AGM: Report on a Successful Year

The Annual General Meeting of the Abu Dhabi Irish Society was held on Monday June 5, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi. Joe Somers, President, reviewed the successes and highlights of the year, including increases in membership, improved financial status, closer ties with the Gaelic Athletic Association club and Dubai Irish Society, and an extensive list of activities and events. Events included a children's Halloween party and Christmas party, Christmas Carols, the St Patrick's Week and Ball, visits from Mary Robinson and Mary Hanafin, and the forthcoming tribal bash.

The society Treasurer, John Rea presented the financial accounts. The Society was able to donate over 12,000 dirhams to local charities and to the Mayo-Roscommon hospice. A new committee was elected, with Joe Somers paying tribute to the contribution of the outgoing VP, Noeleen Saeed. Finally, it was announced that an Extraordinary General Meeting would be held after the summer to review changes to the constitution.

Don't Forget...

The Annual Tribal Bash, a fundraising event organized by the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi and hosted jointly by the English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh societies will be help on June 29. Get your tickets from Joe Somers or the Crowne Plaza. Click for more...

Welcome!

Dubai Rose Photos, May 11 - click here...

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Click for more Dubai Rose pics...

A Word from the President

A Chairde,

Last Thursday night saw the Dubai Rose selection ball (see pics) take place in the Dusit Hotel, Dubai. The Abu Dhabi Rose, Catriona MacMorris, did us all proud and as far as I am concerned stood out from the crowd with her performance on the night.

A big turnout from Ruwais to support Catriona added to the enjoyment (and the noise level) of the night. Nine ladies were interviewed during the course of the night with some doing a party piece with our own Catriona playing guitar and singing “The time of your life” by Green Day.

While the six judges retired to reach a decision the general consensus was that Catriona was a clear favorite. However it was not to be with the honor going to Maria Curtin, an Emirates cabin crew member from Dubai. Aside from the disappointment a good night was had by all with the Abu Dhabi crowd leading the way on the dance floor. Pictures from the night are now available here on the website.

Mark it in your diary: June 5th is the Irish Society AGM and the finish to what I believe has been a great year for the Irish community in Abu Dhabi.

We have the highest membership count ever in the Irish society. We have had visits from the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin and Ambassador Tom Russell. The scheduled service by Aer Lingus from Ireland to the UAE will boost the number of visitors, friends and family coming here so it is important to show that we are a united community providing a home away from home.

So, it is using the year passed as a yardstick that I have decided to run for President of the Irish Society once again. My aim being to continue the momentum which we have achieved this year, with one addition. To have Abu Dhabi as a Rose of Tralee center and see an “ABU DHABI ROSE” sash on the stage in the Dome.

Regards,

Joe Somers
May 13, 2005

 

 

Wine Tasting Event

Gray Mackenzie Partners (GMP) are holding a Wine Tasting at the Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers on Thursday December 7th, 8pm - Midnight. They will be featuring top class wines from around the world as well as an accompanying buffet
 
Tickets are available from all GMP stores at 100/- per head or can be purchased on the night. We will however be limiting tickets so it is key that those wishing to purchase tickets on the night have their names at the door. Winetasting event - get your tickets now!

If interested please e-mail Joe Somers at your earliest convenience.”

 

Recent News

The Abu Dhabi Na Fianna site has been relaunched. Have a look!
 
Our roving photographer was at the Dubai Rose on May 11, supporting our gorgeous, talented, musical, witty, Caitriona. Dubai photos here! For photos from the Abu Dhabi event, click here.

After a very hectic March with the St Patrick's Day ball, a visit by Mary Robinson, and a visit from Education Minister Mary Hanafin, the pace continued with the Rose of Tralee ball on April 27th. A very enjoyable night and a very tough choice from four wonderful contestants. The three judges had an unenviable task, taking charisma, personality, talent and charm into account from informal meetings with the girls and from their performance on the night. Click for more photos from the Abu Dhabi event.
 
Our next event is the Tribal Bash in June. Dancing and GAA training has stopped for the year but will be back in September, as will other social and charity events, such as a Golf Tournament for the Friends of Galle which was held April 27 at the Health and Fitness Club. For a full calendar, click here.

Upcoming EventsAGM: Monday June 5, 7:30pm Crowne Plaza. Be there!

Recent Events

Logo: Dubai Rose of Tralee Ball, May 11, Click for more info

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