Connacht GAA AirDome reinflated 495 days after Storm Éowyn destruction
A landmark moment for Gaelic games in the west of Ireland unfolded at dawn this morning as the University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome was successfully reinflated, 495 days after it was destroyed by Storm Éowyn.
The return of the iconic structure marks a significant milestone in the recovery of one of Connacht GAA's most important sporting facilities. The AirDome, located at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, suffered catastrophic damage during the severe storm in January 2025, bringing an abrupt end to operations at a venue that had become a hub for Gaelic games, athletics, education and community events across the province.
In a statement released this morning, Connacht GAA celebrated the achievement, saying: "At the crack of dawn this morning, 495 days since Storm Éowyn, the University of Galway Connacht GAA AirDome was inflated again. Thanks to everyone who made this possible — a momentous day for Connacht GAA."
The successful reinflation follows months of planning, engineering assessments and reconstruction work. Connacht GAA officials had pledged from the outset that the facility would be rebuilt after Storm Éowyn destroyed the original dome. The project involved close collaboration between engineers, contractors, insurers and the Slovenian manufacturers responsible for producing the replacement structure.
When it first opened in 2021, the AirDome was recognised as one of the largest sports air domes in the world, featuring a full-sized GAA pitch, running track and gym facilities. It quickly became a vital year-round training and competition venue for clubs, schools and county teams throughout Connacht.
The sight of the dome rising once again over the Bekan skyline will be welcomed by players, coaches and supporters across the province. It signals not only the return of a world-class sporting facility but also the culmination of an ambitious rebuilding effort that began within hours of the storm damage.
With the structure now reinflated, attention will turn to final commissioning works and preparations for a full return to activity in the months ahead.