There were smiling GAA faces all round on Wednesday 2nd May in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the Irish Ambassador, Dr Niall Holohan hosted the triumphant Naomh Alee GAA Club at the Irish Embassy in Riyadh, following the clubs success in the Intermediate Championship and Junior Shield competitions at the Gulf Gaelic Games in Dubai.

Over forty clubmen and women assembled at the Ambassador's residence for the reception hosted by the Ambassador and his wife Felicity, herself no stranger to GAA circles, having worked in her professional 'Psychologist' capacity with the successful Armagh Senior Football team in the early part of the Millennium.
The clubs championship success in Dubai bridged a gap of over 15 years since the gaels of Arabia had seen success or silverware at any level, in international competition.

Club Captain Keith Croft praised the efforts of his team in overcoming the challenges incumbent in the Kingdom and delivering the Intermediate title in a pulsating final against holder, Al Ain Gaels. Similarly, Junior team captain, Oliver Carvil reflected on the discipline of the squad in the period between the Bahrain tournament, where Naomh Alee were beaten finalists and Dubai, where Junior spoils were added to the Intermediate crown.

GAA and Community Development
The Ambassador, Dr Niall Holohan congratulated the GAA in Arabia, not only on its success, but on the broader role played by the Association in serving both the Irish expatriate community and in reaching across other communities in the 'ex-pat world'.

Club Cathaoirleach Tony Gavin thanked the Ambassador for hosting the evening and congratulated club members on their on-field achievements, and presented the Embassy with a commemorative 'Club Shirt' to mark the occasion.

Jones Engineering Group confirm ongoing club sponsorship
Club PRO Patrick Moynagh and Treasurer Gerraine Poole paid special tribute to the clubs financial sponsors including Al Marai, the Riyadh Irish Society, Firstaff Recruitment (Dublin) and CCM Recruitment (Dublin), without whose support the club could not prosper.

Special thanks were extended to Mr John Hartnett of Jones Engineering (KSA) who confirmed the company's ongoing sponsorship of the Clubs Senior Teams for the 2012/2013 season.

Special Presentation
The event concluded with a special presentation to five club members who were leaving the Kingdom during May. The Ambassador presented a special momento to Ms Jacqui Jones (Naomh Alee Banshees), Ms Hayley McDonald (Naomh Alee Banshees), Mr Daniel Devine (Naomh Alee Setanta) and Mr Keith Croft (Naomh Alee Eire Og), wishing them well in their future travels. Tweet

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