January 2009
Dubai Irish Golf Society (DIGS), an
off shoot of Dubai Irish Society, was
founded in 2003. The first Captain
was Colm McLoughlin followed by
Paul Thornberry, Tom Barry, John
Merrigan, Richard Ingram, and the
present Captain is George Horan.
The objective of Dubai Irish Golf
Society is to provide the
opportunity for golfers within the
community to play at pre-arranged
events on different courses
throughout the year. Prior to DIGS,
most golfing events for the
community were arranged by Paul
Thornberry. From a small beginning,
there are now in excess of 200
playing in these DIGS events.
Winners of the last DIGS event at
the Arabian Ranches
This year we have had three events.
1. Emirates Golf Club sponsored by
Sharaf Industries, Dubai (thanks to
John Merrigan, Chief Operating
Officer)
2. Dubai Creek Golf Club sponsored
by Areva T & D, Dubai (thanks to
John McDonagh, Regional Sales
Director Oil & Gas)
3. Arabian Ranches sponsored by
Condor Scaffolding Contracting LLC,
Dubai (thanks to John White,
Managing Director)
The next event, sponsored by John
Jameson LLC will take place on the
22nd of Jan 2009 at the Jebel Ali Golf
Resort & Spa. There are also two
further events scheduled:
1. The Mark Fahey Memorial Day at
Four Seasons Golf Club - sponsored
by Dubai Duty Free (thanks to Colm
McLoughlin)
2. Captain’s Day at Dubai Creek Golf
Club –sponsor (TBC)
Membership of DIGS cost Dhs100/-
which entitles the member to a
Greg Norman T-Shirt, very kindly
sponsored by Richard Ingram of
Ingram Group, Dubai.
Regards
For those who would like to be on the
George Horan
DIGS circulation list, please email Ms
Captain/DIGS
Nida Ponce, Nida.Ponce@ddf.ae.
Dubai Irish Society Newsletter
Presidents’ Messages
Welcome Message
As President of the Dubai Celts, I
am delighted to welcome you all
here to Dubai for the Gulf Gaelic
Games. For those of you who are
visiting Dubai for the first time, I
hope that you enjoy the weekend.
For those of you returning, I am
sure that there are still many new
attractions in Dubai that you can
still enjoy.
The Dubai Celts have worked hard
to ensure that this tournament is a
success. Their dedication and com-
mitment to promoting Irish sport
overseas is admirable and I am
aware of the amount of time given
by the Celts to ensure that this
weekend goes according to plan.
As a result of this weekend, the
Dubai Celts are also putting a
spotlight on Dubai as a first class
sports destination and the new
Emirates Sevens facility is an ex-
cellent example of what can be
achieved in Dubai in a relatively
short space of time. I am delighted
to see so many young people in
the Gulf dedicated to Irish sport
and I wish you all a successful
tournament.
Colm McLoughlin,
President, Dubai Celts
Managing Director Dubai
Duty Free
D.I.S. January Quote:
“People are always blaming their circumstances for where they are. I
don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world
are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want,
Iris Gaelach Dubai
Dia Daoibh
Athb hli ai n faoi
mhaise daoibh agus
céad míle fáilte
romhaibh chuig an
gcéad eagrán de
nuacht-litir Chumann
Gaelach Dubai.
Erin Ní Néill is
Chair, DIS
ainm dom agus is
as Corcaigh dom.
Táim i mo thriú bliain anseo i Dubai, ag obair
san ionad Starwood, i Mina-Seyahi.
Beidh sé de chuspóir agam eolas a thabhairt
daoibh faoi na heachtraí éagsúla a bheidh ar
siúl i rith na bliana, chomh maith le scéalta
éagsúla, nuacht srl. Bain taithneamh as.
Ní neart go cur le chéile!
Slán go fóill, Erin
Happy New Year to you and welcome to the
first edition of the Dubai Irish Society's
Quarterly newsletter. In case our paths have
not crossed allow me steal a moment to
introduce myself…. My name is Erin O'Neill
and I come from Cork. This is my third year
in Dubai, working at the Mina Seyahi
Complex, a Starwood Resort. It is my aim to
bring news & updates to you about the
different events that will be happening
during the year in the Irish Community here
in Dubai. Also some interesting stories, news
items and more. I hope that you enjoy.
Remember ‘There is no strength without
unity.’
Bye for now,
Erin
and if they can’t find them… they make them.”
-George Bernard Shaw
 Dubai Irish Society Newsletter
DIS Irish Profile of the Quarter: Page 2
Brenda Cooke, Retirement Home & Rehabilitation Centre
Brenda loves horses. A passion passed from her father and
Dubai Celts hosts
one she seems to share equally with His Highness Sheikh international
