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Middle East Player Of The Year: Men’s Football

March 21, 2023

As the Middle East GAA season draws to a close, we reflect on the standout senior players of the year.
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Peter Acheson (Jumeirah Gaels)
The Clonmel Cobra is a master conductor renowned for his exceptional ability to read the game and inspire a team to victory. It’s almost impossible to catch him out, as he is an outstanding ball carrier, tackler and scorer. Not only is he a brilliant player, but he also possesses the gift of guiding his teammates through the game – when to hold the ball, when to go and where to be at all times. A titanic presence.

Niall Rooney (Sharjah Gaels)

The Monaghan man is a force to be reckoned with when he hits full stride, demonstrating incredible strength and accuracy to score from the tightest of angles. He keeps it simple and possesses a quick and decisive style of play both on and off the ball. Rooney is also the owner of Recoveroo, the UAE’s leading pitch-side recovery service. We cannot overlook his teammate Conor Carthy, who had a stellar season for the Sharjah team and deserves a special mention.

Jordan Kiely (Abu Dhabi Na Fianna)
A significant addition to the Abu Dhabi team and has serious ability on both sides of the ball. Kiely is another Kerry man who has excelled this season with his driving runs and accurate kicking ability. He works tirelessly in attack, and his performances have been one of the key factors behind Abu Dhabi’s two appearances in finals this season. His sideline in Sharjah must surely go down as one of the scores of the season.

Danny Neville (Al Reem Shamrocks)
One of the standout players all season, the Limerick man was instrumental to Al Reem’s exploits this year as they reached the semi-finals in all four rounds of the league. Hailing from Ballysteen, Neville was a joy to watch with his unerring boot and skills to unlock any defence. A class act.

Tommy Cahill (Dubai Celts)
Although the Kerry man missed the final round of the league due to injury, his contribution to the Celts’ victories in two of the three tournaments he played in was exceptional. Hailing from Glenbeigh, Cahill covers acres of ground, particularly in the crucial middle third, and possesses a sizzling ability to score at crucial moments. He was the star player in Qatar and also shone in Bahrain in round one. We look forward to his return from injury, as he is a superb player.