Joseph seals Aussie Rules cup triumph

Last year the Times reported how Joseph was selected for the Ireland Aussie Rules Squad to compete in the inaugural European Championships in Denmark and Sweden.

Joseph and the Ireland team won that tournament and after this success, he was then selected for the Ireland squad that travelled to Australia to compete in the International (World) Cup.

The 23-year-old lives in Brigadie Avenue and is a man for every sport having been involved with numerous local clubs.

He plays most of his sport for All Saints GAC but played some under age Rugby. Experience in both sports has been the perfect preparation to excel in Aussie Rules as it is often considered a hybrid of the two sports.

Joseph also dabbled in soccer, spending a number of years with the Ballymena United Youth Academy. He now plays Aussie Rules football for the Belfast Redbacks in the Australian Rules League of Ireland.

The International Cup was held in Sydney and Melbourne with the European Champions facing Papua New Guinea in the final at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

After an 8/5 to 5/5 victory, Ireland were crowned World Champions and Joseph earned yet another medal for his collection.

Joseph, who played as a defender, said: “The game was played at the MCG the biggest and most prestigious ground in the country and was played as a curtain-raiser to a professional AFL game. It was a tough journey to the final, we had to beat New Zealand in the semi-final, Denmark and Sweden, Britain and East Timor in the earlier rounds.

“Standing on the pitch at the end knowing all the hard work had paid off was an incredible feeling. When I started playing I knew that it was possible to get to Australia and play in a world cup, it was always an aim of mine.

“Personally it was an honour to represent my friends and family by playing for my country and an unbelievable to achieve an ultimate ambition such as playing and winning a world cup final.”

Joseph added: “I would like thank everyone who helped with fund-raising for my trip and everyone from the town who wished me well.”

For those interested in the sport a nine a side competition called the Euro-Cup is being held in Belfast on the 8th October. More information can be found online at www.afleurope.org.