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This, coupled with Gaelic Sevens
growing up in an Irish family of 7 children has developed her
perfectly for her current role as the Al Ruwayyah Stable The Dubai Celts GAA Club,
Manager at Sheikh Mohammed’s Retirement Home & sponsored by Dubai Duty Free,
Rehabilitation Centre. Undoubtedly, a life devotion among a
will play host for the third
staff of 49 men and 147 horses at the stables on the border of
Oman. This centre developed by the Sheikh Mohammed for year running to the world‟s
retired and injured horses was in need of a soulful touch such largest International Sevens Gaelic Football and Hurling Sevens
as Brenda's to ensure these magnificent creatures were being
well cared for. Having worked for over 20 years, starting with Tournament at the new Emirates 7s Sports Complex on Friday 23rd
Kildangan Stud in the Emerald Isle, it was a pleasure for and Saturday 24th January.
Brenda to come to
the sunny, warm This year‟s tournament has attracted a truly international spread of
weather and
clubs: 6 clubs from Ireland, 1 from Brussels and 9 from Asia and
continue her
services here. When the Middle East. Up to 600 players will participate in the two day
asked what she tournament which is proudly sponsored by Dubai Duty Free. “The
misses most from
home, it was fresh Gulf Gaelic Games 2007 and 2008 were a huge success and we
from the oven, big expect this year‟s tournament to be bigger and better again. Not
crusted ’loaf’
bread….and only is it a great opportunity for the Irish in Dubai to come
Cadburys chocolate! together and get a feel for home, but it is also an opportunity to
No matter what they say it is just not the same here!
showcase their unique games to the people of Dubai,” comments
Brenda remembers starting with only 11 horses, growing to 97
Colm McLoughlin, President of the Dubai Celts and Managing
beauties within two years and now at an astounding 147
beauties. Quite an achievement, I think you will agree! Director of Dubai Duty Free.. “It helps to bring together cultures
On any given morning, Brenda awakes to greet the sun and as well as encouraging Irish teams to visit and experience the
each and every horse to ensure their continued health, warm Arabian hospitality and heritage,” he added.
happiness and well-being. From feeding, examining and
exercising them, the care Brenda takes in these creatures is The tournament this year will see intense rivalry between
definitely more than just a morning greeting. It is a full time job
and life devotion. Nothing but the absolute best for these established clubs from Ireland and Europe against the growing
horses, from practically luxury accommodation to the best feed strength of the Middle East clubs including Dubai Celts. Neutral
and medicine money can buy. These horses get the star
experienced referees flown especially from Ireland will guarantee
treatment as though they are still race winners!
fair play for all. Ladies and gents are catered for in equal measure
A special thank you to Brenda who invited Erin & Donal into
her home to share her story with the Irish Community in Dubai as both actively participate in the Gaelic football and hurling
competitions (called camogie for ladies).
Ciorcal Comhrá
Would you like to practice Hurling is the oldest and fastest team field sport in the world and
Ar mhaith leat comhrá as your Irish? Even if you've
only got the 'cúpla focal' this years tournament will feature an exhibition game between the
Gaeilge? Mura bhfuil ach
cúpla focal agat beidh spórt we'll have some fun any- 5th and 6th form students from Jumeirah College and Wellington
againn ar aon chor! Tá cónaí way! There are plenty of us
ar go leor Éireannaigh anseo Irish living here in Dubai International School, none of whom are Irish and some of whom
in Dubai agus is deis iontach í and this is a great opportu- only took up the game in the last 8 weeks due to the
seo don phobal an Ghaeilge a nity to meet up and practice
chleachtadh ag ócáid your ‘Gaeilge' in a social encouragement and enthusiasm of their teacher and coach Danny
shóisialta. Grúpa beag setting. We're a small, infor-
mal group and this is a Cotterell from Co. Kilkenny. According to Danny his students
neamhfhoirmiúil muide agus
seo seans dhuit tús a dhé- chance for you to make a have taken to hurling „like ducks to water‟.
anamh ar an nGaeilge labhar- start on spoken Irish with no
tha gan strus, gan bhrú. pressure and no stress.

