GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 35 – October 6, 2015 | Page 28

Things have gone from strength to strength
in Mid East GAA since, as last year an intermediate grade in men’s and ladies football began while this year sees the start of junior and
Camogie events. Last March Middle East GAA
did a fantastic job in organizing the first GAA
World Games in Abu Dhabi and came away
with victory in both the senior men’s and ladies
GAA World Cup competitions. There are also
plans to begin an Underage League at the start
of next year with some 20 teams involved while
this year’s adult league will feature no less than
68 teams, a testament to the rise of GAA in the
region over the past number of years.
LADIES SENIOR – TEAMS TO WATCH
Round 1 this weekend sees the top players in
action in both men’s and ladies senior league
competition. Abu Dhabi Na Fianna Ladies are
unbeaten for three years in the league and will be
looking to build on that record this season. Word
Launch of the GAA World Games in Abu Dhabi in March. Photo: Tine & Stew Hunt/
has it that huge numbers have been turning out
Mid East GAA.
for training in Abu Dhabi so the competition for
places will be fierce making them favourites again this year.
the senior grade and is in a very strong place for top honours
again. Home advantage will definitely be a bonus to Qatar
However there has been an influx of players during the sumin the opening round as they have only lost there once in
mer across most clubs so they will have a lot more competition
the last five years so it should make Round 1 very interestthis year. Qatar hosting the Ladies League for the first time will
ing. Dubai will also fancy their chances with manager Ger
hope that home advantage will benefit them and Dubai Celts
Regan returned to the fold after winning the league two years
and Sharjah will be hoping to make their mark early. Newly
ago. Al Ain were the surprise package last year and cementpromoted Kuwait Harps get their first taste of senior football
ed their place in the Top 4 last season and also reached the
and will be looking to make a big impression.
championship finals before going down to Abu Dhabi Na
Fianna. They could be the dark horse this weekend. The AraMEN’S SENIOR – TEAMS TO WATCH
bian Celts meanwhile might have had a tough year with the
loss of players from last season.
In the Mens competition Abu Dhabi Na Fianna are also defending champions and will want to hit the ground running
Irish company Sperrin Metal will sponsor both the League
and build on last year’s success. The club has three teams in
and Championship again this year.

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