ED JOYCE, A player widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers Ireland has ever produced, features on this week’s episode of The Slog Sweep.
The 35-year-old covered a considerable range of topics on the show, including his much-discussed switch from representing England to Ireland.
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Joyce competed several times for England and was even a member of their squad for the 2007 World Cup, before dropping down the selection pecking order.
The Dubliner ultimately received special dispensation from the International Cricket Council to switch his allegiance to Ireland, and went on to represent his country at the 2011 World Cup.
Yet despite initially turning out for England, Joyce says his intention was always to represent his country of birth.
“I always would have preferred just to have played for Ireland, so it was always in the back of my mind to do it,” he said. “I had played a bit for England, and I had enjoyed some of it, not all of it. I felt I was still playing well enough to come back and make a difference to the Ireland team and that was the main reason [for coming back].
“I made a move to Sussex down from Middlesex — I felt it had gotten very stale there. One of the reasons for the move was I wanted to get back playing international cricket. And that didn’t happen with England.”
In addition, after achieving considerable success since his big switch, Joyce ultimately has no regrets about the decision.
“Looking back, it’s actually been quite a good thing to be playing for Ireland, it feels much more comfortable. It’s where I want to be, it’s what I want to do.
“There’s a thought in my head of playing a few more years of county cricket and finishing playing for Ireland, but only if that’s an option. I’d love to go down that route.
“When I made my decision to play for England and when Eoin [Morgan] did as well to a certain degree, Ireland even though they had had a little bit of success, still didn’t have the kudos and the fixtures and the contracts from a career point of view that are in place now.
“So you’ve got new players like George Dockerell and those guys have great options now. They can play club cricket, provincial cricket, they can have a good career and play lots of games and get kudos and all that sort of stuff.”
Andy ward, richardt strauss to name 2 in rugby. Alister Craig athletics, ray Houghton, Tony cascarino etc soccer, sean Óg and family in hurling!! Every sport has people switching. Poor poor poor effort of belittling cricket. Night now!!
Calm down Jerry eh? I’m not trying to belittle cricket at all. It’s not a popular pastime here and likely never will be so why would I take aim? I’m merely offering my opinion on it. Isn’t that what this type of comment section is set up for?
I was measured enough now in what I contributed because to be honest despite trying to get into it I think it’s awful actually.
In reference to your point about switching allegiances in other codes I suppose that’s fair enough with the caveat that they don’t flip flop between the two and the idea of a player flitting between Ireland and England just wouldn’t wash would it? What were the chances of Ray Houghton returning to play for England after Euro ’88?
Just my opinion Jerry and sure I’m entitled to it as you are to yours eh?
I gave you a green thumb there for a bit of balance, that sort of passion has to be rewarded however misguided! Have you contemplated following a sport?
In this past week alone there have been stories about grealish at villa, noble at West Ham and kane at spurs all swapping countries! Also Houghton was Scottish born so England not an option you’d imagine. By the way I’m perfectly calm and follow all sport which is why I made the comment. P.S. The sean Óg comment was a joke but to prove a point I think I remember the legendary Jim stynes playing for Ireland and Australia in the compromise rules. Now good morning!!
Well Jerry,
Ray was born in Scotland right enough but was reared in England but sure it’s hard to know everything.
The compromise rules is as rubbish as cricket and unlike the other games mentioned only 2 countries participate which is a huge mitigating factor in this discussion I’m sure you’ll concede.
Noble, Grealish and Kane who has subsequently stated playing for Ireland is not an option is as ridiculous as the cricket chaps going BACK AND FORTH between countries I agree.
Finally I’m sorry I didn’t recognise the Sean Og comment was a joke but in fairness it wasn’t funny so…..
Look forward to hearing from you!
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Kudos. Enough said
Ed is a legend and will hopefully carry his fine county form to the World Cup next year. One of the best players we’ve ever produced.
Cricket is pretty poor fare. The fact that players switch allegiances so readily doesn’t do much to endear it to the casual observer either.
Andy ward, richardt strauss to name 2 in rugby. Alister Craig athletics, ray Houghton, Tony cascarino etc soccer, sean Óg and family in hurling!! Every sport has people switching. Poor poor poor effort of belittling cricket. Night now!!
I also gave myself a red thumb there for rising to the bait and also for making a factual comment. As my report card said, “must do better”!!
Calm down Jerry eh? I’m not trying to belittle cricket at all. It’s not a popular pastime here and likely never will be so why would I take aim? I’m merely offering my opinion on it. Isn’t that what this type of comment section is set up for?
I was measured enough now in what I contributed because to be honest despite trying to get into it I think it’s awful actually.
In reference to your point about switching allegiances in other codes I suppose that’s fair enough with the caveat that they don’t flip flop between the two and the idea of a player flitting between Ireland and England just wouldn’t wash would it? What were the chances of Ray Houghton returning to play for England after Euro ’88?
Just my opinion Jerry and sure I’m entitled to it as you are to yours eh?
I gave you a green thumb there for a bit of balance, that sort of passion has to be rewarded however misguided! Have you contemplated following a sport?
Sean Og? Ah here Jerry that’s tenuous now.
Sean og is a norrie from cork city. Sure he used to rob cars in his youth
In this past week alone there have been stories about grealish at villa, noble at West Ham and kane at spurs all swapping countries! Also Houghton was Scottish born so England not an option you’d imagine. By the way I’m perfectly calm and follow all sport which is why I made the comment. P.S. The sean Óg comment was a joke but to prove a point I think I remember the legendary Jim stynes playing for Ireland and Australia in the compromise rules. Now good morning!!
Well Jerry,
Ray was born in Scotland right enough but was reared in England but sure it’s hard to know everything.
The compromise rules is as rubbish as cricket and unlike the other games mentioned only 2 countries participate which is a huge mitigating factor in this discussion I’m sure you’ll concede.
Noble, Grealish and Kane who has subsequently stated playing for Ireland is not an option is as ridiculous as the cricket chaps going BACK AND FORTH between countries I agree.
Finally I’m sorry I didn’t recognise the Sean Og comment was a joke but in fairness it wasn’t funny so…..
Look forward to hearing from you!