How Gaelic games are played in Dubai - in pictures

  • Women fight for the ball during a game of camogie – the women's variant of the Irish sport of hurling at The Sevens, Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Women fight for the ball during a game of camogie – the women's variant of the Irish sport of hurling at The Sevens, Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Camogie and hurling are traditional Irish sports whose roots predate recorded Irish history
    Camogie and hurling are traditional Irish sports whose roots predate recorded Irish history
  • A camog takes a rest during a touch match
    A camog takes a rest during a touch match
  • Two players tussle for the sliotar - or ball
    Two players tussle for the sliotar - or ball
  • A hurler keeps his touch sharp
    A hurler keeps his touch sharp
  • A hurler attempts to 'hook' his opponent's caman - or hurling stick - during a match
    A hurler attempts to 'hook' his opponent's caman - or hurling stick - during a match
  • A ball used for the traditional Irish sport of Gaelic football. It is slightly smaller and heavier than a soccer ball
    A ball used for the traditional Irish sport of Gaelic football. It is slightly smaller and heavier than a soccer ball
  • Players, organised into two teams of 15, can catch, kick and fist pass the ball
    Players, organised into two teams of 15, can catch, kick and fist pass the ball
  • Scoring in Gaelic football and hurling is achieved by putting the ball over the bar for a single point, or into the net for a goal, which is worth three points
    Scoring in Gaelic football and hurling is achieved by putting the ball over the bar for a single point, or into the net for a goal, which is worth three points
  • Gaelic games are an important part of life for Irish communities, whether at home or abroad
    Gaelic games are an important part of life for Irish communities, whether at home or abroad
  • Two opponents clash during a game
    Two opponents clash during a game
  • Gaelic games have been played in the UAE for years
    Gaelic games have been played in the UAE for years
  • Gaelic football is a tough sport that combines the skills seen in football (the better-known version), basketball and rugby
    Gaelic football is a tough sport that combines the skills seen in football (the better-known version), basketball and rugby
  • The Gaelic Athletic Association is a cornerstone of life for many expat Irish communities, with the sports offering a way for newcomers to make friends and settle in
    The Gaelic Athletic Association is a cornerstone of life for many expat Irish communities, with the sports offering a way for newcomers to make friends and settle in
  • Gaelic football and hurling are an important part of social life for Irish men and women living overseas
    Gaelic football and hurling are an important part of social life for Irish men and women living overseas