GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 21 – March 14, 2015 | Page 8

breakdown was a Tier 1 World Cup
competition featuring 8 ladies and
8 men’s teams where Irish diaspora
teams competed and also included
non-Irish players. The criterion
for a player in Tier 1 was that one
must be able to prove residency in
one’s respective city or county for
12 months. The second competition
was a Tier 2 International World Cup
with 4 men’s and 4 ladies non-Irish
teams from South Africa, Canada,
Galicia, Middle East, and Argentina.
The grounds were in immaculate
condition and together with GAA
South Africa Men’s Team. Photo: Courtesy of Middle East GAA/Tina & Stew Hunt.
World Logo Flags dispersed through
the facilities, tented villages, and an
impressive welcome GAA World Games archway into the
and member of the Royal Family, was on hand to throw-in
games location, the whole scene depicted a very festive
the ceremonial first ball.
event.
The Opening Ceremony got underway on Friday March 6th
with a colourful parade of all 24 teams marching behind the
Abu Dhabi Police Band around the main sports pitch. Local dignitary, HH Sheikh Nayan, the former Sports Minister

GROUP STAGES
All eyes then turned towards the opening Group Stages
which featured 12 rounds of games
in total between both tier competitions in ladies and men’s
football. The tournament was played on a
9-aside basis with three rolling substitutes
where on Day 1 the games lasted 9 minutes
a half.
Ladies International Cup featuring four teams
Galicia, South Africa, Canada and the Middle
East, saw all teams play three games on Friday. After the day was at an end, it was the all
native Canadian team who showed best winning all three of their games with their closest
call from the Middle East team. South Africa
ladies are new to football and did well when

Photo courtesy of Middle East GAA/Tina & Stew Hunt.

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