Jumeirah and Abu Dhabi clinch victory in Round 3

Jumeirah Gaels and Abu Dhabi Na Fianna both claimed wins in Round 3 of the Middle East Senior Football League on Saturday in Sharjah.

Jumeirah Gaels picked up their first tournament victory of the season with a narrow 0-7 to 0-6 win over Dubai Celts. Celts held a one-point lead at half-time (0-4 to 0-3), with Alan Freeman (Mayo) landing the score of the half from his cultured right boot. Jumeirah edged ahead in the second half thanks to strong defending and sharper attacking play. It was a solid team performance, with Sean Bambrick (Carlow), Shane Carty (Dublin), Ruadhan Ó Giolláin (Kildare) and Evan Duffy (Galway) standing out.

In the senior ladies final, Abu Dhabi continued their strong run of form with a 1-5 to 1-4 win over Sharjah Gaels. Orla Swail’s (Down) first-half penalty was cancelled out by a Sharjah goal right on the stroke of half-time, leaving the sides level (1-2 to 1-2). Abu Dhabi seized control in the second period, with Bronagh Murphy (Galway), Clíodhna Blake (Clare) and Julie Dennehy (Cork) impressing as the ladies from the capital secured their second tournament success of the season.

The final round of the Senior Football League takes place in Ras Al Khaimah on March 7, with the senior men’s title going down to the wire as just two points separates the top three teams - Abu Dhabi na Fianna (30), Jumeirah Gaels (29) and Sharjah Gaels (28). In the senior ladies division, Abu Dhabi na Fianna hold a three-point lead over Jumeirah Gaels.