In a devastating turn of events, the roof of the Tralee Sports Complex in County Kerry, Ireland, collapsed under the weight of heavy snow on January 6, 2025. The incident has been described as a “huge setback” for the entire county, with significant implications for the local sports community.

Background and Impact

The Tralee Sports Complex, also known as the Tralee Regional Sports and Leisure Centre, is a popular sports facility that attracts over 300,000 visits each year. The complex features a range of amenities, including a 25-meter swimming pool, a 12.5-meter learners’ pool, an 830 square meter sports hall, a gym, squash courts, handball and racquetball courts, and outdoor pitches (3).

The collapse of the roof over the sports hall has caused extensive damage to the building, with emergency services called to the scene at 7 am on January 6. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the building was empty at the time of the incident (3).

Assessment and Next Steps

A full assessment of the damage is currently underway, with the building and grounds closed to the public until further notice. The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, but it is believed that the weight of the snow on the metal roof triggered the collapse (3).

According to Jim Finucane, Chair of the management board of the sports centre, the two pools in the complex appear to have escaped the damage. However, the sports hall, which is home to the Garvey’s Tralee Warriors basketball team, has been severely impacted (3).

Community Reaction

Councillor Terry O’Brien, a member of the board at the Tralee Regional Sports and Leisure Centre, described the collapse as a “huge blow” to the people of Kerry. “This is a busy centre, and this is a huge setback for the whole county,” he said (2).

The incident has also raised concerns about the impact on local sports teams, with the Garvey’s Tralee Warriors basketball team forced to find an alternative venue for their remaining home games (2).

Support and Recovery

As the community comes to terms with the damage, efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and determine the next steps. The Tralee Sports Complex is jointly run by Kerry County Council and Kerry Education and Training Board, and it is expected that a plan will be put in place to repair and restore the facility (3).

In the meantime, the public is advised to check the Tralee Sports Complex website for updates on the status of the facility and any alternative arrangements for sports teams and users (1).

Conclusion

The collapse of the Tralee Sports Complex roof is a significant setback for the Kerry community, with far-reaching implications for local sports teams and users. As the assessment and recovery efforts continue, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all those affected. We will continue to provide updates on this developing story and invite readers to share their thoughts and concerns in the comments section below.

Sources:

(1) Tralee Sports Complex. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://traleesportscentre.ie

(2) Radio Kerry. (2025, January 6). Collapse of Tralee Sports Complex roof described as a huge set back for whole county. Retrieved from https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/collapse-of-tralee-sports-complex-roof-described-as-a-huge-set-back-for-whole-county-416149

(3) RTÉ News. (2025, January 6). Roof collapses under heavy snow at Kerry sports complex. Retrieved from https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2025/0106/1489322-tralee-collapse/

(4) Tralee Sports Complex. (n.d.). Main Pool current swimming timetable. Retrieved from https://traleesportscentre.ie/swimming/main-pool

(5) The Journal. (2025, January 6). Roof of sports complex collapses in Tralee amid heavy snow. Retrieved from https://www.thejournal.ie/roof-of-sports-hall-collapses-in-tralee-amid-heavy-snow-6586361-Jan2025/