Irish Embassies in the Gulf - Middle East GAA Webinar Series

News

As part of their COVID-19 community outreach programmes, the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi, the Embassy of Ireland in Riyadh and the Middle East Board of the GAA are joining forces to host a short season of webinars aimed at the large GAA community and the wider Irish community across the Gulf states.

The Irish Embassies in the Gulf - Middle East GAA Webinar Series will offer support, information and guidance, and a conversation with the large Irish community in the Gulf at a time when COVID-19 restrictions remain in place across the region.

The Gulf region has come to be a popular destination for Irish emigrants in recent years and is now home to a substantial Irish community, with an estimated 20,000 Irish citizens living in the region. There are over 1,300 active GAA members across the Gulf, broken down into 15 clubs across the six Gulf states. There are 10 in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The webinar series was launched by Aidan Cronin, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, Gerard McCoy, Ireland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman and Stephen Twomey, Chairman of the Middle East GAA Board.

The first webinar in the series will take place on Monday 18^th May. Full details and registration links are provided below.

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Cronin said:

“There are some 20,000 Irish citizens living in the Gulf region and it is important at this challenging and uncertain time that we stay in touch with them. The GAA network in the Gulf region is notable for its size, for its reach and for its dynamism and I am delighted that we have this opportunity to work with Middle East GAA as part of our efforts to stay connected to our citizens.

Ambassador McCoy added:

“The webinar series will have a sporting focus but it will also deal with issues such as mental and physical wellbeing, returning to Ireland and employment-related issues. I know that the series will be beneficial to all who tune in from their homes and I want to thank all of the speakers for giving of their time”.  

Mr. Twomey commented:

“Middle East GAA is delighted to be partnering with the two Irish embassies in the Gulf region on this important initiative. The primary purpose of this short season of webinars is to reach out to and support the Irish communities in the region at this difficult time.

The topics to be covered will include underage training techniques, injury prevention, returning to Ireland, mental health and nutrition and strength and conditioning workshops.

“I am particularly looking forward to the “A Night with the Stars” on Wednesday May 27^th when former Cork hurling star Tomás Mulcahy will chat with three other GAA icons, details to be announced closer to the time. That is definitely one for the diary.”

 Webinar details and registration links:

Webinar 1 

• Live 1hr webinar with Cork GAA’s Games Development Officer Colm Crowley. Colm will provide insights and training techniques for underage teams across the region.
• Monday 18th May 2020, 8pm GST / 7pm AST
• Registration: https://bit.ly/MEGAAWebinar1 
  Once registered, a link will be sent to the attendee’s e-mail address

Webinar 2

• Live webinar hosted by LGFA on club coaching philosophies, focusing on coaching priorities for your club and the type of coaching necessary to emphasise these.
• Tuesday 19th May 2020, 7pm GST / 6pm AST
• Registration: please click here 
  Once registered, a link will be sent to the attendee’s e-mail address

Webinar 3 

• Live webinar with established physiotherapist (formerly Kerry GAA) Eddie Harnett and Head of Sports Science (Cork City FC and Cork Ladies Football) Kevin Tattan. With over 25 years’ experience in injury treatment and S&C across numerous sports, this session will provide an insight on injury prevention and rehabilitation for players across all codes across the region.
• Wednesday 20th May 2020, 7pm GST / 6pm AST
• Registration: https://bit.ly/MEGAAWebinar3 
  Once registered, a link will be sent to the attendee’s e-mail address

Webinar 4

• Live webinar hosted by LGFA on underage player recruitment, focusing on LGFA Gaelic4Girls and the potential for development of the underage game in the region.
• Friday 22nd May 2020, 7pm GST / 6pm AST
• Registration: please click here 
  Once registered, a link will be sent to the attendee’s e-mail address

Webinar 5

• A night with GAA icons.
• Wednesday 27^th May 2020, 9:30pm GST / 8:30pm AST
• Registration: http://tiny.cc/Webinar5  

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