Gay GAA players still face a stigma

GAA star Kevin Penrose has said he believes that there is still a stigma within the GAA around gay men playing the sport.

- BY SANDRA MALLON Showbiz Editor

The Tyrone player opened up about his own experience coming out to his teammates, friends and family, and credited everyone as supportive.

But asked if he thought there was still a stigma within the GAA about gay male players, Kevin, 29, said: “One hundred per cent. For example, the women's team are out and proud and they're celebrated for it — but in the men’s, it is still really unheard of.

“You get comments like ‘Why is this lad making a statement and declaring his sexuality, just play the sport’. But that person doesn’t realise the years of torment within ourselves and the mental issues and the battle with ourselves.”

He added: “They just think it’s foot-ball, but they don't see the underlying issues off the pitch.

“And it is one of those sports where you have to act in a certain way, like a macho man, you have to be strong and not share your feelings compared to the women's [footballers].