Connacht GAA's lovely gesture to Mayo boy who offered to help rebuild Air Dome

The University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome returned to action last week and the first group to train in the new facility included a Mayo youngster who had penned a heartfelt letter to Connacht GAA after the iconic facility in Bekan was destroyed during Storm Éowyn.

Ross Fahey from Breaffy took pen to paper just days after the Air Dome was ripped asunder by Storm Éowyn’s hurricane-force winds on the night of January 24th, 2025. The then seven-year-old told Connacht CEO John Prenty that he was very sad to learn that the dome had blown away as he loved to go to matches in it. He then offered to help fund the rebuilding of the dome, noting that he had “some money in the bank from my birthdays”.

“I could give you some to help,” the youngster generously offered. “I can’t wait to go to a football game when it is open again.” 

The new Air Dome was inflated in June and went into operation once again last week, with Connacht GAA issuing an invitation to Ross and his U8 and U10 teammates from Breaffy GAA to be the first group to train there.

“Ross’s heartfelt letter of support and encouragement in the aftermath of the storm meant a great deal to everyone at Connacht GAA, making today’s return even more special,” said Connacht GAA.

“We are delighted to officially declare the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome back open for training, matches and events, and we look forward to welcoming clubs and communities from across the province and beyond once again.

“If your club or team is interested in using the facility, please contact reception.connacht@gaa.ie for more information.”