Connacht GAA's Air Dome blown down in Storm Éowyn
The Connacht GAA Air Dome has regularly hosted inter-county games since it opened in 2020
- Published
Connacht GAA's Air Dome indoor playing facility in county Mayo has been blown down during Storm Éowyn.
The £2.6m facility, which was opened in 2020 and is located at Connacht GAA's Centre of Excellence at Bekan near Ballyhaunis, regularly hosts inter-county matches in the winter months as well as being used as a training venue.
However with winds registering over 100 miles an hour along Ireland's western seaboard, the inflated roof of the facility blew down at around 04:00 GMT on Friday morning.
"We have been unable to get out to the site to assess the damage as the winds are too high," Connacht GAA secretary John Prenty told Irish broadcaster RTE.
Prenty added that the structure was fully insured and Connacht GAA intended to rebuild it.
The 150m x 100m facility's inflatable roof, which used pumping stations, was anchored to a perimeter wall.
In a statement, Connacht GAA said: "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."