Beimid ag bualadh le chéile gach tráthnóna Luain ó 8.i.n. - 9.i.n. We will meet every Monday evening 8-9 pm. Is féidir tuilleadh
eolais a fháil ó Louise: louisesmith50@gmail.com Please contact Louise for more information: louisesmith50@gmail.com
 Dubai Irish Society Newsletter
Irish business looks to the Page 3
Gulf for further growth
December saw Jim Mongey and his Enterprise Ireland
team settling into their new expanded Middle East/North
A sweet taste of Ireland
Africa HQ, with a wonderful
street address: Number One,
Bread and Butter Pudding
Sheikh Zayed Road. The Enter- 12 slices white bread crusts removed
prise Ireland office (and the Irish
Visa Facilitation Office) has 2ozs/55g butter,preferably unsalted
moved from the Crowne Plaza
to Level 4 of the office tower of
1/2 teasp.nutmeg or cinnamon or mixed spice
the Monarch Hotel at World 7 oz./200g plump raisins or sultanas
Trade Centre Interchange.
4 large eggs beaten lightly
The EI team focuses tightly on
helping Irish companies – 8 fl ozs/225ml milk
mostly on a confidential one to
one basis - to win export deals
16 fl ozs/475ml cream
and business partners in 23 1 teasp pure vanilla essence
countries, primarily in the Mid-
dle East and North Africa. How- 6 oz/170g castor sugar
ever it works most intensively in
the Gulf States.
pinch of salt
The Dubai offices were formally opened by Tanaiste 1 tablesp.granulated sugar for sprinkling on top
(Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Enterprise Trade
and Employment Mary Coughlan, T.D., at the conclusion
——————
of the huge (125 executives from 88 companies travelled
from Ireland) Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Abu
Garnish: Softly whipped cream
Dhabi and Dubai. During her visit the Tanaiste held busi-
ness development discussions with the UAE Ministers for Pottery or china dish,8 inches /20.5cm square
Industry and Foreign Trade, the Secretary General of Du-
bai’s Executive Council, the Chairman of Etisalat and ——————
many others to advance Ireland’s overseas business
agenda. During the Mission Enterprise Ireland Clients Butter the bread and arrange 4 slices,butter side down,in a
announced contracts in excess of 40 million Euro. single layer in the dish.Sprinkle the bread with half the nutmeg
The EI team is hard at work now in planning a 2009 pro-
gramme, the more public manifestations of which will be:
and half the raisins,and arrange another layer of bread,buttered
Trade Missions to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE; seminars side down over the raisins and sprinkle the remaining nutmeg and
in Ireland on construction Opportunities in the Gulf; in-
ward visits to Ireland by major corporate buyers etc It will raisins on top. Cover with the remaining bread,buttered side down.
also be continuing its work to develop “Irish Business
Networks” in other Gulf business capitals, building on its In a bowl whisk together the eggs,milk,cream,vanilla es-
experience in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and many other
centres across Europe, North America and Asia
sence,sugar and salt.Pour mixture through a fine sieve over the
According to Jim Mongey of Enterprise Ireland: bread. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top and let the
“Our year has never gotten off to a faster and more de- mixture stand,covered loosely, at room temp.for at least 1 hour or
manding start than it has this January. Conditions in virtu-
ally all traditional markets in Europe and North America
chill overnight.
are extremely difficult. Our clients in Ireland need the
business more than ever – and it is widely recognised that
Bake in a bain-marie -the water should be half way up the sides
their capabilities and experience match neatly with needs of the baking dish.Bake the pudding in the middle of the preheated
of Gulf Governments and businesses as they drive ahead
with their ambitious development plans. oven,180 degreesC/350 degreesFarn/regulo4,for 1 hour
We are very lucky to have so many friends in our Irish approx.or until the top is crisp and golden.Serve warm with some
Business Networks and Irish Societies who help us to
spread the word about the excellence in service and prod- softly whipped cream.
uct solutions that Ireland can bring to the accelerated
development of the Gulf” Serves 6-8
Caption describing pic-
Note: This pudding
ture reheats perfectly.!!
or graphic.
Page 4 Dubai Celts Juvenile Section
From humble beginnings back in 2006 and 2007 saw the group
1996, Paul McCabe, having hone their skills and mature into
founded Dubai Celts as a club, competent footballers. It allowed
set about getting the juvenile us, for the first time ever, to run
section up and running. From some of our juvenile players in the
