Donegal amateur weather forecaster Michael Gallagher will not be giving a winter weather forecast this year because of online abuse.
The former postman from Glenfin became a hugely popular figure often predicting freezing winters and scorching summers.
His predictions of snow became stuff of legend and often divided the nation!
But now the 73-year-old says he’s done with making predictions because of abuse from trolls.
He said: “I got a lot of criticism about it on Facebook and it has upset my family.
“What can you say to these people? They have been giving me a touch. It is bullying.
“I feel sorry for the parents of these people because of their behaviour. It shouldn’t be allowed on Facebook.”
“They should be fined. Freedom of speech is gone. I am very disappointed to have to stop.”
Michael worked for An Post for 48 years until his retirement in 2015.
Michael’s methods to tell the weather were handed down from generations who depended mainly on the signs given by Mother Nature.
As well as publishing a book on the ways of old, Michael was asked for his opinion on the weather from members of the public including brides-to-be for their big day.
