The Irish hurling finalists, Connaught and Leinster, have arrived in Abu Dhabi ahead of the M.Donnelly Interprovincial Championship final which takes place on Saturday, 14 March.

On Thursday the teams practiced on the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the venue for Staurday’s historic clash.

Etihad Airways, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, will host the final which will offer fans a glimpse of this impressive sport as well as additional activities such as a match between Abu Dhabi’s Na Fianna and the Dubai Celts teams, a “Poc Fada” hurling competition, Irish band as well as family activities such as face painting, henna, football and golf challenges.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, said: “More than 70 team members from Connaught and Leinster have flown from Dublin with Etihad for the final and it’s great to finally welcome them to Abu Dhabi.”

Henry Shefflin, the legendary Leinster hurling player, said: “We’ve been looking forward to coming to Abu Dhabi for a while now and are thrilled that we are able to bring such an important game in the season to an international audience. Hurling has been part of my life since a young age and for us to be here is an amazing achievement in sporting history.”

Hurling is a game similar to field hockey and is played with a small ball and a curved wooden stick, called a hurley. The sport was originally used to train Irish warriors and is now an integral part of Irish culture, recognised as one of the fastest and most physical sports in the world.

Tickets for the final are Dhs100 on the day, but are only Dhs75 if bought prior to match day. Tickets can be bought at Etihad Holidays shops in Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s Marina Mall, Spinneys outlets, the Irish Village in Dubai, the office of the Professional Sports Group in Zayed Sports City and via www.timeouttickets.com.

Doors open at 1pm with the local teams playing at 2.30pm and the final match at 4pm.

Further information is available at www.etihadhurling.com.>

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