Celebrating 10 Years of Middle East GAA

This year is a very important year for Middle East GAA, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. This monumental occasion was marked with a special reception full of Irish traditional music and culture, hosted very kindly on Thursday 9th March in the residence of H.E. Ambassador Alison Milton, Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. Invited guests to the reception included members of the Middle East County Board, committee and club members, and representatives from various organisations in the region.

We were honoured to have an Uachtarán CLG Labhrás Mac Carthaigh and his wife Barbara attend the reception. He spoke of the important role Middle East GAA has to support Irish people across the region, along with promoting and developing Gaelic games. He also spoke of respect for referees and that respecting match officials is of the utmost importance. Also in attendance was Niall Erskine, Chairperson of the GAA World Council. We were delighted to have an Uachtarán, Barbara and Niall in attendance at this event and for the duration of the P4ML Middle East Championship weekend in Abu Dhabi. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir. 

An Uachtarán CLG's sentiments were echoed by H.E. Ambassador Milton. She spoke of the important role that Middle East GAA has in promoting Ireland's national games. She also referenced the significant increase in membership that she has observed since she began her tenure. Ambassador Milton also spoke of her desire to see greater female representation at committee and management levels in the organisation, reflecting on her own historical achievement as the first female Irish Ambassador appointed to the role in the region. Ambassador Milton was presented with a Middle East GAA polo shirt by Cliodhna Lafferty (Ladies Development Officer) and Róisín Hoey (Public Relations Officer), the two female members currently serving on the Middle East GAA County Board. 

Photographed with an Uachtarán CLG Labhrás Mac Carthaigh and H.E. Ambassador Alison Milton are the current Middle East GAA Cathaoirleach Gearóid Cronin, and former Cathaoirligh James Kennedy, Patrick Moynagh, Tadhg Flahive and Stephen Twomey.