Irish Ambassador Credits Dubai Celts GAA for "Superb Gaelic Games Spectacle"

Last Friday, Dubai Celts GAA played host to one of the biggest international Gaelic games events outside of Ireland: the Dubai Duty Free Gulf Gaelic Games 2014. Over the course of the day-long tournament, over 110 competitive matches were played across six pitches at the world-class Emirates 7s Sports Complex. From primary school players to veteran enthusiasts, the tournament turned out triumphant teams that spanned the length and breadth of the Middle East; this year's Games even witnessed the world's first all-African winners at Intermediate level - the South African Gaels. With a few VIP appearances to compliment the sporting showcase, support soared for this year's event and plans to surpass the success of the Dubai Duty Free Gulf Gaelic Games 2014 are already in motion for 2015.

Celebrating the rising popularity of Gaelic football amongst youngsters in the region, eighteen multinational juvenile teams competed in Friday's event; the Middle East County Board are most certainly making their mark in drawing international interest to the native sport. This year's U12 and U8 Cup competitions were won by local international school teams whose extra-curricular provisions provided for proper training from qualified coaches here in Dubai. Alongside this, the community aspect of the GAA saw a huge rise in team entries for the Social Cup; from Aussie rules to a team of jockeys, this competition was a great addition to a successful day.

Showing his support at 7he Sevens ground, Patrick Hennessy, Irish Ambassador for the UAE, commented on the sense of community that had been built, "GAA is a great advertisement from Ireland and it allows these youngsters to establish links between their cultural upbringing here in the Middle East and the traditional culture of Ireland. Looking around, there are families, young and old, Irish nationals and internationals who have come together for both the sporting and social aspects of today's tournament. Congratulations to Dubai Celts for organizing such a a superb Gaelic Games spectacle."

Highlights of the day included the Womens' Senior Cup final in which local rivalry saw Dubai Celts playing neighbouring Abu Dhabi; the Capital had the upperhand on this occassion and walked away triumphant. The Mens' Intermetiate Cup final was also a crowd-pleaser as the South African Gaels danced in victory after beating Saudi Arabia's Riyadh in the return leg of their highly-publicised tour to Ireland last week. Teams, supporters and spectators gathered together at the close of the day to watch the heavily contested Senior Mens' Cup final which saw Qatar narrowly beating the hosts, Dubai Celts , in a well fought final. The standard of football across the board was noted by Croke Park officials, Connor Lane and James Flood, who were flown over the tournament. "The tournament was a huge success. We really enjoyed the day; it's a great place and the standard of footall here today was very high," commented Connor Lane at the close of the day.
Raising the profile of this year's event, on the eve of the Dubai World Cup racing, high-profile jockeys were on hand to help out with the day's finale. Richard Hughes, English Champion Jockey 2012 and 2013; Irish Champion Jockey, Joseph O'Brien; and Stable Jockey, ShaneFoley, presented some of the awards while also providing some top tips for the race-goers in the crowd.

"It was a pleasure to be here today to see the product of a lot of hard work and organization; this is a terrific example of how a local club can serve the community. To see wide-spread interest in the GAA and to bring people together for such a fantastic sporting exhibition is hugely important to the Dubai Celts and it has been a great success," said Sean Staunton, President of the Dubai Celts and Vice President of Operations for Dubai Duty Free.

This Dubai Duty Free festival of sport continued into the night as the Irish Village, sponsors of Dubai Celts GAA, accommodated the masses in what was an excellent evening of entertainment for all. "We're extremely happy with the tournament and the club is delighted at the promotion of the games here in the UAE; of course, events such as these wouldn't be feasible without the support of Dubai Duty Free. We're also extremely grateful to our other sponsors, Irish Village, McGettigans, Fibbers and Kelly Steel", Seamus Begley, Chairman of the Celts.
With sporting spirits at an all time high, Dubai Celts GAA travel to Bahrain on the 11th April for the finale of this year's GAA season. The Middle East County Board are set to make history with their first ever All-Star Awards night to conclude the year of Gaelic in the Gulf.

By Siobháin Spear

Results Roundup from the Dubai Duty Free Gulf Gaelic Games:
Men
Senior Cup Winners: Qatar A
Senior Plate Winners: Dubai B
Intermediate Cup Winners: South African Gaels
Intermediate Plate Winners: Qatar B
Junior Cup Winners: Dubai Irish A
Junior Plate Winners: Dubai Dingoes
Social Winners: Dubai Hurlers
Hurling Cup Winners: Dubai Celts

Women
Senior Cup Winners: Abu Dhabi A
Senior Plate Winners: Al Ain
Intermediate Cup Winners:Kuwait A

Juvenile
U14 Cup Winners: Dubai Exiles
U10 Cup Winners: Wellington School: Silicon Oasis
U8 Cup Winners: Wellington School: Silicon Oasis Tweet

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