No International Rules return for Joyce

GALWAY senior football captain and three-time All Star, Padraic Joyce, yesterday ruled out a return to the Irish jersey for the upcoming International Rules Series, confirming his initial decision to retire from the hybrid game.

There had been some speculation that the excellent form of Joyce for Galway in this year’s championship might prompt a change of mind and a return to the green shirt. However, speaking at the launch of The Vintners Federation of Ireland’s Good Neighbour Award 2008, Joyce confirmed his wish not to be considered for selection this time.

“I am definitely not interested in playing the International Rules this time around,” he said.

“I have a lot of things going on at that time of the year work-wise, and feel it’s a commitment I cannot make.”

Joyce, a veteran of five International Rules series, captained Ireland to 2004 glory over the Australians, and last played the game in the disappointing tour of Australia in 2005, when the home side won by 57 points.

Meanwhile, Joyce also verified that he is still undecided as whether or not he will act as a selector this time around – a role he filled in the last series in 2006. “I have to make a decision in the next few days. The way things are going with the Galway seniors this year, we could well have a busy summer ahead, but I will decide in the next week.”

The loss of one of the outstanding performers in this year’s championship will be a blow to Irish manager Sean Boylan, but he will be anxious to secure the experience of Joyce as one of his back-room team for the two-test series in October.