Limerick-born Joseph Carrig was thrilled to be representing Ireland and getting that opportunity to wear the green jersey, laughing that he’s ‘well able to run around like a twenty-year-old’ at the tender age of 44. Joseph has overcome many obstacles to represent his country (see his story in our August edition issue 313) at the recent Homeless world Cup in Oslo, Norway. We asked him a few questions on his return to describe the experience.
Describe what it meant to you to represent Ireland at the Street Soccer Homeless World cup.
It was an honour and a privilege to play for Ireland at the Homeless World Cup it didn't really sink in until I was at the hotel in Dublin where we met the day before the flight and our jerseys were laid out with our names on the back of them. I immediately took a picture of my shirt and sent it to friends and family and felt so proud.
What are your favourite memories of the tournament
On the field
Off the field
My favourite memories on the field
1. was to be captain of Ireland and leading the team out for the national anthem.
2 .was to get score the winning penalty against Finland and to celebrate with the rest of our team who were on the sideline just to show they are all involved in the team and to get them going for the rest of the tournament.
3. leading the team out against England to play the full match and coming really close to beating them. Disappointed but very proud.
My favourite memories off the pitch .
1. was when we lost a match and felt deflated we managed to get ourselves together and go and be there to support the ladies team as they did the same for us.
2 .the atmosphere that the Irish bring to every tournament they go to had everyone talking about us. People would just call me Ireland party, party. Even bringing it to the centre of the city in Oslo.
3. would be just getting up in the morning in the hotel and going outside to play keep ups with the ball with all different nations.
How would you describe the whole experience
The experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it really is as you only get one chance to play in it. A person said to me that’s what it is like to be a professional footballer and I answered they wouldn't be able to enjoy the experience the same as we had an unreal atmosphere and the opportunity of mingling with the player's from all the other nations.
Do you think your experience at the World Cup has impacted on how you view life
It came at a very positive point in my life where I have been dealing with my addiction issues and doing better than I ever expected, even to giving up smoking cigarettes after more than 30 years.
I have also just got back into my 12 year old girls life. Needless to say she loves to play football and is very talented.
I have put in a lot of hard work over the last few years and I am getting the rewards of that hard work which I am so grateful for. As I always say, “after been what I have been through, I am winning every day as I am so lucky to be here.”
Going forward: What are your hopes and ambitions for the future
Going forward in my life I will stay consistent in my recovery and who knows where the future brings me. I have come so far in the last 3 years. I am fit and healthy and i wish to continue playing football for as long as possible.
What advice would you give to players in the street leagues who aspire to represent Ireland at this tournament
I would advise those who wish to play for Ireland to give it their all in training to get as fit as possible as it will bring out the best of their abilities and they will come home proud knowing that they tried their best and that’s all you can do in this one life you are given. It will be one of the best experiences of your life..
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