Jumeirah & Abu Dhabi Secure League & Championship Doubles

Jumeirah Gaels pulled off an impressive feat over the weekend by clinching the senior men’s Middle East GAA double, beating the Dubai Celts 2-3 to 1-5 in a thrilling final held at Zayed Sports City.

Having secured the league title in Dubai two weeks ago, Jumeirah Gaels entered the championship in Abu Dhabi as heavy favourites.

After succumbing to a defeat in their opening group game against Dubai Celts, Jumeirah bounced back with victories over Al Reem and Abu Dhabi to qualify for the final against the Celts.

The Celts enjoyed the brighter start in the final, leading by a point at half-time (0-3 to 0-2).  Roscommon man Andy Glennon was the standout performer for the Celts, striking two points and Kerry native Paul O’Donoghue slotted a single. For Jumeirah, Eamon Kiely and Peter Acheson added the scores.

After the restart, Celts got off to a tonic start, breaking down the left with Glennon providing a polished finish to the net to put them four points ahead. However, Jumeirah hit back quickly, with Jack Savage unleashing a powerful effort to reduce the deficit to just one point.

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The two teams exchanged points before Glennon struck a free to put the Celts ahead by one with just four minutes left to play (1-5 to 1-3). For Jumeriah, Acheson’s vast array of talents makes him a real force to be reckoned with, and no matter the opposition, he never disappoints.

The Clonmel man gathered the ball, weaved around several defenders, and blasted it into the bottom left corner to give the Gaels a 2-3 to 1-5 win, securing their first championship success.

On the ladies’ side, Abu Dhabi Na Fianna A also celebrated a double triumph after their league title victory two weeks ago.

The girls from the capital were dominant all day, dispatching Abu Dhabi Na Fianna C, Sharjah and Jumeirah Gaels to reach the final against Sharjah (again). In what was the fourth final between the two teams this year, Abu Dhabi clinched an 11-point victory (2-6 to 0-1). The outstanding Amy Sweeney and Annie Bratten goaled for the winners.

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