s presented.

WeatherCee

JamesDoherty22

fingalpimpernel Wonderful story, why must Theresa shout her reports?

This is a great story, delighted that this woman has been recognised. Her one small observation lead ultimately to the fall of the Third Reich

A great honour and well deserved. But it was a weather *observation*, not a *forecast*.

MetEireann Why leave it so long?

Fantastic recognition.

Always one dick Micheal could let the women have her time

kforfitz_Wayne Is there any info about the system in Ireland at the time? There must have been others doing this work too. Collected in Dublin(?) and sent on to England?

She’s a hero, helping in defeating racism Nazi’s they got what they deserved.

Very nice. For, Watcha doin that fer? It's feckin gonna rain.

Let me guess.. She siad it's cooling, warming, changing... No wait its a climate emergency!

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