Freedom doesn’t come naturally for injured Rebel Joyce

Far from viewing himself as an indentured slave, the commitment demanded at inter-county level wasn’t brought home to Christopher Joyce until the Cork hurler was forced onto the sideline.

An innocuous fall 20 minutes into last month’s league tie against Dublin materialised itself into a season-ending cruciate ligament injury.

From laying claim to the Cork number three shirt to evenings spent sprawled across the couch, such freedom was Joyce unaccustomed to.

Freedom from the three and four training sessions per week, freedom from the regimental gym programme handed down by management, freedom from balancing club and county commitments and freedom to spend the summer as he pleased and not around Cork’s quest for provincial and All-Ireland honours.

“It is easier not to look after yourself when you are not training,” says the 23-year old.

“I haven’t been on a summer holiday in five years. I am actually going to Las Vegas with six of my buddies during the summer. I know I wouldn’t have been doing this if I hadn’t got injured. It is small things like that.

“Obviously, I would prefer not to be injured. You get to do things you weren’t able to do before. I can take it easier on my strict diet.

“Inter-county level is a serious commitment, but if you genuinely love and enjoy it, it is not a commitment. I didn’t feel it was a big commitment in my life because I wanted to be there.”

He added: “When you step back, you do realise it is a big commitment. At the end of the day, lads are there because they want to be there.”

Until Las Vegas calls, Joyce continues to link up with the Cork squad. He spoke at half-time in the league semi-final win over Dublin and will be present on the line for Sunday’s decider against Waterford.

“I was on the team, lads have respect for me and I have respect for them. I definitely wanted to stay involved, these fellas are my friends, I’ve been here five years.”

Not that he makes for a decent spectator, mind.

“I am very bad at just watching on. I can’t handle it at all. It is tough to watch, especially against Dublin when the lads were down. You would love to be out there helping them. You can’t, though. The most you can do is try give them a boost.”

Rather than casting an analytical eye and highlighting areas where players are flailing, Joyce insists his role is simply to encourage.

“I’d be there telling them ‘well done’ and giving them a pat on the back, small things like that. Fellas at this level know what they are doing. They don’t need me in their ear.”

As for his recovery, the Na Piarsaigh defender is reluctant to set a return date when his programme of rehabilitation has yet to take flight.

“The operation went well. Now I’m looking forward to getting this [brace] off. It is a long time out [my comeback], but I know I will have the best of care. Deccie [O’Sullivan] is excellent and will be pushing me every night.”