The club primarily welcomes Irish expats but also caters for several different nationalities who are curious about the nature of the national sport from Ireland
The amateur sports scene in Abu Dhabi is vast and extensive with something for almost everyone, but one of the most recognisable organisations that continues to prosper in the city is that of Na Fianna GAA, overseen by current chairman Brian Hogan and his dedicated committee which boasts over 500 members, 387 of whom are actively playing.
Having been established in 1995 as a way of bringing Irish expats together, the club has increased in size exponentially to the point that they believe they are the biggest GAA club outside of Ireland; no mean feat when you take into account the immense diaspora in numerous cities in the US and Australia.
The club primarily welcomes Irish expats but also caters for several different nationalities who are curious about the nature of the national sport from Ireland. It’s not uncommon to have teams dotted with players from Britain, the US and Canada, among others.
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Because of the high volume of the members, players and staff involved, the club is run by Brian and his team on a near professional level and if you happen to pop down to Zayed Sports City any evening of the week, it is impossible to ignore the presence of the Na Fianna crew.
However, Offaly native Trevor Buckley, who has previously served as Chairperson for nine years, explains that the club originated with very humble beginnings indeed.
“The club was founded in 1995 and the guys used to train in a park in the early days, then at the American School on 29th Street. Later the club found its home in Zayed Sports City, a fabulous world class facility in the heart of Abu Dhabi.”
Na Fianna boasts numerous teams in both male and female codes, and compete regularly at the highest levels in the Middle East.
Their first teams are stacked with inter-county players from Ireland which means that although it is 9-a-side football, the standards can sometimes eclipse that from those set in the Emerald Isle.
All teams take part in monthly tournaments throughout the year with the pinnacle arriving in March when they host the championships at Zayed Sports City.
This is one of the biggest amateur events in the capital and welcomes over 1000 people to the stadium, showcasing the very best of Irish football and hurling as well as maintaining important traditions and culture.
Na Fianna has become the place to go for Irish ex-pats who continue to immigrate into the UAE. It provides a ‘home away from home’ feel for all those who join. Long may their success continue on and off the field.
For further information on sporting events in Abu Dhabi, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi Life