Cork GAA Referee Returns Home After Middle East Evacuation

Published: March 9, 2026

Stranded in Dubai, A Long Journey Home

After nearly a week stranded in Dubai due to air strikes across the Middle East, Cork GAA referee Shane Scanlon has safely returned to Ireland. Scanlon was among 194 passengers on the Irish Government’s first chartered evacuation flight, which landed in Dublin Airport shortly before 5am on Sunday.

Scanlon had traveled to Dubai to officiate at the Middle East GAA hurling league finals in the United Arab Emirates.

A Challenging 52-Hour Trip

The journey home was far from straightforward. Scanlon described the 52-hour trip as arduous, noting delays encountered while crossing the border from the UAE into Oman. The flight itself experienced a six-hour delay on the runway in Cairo, Egypt, due to technical issues.

“I am absolutely delighted to be home. I can say that everyone on that plane was thrilled to be back home to see their family and friends,”

Shane Scanlon, via The Echo

Scanlon, the son of well-known C103 GAA reporter Michael Scanlon, expressed his relief at being back in Cork.

“I’d say everyone was fairly tired when they got into Dublin airport. But it was great for a lot of families to meet up with their loved ones.”

Shane Scanlon, via The Echo

Government Assistance and Ongoing Concerns

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee acknowledged the difficulties faced by those returning. It was a challenging journey, in particular for those who travelled over land to Muscat. she stated, adding her relief at facilitating the return of nearly 200 people, including children and infants.

McEntee emphasized the ongoing volatility of the situation in the Gulf, noting further attacks on the UAE and other Gulf countries today, and on Iran. She urged any Irish citizens in the region to register their presence with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

More than 18,000 Irish citizens have registered their presence in the Gulf since last weekend.

Broader Impact and Regional Context

Other Irish citizens have been utilizing indirect flights through London or Paris to return home since the recent escalation of conflict in the region. An estimated 14,000 Irish people reside in Dubai, with significant populations as well in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

President Catherine Connolly has condemned events in the Middle East as deliberate assaults on international law.

FAQ

• What caused the disruption to flights? Air strikes across the Middle East.
• How many Irish citizens were evacuated on the first flight? 194.
• Where was Shane Scanlon in Dubai for? To officiate at the Middle East GAA hurling league finals.

Scanlon’s safe return highlights the challenges faced by travelers in the region and the Irish Government’s efforts to assist its citizens abroad. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing vigilance is advised for those still in the Gulf.

Did you know? The Middle East GAA Hurling League finals were completed before the escalation of the current crisis.