DARRAGH JOYCE IS the most unlikely of dual stars, not to mention AFL recruits.
Yet that didn’t stop the Kilkenny minor hurling captain drawing the attention of scouts whilst playing a school’s football match.
The vastly talented youngster is reportedly being monitored by a number of AFL clubs, but despite the distraction he says for now there’s only one thing on his mind.
“I don’t know how it got out. I’ll hopefully win an All-Ireland first, do the exams and then maybe something might come out about it. I don’t know yet.
“It’s something there that I might pursue but my focus is on hurling at the moment and passing my exams.
“I really do enjoy football. It’s not as big down in Kilkenny but I really enjoy playing it. I like to get away from the hurling over the winter and play football with the school.”
The 6ft 2in Rower-Inistioge player predominately plays his football with his school Good Counsel in Wexford. The Kilkenny defender often operates in the half-forward line for his school football team.
“I played football with Good Counsel (New Ross), senior colleges with them. I’m going into 6th year this year and we’re looking to win a Leinster first with them. So it’s a big year.
“I was injured all last year so I didn’t get to play any football with the school. The previous year I got approached. It was an experience in itself, I got a trial.
“I didn’t go over to Australia, it was here in Ireland. I just went up to Phoenix Park for a kick around. There wasn’t anything really concrete about it.”
“I do really enjoy it and something might come out of it. I don’t know yet. We play very little with the club, only a few games a year. Football is big in our school though, football and hurling. It’s a very big dual school.”
This weekend will be extra special for the Joyce household, not only will Darragh lead out the minors, but his brother Kieran will be playing for the Cats in the later senior final.
“It’s a big week for the family, we’re looking forward to it. Kieran’s living down in Dunmore East at the moment. He’s away from all the hype. It’s a great occasion for our family and our club so it’s fantastic to be there.
“There was a bit of pressure there but thank God I made it to minor. Kieran played minor for Kilkenny. A lot to live up to, Kieran’s done it all.
“There’s another brother, Conor is in the middle. He’s hurling away with the club at the moment. Kieran didn’t win a minor, he was on Richie Hogan’s team. He won an U21 then in 2008. It’s great to have seen him there, you’d be nervous watching him and always just hoping he goes well but he’s done very well for himself.”
