Magee was capped in both sports, playing cricket for Ireland and in 1896 he was part of the British Isles team that toured South Africa.
Clongowes produced several outstanding Irish cricketers during this period, but Magee found it difficult to gain representation above club level.
Louis Magee was the most notable player and was capped for the Ireland national rugby union team on 27 occasions.
[3] There is general confusion in many publications regarding which brother went on the South Africa tour, with many archives stating Joseph travelled with Louis; but it has now been accepted that Magee undertook the trip.
[6] Magee is also mentioned in James Joyce's semi-autobiographical novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man when the central character recalls watching a Bective rugby game.