that time it has grown into a social section of the 2008 Dubai
strong cohesive unit where Duty Free Gaelic Games. In fact
there’s always a bit of craic and they probably scored more points
competition. I can remember in than some of the “social players”.
Dubai Celts Feb 2000 the early noughtys arriving at The 2008 tournament also saw for Early devotees in 2003.
what was the former Exiles to the first time, the participation of
help out the volunteers of the day, the two Brians, Sergent and Dubai College and English College in the juvenile section of the
Gray, to see a hopeful group of young kids eager to learn the skills tournament.
of this great game. Paul McCabe, together with these selfless vol-
A personal goal I have had for a long time was to take the children
unteers down through the years has been the backbone of juvenile
on tour and demonstrate to all the other clubs in the region that
football in the UAE. Without some of the parents such as the
children like and enjoy playing Gaelic football, and, given the
Bruders, Mannions and Dunleavy’s the interest would not have
continued. Paul and the others sowed the early seeds of interest in chance they will excel at it. On the 20th of November 2008, and for
the parents of the juve- the first time in the history of GAA in the Gulf, 20 children and their
parents set out from Dubai to represent Dubai Celts GAA Club and
niles and this continues
play specifically in the Bahrain Gaelic Games Tournament. This
today.
turned out to be an overwhelming and memorable success for all
Most of the competition those who took part in the tournament. Whether it will have the
at this time was from desired effect of generating interest in juvenile football in the re-
those who attended the gion still remains to be seen. It is early days yet, but I am hopeful.
regular training sessions
Dubai Duty Free Gaelic Games 2009 will be another milestone as
together with a few
we will have two sec-
stragglers who would Dubai Celts Juniors March 2005 tions, an under 10 and
turn up for the main
Under 14, with two
tournaments. It was the
teams competing in
early days and although there was fantastic commitment from all
sides, training and attendance tended to be a bit haphazard. There each. We again wel-
come our friends from
followed a short hiatus where there was little or no training.
Abu Dhabi as the main
2005 saw a renewed interest in the juvenile section. Together with competition, but would
the great stalwart of Dubai Celts, Paul McCabe, we introduced a love to see other teams
more regular structure. Donal McCarthy joined us for some time, in the form of social
teaching the skills of hurling and the greatness of Cork County hurl- clubs, schools, etc par- Dubai Celts Juniors, Bahrain Nov 2008
ing in particular. The hurling skills are still being taught, it’s just a ticipate.
pity that Cork couldn’t stand the test of time.
It must be said, however, that none of the successes of the juve-
We were joined in our enthusiasm by the likes of Johnny Rae, Pat niles would be possible without the support of the parents in-
English, P J Kirwan and others in Abu Dhabi. This allowed a regular volved. It takes huge commitment to attend the training sessions
series of games on a home and away basis which was great for the on a regular basis as well as driving to games in Abu Dhabi and
development of the game in the country. 2005 also saw the Brud- Dubai. With all the distractions and activities now available for
ers again return to the training young people within the Emirates it is again a fantastic positive to
sessions and together with one see all the regular and new children of the club wanting to partici-
or two other families they have pate and learn the skills of our national sports. With the up and
remained faithful supporters of coming young guns like Frank Doyle, and in particular Anthony
GAA in the Emirate, attending Murphy who has taken on the mantle of responsibility for hurling
almost every training session training, the future looks good for youth GAA in the Emirate of
since then. Dubai. Long may it continue.
We have been lucky in the sup- Declan O’Donovan
Dubai Celts Juniors 2007 port we have received
from each successive Du-
bai Celts committee which
Dubai Irish Society would like to welcome
has come and gone throughout the years. Each member has our newest member,
actively encouraged the development of the juvenile section Daniel James Hayes-Darwish.
and supported us whenever it was needed. This has allowed Congratulations to
the children the opportunity to participate in all the tourna- Margaret and Nabil!
ments and sessions they have wanted to take part in.
 Page 5
A chairde,
Dubai Irish Society Membership
Ath bhliain faoi mhaise duit!

