ABU DHABI // Dubai Celts grabbed the first silverware in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games after a clinical demolition of Abu Dhabi in the Middle East Hurling Cup final.
Having edged them out in the league phase of the competition in extra time after the scores were tied, the Celts produced a better show to win 14-5 in the final held at the Zayed Sports City in Friday’s opening day of the Games.
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Abu Dhabi matched the Celts in the first quarter point for point to level at 4-4 but the latter took hold of the game after running up a 10-4 lead at half time.
“It wasn’t as easy a game as the scoreline suggests,” said Niall Greene of the winning team.
“Our last three games were very tough. We were actually playing the same team twice. We just managed to beat them in the first meeting and had to play Abu Dhabi ‘A’ in the semi-final.
“In the final, we managed to score at every given opportunity but it was a real good fight until the end. Obviously we are glad to win this inaugural title. It took some hard work but was rewarding at the end.”
The Canadian women’s Gaelic football team enjoyed the sun on their back having left behind freezing weather back home.
They raced to a 19-3 win over South Africa and meet them again in the shield semi-final on Saturday while Middle East takes on Galicia in the other.
“We have had a good run so far and hopefully will try to go all the way and win this title, that’s obviously our objective after the first day’s competition,” Canadian coach Paul Loughnane said.
“The facilities here are amazing. It is amazing to see the grass in great shape in the desert. We arrived from temperatures of minus 30 and are enjoying the plus 30 weather.
“Apart from the competition we are delighted to see so many different cultures coming in and playing what’s a very Irish game but it’s becoming a world game.
“I hope and wish the World Games keeps growing with more international participation.”
In the ladies Games semi-finals, Middle East-2 meet Australasia and Middle East-1 take on Asia-1 while North America play Europe and New York face Asia-1 in the Plate semis.
In the men’s Games semis, Middle East-2 meet Asia-1 and Middle East-1 play New York while Argentina takes on Middle East and Galicia play South Africa in the last four in the Shield.
Canada 1 and 2 meet North America and Europe respectively in the Plate semi-finals.
Saturday’s action begins at 11am with the ladies Shield semi-finals and concludes with the men’s final at 5pm.
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