Tajeán Fraser-Byrne was selected earlier this year to play for Ireland Korfball where the team have qualified to compete in the IKF World Korfball Championships in Chinese Taipei this October.
Tajeán, aged 20, is the son of Christina Byrne formerly from Kilcar, and lives in London. Tajeán regularly visits his favourite destination Kilcar, to spend time with his nana Mary Byrne, uncles, aunties and cousins.
“Being selected for Ireland is a dream come true,” he said. “I have also previously played for England so I have been very privileged to have represented both my country and Ireland. “Our team is made up of young people born to Ireland parents or grandparents and we are proud to be representing Ireland and our families.
“I have been playing Korfball since the age of seven - training twice a week with my local club in London. A lot of people have never heard of Korfball so let me try to explain it briefly; Korfball is a mixed sport of four male and four female players played by hand - similar to netball - within a rectangular field of play whereby a team of four try to shoot a ball into a korf - basket. I have travelled the UK playing for Ireland, and for my local club which I have thoroughly enjoyed and wear my Ireland shirt with pride.
“This competition in Taipei really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and my team to compete at the highest possible level. Our team are seeking funding to help with the tournament and the associated costs of accommodation. We have set ourselves the challenge of running, swimming or cycling the distance from Tipperary, to Taipei - which is a whopping 10,111km - in a six-week period, starting this week. We hope you can come along for the ride as we push ourselves to reach this goal.
Any donations or sponsorships would be very much appreciated by the Ireland Korfball Team.
You can donate to the 'Get Ireland Korfball to the World Cup in Taipei' here
“I hope you can also follow, and cheer the Ireland team on in October as I will not only be representing Ireland but also Donegal. I hope you can also follow, and cheer the Ireland team on in October as I will not only be representing Ireland but also Donegal.”
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