The Dubai Irish Society comes bearing New Year gifts exclusive to its members for 2009! Thank you for your support
in times past and we look forward to your continued support in the coming months.

In reading this newsletter, then you are on the on the Dubai Irish Society database from previous years however you
may not necessarily be a member of the society. A New Year hence a new start and with lots of treats in store you are
just in time to enrol for the remainder of the 2009 membership year.

We are delighted to inform you that the Dubai Irish Society members this year will receive 10% discount in all MMI
stores upon presenting your card in store. If you do not have an MMI (alcohol) licence please contact me for an Irish
Society MMI licence application form.

Additional benefits for Irish Society members include a discount on bookings with the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in
Killenard, County Laois and a great discount on tickets for the highlights of the Irish Calendar year... the St Patrick's
Day Ball and Rose Ball and any other events that unfold in the year ahead.

If you would like to renew your membership for 2008-2009 (valid until September 09) please email me and I will send
you the membership form. Once you return it with the application form, we will send your membership card that
entitles you to these discounts! Single membership is Dhs 100 and Family membership is Dhs 150. Should you wish to
confirm that you have already renewed feel free to email me on judith@irishindubai.com

May we take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy and peaceful New Year.

Judith Murray
DIS Membership Secretary

Fly Buy Dubai In 2008 Dubai Duty Free celebrated 25 years of retailing success and to mark the
occasion, the operation commissioned a book, Fly Buy Dubai, which was written by
Dubai-based author, Graeme Wilson. The author of ‘Rashid’s Legacy’ and ‘Flight of the Future’, Wilson was perfectly
placed to write this book which took two years of research both in the UAE, Ireland and around the Gulf.
The opening chapter of the book, ‘An Gort Mor’ (the big hunger), gives an insight into Wilson’s approach to what
many would imagine as being a ‘corporate story’. Far from it, as Wilson takes us on a fascinating journey to the
origin of the duty free industry in Shannon, West of Ireland, to modern day Dubai. He manages to weave the story of
a poverty stricken Ireland of the 1940’s with the similarly poor Arabian Gulf. At that time in the Gulf, and in Dubai in
particular, the wane of the region’s pearl diving industry had led to desperate times for its growing population.
Fast forward to 1983 and the foundation of modern Dubai. A visit to Shannon Airport by representatives of the Dubai
Government led to an invitation to Aer Rianta (the
Irish Airport Authority) to come and open a duty free
in Dubai International Airport. This invitation led to
the arrival of a ten-man team from Aer Rianta who
had just six months in which to design, build and run
Dubai Duty Free. Led by current managing director,
Colm McLoughlin, the team worked around the
clock and true to form, the operation opened for
business on December 20th, 1983.
Dubai Duty Free has grown to become a
Superbrand and one of the most successful airport
retailers in the world with a turnover of US$1.1
billion in 2008. But this book goes behind the facts
and figures and tells the amazing success story of a
company that is mirrored in the growth of Dubai. A
fascinating read for anyone interested in ‘old Dubai’
and how decisions made 25 years ago have
resulted in a modern day goliath.
 Dubai Irish Society Newsletter
Page 6

Dubai Irish Society

Dates to Remember Thanks a million!
A special go raibh mile maith agaibh!

DIS Year Book D.I.S. continued sponsors

Interested in submitting an article for -John from MMI
this year’s edition, have any photos from
-Claudette & Monique from Emirates
our recent events or news about recent
births or weddings in our community?
Please email Yuseff@irishindubai.com Tales of Golf
before February 8th. -George Horan

Saint Patrick’s Day Ball Dubai Celts

Friday, March 13th @ 7pm -Colm McLoughlin
Intercontinental Festival City -Donal McCarthy
475 AED Members -Conor, Frank & Darragh
525 AED Members
For his report on the Celts Juveniles
Tickets on sale on.……
-Declan O’Donovan
...Friday February 6th
12 noon - 3pm
Enterprise Ireland
Cellar Restaurant, Aviation Club
-Jim Mongey & Team
Come along for brunch at the Cellar!
(contact Karen@irishindubai.com)
Dubai Duty Free
-Sinead El Sibai
...Friday February 6th & 13th
at the
Westin Hotel Lobby, Dubai Marina
(see Erin@irishindubai.com)

Rose of Tralee Ball

Friday, May 22nd @ 7pm
Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi

A final thanks to all the Dubai Irish Society committee members

for their time and dedication to the society ….
Erin, Karen, Declan, Judith, Yuseff, Rachel & Louise.