Ever wanted to experience the best sports the Emerald Isle can offer? Then head to the Dubai Duty Free Gulf Gaelic Games on Friday, March 28, for a true taste of traditional Irish activities.
The Dubai Celts GAA Club are hosting the annual Gaelic football and hurling tournaments at 7he Sevens. More than 110 competitive GAA games will take place in one day across the six pitches at the venue.
Approximately 1,000 players are expected to take part in more than 50 teams, who have travelled from around the world for this showpiece event.
The ninth running of this festival is free to attend, and you do not need to book a ticket.
To coincide with the GAA Games, there will also be Irish music and dance, family entertainment and evening entertainment following the conclusion of the finals.
“The tournament is very important to the Irish community living in this region,” said Sean Staunton, president of the Dubai Celts and vice president of operations for Dubai Duty Free. “It also opens its doors to welcome all our overseas guests to what has become a highly competitive, highly entertaining, actionpacked weekend.”
Hurling is a fast and ancient sport, in which the objective is for players to use a wooden stick called a hurley to hit a small ball called a sliotar between the opponents’ goalposts.
Gaelic football resembles both rugby and soccer, with the aim being to pass the ball through the other team’s goal.
This year’s tournament will see rivalry intensifying between established clubs from Ireland and the growing strength of the Middle East, including Dubai Celts.
Experienced referees are being flown in from Ireland to offer their professional and objective rulings.
With a number of the skills being present in other sports, several clubs around Dubai are adapting their rugby, football and Aussie rules techniques to participate in the Irish sports. Even a team of jockeys will be giving it a try.
The youngsters of Dubai, as well as other Gulf countries, will be competing in the first ever international juvenile competition on the day as the Middle East Board works hard to promote the future stars of the GAA in the Gulf.
More than 225 children are expected to be in action across 18 junior sides.
Having adopted the national sport as part of their extra-curricular timetables, some international schools in Dubai will also be competing.
This year also continues the tradition of the ‘Veterans Competition’ for the over 35-year-olds.
Seamus Begley, chairman of Dubai Celts, said: “Last year’s tournament was a huge success; we expect 2014 to be bigger and better again. The Gulf Gaelic Games is one of the premier international events in the GAA calendar.
“There is no doubt that every team will thoroughly enjoy the spectacle of the Dubai Duty Free Gulf Gaelic Games, and the celebrations in the Irish Village.”
Further details are available on the club’s website: www.dubaicelts.com.
You can also contact the club directly by e-mailing [email protected]. What: Gulf Gaelic Games When: Friday, March 28 Where: 7he Sevens, Dubai Contact: [email protected]
