Dubai GAA Festival: ‘It would open the eyes of people back home’

A record-breaking season for Middle East GAA has continued with a fantastic turn-out for the last round of League games at the Dubai GAA Festival.

950 adult players on 79 teams took part in eight different grades of hurling, football and camogie with the Senior trophies secured by Abu Dhabi na Fianna and Dubai Celts.

The event, which is supported by headline sponsor Dubai Duty Free, saw players travel by plane and car from Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Visitors from Ireland included Cavan referee Maggie Farrelly and Cork legend Billy Morgan.

“It’s beyond what I expected,” says Morgan. “The standard is very high and it would open the eyes of a lot of people back home if they could see this.”

Others contributing to this video report include Dubai Celts chairman Darragh Walshe, Dubai players Colin Leacy and Niall Healy, and Abu Dhabi na Fianna players Sinead Walker and Michelle Dinan.

The last event of the season will be the Championship weekend at Abu Dhabi in April.

Video by Jerome Quinn for Dubai Celts and Middle East GAA.