Campbell the hero as Celts win GAA Middle East League title

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  • Champions: Dubai Celts.

    Celts needed a whirlwind start to gain a foothold in the contest, but instead it was the defending champions from the capital who were sharpest from the throw-in, with quick scores from Ciaran McGinley and Gavin Murphy.

    Abu Dhabi led 0-5 to 0-3 at the break, and looked dominant around the middle with Oisin McGinty pulling the strings.

    Eoin Reilly steadied Celts with a fine point after the restart, and with the influential Aindreas Doyle beginning to find room inside, the scores started to flow more freely.

    With a minute of normal time remaining, Abu Dhabi led by a point (0-10 to 0-9) and looked in firm control, but Peter Campbell chipped over to force extra time.

    It was ace marksman Campbell who goaled once again on the stroke of full-time in extra-time to earn Celts the title.

    Meanwhile, Sharjah Gaels claimed a thrilling 0-5 to 0-4 win over Dubai Celts C in the intermediate final.

    Philly O’Callaghan was in inspired form as his personal haul of 0-3 – including the match winning score – helped a determined Sharjah seal promotion to next season’s premier division.

    The industrious O’Callaghan was ably assisted by key figures Neily Cunningham and Ciaran Smith, both of whom enjoyed fine afternoons in beating Celts C.

    Elsewhere, Jumeirah Gaels triumphed in the junior league decider with a 1-5 to 1-2 win over Sharjah Gaels B.

    The winners got off to a tonic start and Padraig McEnery kicked 1-1 in the space of five minutes to give Gaels a 1-3 to 0-2 lead at the break.

    Sharjah refused to buckle and cut the deficit to two points with three minutes remaining, but star man Kevin Costello stepped up to score two stunning points to get Gaels over the line.

    In the ladies section, Abu Dhabi na Fianna beat Dubai Celts to win the Senior title.

    The final tournament on the Middle East GAA calendar will take place at the end of April in Abu Dhabi.

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