FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CRAIGAVON, COUNTY ARMAGH – Feb. 9, 2026 – Joe Cosgrove, an Irish American dual citizen, will lead the Baseball Fusion Youth Clinic at Lismore College from February 10-12, marking the program’s second year in the community. The clinic is delivered in partnership with Community Intercultural Programme-Oasis Youth and Healthy Kidz CIC, continuing a shared commitment to accessible, high-quality youth sport.
Cosgrove, who grew up in Winter Park, Florida, played collegiately at Rollins College and has represented Ireland in multiple international tournaments. He was a key contributor to Ireland’s gold medal–winning team at the 2018 European Qualifiers, and in 2022 posted a remarkable .417 batting average with a 1.012 OPS, leading Ireland in batting average, slugging percentage, total bases, RBI, and hits.
The Baseball Fusion clinic will focus on skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building for young players, providing hands-on instruction from Cosgrove alongside local coaches. The clinic is an extension of a multi-year partnership between Healthy Kidz CIC and Emerald Diamond International, a US-based nonprofit organization. The partnership has introduced baseball into school physical education programs in and around Portadown.
Since 2023, Cosgrove has played for the Irish Wolfhounds. The Wolfhounds are a team of college and professional baseball players with Irish heritage.
During this time, Cosgrove and many other Irish dual citizens from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain have been unable to play — or even try out — for Ireland’s national baseball team due to a quota system that many players consider discriminatory. Many experts believe the policy has stalled Ireland’s progress toward qualification for the World Baseball Classic. This milestone could unlock more than £200,000 in funding for youth sports across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Despite these challenges, Cosgrove remains committed to growing the game at the grassroots level. His return to Craigavon highlights the importance of community partnerships and sustained investment in youth development.
