Hosts Abu Dhabi secure Middle East GAA Championship double

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  • Double winners: Abu Dhabi na Fianna (photo courtesy of Stewart Hunt).

    Led by influential captain Oisin McGinty, Abu Dhabi showed more sharpness and overall desire to overcome Dubai Celts 1-11 to 1-4 in front of a large attendance in the men’s final.

    Neil McRory (Abu Dhabi) and Tom King (Dubai) swapped early goals as Abu Dhabi led 1-4 to 1-2 at half-time.

    The winners front five were magnificent throughout with Danny Curran (3), Colm Coyle (3) and Gavin Murphy (2) chipping in with some well-struck points.

    It was a disappointing finish to the season for Dubai as they failed to spark any momentum in the second half but they can take pride in the fact that they claimed the league crown last month.

    The senior women’s final proved to be an enthralling contest with Abu Dhabi na Fianna prevailing by a point (0-8 to 0-7) after extra-time against Dubai Celts.

    It was another record breaking afternoon for the girls from the capital as they continued their run of one defeat in nearly 100 games over a four-year spell.

    From one to twelve this group is an exceptionally talented side, with Sinead Walker, Niamh Lohan and the elusive Niamh Carroll again immense.

    Siobhan Courtney was Dubai’s talisman on the day, bagging all seven of their points.

    In the intermediate section, Sharjah Gaels clinched the title with a thrilling 0-7 to 0-6 win over Abu Dhabi na Fianna C.

    It was a ferocious contest with both sides trading points throughout. Abu Dhabi did, however, gain the upper hand just before the break to sail into a 0-4 to 0-3 lead, but Sharjah fought back to win by one.

    Star men for the winners were the influential Philly O’Callaghan, who kicked six points, while club stalwarts John Healy and Colin Duffy shone.

    Elsewhere, Tommy Nolan stepped up to deliver a totemic display as Dubai Celts E defied the odds to win the junior crown with a 1-6 to 0-1 win over Dubai D.

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