The father of three from Droumadoneen will travel to Würzburg to represent Ireland at the European Transplant and Dialysis after undergoing a kidney transplant over 18 years ago.

“It’s not all about trophies and medals - it’s more than that. It is to show people on dialysis or who have had transplants what can be achieved, and to give them the courage to keep fighting,” said Joseph, who will compete in the long jump, the 100m sprint, and ten pin bowling.

The fact that he is fit and healthy and able to compete at European level is not taken for granted by him. “Without an organ donation, I would still be on dialysis or I mightn’t even be here. I have a different life since I got the transplant. I have more energy and I have had a new lease of life,” said Joseph, who is married to Anne with whom he has two children, Danielle and James.

The full-time diary farmer says his career ensures he is maintaining fitness levels ahead of the Games that run from Friday, August 31, until Sunday, September 7. “As a farmer you are always on the go and you are busy getting fit without realising it. I was very sporty when I was younger and I was involved in running, cycling and basketball,” he added.

Joseph travelled to the European Games in Slovenia in 2004 and won a silver medal for badminton.

“It is really about showing what can be done and telling people to keep up the spirit and someday it will be you competing for your country and having the freedom to do what you want,” said the active farmer.

“It also shows people that taking donor cards saves lives. They give people a second chance and that is very important. You don't know what is going to happen tomorrow so you should carry a card.

“It is hard to understand what dialysis is like until you go through it. It is a shock to the system. I was very lucky as I was young and everything went my way. I was on dialysis for five months but I know people who have been on dialysis for 23 years.

“I have my kidney now for 18 years so I have to be mindful of wear and tear.”

Though he hopes to take home a medal from the games he admits “it won’t be the end of the world” if he doesn't . “I am just delighted to go and represent my country,” he said.

In 2010 Ireland will host the 6th European Transplant and Dialysis Games.

Log onto www.transplantteamireland.com to follow the team's progress. For Organ Donor Cards freetext the word DONOR to 50050 or visit the Irish Kidney Association website www.ika.ie