Storm Éowyn caused €82k worth of damage to the Donegal GAA Centre in Convoy

Donegal GAA safety and facilities officer Declan Gallagher has revealed that Storm Éowyn’s impact on the Training Centre in Convoy was substantial. 

Chairperson Mary Coughlan revealed to DonegalLive last January that the facility had sustained quite some damage at the time and explained how the likes of ATU and other nearby venues had to be used to absorb some of the pressure in accommodating training sessions and games for various groups. 

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It was a testing number of days as the county’s senior footballers’ NFL clash away to Kerry in Killarney was postponed. 

But in his report to Convention, to be held this evening in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, Gallagher says the overall cost of the damage at the time eventually amounted to €82,000. 

“In January 2025, Ireland was struck by Storm Éowyn, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms ever recorded, bringing hurricane-force winds of up to 183 km/h. 

“Donegal was among the counties most severely impacted, with widespread structural and infrastructural damage. 

“Unfortunately, the Donegal GAA Centre of Excellence (COE) suffered substantial damage as a direct result of this extreme weather event”. 

Summary of Damage: Pitch 1: “Both ball stop systems were completely destroyed. The goalposts at the Ballybofey end were snapped and rendered unusable, while the perimeter fencing at the Convoy side was extensively damaged and required full replacement”. 

Pitch 3: “Both ball stops were fully demolished, and the goalposts on the car park side were structurally compromised beyond repair”. 

Pitch 5: “The dividing fence between Pitch 5 and the adjoining area sustained significant damage, necessitating full reinstatement. 

“The cumulative cost of repair and reinstatement works was in excess of €82,000, covering materials, labour, reinstatement of fencing and structures, and partial replacement of equipment damaged by wind and debris. 

“The COE team responded promptly, working closely with insurers, contractors and Donegal GAA’s executive to ensure facilities were made safe and reinstatement work commenced swiftly”.