Herald
Surf's up for rookie Liam at World Games in Costa Rica
By Lloyd Murphy
Monday August 03 2009 Liam Joyce will be up against some stiff competition this week as he makes his debut for the Irish team at the International Surfing Association Billabong World Games. The competition started over the weekend in Costa Rica and runs until next Saturday. The Irish team is led by manager Stevie Burns and coach Marcos Dias. Joyce said: "It's great to represent Ireland in the World Championships." From a large Irish family that emigrated to New Zealand from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Joyce has been living back in this country for the last two years. He and team-mate Emmet O'Doherty will be earning their first caps for their country, while Fergal Smith, will be taking in the event on his return journey from Western Australia were he spent the last couple of months chasing monster waves. And Sligo surfer Stephen Kilfeather, who claimed a podium finish at European Junior level in 2002, makes his return to the team. The Irish team will be aiming to maintain or improve upon its current ranking, having finished 16th at the 2008 World Surfing Games -- the team's best result for many years. Following the World Games, Joyce will travel down the west coast of Europe, competing in the ASP World Qualifying Series contests in Spain, Portugal, France, and the Canary Islands. He will also represent Ireland at the European Surfing Championship in Jersey from the September 26 until October 4. reefs In the last few years, Ireland has stamped its name on the map of international surf destinations, with its abundance of natural reefs along the coast providing ideal conditions for Atlantic swells to break. Lahinch, Co Clare, and Bundoran, Co Donegal, are now surfing hot spots and surfing is the fastest growing sport in the country. The quality of the Irish waves and the unique surf culture that the country offers attracts thousands of tourists to the west coast each year. hnews@herald.ie - Lloyd Murphy
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