Sharjah and Abu Dhabi win Round 2 of Senior Football League

Sharjah and Abu Dhabi Na Fianna took the honours in Round 2 of the Middle East Football senior men’s and ladies’ competitions in Qatar over the weekend.

Sharjah edged Abu Dhabi Na Fianna by a point in a gripping men’s final (0-9 to 0-8), which went to extra time for the second tournament in a row. Kerry’s Podge O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses) stepped up to kick the winner with the last play of the game.

The game ebbed and flowed in normal time, with a late O'Sullivan free sending it to extra time (0-7 to 0-7). Both teams traded scores in extra time before the Kerry man stepped up to score a memorable winner for Sharjah's first senior tournament triumph since 2016.

Sharjah’s standout performers were Damien Kelly of Hollymount Carramore, Eoghan Ryan of Loughmore Castleiney and O’Sullivan. For Abu Dhabi, Jamie Malone of Corofin in Clare was a constant threat with several impressive long range scores.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Na Fianna defeated Jumeirah Gaels in a one-sided senior ladies’ final (3-5 to 0-2), with Clare’s Cliodhna Blake (Doonbeg) scoring 2-1 in a virtuoso display.

Abu Dhabi led 1-3 to 0-1 at the break after a Blake goal and three points from Julie Dennehy of Araglen Desmond’s Buí. Abu Dhabi upped the tempo in the second half with another cracking goal from Blake and a fine solo finish from Aisling Frawley of Waterford.

Best for Abu Dhabi on the night were their inspirational leader Bronagh Murphy (Killererin), Orla Swail (Carryduff), Dennehy and Blake.

The next round of the senior league takes place in Sharjah on Saturday, February 7.