Just a reminder about tomorrow night’s “grudge match” – throw-in is at 7:30 and it is taking place at The American International School out on 29th Street.

Please see the list attached for those who have confirmed for the singles so far. If anyone else is interested in playing just come along at 7:30. Pat is still looking after the married team so if there are any more poor souls out there please let Pat know as to your availability (050 6718499).

• Married team – can you please wear white t-shirts.
• Singles team – can you please wear dark t-shirts.

On Friday, May 29th 2009, Abu Dhabi Na Fianna Men’s Senior Team ended a long wait for championship success when they won The UAE Gulf Championship, bridging a six year gap stretching back to their last success in this competition in 2003.

In a thrilling championship deciding game Abu Dhabi edged out rivals Dubai Celts by a solitary point after two periods of extra time were needed to separate these two great sides.

What made this victory even more astonishing was the fact that Abu Dhabi trailed 2-0 in this series at the turn of the year, only to turn things around in remarkable fashion to clinch a 3-2 series success.

Match report and photos to follow shortly. Click the picture above for a larger view.

Back Row (L-R): Peter Rolls, John Lennon, Andrew McCarthy, Trevor Buckley, Kevin Dooley, Dan Brooke, Vinnie Murphy, Mark Whelan, Jonathan O’Neill, John McKevitt, Keith Robinson.

Middle Row (L-R): Brett Bowman, Sean Casey, John Swarbrigg, Steven O’Connell, Mark O’Sullivan, Frank Rahilly, Mick Molnar, Ross Miotti, Declan Madden, Ray Ahern.

Front Row (L-R): Conor Doran, Stephen Daly, Gary Tracey.

The Trip to Fujairah this weekend is still going ahead! Apologies for lack of information and updates recently but can I please have people confirming if they will be attending? I need to finalise the booking as there have been a number of rooms already booked. I would like to have this completed ASAP.

For those who still don’t know the plan it’s just a little getaway from Abu Dhabi for the weekend and will give people a chance to chill out before heading away. We expect to leave Abu Dhabi (probably Chouiefat School) at 0900 on Friday. As we have ten Chalets booked at the Sandy Beach it means we have our own BBQ’s which is where lunch, dinner and probably breakfast will be prepared.

There are a number of facilities at the Sandy Beach for people to go snorkling, scuba diving and other things. Check out the website here http://www.sandybm.com/facility.htm

The Cost is going to be AED 300 per head which includes travel and accommodation. Remember you can bring your own booze and food (but I will arrange something with those going) so once you get up there the only thing you’ll have to spend money on is if you want to do some of the activities.

I appreciate a quick response as I have to finalise the booking by lunch time tomorrow. If you have any more questions please feel free to contact me at 050 75 25 758 or by email.

Jonathan

Two promotions from One to One Hotel - a new place to check out in Abu Dhabi! The hotel is located off Salam St (although you can’t get to it from there) and Defence Road (11th Street, or the mobile phone souq). See the map at http://www.onetoonehotels.com/locationmap-tv.php

We have one more match left before heading for cooler climes later this month and that is the Married vs Singles annual match.

It is due to take place this coming Thursday night, June 11th from 7:30 – 8:30 pm at The American International School.

The game is open to both guys and gals and will be contested with the Tadhg Flahive Cup up for grabs. Let it be known that the singles are this year going for an unprecedented 3-in-a-row – something even the “mighty” Kerry (and I use that word loosely)  couldn’t achieve last summer.

For those interested in playing on the married team (and yes you do have to be married) please contact Pat English on 050 6718499 so Pat will have an idea of numbers.

For those interested in playing on the singles team (in a relationship is still single) please contact me on 050 3236804 so I will have an idea of numbers and can plan accordingly.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday night.

Declan

Andrew here: Attached is a flyer for an event that might be of interest to you. It’s a screening of the 3 Lions games at the Ballroom in the Crowne Plaza with 3 very large screens. It should be a really good atmosphere and a good place to watch the games.
Andrew

We have a Men’s game against Dubai this coming Friday, May 29th at 4:30 out at The American School.
 
And this is no ordinary game – it’s a title decider for the Gulf Championship. In this best of 5 series it is currently tied at 2-2!
 
Abu Dhabi have not won this Championship since 2003 so history in the making beckons. Come down on Friday and support the lads in their quest for Championship success! It would be great to bring the cup home in front of a partisan crowd on Friday so get yourself down and cheer on the lads.

Unfortunately, Dubai have pulled out of the proposed Ladies game so there will only be a men’s game on Friday. Sorry girls!

Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday.
Cheers,
Declan.
 
P.S.

As part of our end of season celebrations, awards are presented for the male and female player of the year.
 
These awards have always been chosen by you the players, and this year will be no different.
 
Guys – can you please text Johnny (050 752 5758) with your nomination for male player of the year – the one player you feel has excelled the most on the field of play for Na Fianna this year.
 
Ladies - can you please text Bríd (050 322 4021) with your nomination for female player of the year – the one player you feel has excelled the most on the field of play for Na Fianna this year.
 
The cut-off date for voting will be next Tuesday, June 2nd at 8:00 pm. At that time all votes will be tallied and a winner announced on the night of the ball - Thursday, June 4th.

Please note:  There will be a final chance to buy tickets at the Box Office on Monday June 1st from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in The Crowne Plaza Hotel outside Cappucino’s Café.
 
Get your votes in asap.
 
Cheers,
Declan.