Middle East GAA September Round Up
September 26, 2014
Gaelic Games steps up a gear all over the Gulf. Middle East GAA September
Round Up.
There's been plenty of GAA action going on in and around the Gulf in the past
few weeks. In the build up to the first round of the Middle East League, being
hosted by the Arabian Celts in Bahrain in October, training sessions are
stepping up a gear and inter club friendly tournaments are giving players a
taste of what is in store when the GAA season really kicks off.
Big shout out to Kuwait Harps Ladies who had a record 39 ladies turn out to
training recently. They are certainly #spreadingtheword! Well established UAE
clubs are also enjoying large numbers turning out weekly - with Dubai Celts
having to extend sessions due to the high numbers of players.
Inter club tournaments are helping to set the tone for the coming season when
the highly contested Middle East League gets off to its official start in mid
October. Clann na hOman made the trip across to Al Ain GAA earlier in the month
for some football and small ball action along with some hurlers from Dubai
Celts making the drive down as well. A great weekend was had by everyone, by
all accounts! It was indeed a busy week for Al Ain GAA as they raised some much
needed club funds with a table quiz. Across the waters at Bahrain Rugby Club,
the Arabian Celts also saw some on pitch action in a club mini tournament
across all codes and ages with their juvenile section kicking off their season
in style as well as having some guest players from Naomh Alee Riyadh GAA Club
who made the journey across the Causeway. Also in Riyadh this week, HE
Ambassador Tony Cotter and his wife Marie hosted Naomh Alee Riyadh GAA Club at
the Irish Embassy - commenting that they are excited at the prospect of being
able to support GAA activities here in the region this season.
The focus is still on the small ball this weekend in Abu Dhabi where Na Fianna
are hosting old friends Dubai Celts in a hurling and camogie blitz. This is the
first year that Abu Dhabi Na Fianna will enter a hurling team into the Middle
East Hurling League - much success to them on their new venture. It's a testament
to how Gaelic Games are getting stronger all the time here in the Middle East. Big
congrats to Kerry and to the many Kerry people living in the region on the
success of their Senior and Minor football teams in winning the All Ireland
Finals last weekend. Looking forward to the hurling replay decider this weekend
between Kilkenny and Tipperary.
Photos - Middle East GAA All Stars 2014 - James McGrath and Joe Melia of the
Arabian Celts modelling their long awaited All Stars jerseys - with valued sponsor
Phillip Eckles of Aer Rianta International. Kuwait Harps Full Squad for the
season ahead and Naomh Alee Riyadh GAA Club being hosted at the Irish Embassy
in Riyadh presenting HE Ambassador Tony Cotter and his wife Marie with club
shirts.
Middle East GAA Abúúú