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Hundreds of Gaelic players are hoping they have the luck of the Irish this weekend as they take part in a series of fierce sporting competitions and entertainment events.
The annual Bahrain Games Irish Festival, staged at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) in Saar, will witness seniors, intermediates and social teams from across the GCC compete for the Cup in the second round of the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce Middle East League.
“We will play host to the Bahrain Games from November 10 to 12,” said Kieran Gallagher, Bahrain’s Arabian Celts Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Club chairperson.
“It’s always a fantastic weekend and we would urge anyone with an interest in sport (and fun) to visit BRFC, where we will host a juvenile tournament on Friday (November 10) and the main event, Round 2A of the Middle East League, for the senior teams, on Saturday (November 11),” he added.
“Around 800 players will take part across the two days, so it promises to be a special weekend, both on and off the pitch.
“The ethos of the Arabian Celts was built around inclusivity. There is a role for everyone on the pitch and we would welcome anyone to come down and join in training too.
“The Bahrain Games gives an exciting window of opportunity to witness the event up close and you will see what all the fuss is about.”
The Arabian Celts (GAA)Club, described on their Instagram account as ‘the home of Gaelic football in Bahrain’, belongs to the broader Middle East League, which now has 15 registered clubs based in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, and of course, Bahrain.
“There is a huge team ethos central to the sport, hence it is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Ireland,” added Kieran.
“And while Gaelic football is an Irish team sport, here in Bahrain, we have people from different countries and backgrounds participating.
“It is closely associated with Australian rules football, although we play the sport with a round ball which is a touch smaller and heavier than a soccer ball. It’s also often described as a cross between soccer and rugby – it involves a lot of catching, kicking and hand passing and is both great for fitness and a lot of fun!”
According to Kieran, the format of play is also slightly different in the Middle East as it involves fewer players (nine-a-side) on the pitch than the 15-a-side format in Ireland.
“But as that involves a lot more free space, the teamwork and communication are huge,” he continued. “Aside from that, it is a good cardio workout, and for kids, it’s great for their co-ordination and development. The Arabian Celts Club has been the reason behind so many strong friendships and lasting memories both on and off the pitch.”
The club has close to 200 registered members that are playing regularly, with just under half of them being under the age of 15.
“We have a burgeoning juvenile section which helps to grow the game and (hopefully) provide some stars for the future,” added Kieran.
They have children training for Under-12s on Friday mornings at 8am, alongside a ‘Mothers and Others’ training session which is ideal for beginners or those interested in getting back into Gaelic after some time off whilst their children train too.
Teenagers come together on Tuesday at 6pm, whilst adults train up to three times a week on Sunday and Tuesday evenings, and again on Friday mornings. All training sessions take place at the BRFC.
The season started last month and the Club’s senior squads have already had their first outings at tournaments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Kieran said ‘all the four teams that travelled put in some admirable performances’.
“We’ve also had some memorable successes in the last 10 years. Our men’s team won an Asian Games title in Kuala Lumpur in 2013, the Senior Cup in Abu Dhabi in 2014 and the Senior Plate again in Abu Dhabi in 2016,” he added.
“More recently, they won an Intermediate Plate title in Dubai in 2022. Our Ladies are now our flag bearers in the Middle East Senior League, having previously captured an unprecedented Intermediate League and Championship ‘double’ in the 2018-19 season.
“We have high hopes for the season ahead, but at the forefront of all our minds is putting up a good showing at the upcoming Bahrain Games.
“We’re hoping that home support will help us get over the line. We hope our teams lift at least one trophy on Saturday night (November 11)!”
Irish singer and songwriter Conleth McGeary and his band will also be performing on day two of the festivities.
For details, follow @arabiancelts on Instagram.
