The Connacht GAA Air Dome, located in Bekan near Ballyhaunis in Co Mayo, was flattened at about 4:30 am on Friday, January 24 as the record-breaking Storm Éowyn rolled in.
“Unfortunately, the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome was significantly damaged by Storm Éowyn overnight,” Connacht GAA announced on Friday morning.
“Thankfully no one was hurt.”
“Thanks to everyone for the support, it is our full intention to rebuild this magnificent facility as soon as possible.”
Unfortunately, the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome was significantly damaged by Storm Éowyn overnight, thankfully no one was hurt.
Thanks to everyone for the support, it is our full intention to rebuild this magnificent facility as soon as possible.
— Connacht GAA (@ConnachtGAA) January 24, 2025
The Co Mayo-based Midwest Radio shared this photo of the flattened Connacht GAA Air Dome:
The @ConnachtGAA air dome at the Connacht Gaa centre of excellence in Bekan has been completed destroyed as a result of #StormÉowyn pic.twitter.com/h3GjXktS7u
— Mid West Radio (@radiomidwest) January 24, 2025
Connacht GAA Secretary John Prety told the Irish Independent on Friday that Connacht GAA members were at the Air Dome until about 2 am on Friday doing checks as the Status Red Storm Éowyn hit.
While the Connacht Air Dome is "completely destroyed," the pitch itself seems to have stayed intact, Prenty said.
“It’s been a bad night and a bad morning,” Prenty said. “But, thankfully, nobody got hurt and that’s the most important thing.
"We took every precaution we could and put everything in place, but it wasn’t enough. It tore and it’s on the ground.
“It’s probably the most iconic GAA building in the country because it was unique. Nobody else had it.
"It's gone, but it’ll be back.”
"If we were still there [at 4am] we’d probably be gone as well, so that’s a consolation.”
The Connacht GAA Air Dome before it was destroyed. (Connacht GAA)
The multimillion Euro Connacht GAA Air Dome was funded by a grant from Ireland's Department of Rural and Community’s Rural Regeneration Fund, funding from Croke Park, as well as Connacht GAA's "own reserves."
Construction of the 150m x 100m x 26m Air Dome began in October 2019 and was completed nine months later. The Air Dome facility features a full-size indoor GAA field, a running track, a fully equipped gym, and a portable stand. Additionally, it could be transformed into a fully functional conference arena.
The Connacht Air Dome could hold more than 2,000 people for games and 10,000 - 20,000 (seated and standing) for concerts and events.
While the Air Dome is out of commission, the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence does still have six outdoor pitches, as well as a perimeter walking / running track.
Meanwhile, other sporting facilities were also damaged during Storm Éowyn.
The roof of the stand of McGovern Park in Newport, Co Mayo - home to Burrishoole GAA - collapsed.
The stand at McGovern Park in Newport, home of Burrishoole Gaa destroyed due to #StormÉowyn pic.twitter.com/0zJXic5Amp
— Mid West Radio (@radiomidwest) January 24, 2025
Bishopsgate Stadium, the home of Longford Town Football Club, also suffered considerable damage.
@LongfordTownFC @ciaranmullooly @Kieran_B_Sport .damaged pic.twitter.com/0KMqI9WGWO
— Joe Cassidy Athlone (@JoeCassidyIRE) January 24, 2025
Comments