If you haven't yet ventured to the Emerald Isle, then take a trip to the Etihad Irish Festival taking place in Abu Dhabi this coming weekend, starting Thursday and continuing until Saturday. Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane got the inside track from its organiser Trevor Buckley, vice president of the Abu Dhabi Irish Society and chairman of Na Fianna, the UAE's Gaelic football and hurling club.
Who do you expect to attend?
Hundreds of Irish people from the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and even the Far East will descend on Abu Dhabi. I expect hundreds of UAE expatriates to also attend what promises to be a truly memorable weekend - Ta me ag súil go mór sibh ar fad a fheiceáil ann (I am looking forward to seeing you all there).
What will be the star attractions?
Our main and star act is Hermitage Green, an up-and-coming five-piece band from Ireland. They are extremely popular and specialize in traditional Irish music with a modern twist. In all, about 600 people will pack into Splash Garden at Aloft Hotel on Friday to hear them play. People will also have the chance to see some Irish dancing and listen to music by Thresh the Corn at the City Golf Club during the festival.
Sports fans won't want to miss the Kentz GAA Middle East Championship which will take place in Zayed Sports City. So, come along and marvel at hurling - the fastest field game in the world! Irish Gaelic football legend and sports pundit Pat Spillane will be in attendance throughout the weekend. too.
Adults aside, kids will be well catered for with plenty of free activities available on-site from face painting to bouncy castles.
The Irish have long made the UAE a home-from-home. Why do you think that is?
The UAE is a fantastic country with huge opportunities for Irish people. Skilled Irish workers from teachers, nurses, lawyers and those in construction have the chance to secure great employment in this region. There is also a lot of sun, which to be honest, we don't get a lot of in Ireland. In addition, the UAE is a top location for world-class music and sporting events, which appeals greatly to Irish people.
The amount of Irish expatriates choosing to settle here is growing all the time and that was a primary reason for me hosting this event. The trend is also evident within the Abu Dhabi Irish society where numbers have trebled in the past two years alone. Abu Dhabi is a fantastic city with quality hotels, golf courses and facilities so what better way to show them off than by having the venues full of smiling Irish people? I'm very proud to live in such a cosmopolitan city and see this as a golden opportunity to showcase Ireland and all it has to offer.
Why do you think the Emiratis and the Irish have a reputation for getting on so well?
I think the greatest qualities Irish people have is their sense of humor and their generosity. These are qualities which are very evident in the many Emiratis I am exposed to on a daily basis. The Irish are also an easygoing people and tend to get on well with most nationalities.
Is there potential for a UAE Irish Festival to be held in Dubai next year too, considering the large community of Irish expatriates there?
It is not something I had thought of but with the growing Irish population in the country it might be possible to hold a joint venture with our near neighbors in Dubai. We tend to support each other's events as much as possible so I am sure it's something which could occur.
* For further details and ticketing information visit www.irishsocietyabudhabi.com or www.abudhabinafianna.com
rduane@thenational.ae
Etihad Irish Festival in Abu Dhabi coming this weekend
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