Dubai Celts Edging Towards Middle East Hurling Glory

Dubai Celts have all but secured the Middle East Hurling League title before the final round, which is set to take place at Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club on Saturday.

With a three-point lead over second-place Abu Dhabi, the Celts only need to seal a semi-final spot to clinch the trophy.

As anticipation builds for the penultimate round of the league, there is much excitement surrounding the appearance of the 2022 Hurler of the Year Diarmaid Byrnes. The Limerick man, who has won four All-Ireland medals, played for the Celts’ intermediate team in the last round at the Sevens Stadium, and all eyes will be on him when he takes the field in Wandies on Saturday. Regardless of which team the Patrickswell man lines out for, it is thrilling to see him play in the UAE, especially at Wandies – widely regarded as one of the best tournament venues.

For Dubai Celts to lift the league crown, they will need their key lieutenants Colm Spillane, Ruairi Tubrid and Peter Geraghty to perform at their immaculate best. These players have enjoyed standout campaigns to date and will be crucial to the Celts’ pursuit of league glory this weekend.

Abu Dhabi has been in great form this season, playing an attractive brand of hurling, but they will face a stiff challenge against the Celts. Some of their key men include Laois goalkeeper Eoin Reilly, Peter Walsh and Ryan Clifford.

Jumeirah Gaels, who have had a successful first season at senior level, will look to Barry Keane, Shane Ryan and Eoin McIntyre to lead the charge on both sides of the ball. For Sharjah, the totemic Aaron Maddock, Bill Hickey and Conor Joyce are always in top form and will be among the star players to watch this weekend.

Senior action is set to get underway from 12pm on Saturday with the camogie final at 5pm and the hurling final at 5.20pm.

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