Articles by Ciaran O'Mahony & Bianca Roberts

About Ciaran O'Mahony & Bianca Roberts

Ciaran is a freelance journalist based in Abu Dhabi, whose work has been published across Australia and the Middle East. His work has been honoured with multiple awards from the Walkley Foundation, Melbourne Press Club, Council to Homeless Persons and the NSW Premier’s History Awards. Bianca Roberts is an Australian freelance journalist and lecturer of mass communication at Abu Dhabi University. She was recognised as one of the Top 10 reporters in the world aged under 30 in the 2023 AIPS Media Awards, where she received 5th place globally and 1st in the Oceania region for her long-form writing on women's post-genocide recovery and empowerment through sports programmes in Rwanda.

Irish star Jack Byrne on surprise UAE loan: A new chapter in his football journey

October 7, 2025 Ciaran O'Mahony & Bianca Roberts

Jack Byrne’s loan move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has surprised many in Ireland, but the Dubliner has never been afraid to test himself in new footballing landscapes. With the League of Ireland season […]

“They need to become heroines”: UAE’s Asian Cup campaign kickstarts growth journey for Women’s Football

July 3, 2025 Ciaran O'Mahony & Bianca Roberts

“My real journey began when I was told, ‘Football’s not for girls’,” said Areej Al Hammadi, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Women’s National Team’s (WNT) star midfielder. “Like most kids, if you tell me I […]