Dublin’s Double Header at Croke Park will attract a bigger crowd and more column inches but the World GAA Games taking place in Abu Dhabi this weekend will be of greater long term importance in the future development of the GAA.
Representatives from Argentina, Asia, Australia, Europe, the United States, Canada, South Africa and the Middle East will compete in the first event of its kind, made possible through the partnership of Etihad Airways.
The games will take place on Friday and Saturday and will be preceded today by a World Business Forum on linking Ireland and the Middle East to be attended by the Irish Ambassador, a number of local and Irish multinational businesses and the new president of the GAA, Aogán O’Feargail.
“This is new territory for our games and this most special event comes on the back of an unprecedented explosion in the growth of our international units and network,” said O’Feargail.
“It serves as a timely reminder that our games and activities have never been more popular outside Ireland and great credit is due to Middle East GAA for their role in organising this event and bringing what was an ambitious plan to fruition.”
“I sincerely hope it is the start of something we will enjoy for many years to come and I wish all the competing teams and players every success.”
The games have already had an impact at home with the South Africa Gaels teams visiting Dublin for a skills session with coaches and players at UCD this week, on a circuitous route to Abu Dhabi.
The session finished off with a match between the first female South Africa Gaels team and the UCD International Ladies GAA Team.
“Both teams are sponsored by ESB International and a visit of this nature is an excellent opportunity to highlight the impact Gaelic Games has on a global platform” said UCD Director of Sport Brian Mullins
“As an international business, sponsoring the UCD International Ladies GAA team and the South Africa Gaels is a natural fit for us,” added Ollie Brogan, Managing Director of ESB International
“The UCD International Ladies team, who will participate in the GAA Games in Asia, helps us to promote our presence in this region and demonstrates the true international nature of our business.”
